Looking for a more unique experience in the North End? Head to Table, a tiny little restaurant known for its prix fixe, seven-course dinners with pasta and seafood and meatballs galore. The popular feasts are a consistent pleasure at chef and owner Jen Royle’s restaurant, offering a unique experience to dine family-style with strangers (just do remember to not cancel your reservation last-minute to avoid a fee).

With Godfather-like origins, Lucia’s allegedly secured its place in the North End’s culinary scene in 1977 with the blessing of the neighborhood’s former “capo.” Since its inception, the restaurant has been specializing in the cuisine of the Abruzzo region in Italy. Adding to its lore, a sign proudly displayed at the entrance attests that even Tom Brady — in his rookie days with the Patriots — used to frequent the establishment to pick up mouthwatering meals for the team.

A tried and true North End hot spot, Regina has been dishing out some of the city’s best pizzas for almost a century. Original owner Luigi D’Auria brought the flavors of Naples to Boston when he opened Regina in 1926. (D’Auria eventually sold Regina to the Polcari family in 1946.) Regina’s pizzas are still baked in the same oven used all those years ago, initially coal-fired and later switched to gas in the 1930s, and is renowned for the charred crust and dough that undergoes fermentation for up to six days. There are multiple locations around greater Boston, but the best way to experience Regina is sitting at its booths (or its bar) in the North End.

With a name like Panza — “belly” in Italian — diners must come to this spot with a big appetite. A tried and true staple at the halfway point of Hanover, Panza serves up can’t-miss dishes like lobster ravioli through their open-window dining area. Arguably the best in the city, these pillows of lobster in a creamy dijon sauce should be on everyone’s bucket list for North End eats.

“It’s like being at Nonna’s” is printed on the menus at La Famiglia Giorgio’s. What sets the Roman-inspired restaurant apart is the quality of its fresh pasta. Everything is good here, but “Little Al’s favorite,” which consists of chicken cutlet, broccoli, and gnocchi tossed in a pink vodka sauce, is compulsory. Classics like chicken and eggplant parmesan are among the best versions in the city. Fair warning on the portion sizes — they are huge. La Famiglia Giorgio’s wine list is huge, too, with more than 400 bottles to choose from. A note on accessibility: The entrance has two steps.

After you’ve feasted at your favorite trattoria or walked up and down Hanover Street browsing pastry-filled windows, you’ll want to step into Caffe Vittoria for a cappuccino. Decorated with vintage espresso machines, celebrity photos, and memorabilia from the Bel Paese, Caffe Vittoria has been serving coffee and pastries since 1929. There’s an unwritten rule in Italy that mandates cappuccino should not be ordered in the afternoon — but this isn’t Italy. Indulge in a cappuccino, tiramisù, or affogato (hot espresso poured over creamy gelato). For those who want something a little boozy, the babà rum cake is a good choice with homage to its Neapolitan origins.

Where classic red-sauce dining meets Boston’s historic old charm, Mamma Maria defines what good food in Boston should look like. Overlooking the cobblestones of Boston’s oldest city square on North Street, Mamma Maria’s gorgeous storefront reels you in, and the food will surely make you stay. As is done in Italy, expect an ever-changing menu — Mamma Maria focuses on seasonality, taking the best from what the local markets have available, like pumpkin for their pumpkin gnocchi with sea scallops. The bar is not to be missed, featuring artisanal cocktails with local liqueurs, including Boston’s own Black Infusions Vodka.

Ever since it opened in early 2023, Sunny Girl has been brightening the mornings of just about everyone who stops by for a breakfast pick-me-up. The warm, fluffy, housemade English muffins are unforgettable, and each sandwich boasts flavorful ingredient combinations. For first-time visitors, start with the local favorite that ties in traditional North End flavor: the “Truffle Shuffle,” with an overeasy egg, truffle pecorino, burrata, pancetta, tomato conserva, and basil gremolata.

Tip: Get to Galleria Umberto on the earlier side, because once it sells out of its Sicilian-style square slices and fist-sized arancini, the doors shut for the day. This is some of the best pizza in the city, or anywhere. This very casual spot is open for lunch Monday through Saturday. Cash only.

A newcomer at the beating heart of Hanover Street, the swanky yet snug Italian steakhouse Umbria brings central Italy’s rustic charm to Boston. Featuring the North End’s only rooftop lounge with views into downtown, Umbria has quickly become a classic neighborhood destination since its summertime debut, drawing both Bostonians who want in on the hype and intrigued tourists alike. 

Modern is hard to miss, with its neon sign and brightly lit windows showing off cannoli, cakes, and other sweet treats. The cannoli at Modern are piped with ricotta filling fresh to order (a key factor that sets it apart from its touristy neighbor). Modern is also home to the city’s best lobster tail, which is a bigger take on sfogliatelle, perhaps the most famous dessert from Naples. Pair your baked goods with a cappuccino, and take some tiramisu and/or amaretto cake for the road. There’s a location in Medford, too.