Boston is a dynamic destination with many museums to explore, history to learn and amazing food. One of the best places to find foodie gems is the North End. Boston’s North End really comes alive at night when visitors and residents stroll the streets. From its narrow streets to Old World shops to its many Italian delights, here are the top foodie things to do in Boston’s North End.
Should You Visit the North End?
Do you like to eat? Do you like Italian food? Then, the answer is yes.
After several trips to Boston, the North End is one of my favorite areas. My oldest goes to school in Boston, so I visit frequently. It is popular with all ages, from college kids to retirees. It is busy every night of the week, and there will be a line for takeaway for lunch, especially for sandwiches.
13 Foodie Things to Do in Boston’s North End
Polcari’s Coffee
Monica’s Mercato and Salumeria
Bova’s Bakery
Cafe Vittoria
Quattro
Bricco Panetteria
Bricco Salumeria
Lucia Ristorante
Quattro Ristorante Grill and Pizzeria
V. Cirace & Son
Alba Produce
Boston Public Market
Haymarket
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
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Polcari’s Coffee
Since 1932, this shop has been a destination. You will find a huge selection of dried spices and herbs for the culinarian, and I recommend its Italian Seasoning Blend and its Italian Dip, ready for olive oil and a fresh loaf of bread.
With over 35 varieties of roasted coffee beans, it’s the place to discover your next coffee obsession. I found varieties from Hawaii to Jamaica, or buy green, unroasted coffee beans to roast and grind at home.
Note: Polcari’s Coffee doesn’t serve coffee.
Located at 105 Salem St. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sunday.
There are numerous North End Foodie Tours to join. I did this on one trip.
Monica’s Mercato and Salumeria
This Italian grocery store routinely tops lists for best Italian Sub in Boston (and the U.S.) I’ve had one, and they are excellent. During my last trip to Boston, we got sandwiches to go from Monica’s Mercato and Salumeria for the flight home.
As good as the sandwiches are, Monica’s Mercato and Salumeria is perfect for a picture, with salami hanging from the ceiling and boxes with fresh bread. It also sells Italian products, from sweet to savory. Visitors will also find housemade pasta and pasta sauce.
Located at 130 Salem St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bova’s Bakery
Since 1926, this family-run bakery has been baking up goodies for Bostonians. Visitors will find cannoli in an array of flavors, some seasonal. Bova’s Bakery makes tiramisu like every Italian Grandmother used to make.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend the Lobster Tail. This is now a tradition with me, a stop at Bova’s Bakery.
Visitors will find the Italian cakes and cookies, like Pizzelles and Biscotti. This is primarily a take-out place, so there are no tables. Best for those late-night snackers, Bova’s Bakery is open 24 hours a day.
Located at 134 Salem St. Open 24 hours a day.
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Cafe Vittoria
One of my favorite things while traveling is sitting down in a cafe and enjoying dessert with a cocktail or coffee. Since 1929, Cafe Vittoria has been the place to do that in the North End. Its dining room is a series of rooms with nostalgic furnishings that remind me of an ice cream parlor.
Diners can order cakes by the slice, such as tiramisu and Limoncello cake. Lobster tail, biscotti and eclairs are also available. Cafe Vittoria scoops up gelato for diners and to go.
There is an extensive coffee menu with cappuccino, affogato and more. Cafe Vittoria offers a cocktail menu, and its Aperol Spritz is particularly beautiful. However, coffee cocktails are popular too.
Located at 290-296 Hanover St, Open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to midnight.
Bricco Panetteria
If you want to buy some fresh bread, then duck down an alley. You will find a small retail counter in front of the bake shop.
This is the place to get a loaf for an afternoon picnic in the Boston Common. The aroma of the freshly baked bread is heaven.
Located at 241 Hanover St. in the rear. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Go City guide is an excellent way to make trip planning easy.
Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop
If the smell of the Bricco Panetteria made you crave a sandwich, you’re in luck. Next door is the Bricco Salumeria.
Step into a shop for all your Italian favorites, from Porchetta to house-made Roast Beef. Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop sells olives, house-made pasta and pasta sauce for your next meal.
Located at 11 Board Alley. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Lucia Ristorante
Since 1977, this Italian restuarant has been making classical Italian dishes. The Frattaroli Family owns and operates Lucia’s and is originally from the Abruzzo region of Italy.
During my visit, I enjoyed their housemade pasta. The menu includes a large antipasto collection, pork, chicken and seafood.
Located at 415 Hanover St., Boston. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
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Quattro Ristorante Grill and Pizzeria
When I walk around the North End, I can smell the yummy smells pouring out of the restaurants. So I automatically crave Italian food, like pizza.
On my last trip to the North End, my daughter recommended Quattro for pizza. It was perfect. We ordered a large Italian salad packed with vine-ripe tomatoes and peppers. We followed with a wood oven pizza.
Located at 264 Hanover St. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Reservations are recommended for busy nights.
V. Cirace & Son
Since 1906, this is where residents have bought their wine. This is where to look for hard-to-find Italian specialties and several different Lemoncellos.
Located at 173 North St. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sunday.
Alba Produce
Alba Produce is a small produce shop. The seasonal selection includes broccoli rabe, escarole and fennel along with Swiss chard.
Alba Produce also sells the fresh pasta that local North End restaurants use.
Located at 18 Permenter St. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
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Boston Public Market
Just outside of the North End, you’ll find another foodie stop. The Boston Public Market offers an indoor marketplace with a selection of quick-service dining options and tables.
I found lots of locally sourced food and ingredients. You can shop for fruits and vegetables, meat or seafood, baked goods and fresh flowers.
During my last visit, I grabbed breakfast at the Popover Lady. You can also stop for lunch, coffee and ice cream.
100 Hanover St. Open Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Haymarket
Haymarket is Boston’s oldest outdoor market, opening in 1820. This historic stop is where you can shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood.
Haymarket is frequented by residents and vendors from around the world. My daughter buys her vegetables and fruits there weekly.
Located on Blackstone Street, between Hanover and North Streets, north of Quincy Market. Open Friday and Saturday only from Spring until Fall from 4 a.m. to close.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall is located just outside of the North End as well and includes three separate buildings and a pedestrian walkway. You can stroll through the largest food hall on the East Coast
It offers nearly 50 different food merchants and restaurants offering quick-service takeaways and table service. Outside, you will find street performers who add to the area’s ambiance.
Located at 4 S. Market St. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to Stay in Boston
Built on the Long Wharf, a National Historic Landmark, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf offers views of Boston Harbor. Conveniently located near Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and the New England Aquarium, it is a favorite among vacationers.
It features seven floors with 400 rooms, including a ground-level Harbor Life Cafe serving Starbucks Coffee. The lobby level offers ample gathering space and a business center. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf features over 20,000 square feet of meeting space. Its restaurant, Waterline, serves New England fare and is open for breakfast and dinner.
Its rooms offer a subtle nautical theme with midnight blue walls, leather upholstery and Carrara marble details. In-room amenities include a large-screen TV, a beverage station with a minifridge and a Keurig coffee maker. An iron and ironing board and in-room safe are also included.
The bathroom offers a glass-enclosed shower, a stone vanity outfitted with ample lighting, and a vanity mirror. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf uses eco-conscious wall-mounted toiletries.
The Boston Marriott Long Wharf boasts one of the nicest indoor pools in Boston, with views overlooking the Boston Harbor. It is heated and features an adjoining outdoor balcony for viewing the departing whale-watching cruises. There is also a 24-hour fitness center and a steam room. It is located at 296 State Street.
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