Best for the money in the North End??

[mueleta]

We're looking to expand our experience in the North End and are searching for some recommendations of the best places that aren't extremely expensive (<= $30 for an entree).

We have friends that visit and really enjoy Dom's (which I've seen some pretty unhappy reviews for). We usually go there and have a great meal but we're looking for something different this time; a fun place for a group of 6-8 people. If you have a recommendation for a fun/goof place outside of the North End I'd like to hear that too!

Thanks for any help!

[catspercapita]

I think Artu's has the best bang for the buck in the North End.

[NiKoLe1625]

I LOVE antico forno!! such an amazing restaurant! the food is realy authentic!!

[hiddenboston]

My favorite inexpensive places in the North End are:

--Mother Anna's on Hanover Street (try the chicken creation!)
--Antico Forno (great pizza)
--La Summa on Fleet Street (the Pappardelle E Melanzane is the signature dish there)
--Al Dente on Salem Street (good red sauce)
--Regina's on Thatcher Street
--Pagliuca's on Parmenter Street (really good lasagna)
--Galleria Umberto on Hanover Street (best Sicilian pizza I've had anywhere)

Out of all of these, I would say that Antico Forno may be my favorite, mainly because they have both pizza and dinner entrees there. (Not to take anything away from Regina's, but sometimes you just don't want pizza.)

[bee]

I love Galleria Umberto for exisiting for some reason as much as the food (lunch only, caf style). It somehow evokes nostalgia -- you can go in for the first time I think and feel as though you stood in that line with your dad or mom as a kid many times in the past and marvelled at the folk with piles and piles of pizza and "pidados" and arancini and calzones on their tables.

[hiddenboston]

Well said. It somehow reminds me of standing in the long line out the door at Don and Bob's in Rochester, NY, waiting for the friendly old guys to dish out the Texas hots to us. I would love to take my folks to Umberto one of these days. They'd get a kick out of it.

[RoyRon]

I would add Antico Forno on Salem St. too. Very good food at reasonable prices. Wide selection of foods with many being cooked in their wood burning oven. I have tried the pizza there which gets pretty reviews but I have always enjoyed their pastas and other entrees.

[Joanie]

You can easily eat at Prezza and gets many items for <$30. Good for a small group. Maybe also Carmen and Taranta.

[mcel215]

I love Antico Forno for a medium priced Italian Dinner.

I like the casual atmosphere also.

[9lives]

Add me to the Limoncello fan club.

I also think Artu is right up there "among best for the $"

[Bob Dobalina]

Go with the meat/grill items at Artu - the pastas are weak.
Get something with their homemade marinated eggplant.

[onefineleo]

Limoncello is my go-to North End place, though I experiment with other places from time to time. It's especially nice for a group. Order the stuffed artichoke when you first sit down and the party will start. The food is great, the service comffy-festive, and it is a sure-bet. I've recommended it to many on this board, and they always report back with satisfaction. If you go, please write back.

[Rubee]

They also have a great stuffed pepper appetizer (with banana peppers). Like the stuffed artichokes, it's another recipe from the owner's mother, using a slightly different stuffing. It's not on the menu, so you have to ask. I also like the Rosette pasta with Montassio cheese. I think the only dessert made in-house is the tiramisu (which they don't always have). Creamy mascarpone filling layered with ladyfingers in a goblet glass. The owner Maurizio is part of the reason we like Limoncello - friendly and hospitable, as are his family, who also work there - which contributes to the fun we always have. If I don't order the Rosette, then it's one of the specials. A couple I remember have been the classic pasta Norma - rigatoni baked with eggplant, tomatoes, eggplant and ricotta - and a seasonal risotto made with peas, crab, and baby anchovies.

[Dio di Romanese]

stuffed banna peppers? dont think ive ever seen that is it on the menu?

[Rubee]

It's not on the menu - just ask if they have any that day....

[Dio di Romanese]

what are they stuffed with is it like a cold antipast?

[mueleta]

Thank you for the recommendation!

We did end up going this past weekend and it was great. The food was fantastic, and the service was very pleasant (and authentic). Everyone was happy with the new place. It was exactly what I was looking for and thank you again.