508766 Sat Apr 12 16:37:10 -0700 2008 7 12 Boston Area 0 3588139 My boyfriend's birthday is coming up and I want to take him somewhere for dinner. He is not into "fancy" food and would much prefer southern italian to northern. Where is the best spot in the Boston area for some good, homestyle, red sauce italian food? We love Carlos in Allston but I was looking for a little more atmosphere then that.. Sat Apr 12 16:37:10 -0700 2008 13053 lmuller 1 3588148 Not sure if this qualifies in terms of atmosphere, but Greg's in Watertown, just over the Cambridge line, is great red sauce Italian. Again, more of a townie place and probably not for a birthday, but for future reference.... Sat Apr 12 16:42:48 -0700 2008 3588139 85007 bostonbroad 1 3588477 In the North End, I'm very fond of L'Osteria on Salem St. for consistently good traditional Italian comfort food. http://www.losteria.com/ Sat Apr 12 19:09:39 -0700 2008 3588139 14254 pasuga 2 3588507 I second L'Osteria. Sat Apr 12 19:27:26 -0700 2008 3588477 20921 Tay 1 3589460 http://www.chowhound.com/topics/157023 This link from 2006 lists plenty of options. My favotite for "old school" southern italian is Mother Anna's on Hanover Street in the North End. But the atmosphere is nothing to write home about. Sun Apr 13 08:53:53 -0700 2008 3588139 11093 Bob MacAdoo 1 3589471 Vinny's at Night in Somerville fits that bill for me (I'm also a fan of Carlo's). For that style of food, I also like Carmen's Kitchen in Eastie. In the North End, I might choose Pagliuca's, Ricardo's, Rabia's, or Artu. Sun Apr 13 08:56:06 -0700 2008 3588139 10143 MC Slim JB 2 3589517 I'll throw Antico Forno and Galleria 33 into the mix as well. Sun Apr 13 09:13:05 -0700 2008 3589471 16672 phatchris 1 3589743 Cantina Italiana in the North End is a great spot for hearty and delicious Italian food. The Bombolotti all Buongustaia is my favorite. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. Il Panino (the original not express) is another restaurant I would strongly recommend, it is a rich history and the food is equally as impressive. The third place I would recommend would be Pagliuca's, it is across the street from Il Panino and is out of this world. If you end up going to Pagliuca's I strongly recommend asking for their specialty veal dish. It is roasted veal with potatoes, only by request it is not on the menu. If you were to get that with a side of pasta, and another pasta dish you will be in heaven. I hope this helps, good luck and happy birthday. I DEFINITELY echo the restaurant choice of ARTU. Great food, great atmosphere, all around great place. Sun Apr 13 10:43:34 -0700 2008 3588139 182670 drinkwaj