North End lunch spot?

[02139]

What are the good places for lunch in the North End, other than Regina's and Galleria Humberto?

I'm thinking about going to Antico Forno, but I kind of want to try a new place....

[TomH]

Two co-workers and I had a great lunch at Antico Forno last week. One pizza and two wood-fired-oven baked sausage and pasta dishes later we were very happy campers. Service was also very prompt, while not feeling rushed, and we were back at our office within an hour.

[Wannabfoode]

Volle Nolle for sandwiches and Hot Tomatoes

[cscott4313]

If you're in the mood for some tortellini alfredo, try Bella Vista on Hanover Street. Amazingly rich, buttery alfredo with perfectly textured noodles and a light dusting of parsley. Also, the terimisu is amazing (they sprinkle some grnulated sugar on top to give the moist-weightless dish the slightest sweet crunch). Fantastic. Say hi to Lucia for me.

[02139]

Okay, I think I'm still going to Antico Forno. Last time I went to Artu, it was just okay, definitely not legendary...

[LeoLioness]

Neptune Oyster. I prefer lunch there as opposed to trying to get in for dinner.

[02139]

You're right! I don't think I've been to Neptune for dinner (always crowded!)

[barleywino]

i was at Neptune and ordered the hamachi crudo and I think they switched marlin (which they also had on the board) for the hamachi without telling me (it was stringy and pink, more like poorly-cut toro than any hamachi i've ever had). at any rate, they were kind enough to take it off the bill. the fried clams were great though.

[RichardinJP]

Mother Anna's - best eggplant parm in the North End.

[9lives]

Limoncello and Massimino's both do good traditional Italian..real good prices at lunch.

The lamb/eggplant sandwich at Artu is great at a little lower price.

[nsenada]

I've gotten cold cuts, sausage and pasta, among other things, at J. Pace on Cross Street. I think they have sandwiches, too, which I've heard are excellent (they would have to be given the quality of the ingredients). There are a few tables you could eat at inside and outside.

[9lives]

Pace's sandwiches are excellent...also good hot prepared dishes..and if it's a nice day, you can take them to the Greenway

[dtustin]

Artu's on 6 Prince Street. Near Mike's Pastry as well. Great soups, paninnis, entrees. Not high priced and pleasant dining atmosphere

http://artuboston.com/

[robertlf]

Artu's sandwiches and antipasto are legendary. Try the marinated eggplant and cold cuts, or the Porchetta.

[Pegmeister]

Artu's thin crust pizzas are incredible -- sausage & broccoli rabe; shrimp scampi; roasted eggplant and riccotta; prosciutto & potato-- all good. Last week they even had a lobster scampi pizza on special.

[JohnnyQ1960]

If you can wait until a little later in the afternoon, check out Ida's on Hanover Street. They have limited hours (5-9PM) and limited days (maybe Thur-Sun). It is a real old school red sauce italian-american joint, the kind of food your auntie would make. I go there religiously before Bruins games. I concur with the 2 other recommendations (Dinos and Antico Forno). They are both unpretentious places that consistently deliver what you expect.

[Taralli]

Sorry, do not share your enthusiasm for Ida's.

[Pegmeister]

I'm so sorry to say this, but Ida's is the absolute worst representation of a restaurant in the North End.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Why? Details please? I've never been there, just curious.

[mwk]

If you don't mind a counter-service type of place, you could try Dino's on Salem St., a couple of blocks up from Antico Forno (across from Bova's). The food is excellent and inexpensive.

http://dinosboston.net/

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

I am not nearly as down on Antico Forno as some -- particularly for lunch, since their lamb sandwich is outstanding -- but I agree that Dino's is a worthy option as well: the Dino's Special and the Italian's Italian are as good as cold sandwiches get in the North End, and the pasta isn't bad either.