Cure my North End Boredom

[MenuPorn]

There are so many great restaurants in the North End. The problem is, I feel like we've been to all the good ones. My parents are coming into town and my dad loves the NE...he hugs the people at Modern.

Anyway, I want to take them somewhere amazing but new, but I feel like we've tried all of the best restaurants in the North End; probably 80% of the whole list at this point. We have reservations at Prezza but I'm torn on where else to go. Lucca? Carmen? Tresca? Massimino's? I would go back to Terramia but last time we ate there it was $700 for 4 people.

We need to avoid a seafood-focused venue due to a shellfish allergy, but that's the only restriction. Would love any advice!

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North End Cafe
124 Broadway Ste B, Saugus, MA 01906

Lucca Restaurant
226 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Massimino's
207 Endicott St, Boston, MA

Terramia
98 Salem St., North End, Boston, MA 02113

Tresca
233 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Prezza Restaurant
24 Fleet St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[peelmeagrape]

Damiano is great. If you haven't tried it yet: go. We had a meal there a few months ago and I've been wanting visit again ever since. I especially love the "small plates" concept, since it's an unusual way to sample and share Italian in the North End.

[MenuPorn]

We went to Damiano and it was amazing. Separate review coming shortly!!! Thank you for the recommendations!

[Monty]

If you spent $700 at Terramia you'll likely blow that away at Prezza and Lucca. I've not been to Tresca and don't know the prices. Carmen is a great little place and less expensive. Massimino's is fine but having my server taking a butt break in between courses....in front of the restaurant in full view..... and smelling like smoke when they return turns my stomach. It's happened more than twice on a few visits over the past two years so I've stopped going.

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Lucca Restaurant
226 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Massimino's
207 Endicott St, Boston, MA

Terramia
98 Salem St., North End, Boston, MA 02113

Tresca
233 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Prezza Restaurant
24 Fleet St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[Alcachofa]

I was wondering how they spent $700 at Terramia also.

Did you have insanely expensive wine and after-dinner drinks?

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Terramia
98 Salem St., North End, Boston, MA 02113

[MenuPorn]

$300 on wine, the rest on food for 4 people.

[MenuPorn]

I knew you guys would have some great suggestions! The parents are here for 4 days and we're doing Damiano, Marco, Ivy and Prezza. Great stuff and I'll let you know how it all shakes out!!

Any citywide faves for a casual weekend lunch with nice atmosphere? No restrictions this time. I just don't want to stop somewhere mediocre just because we're really hungry, which is what usually happens.

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Prezza Restaurant
24 Fleet St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[Joanie]

Wow, that's lots of north end action.

I like Petit Robert Bistro for lunch, both Kenmore and South End so convenient. Served til 5. Eastern Standard, Audobon, Parish Cafe, Union.

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Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Petit Robert Bistro
468 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215

Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

[MenuPorn]

Yes...my dad humps the North End. I try to get him into other neighborhoods but he is pretty steadfast :)

[Joanie]

You really need to force him into the south end for a meal, I think they'd have a good time and almost as many choices. Maybe lunch at Union or Sat. brunch at Aquitaine (altho that's kind of crowded and crazy on Sat).

[phipsi102]

I love the Parish Cafe- unbelievable sandwiches and an excellent beer selection. Great for people-watching too, in the front area.

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Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

[Bob Dobalina]

Get out of the North End and go over to Somerville for great Italian food without the pomp and the crowds - Vinny's at Night, L'il Vinny's, Pescatore are three that come to mind. These places are not "the fancy" - just great chow. Also Gran Gusto in Cambridge.

Sorry - just re-read your post and saw no seafood, so you might want to avoid Pescatore, though they do have non-fish items, the fish is where the focus is.

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Pescatore
158 Boston Ave, Somerville, MA 02144

Great Chow
17 Beale Street, Quincy, MA 02170

[Northender]

Carmen is a very nice choice as long as your party is relatively small. Great food and cozy atmosphere. Another place to check out is Maurizio's which is on Hanover Street. Open kitchen and menu tilted towards Sardininan items

[9lives]

I was going to suggest Maurizio's too. Haven't been but the Sardinian influence is intriguing.

Carmen's great.

Have you been to Marco? I've had some very good meals there.

[Joanie]

I think Marco's good too (have yet to go to Carmen).

The OP asked about Lucca which is a big fun place but it'll cost you as much as Terramia. What about that new tapas type place? Sorry, forgot the name.

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Lucca Restaurant
226 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Terramia
98 Salem St., North End, Boston, MA 02113

[9lives]

Damiano is the new tapas place, nice looking place but I haven't been

[Northender]

Marco should have been on my list as well. Good call.

[drewinmrblhd]

What about Giacomo's? I have always had a great meal there.

[hotoynoodle]

have dinner at erbaluce, then go to the north end for pastry.

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North End Cafe
124 Broadway Ste B, Saugus, MA 01906

Erbaluce
69 Church Street, Boston, MA 02116

[Parsnipity]

What about Taranta? That would take you in a slightly different culinary direction and you could always hit up Modern for dessert.

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Taranta
210 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

[MenuPorn]

Thanks! I agree that it's fabulous and different but the parents have been there a bunch of times already. That's part of my problem...we've hit up the great places a lot of times each.