663152 Wed Oct 28 17:43:35 -0700 2009 20 12 Boston Area 0 5138885 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! Wed Oct 28 17:43:35 -0700 2009 189965 MenuPorn 1 5138948 What about Taranta? That would take you in a slightly different culinary direction and you could always hit up Modern for dessert. Wed Oct 28 18:14:25 -0700 2009 5138885 219666 Parsnipity 2 5138960 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. Wed Oct 28 18:18:46 -0700 2009 5138948 189965 MenuPorn 1 5139000 have dinner at erbaluce, then go to the north end for pastry. Wed Oct 28 18:33:34 -0700 2009 5138885 30273 hotoynoodle 1 5141215 What about Giacomo's? I have always had a great meal there. Thu Oct 29 14:36:19 -0700 2009 5138885 183871 drewinmrblhd 1 5141288 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 Thu Oct 29 15:00:08 -0700 2009 5138885 12990 Northender 2 5141397 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. Thu Oct 29 15:45:32 -0700 2009 5141288 10111 9lives 3 5142238 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. Fri Oct 30 03:57:49 -0700 2009 5141397 14253 Joanie 4 5142280 Damiano is the new tapas place, nice looking place but I haven't been Fri Oct 30 04:46:31 -0700 2009 5142238 10111 9lives 3 5142344 Marco should have been on my list as well. Good call. Fri Oct 30 05:38:54 -0700 2009 5141397 12990 Northender 1 5142477 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. Fri Oct 30 06:43:57 -0700 2009 5138885 11172 Bob Dobalina 1 5142662 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. Fri Oct 30 07:52:52 -0700 2009 5138885 189965 MenuPorn 2 5142769 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. Fri Oct 30 08:24:04 -0700 2009 5142662 14253 Joanie 3 5142971 Yes...my dad humps the North End. I try to get him into other neighborhoods but he is pretty steadfast :) Fri Oct 30 09:34:34 -0700 2009 5142769 189965 MenuPorn 4 5143223 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). Fri Oct 30 10:45:01 -0700 2009 5142971 14253 Joanie 2 5142797 I love the Parish Cafe- unbelievable sandwiches and an excellent beer selection. Great for people-watching too, in the front area. Fri Oct 30 08:33:01 -0700 2009 5142662 74429 phipsi102 1 5143675 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. Fri Oct 30 13:26:38 -0700 2009 5138885 24147 Monty 2 5148811 I was wondering how they spent $700 at Terramia also. Did you have insanely expensive wine and after-dinner drinks? Mon Nov 02 08:04:38 -0800 2009 5143675 11148 Alcachofa 3 5149251 $300 on wine, the rest on food for 4 people. Mon Nov 02 10:00:52 -0800 2009 5148811 189965 MenuPorn 1 5145391 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. Sat Oct 31 12:55:06 -0700 2009 5138885 10688 peelmeagrape 2 5157498 We went to Damiano and it was amazing. Separate review coming shortly!!! Thank you for the recommendations! Thu Nov 05 05:02:49 -0800 2009 5145391 189965 MenuPorn