North End Birthday Dinner

[Boston Penguin]

Looking for something nice in the North End for a birthday dinner (for 2). Would like to try someplace I haven't been. Already been to Prezza (loved!), Lucca, Davide, Pomodoro, Bricco, La Summa and Massimonos. Neither of us are big fish eaters, so looking for a restaurant that doesn't necessarily specialize in seafood. Thanks for any suggestions.

[FeastNut2008]

Monica's is a nice restaurant. Although I have had seafood in the past, others had different food. The free-form lasagna is always a hit.

[Pegmeister]

Check out LaGalleria 33, nice space, good food and more room then most North End restaurants. Also enjoy, Artu on Prince ( bar area dining area not so much); Maurizzos and Il Pannino. Be fore warned Il Paninno will not serve tap water, which I find annoying, yet I'll put up with.

[pollystyrene]

I've been to three of the places mentioned so far, and of those, I like Vinoteca di Monica much better than the others. The food, service and atmosphere are all great, the prices reasonable, and all their pastas are fresh and homemade. I like Maurizio's second best. It's small, with a semi-dingy charm, the service and some of the food is very good. I didn't like La Galleria 33. I thought it overpriced, the tomatoes in my caprese were light pink, and the service was laughable.

If you don't mind a splurge like Prezza, I'd vote for Mamma Maria.

[phatchris]

I'd go to Carmen or Taranta.

[nasilemak]

Second Taranta.

[Northender]

These are two great suggestions. Each one offers a different vibe but both have very fine food. Carmen is quiet, small and intimate. Taranta is larger and a little more lively. Both would be great choices. Another I would recommend is Marco on Hanover Street. If you make a reservation, see if you can get a table by the windows overlooking Hanover Street. Since it is a second floor location, it makes for a nice view of the activity on the street - without the noise.

[phatchris]

I always forget to recommend Marco and 99% of the time that I've dined there I've had very good meals.

[greenstate]

I second Monica's (the best pasta) and Mama Maria (fabulous lobster dumplings). Both are quiet and lovely with great atmosphere and service.

[Boston Penguin]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. We actually ended up at Via Matta, which was lovely. I will make note of all these other fine offerings for other occasions.