Small restaurant in North End?

[Westy]

Hello -

Trying to find a small place to eat in Boston's North End. There was aplace there a LONG while back (10+ years) that would have been perfect - it had the tin ceiling, photos of celebs long past, a grandmotherly sort running the pace. Name was something like Anná's or Maria's.

It looks as though I may be in Boston pretty frequently, and want a place to be a regular.

Wine list not an issue (don't drink), but would like housemade pasta, friendly staff, etc..

Matt

[mgebs]

Just talked to family in Boston and they had a b-day dinner at Mama Maria's last weekend. Guy who set it up has dined all over the world and that is his favorite Italian restaurant!

[hiddenboston]

I'm a fan of some of the really casual and non-touristy places such as Al Dente on Salem Street and Pagliuca in Parmenter Street. Both have great pasta and are local hangouts.

[Westy]

Thanks. These might be just the ticket. I am trn between these, and maybe Mother Anna's. It looks like I'll be in aBoston maybe once a month, so it would be kind of cool to have a place I know.

This has been great, folks. Much appreciated.

[rich patina]

pomadoro- veal scallopini w green olive risotto, arugula salad. we go every year for my ladies birthday. go early well before dinner rush (crush). the only time we eat veal all year. very good.

[jljohn]

I think the place you are thinking of is Mother Anna's, and AFAIK it is still open.

I would highly recommend Panza on Hanover street. Nice small place, often overlooked, with great food!

[nachovegas]

Here's a second for Trattoria di Monica. Great homemade pasta and a very small cozy room. Friendly service but a younger vibe than what you're describing, the pictures o the wall are caricatures of Mick Jagger and Bob Marley if I recall correctly. The food is the real deal though.

[Beachowolfe]

Trattoria di Monica

[Bob Dobalina]

Pomodoro and Daily Catch are also two decent smallish places in the North End.

[hckybg]

I think Marco is extremely underrated. Interesting Roman menu, intimate room, nice service, and reasonable prices. They have excellent and interesting pasta, which you can also order in a half portion. To my mind, one of the most creative places in the North End.

[BostonZest]

I'll second Marco. I also love the half portions of pasta. For big eaters it means you can taste more of the menu and for people like me, it's just the right size.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[Beachowolfe]

Pomodoro and Marco are great suggestions.

If you're looking for more than pasta Marco is the place but there are more interesting pasta dishes at Trattoria di Monica. Both are "made in house" pasta, IIRC.

[cannedmilkandfruitypebbles]

I'll raise a hand for Marco as well. Though if you're dining alone, it may not be ideal.

[pemma]

Another vote for Marco. Was there last weekend and it was as good as ever. Prices are really not bad for the quality either. Very cozy place. As far as dining alone there is a very small bar area where you can eat. Don't know if it's hard to get a seat during busy times.