Boston Recs 02 - North End

martinis, speakeasies, and pasta, oh my!

Boston’s Little Italy is known as the North End (my opinion on this city’s naming conventions is another Substack article entirely…) and lives up to its history preserving the customs and community of Italian-Americans. There is a great debate over the best pastry spot (Modern vs. Mike’s), and I’m here to settle it by introducing a third and better) option: Bova’s. Here are some of my favorite spots in this corner of the city:

1. All Saints Way

   • 4-8 Battery St.

   • I met the gentleman who maintains this alleyway one day when I was walking along Battery one day and was very moved by how long he has lovingly dedicated himself to this space. I greatly respect devoutness and think this is a beautiful space to visit and appreciate, regardless of one’s religious affiliation

   

2. Caffe dello Sport

   • 308 Hanover St.

   • This is primarily a sports bar/cafe (hence the name) and has a really robust community of regulars of all ages; that Italian-American sense of family feels particularly strong here and I’ve had great conversations with strangers here

   • Besides reasonably priced (for Boston!) coffees and decadent martinis, they also have great merch, which is the best thing any local spot can have, in my opinion (just look at their logo)

   

   

   

3. I AM Books

   • 124 Salem St.

   • This independent bookstore specializes in selling Italian and Italian-American-authored books, which is wonderful for me as a Calvino fan; I really like the idea of curating a selection that honors a cultural history and celebrates great works in a specific canon

   • Besides books, there are fun decor pieces and bookish trinkets that make great gifts for tourists and locals alike

   

   

4. Caffe Vittoria

   • 390-296 Hanover St.

   • Whereas Caffe dello Sport feels Italian-American, Caffe Vittoria has a true Italian vibe, from the decor choices to the music to the all-encompassing menu

   • A great spot for an affogato, Italian soda, or a tiramisu

   • Do note that it is cash only (as are many other North End spots)

   

5. Aperitivo The Shop

   • 26 Prince St.

   • One of my absolute favorite new spots, Aperitivo, is the brainchild of Maria Colalancia, whose love for dinner parties and just the right theme have been translated into the perfect shop for people who love to host

   • I’ve picked up matchbooks here and plan to return soon for some vintage glassware

   

   

   

6. Ciao Roma

   • 5 N Square

   • Like something out of a Sofia Coppola daydream, this restaurant is a true pink paradise

   • From beautiful cocktails to classic Italian pasta dishes, this is the perfect place to sit down with your girlfriends for a nice dinner

   

   

   

7. The Red Fox

   • 326 Commercial St.

   • This speakeasy just opened up in the North End and it is an absolutely beautiful space; there are truly no bad tables or seats so you really do get your value’s worth for the $$$ meal

   • From the gold swan faucets (hello Ritz Paris!) to the red lighting, it has an old age jazz club atmosphere with modern aperitifs and music

xx

the girl who reads on the metro