Boston Restaurant Tips by donpaul77

Restaurant Name: No Name Restaurant

The No Name Restaurant is a Boston classic, hidden among the docks near the World Trade Center. It's not hard to find if you know where it is! Inside it looks like your text book seafood restaurant, but maybe this is the one that set the standard. The staff is casual and friendly, in a gruff sort of way. Every table gets a plate of garlic bread and a pitcher of water with a stack of dixie cups. The paper place mats have instructions on how to eat lobster...you get the picture.

I love coming here on a rainy, stormy day, as the view from the second floor dining room is of the waterfront. i think the seafood tastes better on these days ;)

Favorite Dish: The seafood chowder is a must. After that, I like their broiled sole. It's nice and simple, lightly coated in breadcrumbs and cooked on it's serving plate in a little bit of butter. I like a Harpoon IPA with my fish, though Sam goes pretty well also.

Try carrot cake or Boston creme pie for desert.

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Theme: Seafood
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (617) 338-7539
Address: 15 1/2 Fish Pier St W, Boston, MA
Directions: near the trade center, waterfront

Restaurant Name: Pho Pasteur in Chinatown

In the heart of China town is the best Vietnamese restaurant around. Pho Pastuer is one of the first Vietnamese places to pop up in Boston, and their Pho is second to none! Best of all is that it is located near many great places to visit in Boston, including the Theatre District and Downtown Crossing. It's worth going a little out of your way to eat at this great ethnic restaurant.

There are several Pho Pasteur, restaurants. Go to the original in ChinaTown!

Favorite Dish: The Pho (noodle soup in broth, with various meats). If you are new to Vietnamese food, try Pho Tai or Pho Tai bo Vien.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 617-482-7467
Address: 682 Washington St, Boston, MA
Directions: China Town.

Restaurant Name: Ernesto's

There's no need to wait in line with the tourists at Pizzeria Regina. Head over to Ernesto's on Salem Street and get a couple of slices and a beer. The place is not very big, and there are just enough tables, but their pizza is great, and they have a wide variety of topped slices ready to go! There is no table service, and there is none needed. This place has a lot of character and is a local fav.


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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 617-523-1373
Address: 69 Salem Street, Boston, MA
Directions: North End of Boston on Salem Street, parallel to Hanover Street
Website: http://www.ernestosnorthend.com/

Restaurant Name: Ristorante Saraceno

Saraceno is, to me, the old stand by when I'm looking to eat in the North End. At first glance when you look into Saraceno, you see a small, elegant dining room, but what you don't see is the grotto that goes on for several rooms below.

Though the place is not stuffy, it is all class. Bright white table cloths are on the tables and most of the wait staff is from Italy and always sharp and pleasant with their service. This place can be lively and romantic at the same time.

Most recently I had lunch there in the small street front dining room, with open windows to watch people wander by.

Favorite Dish: Ahh the food. Certainly nothing gourmet or unusual on the menu, but simple Italian dishes excellently prepared. I recently had the Pollo al Vino Bianco, which was served with roast potatoes and broccoli. House wines are chianti and pinot grigio and Moretti and peroni are good choices for beer. We started with a nice tomato and mozzarella salad complete with peppers and olives. be careful not to fill up on that delicious bread!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: Hanover Street, North End, Boston, MA

Restaurant Name: Caffe Vittoria

This vibrant and beautiful cafe is often part of my dinner plans when I'm in the North End. It is lively and serves the best coffee, a nice rejuvenation (or preparation) for the evening or afternoon. There are two sides to the cafe, and you should go into the right hand door to the original cafe. It is perfectly lit with high tin ceilings, tile floors and filled with little tables. The room is decorated with photos, murals and intriguing antiques. The place actually has a bit of a glitter to it.

Favorite Dish: After dinner, it's either an espresso or a limoncello accompanied by a cannoli, though they have much more to offer in the way of drinks and pastry.

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Theme: Italian
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 617-227-7606
Address: 294 Hanover St., North End, Boston
Directions: North End

Restaurant Name: Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a good, simple North End Italian restaurant. There is no pretense, just basic Italian dishes prepared well and at a good price (for the North End). Though it's not overly elegant, it is classy in a humble sort of way.

I've read reviews where people have complained about rude wait staff, but that has never been the case when I've been there.


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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (617) 367-4999
Address: 288 Hanover St, Boston, MA
Directions: North End

Restaurant Name: Mike's Pastry

Instead of having dessert where you had dinner, you might want to drop in to Mike's pastry and see the wonderful dolci they are baking there. This place is pretty famous and for good reason. A lot of people go out of their way to get pastry here, whether to consume on the spot, or to take to a party. The place is also a cafe, so you can have some coffee with your treat.

Favorite Dish: The "lobster tail" is pretty decadent, and those cupcakes are something special.

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Theme: Dessert

Phone: 617-742-3050
Address: 300 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113
Directions: North End
Website: http://www.mikespastry.com/

Restaurant Name: Bova's Bakery

Bova's is a famous North End bakery whose bread makes it's way to stores all over the greater Boston area. Also of particular goodness are the calzones, available in many varieties and are a great late night snack, since Bova's is open 24 hours a day!!!

Pastries of all sorts are also very good here.


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Theme: Bakery

Phone: 617-523-5601
Address: 134 Salem St., Boston
Directions: North End
Website: http://www.northendboston.com/bovabakery/