A summer lunch or dinner in Boston is plated with three essential ingredients: location, exceptional Italian cuisine, and a gentle breeze. Boston’s Little Italy (Boston’s North End neighborhood) is rich with Italian restaurants stemming from the Italian-American immigrants who brought with them old world knowledge and coupled that with the American entrepreneurial spirit of innovation. There are truly some extraordinary culinary experiences awaiting as you dine in the best Italian restaurants with outdoor seating in Boston’s North End.
Table: Table offers a unique communal dining experience in Boston’s North End (although some changes have been made concerning the pandemic). Sports reporter, turned chef, Jen Royale serves guests a prefixed meal featuring seasonal dishes. Political attire, sports gear, and baseball hats must be left at the door…just to keep things civil in the communal dining environment. When dressed properly, and impartially, for the occasion, you will enjoy a seven-course dinner at one of 22 communal outdoor seats (or one of 32 communal indoor seats). Pane Caldo e Accompagnamenti (warm focaccia w/ whole roasted garlic) will tempt your senses at the beginning of the meal as you await the Polpo Scottato (seared octopus, cannellini beans, stewed cherry tomatoes, charred fennel, smoked EVOO and micro celery) and discover new culinary treasures as each course arrives at the table.
Tony & Elaine’s: Tony & Elaine’s offer up moderately priced traditional Italian-American comfort food in a relaxed environment. You can keep your baseball hat on! Enjoy casual dining outdoors on the brick-lined alleyway right off North Washington Street. Make friends when you choose to fly some local colors and enjoy the best meatballs in the North End (as awarded by the 2018 “North End Best Meatball” competition).
Tresca: Tresca has introduced a sidewalk patio for the season, to complement their highly sought after table 77 (the romantic balcony table for two). Chef Richard Ansara brings his unique approach to the fusion of style and old-world Italian cuisine. The dinner menu is ample and includes delicious offerings of Black Truffle Ricotta Gnocchi (house made ricotta gnocchi, wild mushroom ragu, and spinach) and Risotto di Capesante (pan seared sea scallops, brown butter, sage, lemon, and seasonal vegetable risotto). The dress code is business casual…but if you’re thinking of sneaking in with a Bruins hat you might just get away with it. The owner is none other than Ray Bourque of NHL Bruins hockey fame!
Parla: The patio is open, and Chef Ernesto has some very interesting ideas! The menu is unpretentious yet full of whimsy and innovation. Nightly offerings include Garlic Spinach Mezzelune, House Made Pappardelle (with braised lamb), and Chicken and Waffles. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Beignets and Slumberin’ Piglets (waffle-battered sausage with aleppo honey butter) to get your taste buds in a frenzy while you peruse the whimsical brunch menu.
Ristorante Lucia: This North End restaurant is a culinary cornerstone of the community. It was opened in 1977 by the Frattaroli Family shortly after arriving in Boston from the Abruzzo region of Italy. The family has collaborated with St. Stephens Church (just across the street) to offer outdoor seating on their neighbor's patio (good patios make good neighbors). The menu includes tantalizing traditional Italian and modern dishes ranging from a simple and satisfying Carbonara Pasta (spaghetti w/ bacon, onion, egg yolk, and grated Grana Padano) to more elaborate flavors such as the house specialty Guazzetto di Mare (calamari, imported baby clams and filet of sole in a rich tomato sauce over pappardelle pasta).
Remmes & Company is Boston’s premier real estate team. We look forward to helping you find your perfect home in the North End neighborhood or one of the other many fine upscale Boston neighborhoods we serve. Contact us today!