NORTH END
It would take another 50-page magazine to do a comprehensive overview of this storied hood’s restaurants. Practically every Italian who lives here runs a restaurant. Some of them aren’t even marked. Just try ringing doorbells and waving cash and ask to be fed, and then when you’ve finished your tour, in about three years, put out your own huge guide magazine. We can tell you this though:

One of the most popular but underrated food havens in this can-be-expensive neighborhood is Il Panino Express (264-266 Hanover St., 617.720.5720). The cafeteria-style restaurant serves up everything from pizza slices to lasagna. Don’t be fooled by the casual, café style — the food is just as good there as at the more expensive spots (it just won’t set you back $50). Don’t forget Boston’s most famous slice of pie, Pizzeria Regina (11 Thatcher St., 617.227.0765) at the original North End location. 

If you are willing to dig deeper, treat yourself to Mamma Maria (3 North Square, 617.523.0077). The restaurant, located in historic North Square across from Paul Revere’s house, comes off like a stately mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. The menu is so decadent — with entrees such as mint gnocci and veal rib chop — that you’re sure to fool your date into believing you’re actually worth something.

Next: dessert. On Hanover Street, pop into the old faithful tourist mecca Mike’s Pastry for a chocolate chip cannoli, but Café Vittoria (296 Hanover St. 617.227.7606) only a few blocks away is far better. Choose from a dozen gelato flavors or just default to the creamy tiramisu. You can’t beat the Italian music playing in the background, the cheap-as-anything digestivi, or the clientele who look like Tony Soprano. Or, did somebody say ice cream-infused cupcakes? Try Trani (111 Salem St. 617.624.0222).