Every weekend, Boston’s most iconic neighborhood transforms into a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, featuring beloved traditions such as the Feast of Saint Agrippina, Madonna Della Cava, the Fisherman’s Feast, and the grand finale—Saint Anthony’s Feast. Think parades winding through the narrow streets, live music echoing off brick buildings, and the mouthwatering scent of Italian street food in the air.

Whether you’re a longtime feast-goer or a first-timer, it’s a can’t-miss experience. Check out the full schedule below, plus spots to check out while you’re there!

• Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27 – Saint Joseph Feast
• Thursday, July 31, to Sunday, August 3 – Saint Agrippina di Mineo Feast
• Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10 – Madonna Della Cava Feast
• Thursday, August 14, to Sunday, August 17 – Fisherman’s Feast of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca
• Thursday, August 28, to Sunday, August 31 – 106th Annual Saint Anthony’s Feast & 104th Saint Lucy’s Feast
• Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 7 – San Gennaro Feast

Umberto’s

Galleria Umberto may not look like much from the outside—but don’t let the no-frills vibes fool you. This old-school, cash-only North End gem has been serving up some of the best Sicilian slices in the city for decades. No website, no fuss—just a handful of menu items, a cafeteria-style setup, and a loyal crowd that lines up early before they inevitably sell out by mid-afternoon. The pizza? Thick, doughy, crispy-edged perfection. In a neighborhood full of options, Galleria Umberto still reigns supreme as a true classic.

Giacomo’s

Giacomo’s is one of those spots that always has a line out the door—and for good reason. This no-reservations North End favorite is known for its massive portions, affordable prices, and old-school charm. Sure, you might wait an hour (even on a random Tuesday), but once you’re inside, it’s all garlic bread, chicken parm, and red sauce dreams. The $20 bottles of wine don’t hurt either. And if you’re really hungry, go big with the legendary zuppa di pesce—a mountain of seafood and pasta that’s meant to be shared and totally worth the hype.

Apertivo the Shop

By May 2024, The Aperitivo Society grew into something even bigger—Aperitivo The Shop, now open in the North End. It’s stocked with thoughtfully curated, joy-sparking goods for your home, perfect for anyone who believes hosting is an art (and a good cheese board is a love language). Whether you’re swinging by in person or shopping online, Aperitivo is here to help you turn everyday moments into something worth toasting. Cheers to that!

Lucia Ristorante

Lucia Ristorante has been a North End staple for nearly five decades—and it’s still going strong. Run by the Frattaroli family, this cozy spot serves up hearty, homestyle Italian fare inspired by their roots in Abruzzo. The menu features regional favorites like chitarra al tartufo (think creamy truffle pasta with mushrooms and sausage), guazzetto di mare (a seafood lover’s dream), and a crispy, cheesy mozzarella in carrozza stuffed with prosciutto that you’ll want to order every time. Bonus: they’ve got a solid selection of gluten-free options too—so everyone at the table leaves happy.

The Red Fox

Tucked away down a slightly hidden staircase, The Red Fox is one of the North End’s coolest new additions—and it’s bringing some serious speakeasy vibes to the neighborhood. Opened in 2024, this chic little spot keeps things simple with a tight, well-curated menu that skips the pages-long pasta lists in favor of standout dishes that hit every time. Kick things off with the prosciutto and zeppole drizzled in honey (trust us), and if you’re rolling deep, don’t skip the lasagna—it’s a showstopper. As for drinks? Their creative takes on martinis and Negronis, including one with garlic and parmesan, are bold in all the right ways.

Regina Pizzeria

While you’ll find other outposts around Greater Boston, nothing beats the charm (and the pizza) at the Regina Pizzeria original location on Thatcher Street, serving up brick oven perfection since 1926. The pizza? Iconic. Crispy crust, bubbly cheese, and a sauce that hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. And the vibe? Straight out of another era, in the best way possible—no frills, no updates, and walls lined with celebrity snapshots that prove Regina’s been a must-stop spot for nearly a century.

Table Mercarto

TABLE Mercato is the North End’s new go‑to deli-meets-market spot, nestled on Hanover Street just next to its sister sit-down restaurant. It’s gained fame for its viral focaccia sandwiches—think chicken cutlets, caprese, and prosciutto-mozzarella stacks packed into house-baked flatbread—alongside shelves brimming with imported olive oils, pasta, biscotti, and even gluten-free pasta options. Mercato also serves up antipasto, arancini, meatballs, and made-to-order cannoli, gelato, making it the perfect pit stop whether you’re grabbing a sandwich to-go or stocking up on Italian staples. 

Bova’s

Down a cozy side-street on Salem, Bova’s Bakery is the North End’s 24/7 slice of Italy you never knew you needed. Open since the 1920s and still run by the Bova family, this unpretentious bakery is the kind of place that feels frozen in time.  Slide up at any hour—early morning, late night, or those in-between hours—and you’ll find an avalanche of pastries, cannoli, lobster tails, fresh bread, calzones, and rice balls, all made in-house with old-school recipes that have been handed down for generations Whether you’re craving a sweet treat after dinner or need a hearty subs or slice of Sicilian pizza at 3 AM, Bova’s has you covered.

Mare Oyster Bar

Mare Oyster Bar might not be a secret, but its stunning outdoor deck still feels like a hidden escape in the heart of the North End. Tucked just off the main drag, this upscale Italian seafood spot offers a breezy, scenic patio complete with skyline views and a retractable roof—so it’s in play almost year-round. The menu is just as impressive, with highlights like tableside cacio e pepe, fresh-off-the-boat branzino, and a hearty zuppa di mare. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars or catching a sunset with oysters in hand, Mare delivers major coastal vibes without ever leaving the city.

Café Vittori

Café Vittoria is the North End’s timeless Italian café — a neighborhood fixture since 1929. Step inside and you’re transported: marble-topped tables, antique espresso machines, tin ceilings, and cozy lighting make it feel like stepping into an old-world European spot featuring cappuccinos, cioccolato caldo, tiramisù, cannoli, espresso martinis and gelato and more! 

Modern Pastry  Shop