RISTORANTE BELLA VISTA
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-367-4999
 
288 Hanover St., 617-367-4999. Located in the heart of the historic North End, this casual yet elegant family-style restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine, from escarole soup to lobster fra diavolo. Open daily noon–11:30 p.m.

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RISTORANTE FIORE
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-371-1176
   
343 Commercial St. #401, 617-371-1176. A larger space than most in the neighborhood, Ristorante Fiore boasts three spacious floors in addition to a patio and a heated rooftop patio to dine upon. Chef Fiore Collela has been a North End fixture for decades, and his experience and skill is reflected in a menu of delicious and traditional Italian dishes. L, D, C.

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RISTORANTE SARACENO
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-227-5888
   
286 Hanover St., 617-227-5888. Neapolitan cuisine served in an intimate atmosphere complete with charming, beautifully decorated exposed brick walls. Reservations recommended. L noon–3 p.m.; D 3–10:30 p.m. VP, C.

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RISTORANTE VILLA FRANCESCA
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-367-2948
   
150 Richmond St., 617-367-2948. This traditional Italian restaurant has been a North End institution for 28 years. Its Old World setting features four private dining rooms. Rated “Boston’s Best Calamari” by Zagat. Featured in Who’s Who in America’s Restaurants. C, VP, all credit cards, reservations accepted. Late night menu ’til 12 midnight.

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ROCCA
Location: South End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-451-5151
   
Whether it's a monumental celebration or quiet night out for two, Rocco is excellent at accommodating its diners' specific needs. The patio especially is a popular place to feast on some of Rocco's signature dishes, such as the meatball slider or the pot-baked rigatoni. L, D, C.

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SCAMPO
Location: Beacon Hill
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-224-4000
   
215 Charles St., Liberty Hotel, 617-224-4000. This restaurant located in the Liberty Hotel helmed by award-winning chef Lydia Shire is a typical showing from this edgy chef; the menu pushes the borders of traditional Italian fare, and includes a mozzarella bar and handmade pasta. L, D, SB, C.

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SPORTELLO
Location: Seaport
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-737-1234
   
A simple yet divine menu attracts patrons to Sportello, Chef Barbara Lynch's trattoria-inspired Italian eatery where customers can order everything from a quick breakfast pastry on the run to a light lunch of delicious homemade soup or a satisfying dinner of extra creamy polenta.

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STANZA DEI SIGARI
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-227-0295
   
292 Hanover St., 617-227-0295. This classic cigar parlor in the North End serves fine food, cigars and liqueurs. Open daily 5 p.m.–1 a.m.

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STREGA
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-523-8481
   
379 Hanover St., 617-523-8481. Strega’s menu includes freshly prepared favorites such as fettuccine carbonara and gnocchi sorrentina while multiple big-screen TVs show gangster flicks. Popular with visiting celebrities, Strega is regarded as one of the North End’s best nightlife destinations in addition to its delicious cuisine. L, D, LS, C.

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TERRAMIA RISTORANTE
Location: North End
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-523-3112
   
98 Salem St., 617-523-3112. Since opening in 1993, Terramia has aimed to convince North End diners that there was always more to Italian food than red sauce. Specializing in creative interpretations of Italian classics, Terramia offers seasonally based dishes and an extensive wine list in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. D Sun–Thu 5–10 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 10:30 p.m.

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