Owner Frank DePasquale describes Bricco as a "boutique" Italian restaurant offering modern interpretations of regional Italian dishes. The menu features items such as zucchini flowers stuffed with truffled ricotta cheese, Big Night Timpano (drum-shaped stuffed pasta w/ meatballs & a slow, braised meat ragu), stuffed lobster, as well as a five-course chef tasting & wine flight. Bricco's chefs use locally grown fruits and vegetables, domestic & organic meats & specially selected seafood. Bricco has garnered many awards such as TV Diner's "Platinum Plate", one of Esquire Magazine's "Top Ten Restaurants in America", and "Best Guaranteed Great Meal in the North End," from The Improper Bostonian Magazine.

This place has absolutely pristine oysters that you order individually off of something similar to a sushi menu. Kumamoto, Wellfleet, Bee's River...so many varieties of oyster to choose from, not to mention clams, crab claws and shrimp. Their lobster roll (the hot one, not the one with mayo which is served cold) is overflowing with the meat of 2 chick lobsters and drizzled with butter on brioche, served with Belgian twice-fried fries. Somewhat non-traditional but extremely delicious. The clam chowder is first rate, and every bowl is cooked to order. This North End hotspot has a great selection of champagnes and wines by the bottle and glass.

Mix an eclectic taste in music, a choice location in the North End, a fun, young clientele, and an authentic Italian menu and staff, and—voila! Rabia's. Nestled on a cozy street, Rabia's is a simple yet tasty choice for Italian and Mediterranean dining. The glass vineyard ceiling, complete with illuminated crystal grapes, and a large window front that opens during the warmer months, give the classy interior a romantic touch without overdoing it. Thankfully, the prices won't cause your wallet to feel outdone either. Traditional pastas average $13, and more elaborate meals run $16-27, including the seafood dishes, such as lobster ravioli ($19) and shrimp and clams linguini ($18). A small selection of desserts helps redefine paradise, offering a truly phenomenal tiramasu ($8). Show up early to avoid long waits on weekend nights; couples stand a better chance at getting a table first than large groups, even if you have reservations.

This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Budget-minded diners can cut back on their bill by skipping a second appetizer and indulging in complimentary bread, olive oil and imported olives.

“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” This world The wonderful art of Italian pastry is practiced to perfection at Mike's, a requisite stop for anyone after dinner, or perhaps for dinner, in the North End. Mike's is world famous for their famous sweet creations and ships all over the country. What are you in the mood for? Whether you're hankering for cannolis, cookies, or cakes, this is the place to get 'em. Most pastries $1-4. Biscotti $6-10/lb.

Don't let the waiters' military-style uniforms (complete with Italian-flag epaulets—or is that Mexico?) fool you, the mood at this North End standby is anything but regimented. From the moment you enter the warm, candlelit, romantic dining room off Hanover St., owner Franco Graceffa will cajole you into having a good time, whether you're on a quiet date or a blocking group party. The food here shines, too, with a menu that covers traditional Southern Italian dishes and some regional specialties. Start with the involtini di Melanzane ($10), an eggplant rolatini that continues to be a crowd favorite, and the fried calamari ($10). Move on to massive portions of chicken, veal, and pasta, making sure to sample the chicken braciolettini ($20) and mozarella, portabello, and spinach-stuffed veal ($30). One caveat: even with reservations (highly recommended), you may have to wait a bit to get a table, especially with big groups. That said, once you've cooled your heels at the bar and joined in one of Graceffa's boisterous sing-alongs, you'll be ready to take on the delights Dolce Vita has to offer. Life here is indeed very, very good. Entrees $15-30. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Step away from busy Hanover Street, and enjoy a quieter scene. The authentic cannolis are not pre-filled (thank goodness!) and these veritable Tubes of Love will make you want to fall down on the floor and die of happiness. You will not be disappointed. Maria herself seems like she is a bit of a stern mother who would have slapped you across the head with a spoon if you even tried to put a single grubby finger in the pasta sauce before dinner time. Don't look at me like that, you know what I'm talking about. Her hands are those of a woman who has worked all her life. While you're at it, pick up a few cookies to take home, they are worth bringing back for the rest of the family.

This venerable Boston landmark is old enough to be your great-great-great-grandfather. The upstairs dining rooms are as quaint as they come, with lanterns hanging from dark wood beams. The rich, creamy seafood entrees include broiled scrod ($17) and a velvety seafood newburg ($22). Ask about the catch of the day. At the main-floor oyster bar, chefs will help you open your oysters and douse them with sauces (half dozen oysters; $10). The Union Oyster House is one tourist trap you really shouldn't miss. After all, it's been around since 1826; that's a lot longer than you, punk. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.