Cantina Italiana

Boston’s North End is famous for its fantastic Italian fare, but in terms of history, there’s no beating Cantina Italiana. This beloved old-timer first appeared on Hanover Street in 1931 and currently serves as the oldest operating restaurant in the entire neighborhood—an admirable feat for an area so flush with historic landmarks and businesses. Sicilian staples like arancini mingle with classic Italian-American dishes—Fettuccine alla Carbonara, Veal Milanese, and Eggplant Parmigiana, to name a few—and all dishes pair perfectly with a glass of Mediterranean wine, a pint of local beer, or one of Cantina Italiana’s many martinis and spritzes.