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North End Boston Food Tour: Little Italy of Boston’s Authentic Experience

Experience Little Italy of Boston with a LIFELONG LOCAL. No passport required.

walking food tour boston north end

Experience North End, Boston

The North End Boston Food Tour provides an authentic Boston, MA tour experience through the quaint Italian neighborhood. This leisurely-paced walking tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of North End, Boston. Our tour combines the history and culture with the best food and wine that the neighborhood has to offer. You can experience the area with the guidance of a lifelong resident, Bobby Agrippino. This unique tour will take you off the beaten path and through the staple restaurants and shops that are the cornerstone of North End. All your senses will be sharpened by the aromas, tastes, and views of the neighborhood.

What You’ll See

As we travel the neighborhood, you will walk along the cobblestone streets from 1630. You will see the Paul Revere house and the statue of Paul Revere. You will be able to experience the St. Stephens church where Rose Kennedy was baptized and said goodbye to. You will also see the Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the second-oldest cemetery in Boston. Since the tour is guided by a lifelong local, you will experience the hidden gems of the neighborhood and learn about the organized crime events that only someone who has lived here all their life can show you. You will eat at the best bakeries, delis, and restaurants while drinking phenomenal wines.

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Schedule a Tour With Us Today

Today, you can have the experience of your lifetime by going on a Boston, MA tour. North End has a strong Italian history and culture that you don’t want to miss out on. You can experience Little Italy of Boston without the hassle of traveling out of the United States. Our authentic tours at North End Boston Food Tour are immersive and well-rounded. With a lifelong resident of North End as your tour guide, you will learn about all the small details that otherwise would be overlooked. You won’t want to miss out on this. Call us today to schedule a tour of North End, Boston.

North End Boston Food Tour

Meeting Location At the Tony DeMarco Statue, 191 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Business Address 357 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109

Phone 617-719-9542

Hours of Operation Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

191 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA

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Boston's Politically Incorrect North End Food Tours

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Review Highlights

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“ Had it not been for Bobby , I would have still given this tour 5 stars on everything, even value for your dollar. ” in 33 reviews

Robert L.

“ Robert Agrippino grew up in North Boston, in fact, he showed us the apartment building in which he lived as a child. ” in 4 reviews

Art N.

“ Come hungry because on this food tour you will get amazing FOOD (& lots of it)... ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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191 Hanover St

Boston, MA 02113

Marshall St & Cross St

Serving Boston Area

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About the business.

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Business Owner

Our North End Food Tour is a leisurely-paced walking tour that carves a path through the streets of the charming North End. Combine the North End history with Boston's best Italian foods. Explore out of the way establishments and off the beaten path areas. Get to know the North End with an experienced lifelong resident Robert Agrippino. 


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Photo of Sarah S.

I did this tour this last weekend (last Sunday) and had the best time with the person / group we were with. We stopped and tried the pizza, the pastries, listened to the tour guide and his stories & got a good walk into the mix. I've been coming to Boston for YEARS and I learned quite a bit. The guest I was with had never been to the North End and felt pretty thoroughly introduced by the end. Will treasure these memories & this tour :) Thank you!

Meeting Point!!

Meeting Point!!

Photo of Robert A.

Oct 8, 2023

Sarah thank you for your review of the North End Boston Food Tour it was great meeting everyone and hope to see you again Best regards Bobby Agrippino

Photo of Michelle S.

If you are looking for an insider's view of Boston's North End aka "Little Italy", then the obvious choice is to get yourself a local resident to take you on a tour. If you Google North End foodie tours you'll see a ton. It was overwhelming but I knew I wanted someone that intimately knew the neighborhood included free tastings and had great reviews. North End Boston Food Tours checked all the boxes. He's rated number one on TripAdvisor and had a great Instagram presence so I could easily see all of the places he takes his tours to. Bobby is a lifelong resident of the North End and super responsive through his Instagram DMs. I still can't believe how low his price is considering all that we got to eat! His max number in a tour is up to 20 but we got lucky since we went the day before Thanksgiving and there was only my family of four and another family of four. We had a lesson on making neapolitan pizza and got to have several slices of the amazing pies. We visited several salumerias and got to sample prosciutto de parma, Italian cheese, balsamic vinegar and olive oil tastings. We ate arancini, sfogliatelle, an Italian deli meat sandwich and ended the tour with a full size cannoli from Mike's Pastry! I was wishing that I wore my stretchy pants because I had a muffin top going by the end of this tour! Make sure you come hungry cuz you gonna mangia mangia!! Bobby loves what he does and the neighborhood loves him back as evidence by the numerous passerbys and store owners who greeted him with smiles and well wishes. Yes you could explore this neighborhood on your own, but you would miss so many of the hidden gems that only a local knows about.

Nov 29, 2022

Michelle thank you for the great review of the North End Boston Food Tour. The most significant of all you mentioned is that I’m a lifelong local and still living in this unique neighborhood. The price of admission is definitely very inexpensive compared to the competitors in the industry. I’m happy you all enjoyed the culture history and personal stories the delicious large portions of food is a bonus for what this neighborhood represents. I’m so proud I grew up here and so fortunate I could keep the neighborhood and it’s culture alive. It was great meeting you and your family be well Happy Holidays and hope to see you all in the future Best regards Bobby Agrippino

Photo of Kathie P.

Bobby was the best tour guide! We loved every minute of it. The food was fantastic and the education was great!!

Sep 6, 2023

Kathy thank you for the review of the North End Boston Food Tour.

Photo of Jayan N.

Fantastic tour! Not only did we eat a ton of delicious food (way more bang for the buck than I was expecting), but we also learned about the rich heritage of the region. Learning from Bobby about his experience first hand, growing up in the area, seeing it change and shift with time, it really adds a ton of depth to the north end. I think this tour was beyond worth it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun weekend event to learn more about the history of this city. Also supporting an actual local who supports local businesses over the mega corporations just feels cathartic sometimes. *I've also added a picture of the fantastic pasta below for reference

Boscaiola sauce pasta

Boscaiola sauce pasta

Sep 30, 2023

Jayan thank you for the great review of the North End Boston Food Tour. Supporting the local business es I grew up with is very important to me we have lost to many over the years. I’m happy you enjoyed all the history food and personal stories Best regards Bobby Agrippino

Photo of Sharon R.

Come hungry! When Bobby says he's going to feed you, he feeds you! It was an amazing tour and I would highly recommend it! He grew up in the area & showed us some really great places that I never would have found on my own. With a really good amount of really flavorful food at every stop. Again, highly recommend!

walking food tour boston north end

See all photos from Sharon R. for North End Boston Food Tour

Photo of Ellen S.

This is the food tour you want if you've come to eat some wonderful food and leave with a doggie bag for later! Pizza, Pasta, Wine, Prosciutto, Italian sandwich, Italian pastry, Cannoli, Lemon slush, Limoncello. Bobby is a local and so along with great food you get some good history of the area. This was truly a treat. Thank you, Bobby! Cent'Anni!

Ellen thank you for your review of the North End Boston Food Tour.

Photo of TheMouth Y.

Run, do not walk to take this tour. Bobby is amazing. He grew up in the North End, he lives in the North End and he knows EVERYONE in the North End. Come with an empty stomach and all your questions. You will be stuffed by the time you leave. And I mean STUFFED. You will NOT get this kind of tour from any other tour guide operator. I promise you that. Every time is different because he will run into all kinds of people in the street who will start conversations with him. People who have known him since he was a kid. He told us about a boarded up store front that used to ba a candy store he would go into. It has been closed since 1968. You will get to know the people, the food and the living of the North End. Cannot wait to return. Oh, the tour was supposed to be 3 hours, it turned into 4 hours and he NEVER rushed us. Bobby genuinely loves talking about where he grew up. Such a memorable experience.

Photo of Maddy L.

Bobby Agrippino is who you are looking for in an Italian food tour guide. So charismatic, charming, and so much fun. He is a native to the Italian North End and has personal, fascinating, and wonderful insights to share about the culture, history, and food. He knows all the authentic restauranteurs and business owners personally, having grown up with them, and gets you inside deals and (and tastings!) at all the best spots that are normally impossible to get into, and that only the locals know about. When we were walking around the neighborhood with him, several times other locals called out to him to greet him. When we went into the restaurants (authentic mom & pop shops, by the way) the workers and owners knew him by name and were excited to see him. Bobby cares so much about his home, and wants to share and educate visitors on what the North End Italian experience is all about. This guy is the real deal, and one of the few that are left. I cannot recommend him enough. Also, he's super cool and we want to be friends with him. Do the North End Boston Food Tour. Do not do yourself a disservice by booking someone else.

Sep 25, 2022

Maddy thank you for the great review of the North End Boston Food Tour. I’m happy you enjoyed all the culture personal stories history and all the food it was great meeting you and definitely would love being friends with my guests be well and hope to see you in the future Best regards Bobby Agrippino

Photo of Rui A.

Amazing day not only was it a great food tour but also great narration of the rich Italian history of the North End. The food incredible and we left stuffed I highly recommend taking your tour with Bobby you won't be disappointed.

walking food tour boston north end

Bobby gave an amazing tour! This tour came highly recommended by my sister and brother-in-law who took it over two years ago. They said hands down this is a must do and I fully agree. It's MUCH more than a tour it's a whole experience. Since Bobby is a local he takes you to the off the beaten path restaurants, a couple of salumeria's, a coffee bean shop and even took us by his old house and school. Along the way we got a whole history lesson on the shops and neighborhood through the years. Much more than you would get from one of the big tour companies. Hands down would recommend. And DON'T eat before the tour because you will leave it FULL! Thank you Bobby for an amazing tour!

Our small tour group! Perfect size!

Our small tour group! Perfect size!

May 5, 2022

Kathleen thank you for the great review word of mouth is also a great way of getting recognized. I’m happy you enjoyed all the food culture and personal stories of this unique neighborhood enjoy your stay in Boston and hope to see you in the future Best Bobby Agrippino

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The essential food tour of boston, ma's north end, off the eaten path tours, food tours and architectural history tours in boston, ma.

walking food tour boston north end

  • Most Popular!
  • Perfect for couples!

Join us for a unique North End, Boston food tour! You will see, hear, and taste Boston’s historic and colorful North End culture on this Boston foodie tour. People of all ages can join and the tour costs includes all food and drink!

  • Hour Glass 3 Hours
  • Users All Ages

a plate of food on a table

Italy without the passport awaits you.....

Do you love Italian food and wine? Do you love history and architecture? Then let me guide you on three tours rolled into one!

We will eat the best regional Italian cuisine spanning Sicily to Genoa, try authentic olive oils, balsamic vinegars, prosciutto, cheese, artisanal bread, freshly made mozzarella and handmade pasta and gnocchi, learn about Italian wine, visit hidden bakeries, an 80 year old coffee and spice shop, and experience a true local caffe. Ending the progressive meal with cannoli, gelato and espresso!! Enjoy all of this delicious food, while I unravel the fascinating history of how the oldest district in Boston has become the largest little Italy in America!! You will leave with full bellies, hearts, and minds!!

Please read reviews on TripAdvisor, yelp, and Google!! This is the most high quality tour in Boston.

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A Tale of Two Peninsulas

A consistent theme of the tour is exploring the hyper-localism of the North End and the parallels to Italy’s hyper-regionalism . Both places are peninsulas that have been conquered by various groups of ethnicities and people over their histories. The North End has always been “separate” from Boston, in that it’s a peninsula with natural and at times artificial boundaries ( The JFK Expressway built in the 1950s completely Balkanized the neighborhood until the completion of the Big Dig and subsequent Greenway Park). Italy is the most invaded country in history (just look at where it’s located on a map; it’s the crossroads of three continents). Geography , history , and food will play equal parts on our journey and exploration of two great peninsulas. This food tour of the North End, Boston will have you hungry for more cultural appreciation! 

a narrow city street

The Ultimate Boston North End Experience!

Paula led my partner, parents, and me on a delicious and educational tour of Boston’s North End. So much variety! Restaurants, a lovely cafe, and some very neat markets—one that still looks as it did in the 1930s (if my recollection is accurate). My partner and I are vegetarians, and were easily accommodated for. Paula is brilliant and good-humored. Her background in art history is clear. She’ll be leading tours of the North End’s architecture soon; we’ll certainly be joining her for one of those!

Paula was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and provided wonderful historical context for all of the food we ate. She has far more North End (and Italian) expertise than any of the corporate tours could. She is also extremely accommodating, and the tour is great for vegetarians. I can’t recommend it enough!

We were taken back in time through history and food. The North End has much to offer and Paula took our group to places we never would have found on our own. She is pleasant and passionate about her community and we recommend her tour to anyone looking to learn more about this great community while enjoying some of the best Italian food we’ve ever had. Highly recommended and I bet you’ll love the memories you take from this amazing experience.

I am headed to college in Boston, and recently took Paula’s “Off the Eaten Path” food tour. It is one of my favorite things I have ever done during my visits to Boston! Paula is a local of the North End and is known and very obviously loved by everyone there. She took us all around Little Italy to places that represent authentic food from all regions of Italy. The food was SO good, and we even took a couple of to-go boxes. Everyone that we met was friendly, welcoming, and excited to share their culture and story. I learned so much about the food, regions of Italy, and about Italy’s influence on Boston’s historical North End.

Loved walking around the North End with someone who was obviously part of and passionate about her neighborhood’s history and cuisine. Paula shared wonderful, funny and insightful anecdotes about characters past and present that brought the area and it’s unique place in Boston’s broader culture alive. The delicious tastes along the way were beautifully woven into a truly superb food tour!

It's hard to choose what part of the tour was my favorite. I loved it all. It was just the right mix of interesting history, delicious food, and great local knowledge. Paula is a joy to be with and she was clearly someone who loves and cares for her neighbors and neighborhood. I can't imagine a better food tour or a better way to learn about the North End.

Paula is knowledgeable, funny and a wonderful storyteller! She will ensure you are well fed while fascinating you with North End history, and current details. She will walk and guide you through the neighborhood streets and make stops at unique neighborhood shops. She will educate you on olive oils and feed you the most DELICIOUS food (and wine) . Easily one the best food tours and a highlight of our Boston trip!

This is a fantastic tour to learn about Boston's North End while enjoying some great food and hidden gems! Paula is super engaging and friendly. She is passionate about her neighborhood and has so many wonderful connections and insight. I learned a lot and was definitely full at the end! I've done many, many food tours and this ranks among my favorites. It's a great way to learn about a city. I was by myself and included with a group doing an activity for their work. Everyone was friendly and our group of 12 did not seem too large. Thank you Paula!

A walking tour of Boston’s North End: What to see, do and eat in Little Italy

Andrea M. Rotondo

I headed to the North End (pronounced "Nah-th End") in search of the apartment building where my paternal grandmother — whom I never met — was born in 1902. Even though I was on the hunt for my own family history, it's impossible to avoid learning about the Italian American immigrant experience when in this Boston neighborhood.

My grandmother died long before I was born, and I'm now the age she was when she passed away. I never knew her, but we always had a connection.

Growing up, I lived with my parents and siblings in a three-family home with my grandfather and uncles. We shared an incredible basement with a root cellar and an extra kitchen (where we made gallons of red sauce from homegrown tomatoes). One afternoon when I was about 7, I noticed an old pedal-powered sewing machine in a dark corner of the basement. Struck with inspiration, I spent the next few evenings after school in that basement sewing myself a pretty sundress with fabric I found in the sewing machine cabinet.

When my dress was finished, I skipped upstairs to my grandfather's kitchen to show him my handiwork. Instead of the effusive praise I expected, he was strangely quiet. He asked how I knew how to use the sewing machine and who showed me the pattern. I told him I saw the pattern in my head and somehow just knew how to wind the bobbin and thread the machine.

That's when he smiled and told me that his wife, the nana I never met, was a talented seamstress. I'd used her sewing machine. Somehow across time and space, she passed the talent to me.

Since then, I've felt a connection to her even without knowing very much about her life. After doing some genealogical research, I found her baptismal record that listed the address where she was born, along with a 1920 U.S. census that listed her address right before she married my papa. So, I decided to go to the North End in search of the place where her parents settled in 1896 after emigrating from Italy's Sant'Elia Fiumerapido.

I took a leisurely walking tour that you can recreate the next time you're in Beantown. Here's everything you need to know for a successful tour that includes Paul Revere's house, Sicilian pizza and cannolis.

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Things to know before you go

Before you head to the North End, it's a good idea to know the lay of the land.

The North End is the oval-shaped piece of land jutting out from Boston proper bound by Route 93 and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park — near the Boston Marriott Long Wharf — anchors this part of town to the south while Boston's Inner Harbor is the natural boundary in the north and west.

East Boston and Logan International Airport (BOS) are across the water from the North End, and that is where you'll find all the wharves. (The other side of my family settled in East Boston when they arrived here from Calabria.) You can easily travel between East Boston and the North End via the Sumner and Callahan tunnels.

Start your tour at Haymarket or North Station

The North End is very walkable, but it's a nightmare to park a car there. Your best bet is to park elsewhere and take the MBTA Green Line subway to the Haymarket stop. One-way rides are $2.40 and ticket machines are at each station.

walking food tour boston north end

If you're driving, park at Haymarket Garage (also known as Parcel 7) at 136 Blackstone Street (use the Waze app to locate the garage because it's not so easy to find). Some North End establishments, such as Mike's Pastry, Regina Pizzeria and some of the stall vendors at Boston Public Market, validate parking tickets for this garage, and you'll only pay $3 for three hours. Just don't go over your time or you'll end up paying full price.

Start your tour of the North End at Haymarket and walk counterclockwise around the neighborhood.

Note: If you prefer to arrive via the train or subway at North Station (or if you park at the North End Garage at 600 Commerical Street), you can do this tour in reverse. Start at North Station, walk east on Causeway Street until it turns into Commercial Street and begin sightseeing at Copps Hill Burying Ground and visit the points of interest in a clockwise fashion.

But, I started my tour from the Haymarket subway stop.

Hanover Street

walking food tour boston north end

Hanover Street is the North End's "main drag." It's where you'll find a lot of the neighborhood's oldest or most popular sites, shops and restaurants. As you leave the Haymarket Garage, exit on Sudbury Street, take a right on John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road and then a left onto Hanover Street. You'll pass through the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and as you exit that park, you're officially entering the North End: Boston's Little Italy.

My visit to the North End was part of a heritage tour to discover more about my ancestors. You may be tracing your Italian heritage when you're in the area, too. But there's so much more to the North End. Several important Freedom Trail sites are located within the bounds of the North End, so I'll point those out too.

If possible, set aside enough time to discover the entire 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which is dotted with 16 historical sites that are significant to the history of the United States.

Now, let's talk money. The trend toward contactless payments has not reached many of the old-timey shops in the North End. Some bakeries and pizza places, in particular, only take cash. Be sure to visit an ATM before heading to the neighborhood. There's a cash machine at 218 Hanover Street and another across the street from Modern Pastry (at the start of your tour) in the Bank of America Financial Center at 260 Hanover Street.

Stop 1: New England Holocaust Memorial and the Tony DeMarco statue

walking food tour boston north end

As you exit the Haymarket subway stop, take an immediate right on Sudbury Street and then a right on Congress. You'll walk against traffic for one block. At the corner of Congress and Hanover Street, you'll find the New England Holocaust Memorial. It's not right at the gateway of the North End, but it would be a shame not to stop here before your tour and reflect.

Turn left onto Hanover Street and walk a block over the John F. Fitzgerald Expressway and the bronze Tony DeMarco statue is straight ahead at 191 Hanover Street (where it meets Cross Street). Born as Leonardo Liotta in 1932 to Sicilian immigrants, Tony grew up in the North End and became a celebrated boxer and World Welterweight Champion.

walking food tour boston north end

Fun fact: My grandfather on my mother's side came from Calabria. He was an amateur boxer whose fights were often featured in the Boston newspapers of the day, so seeing the Tony DeMarco statue held personal significance.

Stop 2: Grab a bite on Hanover Street

If you're beginning your tour at breakfast or lunchtime, grab a quick bite before launching into your tour.

Bricco Panetteria and Salumeria & Pasta Shop

walking food tour boston north end

It's easy to miss these two gems. Both are down a narrow alley next to the affiliated Bricco restaurant at 241 Hanover Street. For the panetteria, a walk down a steep flight of stairs is rewarded with the aroma of freshly baked Italian bread and pastries.

At street level, you'll find Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop at 11 Board Alley. You can order sandwiches that are out of this world (I like the porchetta/roast pork sandwich or the eggplant Parmigiano) or pick up provisions (cheese, olives, cured meats, pasta) for later.

These two spots are where North Enders pick up their bread, pastries and sandwiches. Don't miss it!

Modern Pastry

walking food tour boston north end

If it's breakfast time when you pass Modern Pastry (263 Hanover Street), drop into this family-owned and -operated shop. It's been here since 1931, which is an impressive run, but there are bakeries that have been in the neighborhood even longer. We'll mention those later.

The "must-buys" at Modern Pastry include sfogliatelle (a flaky pastry filled with ricotta ), ricotta pie, cannoli and pizzelles (cookies that look like very thin waffles). This shop is also known for its French-style macarons, but I'm especially fond of their Italian-style pistachio macaroons and pignoli (pine nut) cookies. The line can go out the door, but it moves quickly.

Galleria Umberto Rosticceria

If you're passing by closer to lunch or have a craving for something more savory, try the Sicilian pizza, panzarotti (similar to a calzone but fried) and arancini (rice balls) at Galleria Umberto Rosticceria at 289 Hanover Street. This casual eatery was established in 1974, and it only takes cash. I walked by at 10:40 a.m., and there was already a healthy line forming.

Mike's Pastry

Mike's Pastry is about a block beyond Modern Pastry and on the other side of the street at 300 Hanover Street. You may be familiar with Mike's because the outlet sells delectables via the mail-order site Goldbelly. But, you can stock up on Italian treats for your hotel room when you stop by in person. My favorite thing to order here is the cucidati (fig) cookies.

Neptune Oyster

Since you're in Boston, there's a good chance you're hoping to enjoy a lobster roll while you're in town — and you can do that right in the North End. In fact, one of the best lobster rolls in the city can be found right here at Neptune Oyster (63 Salem Street). While they serve a cold version with mayonnaise, you should order it hot with butter. Both are served on toasted brioche buns. You can't make a reservation here, so it's best to arrive before or after mealtimes to avoid the rush.

Pro tip: If you're looking for a lobster roll outside the North End, I'm partial to the hot one served by Saltie Girl (281 Dartmouth Street, around the corner from Newbury Street). The cold version is also good. Both are served with Saltie Girl Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips.

Stop 3: North Square

As you brush those pastry or pizza crumbs from your shirt, take a slight detour off Hanover Street by hanging a right on Prince Street and then another right onto North Street, where you'll enter the North Square plaza. Bostonians will tell you that North Square is America's oldest public square, and it's been a meeting place since 1649.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

walking food tour boston north end

This is one of the places I had been most anxious to visit in the North End. Sacred Heart at 12 North Square was the first Catholic Church in Boston, and it's where my grandmother was baptized in 1902 and where she married my papa in 1924. The building is closed right now due to COVID-19, but I reached out to the Archdiocese of Boston before my trip, and the archival team helped me find my grandmother's baptismal record.

What I find so interesting about this church is that its history goes beyond its Catholic roots. It was built in 1833 as a place where sailors could worship. (Remember, the Inner Harbor is just a few blocks away.) Lore has it that the sailor-preacher of the church, Father Taylor, was Herman Melville's inspiration for Father Mapple in "Moby Dick."

In 1884, the building was purchased by a community of Italian immigrants, and by 1888, the church was named Sacred Heart. When my great-grandfather Antonio arrived in Boston in 1896, he made this parish his family's religious home.

While the building is closed right now, the upper nave has a beautiful frescoed ceiling supported by marble columns. The downstairs chapel includes shrines to St. Anthony, St. Lucy, St. Therese, St. Jude and others. The church is now part of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice parish.

See where Paul Revere lived

walking food tour boston north end

Walk through the square and head to the corner, 19 North Square, to visit the Paul Revere House. It's one of the most famous sites on Boston's Freedom Trail.

Right now, this historic home is only open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For some, walking past the home may be enough. However, if you want to go inside, it costs $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and college students and $1 for kids 5-17.

The Pierce/Hichborn House at 29 North Square is managed by the same organization, but it is currently closed until further notice.

Dine at Mamma Maria right on the square

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There are many incredible authentic Italian restaurants in the North End, plus plenty of spots that are aimed toward tourists. Mamma Maria (3 North Square) is an institution. You can sit in one of the various rooms in the townhouse or right out on the square, and the atmosphere here is magical. Think fairy lights accenting the night sky.

Reservations are a must — especially if you want to dine outside. Be sure to note your preference when making your reservation on OpenTable. We dined here on our first night in Boston. Our table had a perfect view of Sacred Heart, and it was so special spending time in a place that was special to my grandparents.

Stop 4: St. Stephen's Catholic Church

walking food tour boston north end

Once you've investigated North Square, retrace your steps along Prince Street and take a right back onto Hanover Street, where you'll find St. Stephen's Catholic Church (401 Hanover Street). Even if you don't go inside, check out the exterior gardens and statues. It's a very peaceful spot.

Stop 5: Paul Revere Mall and statue

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You'll find the Paul Revere Mall and statue off Hanover Street between Tilestone and Charter streets. This is a good spot for photo-taking and resting a bit in the shade. There are plaques on the walls that hem in the mall. Each discusses important former North End residents and their achievements. The mall eventually leads to the Old North Church.

Stop 6: Old North Church

Every American schoolchild learns that Paul Revere launched his famous ride in 1775 from Old North Church (193 Salem Street). You can view the Christ Church, which was established in 1723, for free from the outside. If you want a tour inside, it will cost $5 per person (kids under 6 are free).

As you walk from Old North Church to your next stop, you'll need to put a bit of oomph in your step to make it up the hill. It's not too intense of a climb, but it's something to keep in mind if you're touring with someone that has a mobility issue. Just take it slow and steady — especially if it's a hot summer day or a snowy winter day when the sidewalk might be slick.

Stop 7: Skinny House

walking food tour boston north end

Your next stop is Copps Hill Burying Ground, and you'll find the entrance across from what's known as the Skinny House (44 Hull Street). The aptly named four-story home is supposedly the narrowest building in Boston — 10.4 feet at its widest point.

It was originally built by a Civil War veteran as a "spite house" after his brother spent all of their inheritance and left this sliver of land on which he could build.

Stop 8: Copps Hill Burying Ground

walking food tour boston north end

Since the pandemic started, I've spent a fair amount of time working on my family's genealogy. And while it may seem strange to walk around a cemetery, there is something so meaningful about taking time to read the tombstones and think about what each person's life must have been like.

Copps Hill Burying Ground is Boston's second cemetery and goes back to 1659, long before my family immigrated from Italy. As you read the markers, you'll see that this is the final resting place for craftspeople and merchants who lived their lives in the North End.

From the cemetery, you can see the USS Constitution, another stop on the Freedom Trail, at the Navy Yard at Charlestown. In the distance, you'll also see the North Washington Street Bridge at Lovejoy Wharf.

Stop 9: More pizza, bread and pastries

Your tour of the North End is winding down now. Continue along Hull Street and then take a left onto Snow Hill Street. Follow that to Thacher Street to finish off your tour with amazing food.

Regina Pizzeria

walking food tour boston north end

This is the famous Regina Pizzeria (11 1/2 Thacher Street) that's been serving up thin-crust, brick oven pizza since 1926. If you prefer thick squares of Sicilian-style pizza, skip Regina and wait until you hit Parziale's Bakery.

Parziale's Bakery

walking food tour boston north end

Head back the way you came on Thacher Street and take a right back onto Prince. Then walk 1.5 blocks and look for Parziale's Bakery on the right side of the street (80 Prince Street).

This may have been the bakery that my nana would have visited. She was born in 1902, and the Parziale family opened a bakery at 7 Charter Street in 1907 after arriving from the Naples area of Italy.

Today, the bakery — now on Prince Street — serves dozens of types of bread, Sicilian pizza squares by the slice or tray (half or full) and, of course, cookies and cannoli shells. This is my favorite place to buy cannolis since the bakery only fills the shells to order. That keeps the pastry crisp (because nothing is worse than a soggy cannoli).

Bova's Bakery

Right around the corner is Bova's Bakery (134 Salem Street), and you have to stop here, too. The bakery serves up many different types of bread. In the springtime, the Easter bread is absolutely delicious. I'm also partial to the lobster tails, and my husband swears by the tiramisu.

Bottom line

I love the North End. It's compact enough that nearly anyone can effectively tour all the sites in a manageable amount of time. And, if you like to browse shops, stop at bakeries or enjoy a leisurely meal, you will love this Boston neighborhood, too.

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I am from the Boston area and grew up here all my life but had never taken the time to explore some of the city’s most historic sites and learn about them. This tour was the perfect way to do so with really fascinating history and some walking mixed with delicious bites around town. I opted in for the beer add-on and loved trying some beers I had never tried before. This is the perfect date-day activity as I went with my girlfriend who also loved the tour. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable too making the experience even better. We can’t wait to take the other tours that Bites of Boston has!

This tour is wonderful for both visitors to Boston and for locals! I brought friends from Toronto on the tourand we all loved it. The restaurant stops are fabulous, the guide was really amazing, and we learned so much about the history of the South End— which is certainly one of the best foodie neighborhoods in town. They are full of suggestions and information about the city so it is a great way to kick off a stay in Boston. Highly recommended!

The Allston Arts & Eats Neighborhood Food tour was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in August. Amanda was a wonderful tour guide and she brought us to some great places in Allston. The murals were also very cool and it was nice to learn about how each mural came to exist. Having lived in Boston over 10 years ago it was fun to eat at places that were fairly new and serving up food that was absolutely delicious! If you are looking for a fun activity the next time you are in town I would highly recommend this food and art experience.

We’ve lived in MA all our lives and have enjoyed so many Boston neighborhoods and restaurants but have never ventured into Chinatown. Our loss and today became a great find! Nicole and Laurel were great guides and we learned a lot about the origin of the food we sampled and the history of the families that own the establishments, as well as the history of Chinatown. We’ll definitely return to explore more of Chinatown because of this introduction. Thank you Nicole and Laurel for a nice day.

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