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The best Italian food isn’t in Boston’s North End, readers say. Here’s where to find it.
Julian Edelman stirred the pot — and readers agreed: Federal Hill beats the North End for Italian food. Here's why.
In a recent podcast episode, former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman shared a hot take surrounding the New England Italian food scene.
“I think Federal Hill has better Italian than the North End,” Edelman said in the April 22 episode of his podcast, Games with Names.
We know people have strong opinions about their Italian food, so we asked readers what they thought of Edelman’s comment. In the survey, we asked readers if the Federal Hill neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island has better Italian food than Boston’s North End. The majority of readers agreed with Edelman, and many said their reasoning was due to Federal Hill restaurant’s “authenticity” and the North End’s lack thereof — too many tourists, most say.
Julian Edelman said Federal Hill in Providence has better Italian food than the North End in Boston. Do you agree?
Yes!
48%
No way.
21%
Depends on the restaurant.
30%
Other
1%
Julian Edelman said Federal Hill in Providence has better Italian food than the North End in Boston. Do you agree?
Yes!
“100%. North End is full of tourist traps and menus built for Instagram. Federal Hill is the real deal with true Italian dishes based on simple, local ingredients and true Italian recipes.” – Marty M., Dorchester
“I grew up in RI but went to college in Boston. I love the North End but Federal Hill has it beat hands down! There are so many up and coming chefs that put a fresh spin on things and there are also the tried and true great restaurants that have been around for years. You also can’t beat the pizza at Caserta’s, Pastiche’s carrot cake, fresh baked bread from Scialo Bros. and the Italian specialty items at Tony’s Colonial or Venda Ravioli!” – Daria G., Wayland
“The North End has the sweets but Federal Hill has the top savory meal options. The veal marsala from Camille’s or the pollo Milano at Cassarino’s are just a couple examples why, if you want top Italian, Federal Hill is the stop.” – Tomas D., Brighton
Depends on the restaurant
“I have experienced great, good and bad Italian food in both places.” – Sandra C., Lynn
“There’s great restaurants at both locations. Let’s just say I’m lucky to live in the middle of the two.” – Jay M., South Attleboro
“Spent 40 years in the Boston area & spent many times in the North End. Moved to South County [Rhode Island] 25 years ago & naturally started to go to Federal Hill. Both have fine Italian cuisine but find more authentic dishes in Federal Hill.” – Andre C., South Kingstown
No way!
“There are so many great options in the North End to choose from. Everyone can find their special place there. For my family, it will always be Pagliuca’s because we love the owners and the food. A must visit when we’re in town.” – Frank V., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“There are so many great restaurants in the North End. I think that Danny [Amendola] and Julian [Edelman] are a little biased because they probably went there more often, given the proximity and ease of driving down to Federal Hill. I love L’Osteria and Massimino’s in the North End.” – Paul L., Pinehurst, N.C.
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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