While Boston's North End is known throughout New England for its superb Italian cuisine, the great food often arrives along with a hefty tab. A bit of exploring throughout the alleyways and cobblestone streets can lead restaurant patrons to some of the smaller, but more reasonably priced places to dine. One of these hidden gems is D'Amore's, located close to both the festivities and attractions of the North End and the activity of Faneuil Hall and the Haymarket.

About the Restaurant
D'Amore's is a family-run establishment that has been feeding North End habitants and tourists for more than 25 years. The cozy restaurant is located on Salem Street, which is directly across from the pedestrian walkway when traveling the Freedom Trail from Quincy Market. Look for the glass-enclosed eatery on the left side, less than a block from Cross Street.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant can only be described as cozy. Two walls are glass, allowing for a view of Salem Street, which is often busy with colorful locals. Hanging plants and stained glass lamps are mixed among an entire wall of Polaroids of past patrons. The waitstaff are always willing to take a seat and chat for awhile when taking orders. The front and picture walls offer small booths, but tables for larger parties are also available.

On the Menu
Appetizers like the Fresh Mozzarella Cheese and Sliced Tomatoes make a great start to a meal. We also liked the Calamari Scampi which had only a hint of garlic and was well-prepared. The portion was enough for two people looking for a light start. Keep in mind, meals also come with bread and salad, making for a full plate.

The dinner menu is huge and the prices are extremely reasonable. Pasta is, of course, well represented by everything from Baked Ziti to Sausage Saute. The menu also offers a large variety of chicken, veal, and seafood. The Shrimp Scampi was well-portioned and very tasty, with only a hint of garlic. The Chicken a la Diavolo was also very good and came with a side of pasta. Preparations like Marsala and Cacciatore included the option of either chicken or veal.

Those looking to really experience a taste of Italy will be happy with the wine list, which offered both some Italian and American favorites. Coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso, and soda are also available.

A lunch menu, with smaller portions of many of the dinner specialties, is offered Monday through Saturday. In addition to the pastas, a variety of sandwiches are available.

Dessert
The dessert menu is very small, but for one hungering for a full Italian meal, a fresh cannoli is likely to hit the spot. After all the food included in the entrees and specials, you aren't likely to have room for much more anyway.

Helpful Hints
Like the rest of the North End, the busiest times at D'Amore's are during the summer, but the owner assured the wait isn't usually more than 10 minutes. Be aware that the restaurant does allow smoking, with no real barrier between the sections. The building is not handicap accessible.

All credit cards are accepted at D'Amore's and reservations are, too. Because of the size of the restaurant and how crowded it gets at peak hours, parties of eight are the largest we recommend.

Directions
Getting around Boston by car is usually impossible and even more so in the North End since after 6 PM almost all parking spots are reserved for vehicles with resident stickers. D'Amore's helps out by offering validated parking to their customers at Parcel 7, located on New Chardon St. (about a 5 minute walk from the restaurant).

Still, the easiest and most relaxing way to get to D'Amore's is to take the Green Line T to Government Center. Walk to Quincy Market and then follow the Freedom Trail to the North End. Salem Street is directly across Cross Street and D'Amore's is #76, less than a block up on the left.

By Kristen Turick

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