Trattoria Il Panino North End

The Scene
At the original, least gentrified and most affordable location of the well-known area chain, expect long waits and plenty of tourists. (As no reservations are taken, lines can literally stretch down the street.) Ground level and basement dining rooms are overseen by Italian-American waiters, most of whom are bilingual, which brings an old world charm to the proceedings. The Italian wine list features several inexpensive table wines. A 48-seat giardino (little garden) is open when the weather's nice.

The Food
Standard pizzas and pastas are churned out in an open kitchen. The menu features authentic, reasonably portioned Italian standards like chicken saltimbocca, tagliolini alla puttanesca, and gnocchi in a simple red sauce. Cold, fresh caprese (buffalo mozzarella, beefsteak tomatoes, basil and olive oil) is a perfect appetizer. Dessert can be had elsewhere, as no coffee is served, and a simple tiramisu is the only sweet finish available.