This place has absolutely pristine oysters that you order individually off of something similar to a sushi menu. Kumamoto, Wellfleet, Bee's River...so many varieties of oyster to choose from, not to mention clams, crab claws and shrimp. Their lobster roll (the hot one, not the one with mayo which is served cold) is overflowing with the meat of 2 chick lobsters and drizzled with butter on brioche, served with Belgian twice-fried fries. Somewhat non-traditional but extremely delicious. The clam chowder is first rate, and every bowl is cooked to order. This North End hotspot has a great selection of champagnes and wines by the bottle and glass.

Chef Guy Martin aims to bring a feast for your five senses with his menu that highlights Asian, French, and American flavors. Up close and personal dining is available with tables that open up to the kitchen and the Boston Harbor.

Forget Hanover Street. While tourists flock to the North End hotspot to sample traditional Italian staples and soak in its rustic charm, hardcore foodies know that just a cannoli's throw away is one of the oldest -- and most culturally vibrant -- blocks in Boston. La Galleria 33 typifies the kind of reasonably priced, more-bang-for-your-buck eateries that line Salem Street. This place has a bit of rustic appeal. Exposed brick and an open hearth kitchen give two candlelit rooms a soft, warm glow. Glass doors in the summertime open onto the street. Co-owned by Rita Moran and her sister Lisa Cerundolo, La Galleria 33 is a nice alternative for a date and won't empty out your wallet the way some of these North End restaurants can.

The North End holds many treasures for the foodie palate. Need a good butcher? Check. Old school baker with fresh bread any time of the day or night? There are dozens to choose from. Great seafood merchant? There used several fish mongers abounding that have slowly dwindled away to make room for the boutiques and trendy hot spots opening left and right throughout the neighborhood. However, the ladies of Mercato del Mare moved in Summer of 2008 to fill that void and currently offer a variety traditional Italian fave's as well as staples and exotic fish for your next feast.

Cibo's old digs, spruced up with a new menu and name.

This is a great place to go if you have a wedding or special event to go to, and need just the right outfit that will make every other woman there extremely jealous. The satin and silk dresses are absolutely stunning in a rainbow of color, so beautiful that you'll consider going without food for weeks so that you can afford to buy them. You'll see a lot of Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Poleci on the racks. Plunging necklines, gold, sequin, swank, heaven, fabulousness. Bonus: black chandeliers over antique looking wallpaper and heavy purple curtains that drape the dressing room. Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.

A new addition to the North End dining scene, Amici's brings a family run flavor to a part of the North End off the beaten track. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as during all Garden events, Amici's is classic Italian at a decent price. Banquet rooms available as well.

Nick Varano, the owner of Strega, crafted this North End hotspot on Hanover Street. Opening its doors on Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, the two-floor restaurant boasts classic Italian fare--did someone say meatballs?--and the decor is a throwback to the disco era. Think John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever" without the bellbottoms. Nico's opening featured such luminary guests as Danny Terrio of "Dance Fever" fame and Vincent Pastore, known as "Big Pussy" from "The Sopranos" and a participant on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" and Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice."
For more North End restaurants explore our guide to the North End.