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.

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Cute little North End market and bodega offering everything from grocery items, deli meats and cheeses, prepared foods, smoothies, and salads. A neighborhood jewel, but do not expect them to have alot of options: space is small. Amidst all of the restaurants, you'd think that the grocery selection for residents of the North End would be more plentiful. With this in mind, Going Bananas is exactly what's needed when the gourmet chops are closed or simply don't have what you need. This is a small grocery store that sells many different cheeses, herbs and product of good quality, if just a little pricey. The smoothies are a recent addition, and the sandwiches are first rate. The guy making the sandwiches is a perfectionist, and the prosciutto & mozzarella is one of the best in town.

The Golden Goose Market on the Waterfront of Boston's North End is a small high end grocery. Although it has pretty much everything that the average city dweller might need, it is offered in smaller quantities and at a higher price. They also have a wine shop in the back of the store as well as a section for prepared foods and a full Boar's Head deli. So much more than just a convenience store, this place offers high-end selections and old fashioned personal service. They are fully stocked with many prepared dishes, such as fresh cooked chicken and pizza. They also provide a salad bar, liquor, deli, and a large cheese and meat section. Sandwiches only cost about six bucks, but the ultimate meal deal at the Golden Goose is their half-pound Angus Beef Burger for just $4.99. Don't go there for the veggies here, which are okay but there's better to be found elsewhere. Be sure to stop in for the early Friday night wine tastings. You get to try about 4-5 wines, snack on some cheese and crackers, and get a good education about the wines being served. $5 minimum on credit/debit card purchases.

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Domenico Susi owns this family-run North End Meat Market, where they will skin and butcher a rabbit literally right before your eyes. "Would you like the head?" Not for the feint of heart. The place is meticulously clean and as simple as butcher shops were 100 years ago. One side is lined with wooden chairs, where you can sit while the meat is cut to order - absolutely nothing is prefrozen. The shop specializes in veal, lamb, kid, and homemade sausages. It's more expensive if the animal is smaller and less available. A few hairs will be left on the tail to reassure you that this is indeed the real deal.