The North End is the Italian neighborhood in Boston. Our favorite restaurant is Giacomo's (we ate there on the night we got engaged!), but almost every restaurant is amazing. Most are cash only, and there are plenty of ATMs in the area. Make sure to save room for dessert! Modern Pastry is our go-to for cannolis. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites dating back to the Revolutionary War in Boston, including the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, the Old State House, and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
The beer in New England is some of the best in the country. We recommend Night Shift Owl's Nest on the Esplanade for fun outdoor drinks and Nightshift Lovejoy Wharf for dinner and awesome Boston city views. Our favorite brewery, Lamplighter, is just outside of Boston in Cambridge. It has two locations, the original in Central Square and the brand new beer hall in Cambridge Crossing.
Our favorite restaurant is Pammy's in Cambridge, right near the first apartment we moved to in Massachusetts. It is New Italian small plates in a charming setting. The menu is prix fixe, but we promise everything is delicious. Definitely make a reservation far in advance if you'd like to give it a try. Our most sentimental spots include the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in Boston where we got engaged and the Weeks Bridge in Cambridge where we took our engagement photos, not far from Harvard.
Be sure to check out Flour Bakery and Tatte Bakery & Café, two chain cafés in Boston with great coffee, food, and pastries. Blackbird Doughnuts in Boston is also delicious for fresh coffee, donuts, and soft-serve ice cream (our favorite combo). Café Vittoria in the North End is a hidden gem for cappuccinos and Italian pastries.
Our wedding venue is in North Andover which is about 30 minutes outside of Boston. If you're looking for a bite to eat closer to the hotel blocks, here are some places to consider. Bertucci's Italian Restaurant and Burton's Grill are chain restaurants with good food and plenty of options. The Friendly Toast is a hip diner and bar known for their hearty breakfasts.