Cantina Italiana

Cantina Italiana is a North End restaurant and bar serving traditional and updated Italian-American dishes alongside Southern Italian cooking. Opened in 1931, it describes itself as the oldest restaurant in the North End, and its old-world decor reflects that long run in Boston’s Little Italy. The focus is homestyle food and warm service, whether for big family dinners, nights out with friends or date nights.

The restaurant frames every meal around family, friends and food, and its motto, “mangia, beve, e buona salute,” invites guests to eat, drink and toast to good health. With more than 80 years of history, it presents itself as an iconic tradition in Boston’s Little Italy, serving the tastes that made the North End famous. Its warm, charming atmosphere is meant to offer a comfortable, relaxed setting for a meal and a drink.

What to Know

• Tables can be reserved, and pickup orders are available.
• The restaurant hosts private events and celebrations.
• It is listed as both group friendly and tour friendly.
• Its directory listing also notes farm-to-table and special-occasion dining.