Known as Boston’s Little Italy, its northern border End proudly displays its rich Italian history via a plethora of restaurant offerings situated through the city’s oldest residential neighborhood. From homemade pasta dishes and family-owned restaurants to delis and cafés serving up fresh-baked bread and sumptuous pastries, this Boston neighborhood has got the market cornered when it comes to inventive Italian treats.
But the menus listed here are not just for afternoon and evening dining—the neighborhood is also known as an eclectic destination to grab a little bit of breakfast or brunch at certainly one of its many restaurants that serve in the most significant meal of the day in style. Several from the North End’s the best places to grab a morning bite—whether it’s a simple sammy full of flavor, or a creative and elevated undertake classically timeless AM staples.
North Street Grille: Boston’s Best Brunch?
Often described as certainly one of Boston’s Best Brunches, the North End neighborhood fave North Street Grille has been serving up the goods since 2004. And it’s not only recption menus that’s special at North Street, it’s the restaurant’s dedication to creating an “at home” friendly atmosphere that’s just like warm and welcoming because the house-made banana bread (direct in the owner’s Grandma herself).
- Address: 229 North Street
- Hours: Thursday through Sunday 8 AM-4 PM
- Price: $$
- Reservations: Yes, via OpenTable
- Take A Bite: Nutella & Banana French Toast; North End Benedict; Chicken & Waffle Sliders
The Thinking Cup Goes Beyond A Mug Of Joe
Though The Thinking Cup is renowned for its stellar coffee—serving Stumptown and Third Wave products exclusively—with one sip of the uber-fresh joe in the morning, it’s easy to see why the Boston Common spot is known as the apex of premier coffee in the area. However the Thinking Cup isn't just for coffee lovers, it also delivers an on-the-go breakfast menu that pairs perfectly with its curated coffee selections.
- Address: 165 Tremont St
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 7 AM-7 PM
- Price: $
- Reservations: No
- Take A Bite: Breakfast Burrito; Almond Croissant; Breakfast Sandwich With Egg, Cheese, and selection of Meat
Mangia Mangia Is A Tried and tested North End Fave
For over 30 years, the folks at Mangia Mangia have been an Italian staple from the North End neighborhood. Open for breakfast and lunch, the no-frills menu comes complete with perennial faves; both tourists and locals alike rave over their delish breakfast sammies and friendly atmosphere that make mtss is a must-taste place in its northern border End.
- Address: 147 Endicott Street
- Hours: Monday through Saturday 8 AM-2 PM (breakfast served all day long)
- Price: $
- Reservations: No
- Take A Bite: Western Omelette; Breakfast Sandwiches With Side Of Tater Tots; Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Caffé Ducali: Breakfast Is Served Only at that Neighborhood Pizzeria
The North End has no shortage of amazing pizzerias; however, it is tough to find many who also focus on serving up an amazing breakfast and brunch, too—and Caffé Ducali certainly will do the job. Though sharing a location, the Caffé menu is outside of the pizzeria offerings and includes breakfast, lunch, and brunch options; however, visitors can expect to find the same great flavor at this Italian-inspired espresso bar that’s creating a splash as a trendy and delish new neighborhood fave.
- Address: 289 Causeway Street
- Hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM-4 PM; Saturday & Sunday 8 AM-4 PM. Breakfast is served 7 AM-11 AM. Visit the website for times and dates of the Caffe’s “Fútbol Brunch”
- Price: $-$$
- Reservations: No
- Take A Bite: Italian Breakfast Sandwich; Pane Dolce; Egg, Pancetta, and Pecorino Cheese Sandwich
Pauli’s Is A Go-To Breakfast Spot With Big Flavors
If a cafe or restaurant has Guy Fieri’s stamp of approval, then it just has to become good—and Pauli’s sure doesn’t disappoint using their big portions and big flavors which have been in the family for over four generations. Today, these come in this North End spot that has been charming breakfast seekers (and lobster roll connoisseurs) since 2011.
- Address: 65 Salem Street
- Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM-9 PM; Saturdays 10 AM-9 PM; Sundays 10 AM-5 PM
- Price: $
- Reservations: No
- Take A Bite: Panza Grande; Steak, Cheese, and Egg Breakfast Sandwich; El Cerdo Sandwich
Pink Carrot: Healthy Bites, Whole-foods, And A Smoothie Bar
While greasy spoon breakfasts and top-notch, high-end brunches in many cases are as easy to locate as artisanal coffee houses (particularly in a dynamic city like Boston), it’s not always simple to find healthier alternatives to those big (and delicious!) morning meals which are often the perfect hangover cure. Enter Pink Carrot, an innovative café and smoothie bar serving up nourishing, good-for-you meals which are health-conscious and delicious—an ideal combo.
- Address: 115 Salem Street
- Hours: Monday through Saturday 8 AM-7 PM
- Price: $-$$
- Reservations: No
- Take A Bite: Overnight Oats; Crazy Good Egg Wrap; Berry Good Toast
Get the Brunch On At Florentine Café
Indulge inside a savory brunch along with a Bloody Mary at this hip spot known for its inventive menu and funky classic location that’s at home in North End’s Little Italy. However this isn't your grandma’s brunch—diners should expect fancy fare that’s at the top of flavor; and, such as the restaurant itself, the brunch offerings are full of classy dishes with a signature twist.
- Address: 333 Hanover Street
- Hours: Brunch is served 10 AM-2:30 PM Sundays
- Price: $$
- Reservations: Yes
- Take A Bite: Florentine Omelet; Brioche French Toast; Smoked Salmon Tart
A morning visit to Boston’s North End gives visitors a masterclass in traditional Italian flavor and homey, home-style vibes that are not only for lunch and dinner—there's a veritable treasure chest of breakfast menus available here, too. From traditional classics and straightforward (yet delicious) on-the-go fare to creative twists and eclectic, inventive dishes big on flavor, its northern border End offers diners the best of Boston's breakfast scene.
