HOME > Chowhound > Greater Boston Area >   Good Italian - Not
the North End!  Want to catch a nice Italian dinner with a
friend for belated birthday -- However, I cannot stand one more
mediocre experience in the North End!  Friends have suggested
Grotto? Also, if there is something to salvage out of the NE,
I'll consider it.    1. Click to Upload a photo (10 MB limit)
1. Grotto is terrific. Their garlic and black truffle soup is
worth the price of admission alone.      Other good places
include Tullio's in North Quincy, Sweet Basil in Needham,
Abbondanza in Everett, Rino's and Caffe Italia in East Boston,
Pasta Lina's in Medford, and D'Parma in Winthrop.      1. Via
Matta near the Park Plaza hotel is good, as is Sage which just
moved to the South End from the North End. I have always enjoyed
my meals at Grotto.        1. If price is no object, how about
Sorellina? Excellent food in a beautiful dining room.
1. Teatro is also good and has a fun atmosphere. The downside of
the scene is that it's ofte