Best of Boston

The flagship of this mini-empire on Salem Street—they also run Antico Forno—Terramia is the single reason to make your way to the North End—and the Big Dig be damned. The street lights and ambient charm of the North End come in through the large windows of this elegant restaurant. Specials change daily, but on a recent visit, chefs Mario Nocera and Joseph Tinnirello prepared spectacular homemade porcini mushroom pappardelle and a beautiful grilled tuna finished with white beans and escarole.