10 or 12 of us will be having a birthday celebration on a Sat. night this fall in Boston. Any suggestions for restaurants for a group that size, preferably North End, but open to other places?

I was part of a group that had a great time at Mamma Maria's about five years ago. This place is on the more expensive side, but we had our own room and the food was fantastic...HOWEVER....since then, the quality of Mamma Maria's has taken a bit of a slide. Don't know if it's made a comback yet.

In general, North End restaurants are small and don't generally take reservations. One place off the top of my head that might is Joe Tecce's (been to a wedding rehearsal dinner there).

Just ate this weekend at Bacco's in the north end. Very good food, traditional italian, not the more "modern" style. They did take a reservation for us. There is an upstairs room that we didn't see and maybe that would be large enough for a group. Be sure to try the pastry shop a few doors down from Mike's on the same side. Fantastic connoli's (spelling?) that they fill while you wait.

For a party your size, I would recommend Joe Tecce's; had my husband's 50th there. The menu is varied, prices not outrageous and the service is generally good.
Order a rum cake at Mike's Pastry for the Birthday person; or go by after dinner for one of their canoli's or lobster tails.

For smaller groups, I recommend Giacomo's; very small and always a line.

have fun

In the north end for a large group I have to say Dolce Vita! It has great food and the service is incredible! The owner (jolly, robust authentic Italian) is very hospitable and I've seen him lead big Italian families in Italian songs. Reservations highly recommended in advance for a group.
They can either sit you in the main dining room, or for a more private affair, there is a long table downstairs, by the kitchen (a little noisy, but not bad)...however, you are totally secluded from the atmosphere of the place. I would suggest upstairs.
Also, Saraceno has a nice dining room on the top floor, covered in ivy and white lights..also very good food and nice atmosphere.

topping