Boston's north end italian restaurant question
 

We will be in boston one night before a trip to bermuda and would like to dine in the north end for dinner with our daughter. She is very good in restaurants- quiet as a mouse when she has food in front of her! But, that being said, i don't want to ruin anyone's meal at a quiet, romantic or ultra hip place. We are planning to go to Pagliuca's, but it's on a walk in basis, and i'd like to have a backup reservation -- can someone recommend a great italian restaurant in the area that might fit the bill? thank you

Hello,
Every single restaurant is popular and has great food in the North End! The differences between them all are the prices.
Since you don't mind a more "relaxed" atmosphere, my favorite place is La Familia Spagnolia, or sometimes just called Spagnolios. It's a walk-in type place also, and very very very affordable compared to other places. No matter where you go, you'll have a blast!!! I do recommend going earlier in the evening, as when 6 or 7 comes around, it's nearly impossible to even walk on the street!
Make a stop at Mike's Pastry while you're on Hanover Street!!! You can't miss it!! Also, have fun in Bermuda, and if you could, let me know how it goes! I have always wanted to take that cruise from here!

Pagliuca's should be fine. In all my years (23?) of eating in the North End, I don't recall any place being particularly quiet. I also like 5 North Square, but you should be fine at Pagliuca's. I agree about going early - it gets crowded and busy. Mike's is a lot of fun - also the place next door (Cafe Vittoria?). BTW, I have never had a bad meal in the North End. : )
Buon appetito!

Thanks to all of you for your recommendations. We ended up going to pagluicca's and had one of the best Matriciana pastas I have ever had this side of the Atlantic. very peppery, but my 2 year old devoured it too! the service was great - very friendly and doting on my DD.

I love it when people come back and tell about how things turned out!!!

Ditto!