We're visiting Boston next month, with 2 well-behaved young children.

What recommendations do you have for lunch and/or dinner places in the North End (possibly 2 separate meals there)? Preferably northern Italian; we don't want a chain. Mamma Maria's is probably too nice & not good for kids. Hopefully, something a little noisy but not too noisy. Any good lunch places that are more takeout-oriented, for slices of pizza or sandwiches?

Lastly, any good Indian restaurants in Boston (not Cambridge)?

Hello:
For Indian, Kashmir at 279 Newbury Street and for Northern Italian, La Summa on Fleet Street is my advise.
Have a good time.

A fun one to try is an Ethiopian restaurant in the South End. Instead of formal tables and chairs, it has little stools set around a woven-table thingamajig. Do a search for "Ethiopian" restaurants on boston.citysearch.com. There is also a good Indian place that is more casual than Kashmir called Himalaya--just take the green T line to the "Hynes Convention Center" stop, then walk half-a block down Mass Ave (you will also come to it by going to the end of Newbury St. (where the Tower Records is). Good luck!

Per North End restaurants: Basically, throw a stone, and you'll hit a good restaurant. There are restaurants there for every budget. Rabia's on Salem Street is GREAT for lunch, very affordable, and very, very, good. Also, Euno's (I believe that's also on Salem Street), and Il Pannino (on the corner of Parmenter St. and Hanover St.) is good for dinner.

But again, there are so many good restaurants in the North End, it's hard to choose a favorite one. I agree that Mamma Mia's is probably too much with children, it's very high-end, as is Marcuccio's (on Salem St.)--so stay away from those (although they are very good).

For dessert, go to Cafe Vittoria (on Hanover, near Il Pannino). Or you can stop into the "famous" Mike's Pastry, also on Hanover. Your children will probably love Mike's--lots and lots of cookies to choose from!

Enjoy!

With kids the North End is a good call. Just pick a menu that appeals to you there are probably over 100 resteraunts in a small proximity. Pizzaria Regina in the North End is a Boston legend (for lunch)

Gee I am surprised no one recommended Durgin Park at the Fanuiel Hall area. Lots of history and fun place, lots of noise, so the kids will feel at home, be prepared to wait a bit, but the food is good and used to be "family style" seating.

Tour the area as well, lots of interesting things to see and do.

Take the Swan Boat in the Garden and walk at least part of the Freedom Trail for some history.

Have a great time.

Ann, Durgin Park is not what it used to be. It was an institution--pretty good family fare served by down-to-earth waitresses who expected you to clean your plate. The New England fare, large wooden tables shared with who-knows-who, and the noise were a real treat when I was a kid. Of course back then it was the only thing in a rundown part of the city; now it's part of the Quincy Market area. You can't go home again.

We went to Cantina Italiana.This would have been a great place for children as it is dark and calming as well as a freindly place.You HAVE to go to Mike's. The marzipan is beautiful!Get there early enough to get a "Lobster Tail" Yumm!

For a real (and expensive) treat go to Finale. It is a desert place near the theatres. Watch them make fabulous deserts. The kids will love it (if they can stay up late).

we like a place called ARtu. It is on a side street. Go there from the suburbs about 4 times a year. Just there for mother's day. have two kids ( 9 and 4) Food is solid and tasty. Prices are good
$10.00-$13.00 for a large portion of dinner. Has a nice North end atmosphere. Not stiff. (No kids menu) A fun place to eat.