We love the North End and go there pretty frequently. We have some places we really enjoy (Il Villagio, Euno among them) but are looking for something different this time. We're taking local friends out for dinner and want to go to a spot with excellent food, a nice atmosphere and reservations. Where would you go? Cost is not a factor--we want it to be a terrific evening (these friends are forever doing generous things for us).

Thanks!

Lucca!

http://www.luccaboston.com/

Mama Maria
Neptune Oyster
Sage

Carmen, Sage and Bricco

We love Trattoria Scallintella. It's small but neat. We especially enjoy the chef's tasting menu where the entree is chosen for you!

We also like Sage.

Thanks all. I actually made a reservation at Taranta...Sage wasn't available when we wanted it. Will also now look into Trattoria Scalintella--have heard nice things about that spot and forgot about it.

Go to the www.chowhound.com and ask the people on the Boston board... they know EVERYTHING!!

Good call with Taranta, I love their steaks with red sauce.

We just ate at Taranta for the first time last week - excellent! We had eaten at Euno and Mama Maria, but wanted to try something different.

My huband had the chicken, and I had lobster and crab ravioli. Ambience, food, service, location, all were excellent.

Thanks, all. You've been great (as usual). I'll try to remember to write with some details of a fun night.