If you want the authentic, real Italian-American experience, visit Cantina Italiana. Situated in Boston's Italian North End, it is the perfect Italian eaterie. Busy to the point of bustling, but never harried; noisy, but with plenty of privacy; wonderful food at a great price.
Cantina is our favourite Boston restaurant and always gets a visit when we are in town. Over, probably, ten to twelve visits we have never been disappointed, and meals at Cantina are always one of the highlights of any Boston trip.
There are open tables in the centre of the restaurant which can cater for small parties and large ones, and around the restaurants edge, but very much in the heart of place, are traditional booths.
The food is hearty, traditional Italian and there is a pleasant bar area at the front, should the happy noise from within the dining room not tempt you immediately.
On our last visit a lovely gentlemen, Antonio I think, was playing his accordion and singing. Hadn't happened before, so I don't know if it's a regular occurence now. Normally I'm the last one to want anyone standing by my table and drawing attention to me, but it was so gentle (and for such a short time) that it was lovely!
Service is great and it is so easy to get a cab when you want, reluctantly I guarantee, to return to your hotel. Just ask and you'll probably wait a couple of minutes taking fabulous memories of a great meal with you.