☰Al Dente

A small, unpretentious Italian restaurant on Salem Street in the North End, Boston's historic Little Italy. The menu leans heavily on homemade pasta -- the name is a promise they take seriously -- with classic dishes like rigatoni bolognese and linguine alle vongole done simply and well. The dining room is tiny, so expect a wait on weekend evenings, but the portions are generous enough to make up for it. Prices are reasonable by North End standards, and the staff treat regulars and first-timers with the same warmth.