The North End is packed elbow to elbow macaroni with restaurants whose kitchens lovingly churn out Old World family recipes alongside cutting-edge adaptations of the classics. That said, great Italian food isn’t limited by the geographic boundaries of the North End, as evidenced by  CARLO’S CUCINA ITALIANA. This unassuming mom-and-pop place has been lauded again and again by some of Boston’s most cynical critics (like, um, us), thanks to its sensational menu of Southern Italian fare.

Finishing at a very-very close second, we have TRATTORIA TOSCANA, which also lies beyond the grasp of the North End culinary mob. Specializing in Tuscan food, this Fenway eatery is the perfect place to woo a Sox fan over a plate of pasta.

CARLO’S CUCINA ITALIANA | 131 Brighton Avenue, Allston | 617.254.9759 | carloscucinaital-iana.com

TRATTORIA TOSCANA | 130 Jersey Street, Boston | 617.247.9508