Recommendation for North End and picnic on waterfront

My boyfriend and I will be in Boston for a few days soon. Could someone recommend a great quaint Italian restaurant in the North End? Something with great food and not too outrageous prices?

Also, any ideas for a place to get lunch for a picnic perhaps in columbus park or somewhere on the waterfront?

We are staying at the Onyx hotel so ideas between there and the waterfront would be great!

Thanks!

Recommendation for North End and picnic on waterfront

Columbus Park is an idea.

If you plan to go to the JFK Library at all, there%26#39;s GORGEOUS picnic territory out there, adjacent to the UMass Boston campus. Unlike downtown spots, it%26#39;s relatively uncrowded and peaceful. You could pack a lunch from downtown and jump on the T to JFK/UMass. Grab the bus NOT to the JFK library but the bus to the UMB campus and pick a spot on the waterfront then walk up to the Library for a visit. The UMB campus is surrounded by grassy areas by the water, lined with trees and a lovely waterfront walking park with plenty of benches. There%26#39;s also plenty of lawn for stretching out.

If you hadn%26#39;t planned on going to the JFK Library, I%26#39;d also suggest maybe checking out the Esplanade area, over by the Charles River (Charles stop on the Red Line). It%26#39;s not the Atlantic, but there%26#39;s water and grassy places to relax and it%26#39;s near Beacon Hill, the Cheers Bar, and the Back Bay.

Recommendation for North End and picnic on waterfront

HI KelseyR,

Looks like you%26#39;re staying in and around the Waterfront/North End area. Columbus Park is nice. Be sure to hit the rest of the Harbor Walk after lunch--it%26#39;s beautiful. Just make your way to the walkway in back of the Long Wharf MArriott. A good place to go for takeout sandwiches is Bova%26#39;s Bakery. They%26#39;re on Salem Street in the NOrth End. Visit them at northendboston.com/bovasbakery/. As for good spots in the North End for dinner try Assagio on the corner of Prince and Hanover, and Lo Conte%26#39;s on Salem Street.

There are several beautiful areas around Rowes Wharf, or you could cross over the channel and have lunch at the Moakley Courthouse. I know that SOUNDS weird, but it%26#39;s right on the water and the views back to the city are spectacular. There%26#39;s also a cute little cafe at Rowe%26#39;s Wharf (Rudy%26#39;s) where you can pick up the ';grub';.

A nice North End take out specality shop is Monica%26#39;s Mercato 130 Salem Street in the North End. They offer prepared foods to go as well as Panini Sandwiches, deli meats and salad bar. www.monicasfoods.com

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