8) Mike's Pastry - Italian Bakery-North End - The only other drawback to the Giacomo experience, is the lack of a dessert menu. But this is easily solved. Walk over to the opposite side of the road to the big North End institution (another long line) - Mike's Pastry. Only, do not eat the Cannoli (ugh) like everyone will say you should - unless you like disgustingly full cream puffs, that is. Instead, steal a seat if you can (easier service) or if it is a nice day, get a box of their pista macaroons (look scary green - but taste OH so good!) and a cappuccino with a sugar swirler to go and sit on the grass just opposite Hay Market and see the Boston Skyline.

Another plan - if you are done with dinner in time for a show, go to the Boston Improvcomedy show two blocks away - preferably, after a few shots of Grappa @ one of the numberous gelato/dessert places on the block.

30 MEAs (Must Eat Ats) in and around Cambridge, MA (Part 2)

6) Giacomo- Homemade Italian-North End- It is untrue that all Italian restaurants in the North End are authentic. Some, quite simply, are better than the others. If you do leave Cambridge and venture into Boston, go to Hanover Street and look for the longest human line outside a hole in the wall. Chances are, you have joined the true devotees of the cult. No Nonsense, home-style cooking with an open kitchen, family-style Italian staff ("eat more! eat more!") and cheap, good wine (18-25$ a bottle) - this place feels more like someone's kitchen than a restaurant. Fresh Fresh Fresh Pasta with fresher sauces (try the Giacomo house sauce if you eat Lobster - red+white+lobster = heaven) and large portions, this place is one of Boston's best. Veggie Alert : try the pumpkin tortellini (for the desi pushnika/kaddhu haters, this is a pleasant surprise) if you dont mind a little sweet on your dinner plate.

Come rain and snow (and there is a lot of that here) - lines are long : so be prepared to wait. Also, they only accept cash (there is an ATM just across the street), so look out for it while you wait in line.

(There is a South End version of this restaurant that has better seating (with the same menu) - but for the real e1xperience, go to the North End! )