Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop & Panetteria, Boston

Tucked away in the tiny Board Alley, just off Hanover Street in Boston's North End, you'll discover two beloved establishments collectively known to locals as Bricco Alley. The first of these two shops is Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop, renowned for its exceptional made-to-order sandwiches, widely regarded as some of the finest in the city. Meanwhile, its neighbor, Bricco Panetteria, operates as a full-service bakery producing the highest quality bread, earning accolades such as "Best of Boston" in 2014.

The bakery is a brainchild of Frank DePasquale, owner of a chain of restaurants, who opened it specifically to provide bread for his chain. The bread is handmade and made fresh daily. Additionally, the bakery offers a nod to the Sundays of DePasquale's youth by preparing hand-made pasta just like his mother did back in Italy. This delectable pasta perfectly complements the high-caliber Italian products available at Salumeria next door, many of which are imported directly from the "old country" and include cheeses (notably mozzarella and focaccia), meats, olive oils, vinegars, and tomatoes—everything you require for an authentic Italian feast, at your fingertips!

Outside, a small area with a few tables invites you to savor your culinary delights while being enveloped in the aroma of freshly baked bread all the way. As passersby stroll along, they often find it nearly impossible to resist the temptation and stop by to pick up a loaf or two for themselves. Succumbing to this delightful trap is not only recommended but also ensures a cherished memory of your time in the North End. You might even find yourself making a habit of returning periodically to relive the experience!