June marks the start of summer in Boston’s North End. As New England farms begin to yield the first true harvests of the season, local restaurants and bakeries in the North End start to showcase early summer produce, herbs, and seafood. It’s a perfect time to eat in this historic Italian neighborhood, and whether you’re a returning visitor or planning your first stroll through the cobblestone streets, here’s a taste of what seasonal finds you’ll enjoy!
From Farm to Table
In early summer, fresh vegetables and herbs take center stage in North End kitchens. Zucchini and zucchini blossoms begin appearing in antipasti and pasta dishes. The blossoms, a delicacy in Italian cooking, are often gently stuffed with ricotta or mozzarella and lightly fried. You’ll also see fava beans used in spreads or paired with salty pecorino cheese, a classic Roman-style snack that’s ideal for a patio table and a glass of wine.
Alliums like spring onions and garlic scapes are another early-summer treasure. Their milder flavor adds depth to sauces and sautés without overpowering the freshness of the season’s vegetables. Meanwhile, fresh basil and Italian parsley start coming in from local farms, perfuming caprese salads, summer pestos, and marinara sauces with a bright herbal punch. Strawberries are also at their peak in June. Bakeries and cafés across the North End incorporate them into crostate, panna cotta, and summer versions of tiramisu layered with mascarpone and fruit.
Seafood also shines this time of year. North End restaurants begin highlighting local scallops, soft-shell crab, and lobster in their menus. Dishes like linguine alle vongole, grilled swordfish with lemon, or seafood-studded cioppino often reflect the fresh catches coming into Boston’s nearby docks. If you’re a seafood lover, June is an excellent time to sample these lighter, coastal flavors.
Seasonal Handmade Pasta & Summer Treats
Of course, you can’t talk about Italian cuisine without mentioning pasta, and in June, seasonal ingredients breathe new life into classic dishes. Many North End chefs offer lemon-ricotta ravioli, pappardelle tossed with peas and mint, or gnocchi dressed in a velvety fava bean sauce. To find the best handmade pasta in the neighborhood, you’ll have to explore both long-loved institutions and newer kitchens crafting seasonal specialties.
And after a delicious pasta meal, why not get some gelato and granita? Lemon, cherry, and pistachio are especially popular this time of year, and many gelaterias begin rotating in seasonal fruit flavors made with local ingredients. It’s also the perfect time to sip an affogato, which is espresso poured over gelato, while strolling through the historic streets.
Plan Your Summer Bite by Bite
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your annual cannoli fix, June in the North End offers a perfect blend of fresh flavors and old-world charm. From zucchini blossoms and handmade pasta to strawberry tarts and lemon gelato, this is a season worth savoring. Begin your summer adventure with North End Boston Food Tours and let your taste buds lead the way through one of Boston’s most delicious neighborhoods.