Five Things to Know About Galleria Umberto

Tucked into the North End, Galleria Umberto distinguishes itself from other Italian restaurants in the area by specializing in pizza made the traditional Sicilian way. Read on for a closer look at this longtime Boston favorite:

• The pizza has a cult-like following. Though the cooks serve up huge square slabs of the good stuff, lots of patrons find themselves downing two or three slices in one sitting—the combination of a deliciously chewy-crispy crust and a thin smear of tomato sauce keeps it light.
• Speaking of that sauce … … it’s simply a purée of san marzano and California tomatoes, unencumbered by garlic or onions.
• Prices are low and options are few. A limited menu means the arancini and the calzones are just as mouthwatering as the pizza, and all of them go for fewer than $5 each.
• It’s a North End staple. Galleria Umberto has been satiating hungry customers since 1974, when Umberto Deuterio opened up shop in this Little Italy neighborhood. His sons, Paul and Ralph, now work the counter six days a week. (It’s closed on Sundays.)
• Go there for lunch. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. only, so grab a spot in line and then settle down in the cafeteria-style dining room before heading back onto Hanover Street.