Panza, Boston

Located next to St. Leonard’s Peace Garden in the North End is the cozy Italian eatery Panza. The friendly and accommodating wait staff treats guests like family serving up hearty dishes of baked ziti with meatballs, or lobster ravioli and potato gnocchi Bolognese – all offered at reasonable prices. There are some creative plates here, like the slow braised spare ribs with sweet Sicilian barbecue sauce and a “free form” lasagna made with rotating layers of black pepper pasta, mushrooms, chicken, creamy ricotta and fresh spinach. The signature veal Panza is their take on traditional marsala, but served with toasted pine nuts, spinach and sun dried tomatoes. With light Mediterranean tones, hanging chandeliers and simple wood accents, Panza is a great place to enjoy simple Italian cooking in Boston’s North End.