Carmen

This pretty, brick-lined North End spot is the epitome of what a great neighborhood restaurant should be: small, and equipped with a creative menu that keeps diners coming back. If you're lucky enough to grab a seat at one of the eight tables (there's no bar), excuse the occasional harried service and enjoy the tapas-style appetizers with a glass of wine before digging into a simple, flavorful entrée, from flaky fresh swordfish to an Italian crepe filled with porcini mushrooms and caramelized onions.