Galleria Umberto

If you're new to the blog, the Summer Lunch Series debuted last year when I decided my Fridays off would be dedicated to lunching in the city. I have every Friday from June through August off thanks to "flex time" a program offered by my employer where I opt to work four-ten hour days instead of five-eight hour days. It's a change of pace that I look forward to every summer. SLS 2.0 commenced this past Friday at a North End pizzeria that neither Adam or I had ever been to despite living in the neighborhood for three years. That has largely to do with their lunchtime only hours: 11 am - 2:30 pm (or until they run out of food) and the fact that for a long while we never even knew this place existed, regardless of its location directly on Hanover Street. We entered through an industrial garage door stepping into an airy space with high ceilings and up to a long line of patrons. I was immediately charmed by the old school, seemingly authentic, no frills atmosphere. Plain Jane wooden tables and chairs offer casual cafeteria style dining. Frames evenly spaced along the wall on one side boast faded photographs of Italian cities. The opposite side reveals an alcove where dueling painted wall murals highlight a large scale map of Italy and what appears to be a scene inside The Colosseum. Random décor flanks the wall including a cornucopia of flowers and a vertical row of plates with Italian landscapes.The line moved faster than expected, ten minutes, tops! Counter service is prompt and friendly, dictated by a small menu of Italian specialties, the highlight of which is their Sicilian style pizza by the slice. One can also choose from calzones, arancini, panini and drinks including soda, beer and wine.I didn't even know such low prices were possible in this day and age. I think they've been the same since they opened in 1975 (kidding) but at they very least, I bet the same menu boards have been hanging behind the counter. Galleria Umberto accepts cash only. Their Sicilian Pizza ($1.45) is a basic preparation, in other words don't expect an array of toppings from which to choose, what you see is what you get! A thick hearty crust is both chewy and crispy, the tomato sauce is sweet, flavorful and doesn't overwhelm. The cheese is thick and bubbly, fairly greasy and deeply browned, blanketing the square slice that comes straight from the oven to your plate. It was absolutely phenomenal, some of the best pizza around for sure. Adam and I both raved endlessly while admitting how ashamed we were for being locals and waiting all this time to come here. Galleria Umberto's Arancini ($2.75) is a traditional Italian favorite. Being no stranger to these deep fried rice balls (a North End festival staple) we ordered one to split. The delightfully crispy exterior reveals a layer of fluffy yet compact white risotto encasing a stuffing of ground beef and peas ever so subtly coated in red sauce. The meat and peas mingle while a heaping portion of thick gooey mozzarella cheese cascades over the top. Arguably some of the best Arancini around, this and the pizza are even better when washed down by a cold, refreshing Miller Lite ($2.75).You couldn't find a less expensive option for the harmonious pairing that is a slice of pizza and a beer around here if you tried. Lunch cost us $12 in total, that's it!  The line out the door may seem daunting, but I felt the short wait was easily worth our time.Kicking off a summer of lunchtime adventures, a Sicilian pizza haven with mid-day only hours proved Galleria Umberto Rosticceria was the perfect choice to celebrate the meal du jour.

Galleria Umberto

289 Hanover Street

Boston, MA 02113