The Daily Catch | North End

The original Daily Catch in the North End is a no frills, cash only, hole-in-the wall establishment. The casual dive-y approach is all part of its charm - from the weathered tables and chairs, to the single chalkboard menu, the use of paper placemats, and especially the wine served in plastic cups. The tight dining quarters equals a usually lengthy wait evidenced by patrons forming a line that runs a block down Hanover Street. 

Fried Calamari ($9.75/small, $18.50/large) to start are an absolute must! Arguably some of the best in town achieving the ideal balance of crispy batter to toothsome tentacles, full of sweet ocean flavors with just a hint of olive oil. A dusting of fresh parsley, two juicy wedges of lemon and zesty marinara sauce for dipping finish off a perfect execution.

The Sicilian style seafood dishes are fresh, authentic and served piping hot in the pan in which they were prepared; the pasta bathing in every last drop of red sauce, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs. 

I highly recommend the Tinta de Calamari which is Homemade Black Pasta ($10.50/appetizer, $21/ entree). 

The thick ribbons of squid ink pasta laced with sinfully good olive anchovy butter coil around sautéed mushrooms, onions and red and green peppers in the Putanesca, while the Aglio Olio incorporates plentiful amounts of briny ground squid and sautés it simply with lots of garlic and olive oil. 

A Hanover Street mainstay and often overlooked staple in the Boston seafood scene, the original Daily Catch with an unassuming presence, warm cheerful service, and authentic Italian seafood dishes will hopefully leave you nothing short of impressed.

The Daily Catch

323 Hanover St

Boston, MA 02113