One of the most popular but underrated food havens in this can-be-expensive neighborhood is Il Panino Express (264-266 Hanover St., 617-720-5720). The cafeteria-style restaurant serves up everything from pizza slices to lasagna. Don't be fooled by the casual, café style - the food is just as good there as at the more expensive spots (it just won't set you back $50).

If you are willing to dig deeper, treat yourself to Mamma Maria (3 North Square, 617-523-0077). The restaurant, located in historic North Square across from Paul Revere's house, comes off like a stately mansion on Commonwealth Avenue. The menu is so decadent - with entrees such as mint gnocci and veal rib chop - that you're sure to fool your date into believing you're actually worth something.

Next: dessert. On Hanover Street, pop into the old faithful tourist mecca Mike's Pastry for a chocolate chip cannoli, but Café Vittoria (296 Hanover St. 617-227-7606) only a few blocks away is far better. Choose from a dozen gelato flavors or just default to the creamy tiramisu. You can't beat the Italian music playing in the background, the cheap-as-anything digestivi, or the clientele who look like Tony Soprano.  Find more North End restaurants