Boston’s North End is known for it’s Italian food, but there are more places in the city to down a plate of amazing pasta. Here are my 3 favorite places to eat pasta in Boston that are not in the North End.

For 5 years our studio was across the street from Barbara Lynch’s Sportello. It is one of my favorite places to indulge in carbs in Boston. The space is cozy with lots of light, has an open kitchen and a very knowledgeable staff. If you are staying in the Seaport District make a reservation here.

My favorite pasta dish in Boston is their Strozzapreti and don’t leave without getting the Coconut Cake. Sportello is a 10 minute walk from South Station or park in one of the pay lots on Congress Street, (or maybe you'll get lucky and snag a meter).

Two years ago I spent a few weeks in Italy basically just eating, and I’ve reliving my meals at the South End’s Cinquecento ever since. Towers of Campari decorate a dimly lit, expansive dining room. The wait staff is gracious and the bartendars genrous.

The grilled octopus starter is delicious as is all their pastas. However, the simple recipe of House Made Pancetta + Pecorino + Black Pepper = an unreal Carbonara. Don’t skip it because you think you can make this one at home. Also, they do Negroni flights, which is reason enough to eat here. They have a free parking lot and is walkable from both the Back Bay or Broadway MBTA stops.

If you are staying in Cambridge and looking for an affordable pasta dinner check out Basta Pasta. They are on Western Ave in between Central Square and the Charles River. The portions are generous and for a few extra dollars you can get their home-made fusilli. It is an easy walk from the Central Square train station or look for on street parking.