Italian Tapas? Yes, please....check out Damiano's in the North End

I will admit the loud, bar-like atmosphere didn't hit me as a nice place to catch up with the rents over a relaxing italian dinner this weekend. Damiano's on Hanover St. in the North End was crowded, and the music was uhh, techno-y? Oh, and the waiter talked entirely too much. Even after he said "Okay, Ill give you some space," he continuted talking for ohhh 5 more minutes or so. (I'll pause here while you open a new window to make your reservation now....)

However, when push comes to shove, the easiest way to please me at a restaurant is to put fantastic food in front of me.

While Damiano's gets very few points for atmosphere, it gets a whole boatload of points for quality of food. Each of the 10 small portions our party of 4 ordered (ranging from $10-$14), were far from disappointing. Odd as they sound, the lamb lollipops were out of this world. Tender and buttery, and pretty darn awesome if I do say so myself. And the figs - a seasonal special wrapped in prosciutto - were so good we ordered more!

All in all, Damiano's has some growing to do. As a newcomer to the North End (opening just 2 years ago), Damiano's needs to take some time to tone down the noise level, the music, and their wait staff. But with food that rivals the best of the best in Boston, this is a place to keep your eye on.