Tucked into a nook near the downtown section of the Freedom Trail, Cafe Marliave has a long history of its own. Established in 1875, it was one of Boston’s first red-sauce Italian-American restaurants, and the tin walls and minuscule booths supply a romantic atmosphere. Portions are generous, as if a nonna were peering out from the kitchen, exhorting “Mangia! Mangia!”

Cafe Marliave Information:

• Italian menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Sun; holidays. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended.