Nick Varano, owner of Strega, Nico and Nick Varano’s Famous Deli Restaurants, just might be Boston’s biggest celebrity restaurateur. Some of the celebrities spotted at the North End favorite Strega include none other than Tony Soprano himself (the late James Gandolfini), Robert DeNiro, Paris Hilton, Steven Tyler, The Rock and Justin Timberlake. Diners of all ages flock to this super hot Hanover Street restaurant not only for the lively scene, where Varano claims you will be treated like a celebrity even if you aren’t, but also for the authentic Italian cuisine. There are Italian gangster movies, i.e. The Godfather, running continuously on the numerous TVs set in the wall. House specialties include veal chops stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese and grilled filet mignon with a Remy-Martin sauce. The Buccatini All’ Amatricana (pasta sautéed with pancetta, San Marzano tomato sauce with onions covered with a blend of pecorino and parmigiano cheeses) just might be the best dish on the menu. End the night with a sweet limoncello or a strong cup of cappuccino.
