Galleria Umberto (restaurant)
| Galleria Umberto | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Galleria Umberto | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1974 |
| Owner(s) | Paul and Ralph Deuterio |
| Previous owner | Umberto Deuterio |
| Food type | Italian (pizza) |
| Dress code | casual |
| Location | 289 Hanover Street, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, 02113, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°21′50″N 71°03′16″W / 42.36379°N 71.05431°W |
Galleria Umberto is a cash only pizzeria in Boston's North End that specializes in Sicilian-style pizza and was named an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2018.[1] They are open only for lunch and when they sell out, they close for the day.[2]
History
Umberto Deuterio founded Galleria Umberto in 1974 and passed it down to his sons Paul and Ralph.[3]
The building was originally a church. The New Brick Church was torn down in the 1840s and is known locally as the Cockerel Church because of the shape of its rooftop weathervane. The spire of the church that replaced it was destroyed by a hurricane about 40 years later.[4] The original rooster weathervane was designed by Shem Drowne.
Menu and Reputation
The menu is limited to a few traditional items, most notably:
- Sicilian Pizza: Thick-crust, square slices known for their caramelized cheese edges.
- Arancini: Italian rice balls stuffed with ground beef, peas, and mozzarella.
- Panzarotti: Fried potato croquettes.
Critical Reception
The restaurant is frequently cited by local and national media as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" lunch options in Boston.[5] In 2018, the James Beard Foundation designated Galleria Umberto as an "America's Classic," praising the Deuterio family for maintaining the "character of their community" despite the changing landscape of the North End.[6] In 2022, Boston Magazine named it the "Best Sicilian Pizza" in the city.[7]
References
- ^ Sloane, Kevin (February 19, 2018). "A North End pizza joint just got a major national award". Boston.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Galleria Umberto". Boston’s Hidden Restaurants. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Conti, Matt (January 18, 2018). "North End's Galleria Umberto Receives 2018 America's Classics Award From James Beard Foundation". North End Waterfront. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ Doyle, Terrence (July 23, 2019). "Boston's Holy Pizza Trinity Has Been Feeding the City for Decades". Eater Boston. Do. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Galleria Umberto". Time Out Boston. October 26, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ "2018 James Beard Foundation America's Classics". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ "Best of Boston 2022: Best Sicilian Pizza". Boston Magazine. Retrieved February 10, 2026.