Laughter and the tantalizing aroma of Italian cuisine filled the air inside the Steriti Memorial Rink in the North End Friday night. The occasion was the annual Taste of the North End event, where 35 of the neighborhood’s best restaurants gathered together for a worthy cause.

Classic Italian staples like risotto, meatballs, and cannoli’s were served alongside innovative dishes like truffled polenta and grilled octopus. An estimated 600 visitors were in attendance, making the rounds to their favorite North End restaurants and bidding in the silent auction.