Best of Boston

Known for hanging with A-list celebs, North End restaurateur Nick Varano is one of the most beloved and colossal characters around — but that’s nothing compared to the size of his Mamma’s Famous Meatball. Made from a tried-and-tested recipe of veal, mushroom, and Parmigiano, slathered in marinara and served next to a bed of ricotta, this oversize, pillow-soft beauty will make any Italophile say, “mangia!”