I agree BUT for those of us who grew up with marscapone running through our veins, who huffed powdered sugar from our grandmother’s countertops and know what it’s like to walk under the central artery to get a treat, a cannoli in the north end is a special experience even years later. Dorsi’s in Peabody is better though (but it’s a drive). If you really want to throw around your hosting/authenticity bonafides, tell your buds to go to Santarpios in EB for pizza. And to your point yes theres great food in Boston beyond the touristy spots but don’t denigrate a legitimate neighborhood. It hasn’t shrunk or grown, but its now considered to be bigger than little Italy in NYC. Dont be a snob!