Best Restaurants in Boston
Boston is known for its vibrant food scene, offering a wide range of dining experiences from classic New England fare to innovative cuisine. Oleana is a celebrated restaurant located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and charming atmosphere. The restaurant’s menu is praised for its inventive use of spices and fresh ingredients. Dishes are often influenced by Middle Eastern, Turkish, and North African cuisines.
The restaurant is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from local farms. This focus on quality ensures that the menu evolves with the seasons. The food is absolutely phenomenal, especially the meze platters. It’s worth the trip to Cambridge just for the roasted cauliflower and the baklava sundae noted Sarah L., Yelp. The restaurant features a cozy, rustic interior with a warm, inviting ambiance.
Mamma Maria is a beloved Italian restaurant located in Boston’s North End, a neighborhood famous for its rich Italian heritage and vibrant food scene. A favorite in the North End, Mamma Maria offers classic Italian dishes with a focus on quality and authenticity. The homemade pasta and traditional recipes make it a top choice for Italian cuisine. Mamma Maria specializes in classic Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Mamma Maria offers some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had. The pasta is homemade and the veal Milanese is out of this world, noted Michael T. on google reviews. While the menu is broad, it often highlights regional Italian specialties, giving diners a taste of various Italian culinary traditions. Their rich, hearty Bolognese sauce is a favorite among diners.
No. 9 Park is a distinguished restaurant located in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. Known for its elegant dining experience and exceptional cuisine, it has established itself as a favorite for both locals and visitors. The restaurant offers a menu that combines French and Italian culinary traditions. The dishes are crafted with a refined touch, blending classic techniques with innovative flavors.
The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and visually appealing. The restaurant is renowned for its house-made pasta dishes, such as the famous pasta with truffle and parmesan. The restaurant features a sophisticated and intimate ambiance, with a design that includes plush seating, soft lighting, and classic decor elements. It is often recognized as one of Boston’s top fine dining establishments.
Myers + Chang is a vibrant and eclectic restaurant located in Boston’s South End, known for its inventive take on Asian cuisine. It’s a popular spot for those seeking a lively dining experience with a creative twist. Myers + Chang specializes in small plates that draw inspiration from various Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. The menu is designed for sharing, allowing diners to sample a wide range of flavors. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach, combining traditional Asian ingredients with modern techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.
A favorite on the menu are pork belly buns. These buns are filled with tender pork belly and accompanied by pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce. Myers + Chang has a vibrant, eclectic decor that matches its inventive menu. The space features colorful murals, quirky design elements, and an upbeat atmosphere.
Union Oyster House established in 1826, it holds the title of America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. It’s a must-visit for clam chowder and lobster. Union Oyster House is a historic and iconic restaurant located in Boston, Massachusetts. Union Oyster House specializes in traditional New England seafood dishes. The menu features classics like clam chowder, lobster, and fried clams.The restaurant’s interior exudes old-world charm, with historical décor and artifacts that reflect its long history.
It’s a cozy and inviting space that transports diners back in time. The building itself is a significant part of Boston’s history, having hosted notable figures like Daniel Webster and John F. Kennedy. Union Oyster House is frequently recognized for its historic significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant is often praised for its traditional New England seafood and has been featured in numerous culinary guides and reviews.
The Capital Grille located in the Financial District, The Capital Grille is renowned for its upscale steakhouse offerings. With a selection of dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list, it’s perfect for a special occasion.The Capital Grille is famous for its expertly prepared steaks, including options like dry-aged steaks and prime cuts. The menu features a range of steakhouse favorites.
In addition to steaks, the restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh lobster, scallops, and oysters, as well as other entrees like lamb and pork. The Capital Grille offers a polished, upscale atmosphere with dark wood furnishings, soft lighting, and a sophisticated décor. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and refined dining experience. The restaurant offers private dining rooms for business meetings, celebrations, and other events, adding to its appeal for formal gatherings.
With several locations in Boston, Legal Sea Foods is a local institution known for its fresh seafood and classic New England dishes. The clam chowder and lobster rolls are standout favorites. Legal Sea Foods is celebrated for its high-quality seafood, including dishes like clam chowder, lobster, and various types of fish. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh seafood and preparing it with care. The menu features traditional New England fare, such as baked stuffed lobster and fried clams, as well as a variety of seafood platters and sandwiches.
With a diverse menu and relaxed setting, Legal Sea Foods is a great option for family dining. Legal Sea Foods has received numerous accolades over the years for its seafood and overall dining experience. It’s frequently recognized in local and national publications as a top seafood restaurant.
For a fine dining experience, Clio offers inventive, contemporary cuisine. The restaurant is known for its tasting menus and creative dishes that push culinary boundaries. Clio, under the leadership of renowned chef Ken Oringer, offers a menu that combines modern techniques with global influences. The cuisine is known for its artistic presentation and innovative flavor combinations.
The tasting menu often includes a variety of dishes that change seasonally. Past offerings have featured inventive creations such as foie gras with exotic fruits, and intricately prepared seafood and meats.The dining room at Clio exudes sophistication with its sleek, modern decor, soft lighting, and an open kitchen that adds an element of excitement to the dining experience. The restaurant provides an intimate and upscale atmosphere, ideal for special occasions and fine dining experiences.
A popular spot in the South End, Toro specializes in Spanish tapas and offers a lively atmosphere. The menu features a variety of small plates, or tapas, that showcase a range of Spanish flavors and ingredients. The menu includes both traditional Spanish dishes and inventive modern interpretations. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft its dishes, offering a dynamic and ever-changing menu.
They offer signature dishes like patatas bravas, a classic Spanish tapa featuring crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli. They also offer crispy pig’s ears which is a unique and popular dish, featuring crispy, flavorful pig’s ears served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Toro is known for its lively and bustling atmosphere. The space features vibrant decor and an open kitchen, which adds to the energetic vibe of the restaurant.
SRV is a celebrated Venetian-style bacaro (wine bar) located in Boston’s South End. Known for its innovative Italian cuisine and extensive wine list, SRV offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Venetian flavors with contemporary twists. SRV specializes in Venetian cuisine, focusing on small plates known as cicchetti, which are similar to Spanish tapas. The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight both classic and modern Italian flavors.
The restaurant is renowned for its house-made pasta, offering a range of creative and traditional pasta dishes. SRV combines a relaxed, casual atmosphere with elegant touches. Each of these restaurants brings something special to Boston’s dining scene, whether you’re in the mood for historic charm, upscale elegance, or creative culinary experiences.
