47 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Boston
Last updated February 20, 2026
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Dining inside Boston has evolved past conventional New England dishes and now features a range that includes upscale omakase experiences, street-food restaurants, and everything else in between.
From the freshest and most tasty sashimi brought in from Japan to genuine handmade Italian pasta, there is something for everyone in Boston.
Here are the 47 best restaurants and places to eat in Boston!
1. Beantown Pub
This is a chic coffee shop and classic American tavern situated in the center of historical downtown Boston, adjacent to the lovely Freedom Trail.
It is a favored location for locals seeking a relaxed gathering place and tourists traversing the trail.
The menu here features traditional pub dishes like chicken wings, fried pickles, and cheesy fries, along with New England specialties like pot roast, fried chicken, and fish and chips.
2. Eataly
Eataly is a high-end Italian food marketplace featuring various dining choices, grocery items, and fast-service counters.
Established in the year 2002, it has grown to more than 35 locations globally.
Eataly's aim is to offer premium food, including ready-to-eat meals and ingredients, all in a single venue where guests can enjoy meals, purchase items, and take part in cooking fun classes.
3. SRV
This is a stylish and relaxed wine bar located in Boston's South End, featuring small dishes and homemade pastas inspired by Venetian culinary traditions.
The menu here includes cicchetti, olives in marinade, meatballs, charcuterie, pasta offerings, and distinctive risotto.
SRV's gelato is made without eggs to highlight different flavors, and there are other choices like Rocky Road topped with marshmallow, chocolate, and hazelnut, and olive oil with Cookies and Cream.
4. Yankee Lobster
This is a laid-back seafood place with counter service, situated close to Boston’s Fish Pier.
The restaurant offers new lobster and crab rolls, blackened salmon, fish soup, fried shrimp dishes, and additional options.
The restaurant also offers a delightful waterfront dining adventure with patio seating overlooking the harbor.
Guests can enjoy rich lobster rolls with other seafood choices such as stuffed haddock and crab cake sandwich while taking in Boston Inner Harbor’s scenic sights.
5. Boston Sail Loft
Situated in the North End/Waterfront district of Boston, this is a cherished nautical venue providing breathtaking views via its floor-2-ceiling windows.
The unpretentious spot is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, offering traditional Boston cuisine such as clam chowder and delicately fried and battered haddock.
The ample servings of lobster rolls and fish & chips here make this place a favorite place for residents.
6. Mooncusser
Mooncusser, situated within Bay Village, is a stylish restaurant providing 4-course seasonal tasting menus crafted by Chef Dooley.
Their prix fixe menu updates each month and includes wine pairings.
Although seafood is a standout here, their menu also includes internationally inspired options such as sausage Sichuan pork consomme and Hungarian dumplings served with venison.
7. Modern Pastry Shop
This is a lovely family-owned Italian bakery located in Boston North End, famous for its delicious pastries, pies, cakes, and cookies.
Although it might not be well-known like certain nearby bakeries, the bakery has been operating for nearly a century.
The bakery provides a selection of delights such as raspberry bowtie cookie, butter cookie, rainbow Venetian cookie, lobster tail pastry, and cheesecake.
8. Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain stands as a lively and tight-knit community recognized for its serene green areas.
It boasts scenic paths surrounding the vast Arnold Arboretum Harvard University and Jamaica Pond, which are both included in Emerald Necklace’s park system.
It also features family-run restaurants, distinctive shops, inviting bars, and various Latin American dining options.
9. Barking Crab
This is a vibrant seafood restaurant situated by the water, providing outdoor picnic-table seating with Boston Harbor’s breathtaking sights.
It remains a vestige of the former Seaport area and offers a summer seaside clam shack vibe with its picnic tables and canopied roof.
Initially launched in 1994 as a small seasonal restaurant, Barking Crab now features a permanent place that embodies a nostalgic tavern atmosphere while preserving its coastal charm.
10. Time Out Market
Situated in Fenway, this is a large and stylish space hosting 15 thoughtfully chosen restaurants and bars within over 25000 square feet.
This market presents a variety of cuisines, enabling guests to enjoy items such as crunchy fish tacos, plant-based chorizo quesadillas, Persian sweets, and tuna zesty maki rolls.
Also, this market features a bar on-site for individuals who favor liquid treats.
11. North End
Referred to as the Little Italy of Boston, North End is a historical area featuring narrow roads and several of Boston's oldest buildings.
The area houses famous landmarks such as the OldNorth Church and the Paul Revere 1680 House, both important in USA history.
The neighborhood is also filled with Italian eateries, cafés, bakeries, and traditional delis lining the vibrant Hanover Street.
12. Chinatown
Chinatown in central Boston serves as a lively cultural hub for the Chinese local population.
It is recognized for its variety of Asian eateries, featuring dumpling shops, dim sum venues, and high-end lounges.
Guests can also visit bakeries, gift shops, and food markets across the area.
Chinatown Park also provides a modern entryway to the neighborhood and features a fountain inspired by rivers and indigenous Asian vegetation.
13. Krasi
This is a fashionable location within Back Bay featuring modern Greek dishes and a wide Greek wines selection.
The restaurant also features a chic-industrial atmosphere and offers a menu with shareable dishes such as whipped feta paired with red roasted peppers, lamb ossobucco, and carob honey with grilled octopus.
It likewise features part of the US’s biggest Greek wine selections.
The expert team here can assist you in selecting the ideal wine from the restaurant's exclusive list of Greek wines to accompany your meal.
14. Mike's Pastry
This is a legendary Italian bakery which has been offering delicious pastries since the year 1946.
Situated in Boston, the cherished dessert destination provides a variety of delights including cannoli, biscotti, gelato, and giant cookies.
Their menu showcases an exceptional cannoli flavors variety including pistachio, Nutella, espresso, lemon, and amaretto.
Mike's Pastry is favored by tourists and the wait here for their renowned cannolis is truly worthwhile.
15. Back Bay
This is a lovely area in Boston, recognized for its high-end dining and shopping options.
It includes Newbury Street. Here guests can discover charming cafes, upscale boutiques, and art galleries, located in beautiful brick townhomes.
16. Mahaniyom
Mahaniyom stands as a charming Brookline Village spot that provides a distinctive adventure with its Thai small plates and artisanal cocktails.
The restaurant is notable for its lively bar, showcasing cocktails that combine traditional recipes with Thai ingredients.
Smuch Saikamthorn and Chompon Boonnak, the owners, have introduced genuine Thai cuisine to Boston such as crab coconut-milk curry and rambutan salad, emphasizing small shareable plates with intense flavors.
17. Field and Vine
This is a laid-back and fashionable venue that emphasizes sourcing from local farms for its dishes, wine, and beer.
The restaurant's forest-inspired ambiance is amplified by the gold light filtering through plant-filled shelves, crafting an enchanting setting.
This place also has an intricate arrangement of branches and vines meant to mimic a nice forest canopy over the counter seating.
18. Comfort Kitchen
This is an essential destination that meets expectations.
It offers straightforward parking choices and their plantains here serve as a fantastic starter.
Their jackfruit sliders deliver an unexpected burst of flavor and their brown butter with trout is incredibly delicious.
Their duck meal also stands out due to its delicious flavor.
This restaurant presents a skillful fusion of tastes from Africa and flawlessly incorporates African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean culinary traditions.
19. Woods HillPier 4
This is a casual restaurant with a menu that includes oysters, seafood options, and steak, as well as a variety of cocktails, and beautiful harbor views.
The restaurant boasts a deep history, originating from an immigrant from Greece who established this diner in the year 1974.
It is also renowned for its beef meatballs paired with tomato sauce incorporating cinnamon and sugar.
20. Legal Sea Food
This is a modern restaurant chain that emphasizes premium seafood and offers a remarkable variety of dishes in addition to cocktails and steaks.
Located conveniently by the gates, it's a perfect place for travelers wanting to snatch a quick chowder bowl or savor a cold beer.
Also featuring adjacent table service and abundant bar seating, this restaurant offers a laid-back environment ideal for relaxing prior to your upcoming adventure.
21. Bagelsaurus
Bagelsaurus stands as a well-known location within Porter Square famous for its distinctive, handcrafted bagels and innovative sandwiches.
The spot provides traditional bagel options along with unique flavors such as cheddar garlic and chocolate chips pretzel.
Their sandwiches vary from their traditional jumbo to their charcuterie-brie which includes fennel salami, French brie, arugula, and salted butter.
22. Coppa Enoteca
This is a delightful Italian restaurant found in Boston's South End.
This quaint place serves an assortment of small Italian dishes, pasta, pizza, and charcuterie showcasing a selection of salumi.
Established by famous chefs Jamie Bissonette and Ken Oringer, this bistro entices visitors with its cozy ambiance and delicious cuisine.
The menu here features seasonal treats like cavatelli with chicken sausage and Caesar celery salad topped with breadcrumbs.
23. Grill 23 and Bar
This is an elegant steakhouse recognized for its traditional surf and turf offerings and wide-ranging wine collection.
The restaurant features a sophisticated atmosphere with decorative tapestries on the walls, servers in white jackets, and a private dining separate second floor.
Grill 23 and Bar is proud of its outstanding wine list, being one of 100 restaurants nationwide to earn a Wine Spectator Grand Award.
24. Beacon Hill
This is an attractive and affluent area in Boston, famous for its scenic streets adorned with classy Victorian brick and Federal-style row homes.
The area features nice restaurants and the famous Massachusetts StateHouse, which provides a view of the picturesque Boston Common together with its winter ice skating pond.
Guests can wander through stylish boutiques and vintage stores in Charles Street while also appreciating the elegant Public Garden situated nearby.
Also, the Hatch Shell on the stunning Charles River Esplanade features summer concerts and parties for enjoyment.
25. Regina Pizzeria
This is a regional chain established in 1926, providing brick-oven, thin-crust pizzas in an unpretentious environment.
This historic site on Thatcher St. is rich in character and even Calvin Coolidge, the former President, might have eaten here.
Regina Pizzeria receives great acclaim for its homemade sausage, cheese-infused sauce, and crust that is ideally charred from the traditional oven.
26. YumeWo Katare
This is a lively Japanese noodle establishment found inside Porter Square, featuring a straightforward and tasty selection of chewy, thick noodles served in a flavorful pork broth.
This comfortable counter-service establishment also features shared tables, allowing visitors to observe the chefs making Jiro ramen.
And once visitors have finished their meal, they are invited to share dreams with others at the table.
27. Tatte Bakery and Cafe
Tatte provides a warm and rustic setting for guests to savor breakfast, sandwiches, soups, and a variety of baked treats.
The café's ambiance, inspired by Paris, attracts locals who come for tasty house lattes infused with honey and cardamom.
Visitors can also treat themselves to fresh challah and shakshuka honoring the Israeli roots of the owner.
28. Toscanini Ice Cream
This is a cherished treasure in Cambridge, famous for its artisanal ice cream and exceptional espresso that boasts a constantly changing array of distinctive flavors.
From their captivating Goat Cheese Brownies to decadent Bananas Foster, every scoop here guarantees a pleasurable experience.
This famous location also features local treats such as Iggy's pastries and Barismo coffee, making it an ideal stop for those with a sweet tooth.
29. Celeste
This is a fashionable Peruvian restaurant situated in Union Square, Somerville, only a brief drive from the downtown of Boston.
The contemporary white-walled ambiance and restricted seating here make dining in this restaurant resemble a dinner gathering organized by a very well-traveled acquaintance.
30. Brassica Kitchen and Cafe
This is a lively and beautiful venue located within Jamaica Plain in Boston.
During the day, it serves gourmet pastries and coffee, and in the evening, it changes into a lovely Euro-style eatery offering cocktails.
It is an incredibly enjoyable dining experience here with their diverse selection of dishes featuring numerous flavors to experience.
Numerous delicious sauces are in this restaurant, including tastes from various regions globally.
31. Saltie Girl
Saltie Girl stands as a delightful seafood bar situated inside Back Bay.
It provides a selection of seafood meals, even canned fish choices.
The menu here includes freshly shucked oysters, charred avocado paired with salmon belly, smoked fish, toasts topped with seafood, and warm lobster rolls drenched in butter.
32. South End
This is a lively district famous for its exquisitely renovated Victorian townhouses and English-style charming squares.
The region features a varied culinary and nightlife landscape, providing options ranging from family-oriented cafes to fashionable restaurants, LGBTQ+ bars, and relaxed taverns.
SoWa Art and Design District here showcases galleries, home decor stores, and studios in converted warehouses.
Guests can also experience food trucks and artisanal markets between May and October on Sundays.
33. Row 34
This is a fashionable restaurant famous for its extensive variety of oysters, seafood dishes, and artisanal beers.
Its name originates from the distinctive type cultivated at Duxbury Bay’s IslandCreek Oyster Farm.
Row 34 has established itself as a seafood favorite with various locations throughout New England. This includes Fort Point in Boston, Burlington, Kendall Square, and Portsmouth, NH.
34. Contessa Boston
This is a luxurious rooftop restaurant situated at the magnificent Newbury Hotel, presenting Italian-inspired dishes alongside sweeping Boston skyline views.
It’s recognized for its hard-to-book tables and opulent decor showcasing teal, emerald, and rose-colored velvet, pale stone tile flooring, and gleaming brass details.
The restaurant offers lavish meals such as lobster pasta and features one of Boston’s finest complimentary bread selections.
35. James Hook and Co
This is a seafood business owned by a family that has remained an iconic presence in Boston since 1925.
Situated by the water, this little red shack provides ready-to-eat shellfish dishes and live lobsters for takeout.
Their lobster rolls at this establishment receive significant praise for their quality and simplicity, featuring pieces of Maine fresh lobster coated in mayo then presented in toasted buns.
36. Flour Bakery and Cafe
This is a well-known pastry shops’ local chain that has nine spots in the larger Cambridge and Boston regions.
Established in 2000 by Joanne Chang, a pastry chef, and Christopher Myers, her business partner, this charming spot features a delightful selection of French pastries such as sticky buns and croissants, all made from scratch every day by skilled professionals.
37. Sarma Restaurant
This is a lively venue located in Somerville, which is part of the culinary realm of Ana Sortun that also includes Sofra and Oleana.
The restaurant features a contemporary Mediterranean menu highlighting Middle Eastern tastes, presenting small dishes and meze in a vibrant atmosphere.
Drawing from Turkish classic meyhanes, Sarma Restaurant also offers a shared dining atmosphere featuring artisanal cocktails, regional beer, and a wide array of wine choices.
38. Uni
This is a trendy and elegant hotel restaurant that exudes a refined atmosphere, decorated with dark wooden details and offering a selection of Japanese treats like sushi, sashimi, and distinctive Asian street fare.
Every Thursday night, the restaurant presents a unique omakase Edomae-style tasting experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a twenty-course meal crafted by Tsuyoshi Takeishi, the famous sushi chef.
39. Union Oyster House
This is a legendary restaurant that continued to provide New England traditional seafood meals since 1826.
Situated in Boston, it’s the oldest restaurant that has been in continuous operation in the USA.
Guests can savor oysters, chowder, and various seafood in this legendary venue while appreciating its vibrant history.
This restaurant also boasts a semi-circular oyster bar for guests to enjoy their meals, along with a dining area upstairs that has a plaque indicating JFK's preferred booth.
Union’s Oyster House definitely is a place that everyone in Boston should see!
40. Dorchester
Dorchester, formerly an autonomous city, is currently the most diverse and largest neighborhood in Boston.
It features a diverse array of international kitchens along Dorchester Av., and hosts UMass Boston along with the John Kennedy Presidential Library.
The library displays memorabilia from the life of the president and showcases civil rights movement’s exhibits.
Dorchester also includes the picturesque Neponset River meandering through multiple parks, and Franklin Park nearby offers a zoo and wooded paths.
41. Neptune Oyster
Neptune Oyster stands as a cozy, high-end oyster bar situated in Boston North End, only a brief walk from the waterfront.
The restaurant provides various fresh seafood choices such as lobster rolls, oysters, octopus, sea urchins, and scallops.
Featuring just 22 chairs with extra seating at their lengthy marble bar, guests can observe talented oyster shuckers as they prepare more than a dozen varieties of bivalves.
42. Boston Public Market
Located in the center of Boston, this is a lively indoor marketplace open year-round that highlights the finest New England and local culinary offerings.
Featuring approximately 40 varied vendors, guests can discover a range of selections here, from seasonal, fresh fish and fruits to gourmet delights such as chocolates and artisanal cheeses made locally.
This lively market even offers more than just food; it additionally offers distinctive gift items like salad bowls hewn from downed trees and elegantly designed serving trays from regional granite.
43. Toro
A stylish and small restaurant in Boston, Toro is famous for its acclaimed tapas, Spanish wines, and cocktails.
Chef Oringer has designed a menu here that transcends classic Spanish tapas, featuring creative plates such as Uni Bocadillo and Maiz Asado.
Toro’s bar program provides distinct experiences, including their porron and chilled cocktails such as Frezcal.
Also, Toro's vibrant ambiance establishes it as a top party spot in Boston.
44. Oleana
Situated in Cambridge, Oleana is a celebrated restaurant established in 2001 by Ana Sortun, a renowned chef.
The cozy and welcoming interior here together with their serene garden patio creates an ideal atmosphere to savor creative Eastern Mediterranean cuisine crafted with ingredients sourced from the local area.
Olean has remained a cornerstone of the dining landscape of Cambridge, earning multiple awards for its vibrant blend of tastes from Middle Eastern in small dishes.
45. Somerville
Somerville, situated in Massachusetts, lies Boston Northwest and Cambridge North.
Home to more than 81,000 residents, it is recognized for its compact urban setting and lively cultural atmosphere.
Located along the stunning Mystic River, it provides a variety of shopping and dining choices.
Somerville is also renowned as the origin of Fluff. It holds a Fluff festival yearly.
46. Fenway Park
This is a historical and cozy baseball stadium situated in Boston, recognized as the Red Sox’s home, and a site for major concerts.
It occupies an important position in Boston's architectural landscape, adjacent to notable sites such as Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall.
The stadium provides behind-the-scene tours and features a summer well-liked concert series.
47. Public Garden
Founded in the year 1837 and situated next to Boston Commons, this garden is a tranquil and scenic urban park that includes a lagoon, restaurants, boat rentals, fountains, and a variety of attractions.
The historic Victorian garden features carefully tended flower beds displaying 80 plant varieties, tree-lined walks with many benches for resting, decorative fencing, and notable public art like a George Washington statue and the fascinating Duckling Sculpture.
