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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Boston

The best restaurants in Boston, from acclaimed tasting menus to North End cannoli and lobster rolls, raw bars, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighborhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Boston means embracing a city where the Atlantic sets the menu and centuries of history season every table.

In a single day you can slurp chilled oysters and a buttery lobster roll on the waterfront for lunch, linger over an ambitious chef-driven dinner in the South End, and finish with an espresso and a fresh cannoli in the North End.

Boston's food identity is built on New England seafood, deep Italian and Irish roots, a serious Cambridge and Somerville dining scene, and a wave of talented chefs turning the region's produce and catch into some of the Northeast's most memorable meals.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallNeptune OysterReserve
By CuisineOleanaReserve
Fine Dining RestaurantsO YaReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsGrill 23 & BarReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsLookout Rooftop BarReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsSarmaReserve
Seafood & Iconic Boston EatsNeptune OysterReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsComfort KitchenReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Boston on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 North End

Neptune Oyster

Seafood$$$· Tiny & bustling

A tiny, marble-topped raw bar in the heart of the North End, Neptune Oyster is widely considered Boston's best seafood counter. The hot buttered lobster roll on a griddled brioche is the signature, rivaled only by the cold, mayo-dressed version and a glistening selection of East and West Coast oysters. There are just a handful of seats and no reservations, so expect a wait. Put your name in, wander Hanover Street, and settle in for one of the city's essential meals.

What to order: Hot buttered lobster roll

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Leather District

O Ya

Japanese$$$$· Special occasion

Tucked into the Leather District behind an unmarked door, O Ya from Tim and Nancy Cushman is Boston's most refined Japanese experience. The omakase moves through jewel-like nigiri and small plates, many finished with unexpected touches like foie gras, balsamic pearls, or hot sesame oil. It is intimate, expensive, and quietly theatrical, rewarding diners who surrender to the chef's sequence. For a milestone celebration built around pristine fish and precise technique, few tables in the city compete.

What to order: Omakase tasting

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 South End

Toro

Spanish tapas$$$· Casual & lively

Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's Spanish tapas bar helped remake the South End dining scene and still draws crowds nightly. The grilled corn slathered in lime, aioli, and aged cheese is the must-order, alongside jamon, bikini sandwiches, and a paella worth splitting. The room is loud, communal, and buzzing, with a serious sherry and gin list to match. No reservations for small parties means a wait, but the energy and the flavors make it well worth it.

What to order: Grilled corn maiz asado

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Inman Square, Cambridge

Oleana

Eastern Mediterranean$$$· Warm & romantic

Ana Sortun's Inman Square gem is a James Beard Award winner beloved for its vibrant Eastern Mediterranean cooking. Spices are used with rare confidence across dishes like the sultan's delight, whipped feta, and hot crispy lamb, and the leafy back garden is one of Cambridge's loveliest places to dine in summer. Warm, personal, and consistently excellent, Oleana rewards a leisurely, share-everything meal. Save room for the baked Alaska, a longtime signature that regulars refuse to skip.

What to order: Sultan's delight

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Cambridge

Giulia

Italian$$$· Warm & handmade

Chef Michael Pagliarini's rustic Italian restaurant near Porter Square is a perennial favorite for handmade pasta rolled on a communal table that becomes the chef's counter at night. The tagliatelle Bolognese and daily pasta specials are the reason to come, backed by an all-Italian wine list and unfussy, seasonal plates. The room is small, warm, and often fully booked, so reserve ahead. For soulful, ingredient-driven Italian cooking in Cambridge, Giulia sets the standard.

What to order: Handmade pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Back Bay

Grill 23 & Bar

Steakhouse$$$$· Clubby & polished

A Back Bay institution since 1983, Grill 23 is Boston's definitive power steakhouse, all soaring columns, dark wood, and crisp service. Prime, dry-aged, naturally raised beef is the draw, from the ribeye to the filet, supported by classic sides and one of the deepest wine cellars in town. The mood is clubby and celebratory without tipping into stuffiness. It is the go-to for closing a deal, marking an occasion, or simply eating a serious steak done right.

What to order: Dry-aged steak

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Back Bay

Uni

Japanese izakaya$$$$· Sleek & lively

Inside the Eliot Hotel, Uni from Ken Oringer and Tony Messina is a sleek, high-energy izakaya turning out some of Boston's most inventive Japanese small plates. The namesake uni spoon, toro tartare, and creative sushi share the menu with ramen and robata, all delivered with precision and flair. Late-night ramen service and a stellar sake list make it a favorite of chefs and night owls alike. Book ahead and graze widely across the menu for the full picture.

What to order: Uni spoon

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Somerville

Sarma

Meze$$· Fun & communal

Ana Sortun and Cassie Piuma's Somerville meze bar is a joyous, spice-forward romp through the Eastern Mediterranean. Order from the menu, then let the roving snack cart tempt you with surprise bites as it circles the room. Dishes like the fried mussels, lamb, and creative dips arrive fast and full of flavor, perfect for sharing with a group. Lively, warm, and endlessly fun, Sarma is worth the short trip out to Winter Hill.

What to order: Roving meze cart

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 North End

Regina Pizzeria

Pizza$$· Historic & casual

Open in the North End since 1926, Regina Pizzeria is Boston's most beloved brick-oven pizzeria and a genuine piece of city history. The thin, chewy, well-charred crust and robust sauce come out of the original coal-fired oven, best enjoyed at the cramped, cash-friendly Thacher Street original rather than the mall outposts. Expect a line, a no-frills room, and cold beer alongside your pie. For classic Boston pizza with real character, the flagship is the only place to go.

What to order: Brick-oven pizza

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Faneuil Hall / Downtown

Union Oyster House

Seafood$$$· Historic

The oldest continuously operating restaurant in America, Union Oyster House has been shucking on the Freedom Trail since 1826. Pull up to the original semicircular oyster bar for cherrystones and littlenecks, or settle into a booth for clam chowder, boiled lobster, and other New England staples. It is touristy, yes, but the history is real, from the Kennedy booth upstairs to the toothpick Daniel Webster left behind. A quintessential, only-in-Boston stop.

What to order: Oysters and clam chowder

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Seaport

Legal Sea Foods (Legal Harborside)

Seafood$$$· Family-friendly

Legal Sea Foods grew from a Cambridge fish market into a New England institution, and its clam chowder has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981. The three-level Legal Harborside flagship on the Seaport waterfront is the one to visit, with a casual first floor, upscale dining above, and a rooftop bar with harbor views. Fresh, dependable seafood and that famous chowder make it a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice. Start with the chowder, then work through the raw bar.

What to order: New England clam chowder

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 North End

Mike's Pastry

Bakery$· Bustling & iconic

No North End stroll is complete without a white-and-blue Mike's box tied with string. Since 1946, Mike's Pastry has drawn long lines for its oversized cannoli, filled to order in flavors from classic ricotta to chocolate chip and pistachio. The counter is chaotic, cash is king, and the choice between Mike's and nearby Modern Pastry is a beloved local debate. Grab a box, walk to the waterfront, and eat one of Boston's most famous sweets.

What to order: Cannoli

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Boston

Santarpio's Pizza

Pizza$$· Gritty & beloved

A no-frills East Boston legend dating to 1903, Santarpio's is a fiercely loved, old-school pizza joint just past the airport. The thin-crust pies come out of a blazing oven, but regulars know to pair them with the barbecue skewers of house-made sausage and lamb cooked over coals. The vibe is gruff, cash-preferred, and utterly authentic, with none of the polish and all of the soul. It is a pilgrimage for pizza obsessives willing to cross the harbor.

What to order: Pizza and barbecue skewers

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 South End

Coppa

Italian$$$· Cozy enoteca

Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer's snug South End enoteca channels the spirit of an Italian salumeria with house-cured meats, blistered pizzas, and expertly made pastas. The tasting of salumi is a signature, and dishes like the sea urchin bruschetta and pasta specials keep regulars returning. The tables are tight and the room hums, making it feel like a genuine neighborhood find. It is an ideal spot for a relaxed, wine-soaked dinner among friends.

What to order: Salumi and pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Fort Point / Seaport

Row 34

Seafood$$$· Modern & casual

Billed as a workingman's oyster bar, Row 34 in Fort Point pairs a top-tier raw bar with an outstanding craft beer list in a sleek, industrial space. Backed by the growers at Island Creek Oysters, the shellfish is impeccable, and the warm lobster roll, fried clams, and roasted fish are just as strong. It is more polished than an old-school clam shack but just as focused on quality. A modern classic for New England seafood in the Seaport area.

What to order: Oysters and lobster roll

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 South End

Myers + Chang

Pan-Asian$$· Colorful & fun

Joanne Chang and Christopher Myers' cheerful South End spot serves punchy, pan-Asian street food in a playful, diner-style room. The dan dan noodles, tiger's tears, and Chinese sausage fried rice are longtime favorites, meant to be spread across the table and shared. Bright, affordable, and consistently fun, it is a welcome counterpoint to the neighborhood's pricier tables. Chang's Flour bakeries supply the sweets, so leave room for dessert.

What to order: Dan dan noodles

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Back Bay

Krasi

Greek$$$· Bright & convivial

Krasi means wine in Greek, and this bright Back Bay taverna backs it up with one of the largest all-Greek wine lists in the country. The kitchen turns out vibrant meze, spreads, and spit-roasted meats meant for sharing, from spanakopita to slow-cooked lamb. The space is airy and social, ideal for grazing through many small plates with a bottle or two. It is a fresh, modern take on Greek hospitality and one of the Back Bay's most enjoyable rooms.

What to order: Meze and Greek wine

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Back Bay

Mistral

French-Mediterranean$$$$· Elegant & special occasion

For over two decades, Jamie Mammano's Mistral has been Back Bay's grand French-Mediterranean special-occasion restaurant. The elegant, light-filled room sets the stage for polished cooking like the tuna tartare, thin-crust flatbreads, and a signature rack of lamb. Service is smooth and the wine list is expansive, drawing a well-heeled crowd for anniversaries and celebrations. It remains a benchmark for classic, refined dining in the city without the formality of a tasting menu.

What to order: Rack of lamb

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Boston by Cuisine

Boston's immigrant history makes it a deceptively deep cuisine city, where a short ride on the T can carry you from Italian red sauce in the North End to Vietnamese pho in Dorchester's Fields Corner and Pueblan moles in East Boston.

The best restaurants in Boston by cuisine reward exploration beyond the tourist core: neighborhood specialists often outshine flashier downtown destinations.

Whether you crave soup dumplings, a butter-drenched lobster roll, Eastern Mediterranean meze, or old-school pizza off a coal oven, the city delivers authenticity across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Oleana

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    Ana Sortun's Eastern Mediterranean landmark in Cambridge's Inman Square remains a benchmark for spice-driven, vegetable-forward cooking rooted in Turkish and Arabic traditions. The intimate room and coveted back garden make it a special-occasion favorite, while dishes like the whipped feta and hot buttered hummus honor deep culinary heritage. It is the flagship that helped teach Boston to take the cuisine seriously.

    What to order: Hot buttered hummus; whipped feta; meze

    Reserve

  • Neptune Oyster

    Seafood $$$

    A tiny, perpetually packed North End raw bar specializing in pristine oysters and one of the best lobster rolls in the city, offered hot with butter or cold with mayo. The counter seating and no-reservations policy mean a wait, but the crudo, clams, and Italian-inflected seafood reward it. It is essential for understanding Boston's love affair with the sea.

    What to order: Lobster roll; oysters; crudo

    Reserve

  • Gourmet Dumpling House

    Shanghainese $

    A reliable, no-frills stop in Chinatown for steaming baskets of Shanghainese soup dumplings and hand-pulled noodles. The xiao long bao arrive juicy and delicate, and the surrounding blocks offer bakeries, bubble tea, and grocery-store exploration. It anchors one of the region's best strips for East Asian eating.

    What to order: Xiao long bao; hand-pulled noodles

    Reserve

  • Anh Hong

    Vietnamese $

    A family favorite in Dorchester's Fields Corner Vietnamese corridor, famous for its bo 7 mon, or beef seven ways, a multicourse feast cooked at the table. The pho is fragrant and the portions generous, and the surrounding neighborhood brims with banh mi shops and cafes. It is destination eating for anyone chasing Boston's best Vietnamese.

    What to order: Bo 7 mon (beef seven ways); pho

    Reserve

  • Angela's Cafe

    Mexican $

    A family-run temple to Pueblan cooking in East Boston, serving rich, complex moles, cemitas, and slow-braised specialties from owner Angela's home region. Simple, focused, and beloved, it draws diners from across the city. This is the place to understand Boston's Mexican food culture beyond the taqueria counter.

    What to order: Mole poblano; cemitas

    Reserve

  • Santarpio's Pizza

    Italian $

    An East Boston institution open since 1903, serving thin, blistered bar pizza alongside house-made sausage and lamb skewers grilled over an open flame. Unfussy, cash-friendly, and deeply local, it is a rite of passage. The gruff charm and no-frills room are as much the draw as the pie itself.

    What to order: Bar pizza; grilled sausage and lamb skewers

    Reserve

  • Toro

    Spanish $$$

    Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's lively Spanish tapas destination in the South End reimagines the tapas bar with creativity and warmth. The maiz asado, grilled corn with lime, aioli, and cheese, is a signature, and the menu balances jamón and pintxos with inventive flourishes. It is a modern standout for shared plates and sangria.

    What to order: Maiz asado; jamón; tapas

    Reserve

  • Shanti Taste of India

    North Indian $$

    For classic North Indian curries, buttery naan, and generous lunch buffets, this longtime Dorchester favorite on Dot Ave delivers comfort and value. Look for tandoori specialties and vegetarian thalis that showcase the cuisine's range and generosity for a satisfying, spice-forward meal.

    What to order: Butter chicken; naan; lunch buffet

    Reserve

  • Committee

    Greek $$$

    A modern Greek restaurant in the Seaport serving wood-grilled octopus, spreads, and saganaki with contemporary polish. Bright, lively, and generous, it brings fresh energy to Hellenic cooking with a strong ouzo and cocktail program. It is a strong pick for group dining and mezethes meant for sharing.

    What to order: Grilled octopus; spreads; saganaki

    Reserve

  • Hei La Moon

    Cantonese $$

    A cavernous Chinatown favorite famous for its weekend dim sum, wheeled table to table on rolling carts. The convivial, generous style makes it perfect for groups working through har gow, siu mai, and turnip cakes. It is a beloved anchor of Boston's Cantonese dining scene and a reliable celebration spot.

    What to order: Dim sum from the carts

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Boston

Boston does not have its own Michelin guide, but its fine-dining scene rewards travelers willing to dress up and settle in for something special.

The best fine dining restaurants in Boston range from precise Japanese omakase and clubby dry-aged steakhouses to refined French-Mediterranean rooms and produce-driven eastern Mediterranean cooking, and many are led by James Beard Award-winning chefs.

Expect seasonal menus, deep wine lists, and thoughtful pairings, alcoholic and not. These are the rooms for milestone celebrations and once-in-a-trip splurges.

Book well ahead, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Boston's top tables reward diners who lean into the experience.

  • O Ya

    Japanese $$$$

    One of Boston's most acclaimed tables, this intimate Leather District omakase turns Japanese small plates into precise, surprising art. Chef Tim Cushman's tasting menu ranges from foie gras nigiri to hamachi with spicy banana pepper, each bite balanced and inventive. It is the city's ultimate special-occasion splurge and a bucket-list experience for serious food lovers.

    What to order: Omakase; foie gras nigiri

    Reserve

  • Grill 23 & Bar

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A Back Bay institution since 1983, this clubby steakhouse sets the standard for prime, dry-aged beef in a soaring, wood-paneled room. Impeccable service, a deep wine list, and polished classic sides make it a reliable choice for celebrations and business dinners.

    What to order: Dry-aged prime steak

    Reserve

  • Mistral

    French-Mediterranean $$$$

    Jamie Mammano's elegant South End room has drawn well-dressed crowds for French-Mediterranean cooking since 1997. Warm, buzzy, and consistently refined, it excels at classics like tuna tartare and roasted rack of lamb, a dependable pick for a dressed-up night out.

    What to order: Tuna tartare; rack of lamb

    Reserve

  • Sorellina

    Italian $$$$

    A sleek, softly lit dining room serving contemporary Italian just off Copley Square. Handmade pastas, pristine seafood, and a serious wine program make it a favorite for anniversaries and pre-symphony dinners in a sophisticated Back Bay setting.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; branzino

    Reserve

  • Deuxave

    French-American $$$$

    Chef Chris Coombs's refined French-American restaurant anchors a prime Back Bay corner near the Public Garden. Seasonal, technique-driven plates and a signature lobster gnocchi make it a graceful choice for milestone dinners without a full tasting-menu commitment.

    What to order: Lobster gnocchi; seasonal tasting

    Reserve

  • Uni

    Japanese izakaya $$$$

    Ken Oringer and Tony Messina's stylish Back Bay izakaya blends omakase precision with playful, late-night energy inside the Eliot Hotel. Expect adventurous sashimi, hand rolls, and bold Japanese-inspired plates from a James Beard Award-winning kitchen.

    What to order: Omakase; uni spoons

    Reserve

  • Oleana

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    Ana Sortun's beloved Inman Square restaurant brings vibrant eastern Mediterranean flavors and a lovely garden patio to Cambridge. Spiced, produce-forward cooking and dishes like sultan's delight and whipped feta have earned national acclaim and a devoted following.

    What to order: Sultan's delight; whipped feta

    Reserve

  • Contessa

    Italian $$$$

    A glamorous rooftop from the team behind Carbone, perched atop the Newbury hotel with sweeping views of the Public Garden. Northern Italian classics, tableside flourishes, and a see-and-be-seen crowd make it a memorable, high-energy splurge.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; veal Milanese

    Reserve

  • Mooo....

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A refined Beacon Hill steakhouse inside the boutique XV Beacon hotel, pairing prime cuts with an award-winning wine cellar. Discreet, upscale, and quietly luxurious, it suits special occasions that call for restraint over spectacle.

    What to order: Prime steak; wagyu

    Reserve

  • Ostra

    Seafood $$$$

    A sophisticated Back Bay seafood restaurant from restaurateur Jamie Mammano, focused on pristine fish with Mediterranean accents. Whole roasted fish, crudo, and a stylish, airy room make it a top pick for elegant coastal dining.

    What to order: Whole roasted fish; crudo

    Reserve

  • Fox & the Knife

    Italian $$$

    James Beard Award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz's warm South Boston enoteca serves soulful, handmade Italian pastas and Emilia-Romagna-inspired plates. Approachable yet ambitious, it is one of the city's most exciting neighborhood destinations.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; tortellini in brodo

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Boston pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from candlelit French rooms and clubby steakhouses to cozy North End trattorias tucked into old townhouses.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want Public Garden views or a quiet booth on a brick side street in Beacon Hill, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet corner if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Grill 23 & Bar

    Steakhouse $$$$

    Set in a grand former bank building in Back Bay with soaring columns and dark mahogany, Grill 23 is a top date-night steakhouse. Clubby energy, low lighting, and a serious wine cellar make dinner feel like an occasion. The dry-aged prime steaks seal the romantic deal.

    What to order: Dry-aged prime steaks; classic sides

    Reserve

  • Deuxave

    French-American $$$

    An intimate, warmly lit corner room where Comm Ave meets Mass Ave, ideal for lingering over wine and refined French-influenced plates. Attentive service and a relaxed-but-elegant mood make it a comfortable choice for couples who want ambitious food without pretension.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Bistro du Midi

    French $$$

    A polished Provençal dining room overlooking the Boston Public Garden, ideal for special-occasion dinners. Elegant plating, an excellent French and Mediterranean wine list, and window views over the greenery make it a reliably romantic Back Bay option.

    What to order: Provençal plates; wine list

    Reserve

  • Sorellina

    Italian $$$$

    For a refined Italian date, this sleek Back Bay room near Copley Square pairs plush banquettes and soft lighting with handmade pastas and modern coastal dishes. Elegant service and a deep wine list make for a classic, unhurried romantic evening.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; contemporary Italian

    Reserve

  • Coppa

    Italian Enoteca $$

    Combining a snug enoteca with house salumi and wood-fired pizzas, this South End spot offers a warm, low-key date option. Share small plates and pastas, split a bottle of Italian wine, and settle in for a relaxed, low-pressure evening together.

    What to order: Salumi; wood-fired pizza

    Reserve

  • Oleana

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$$

    Ana Sortun's Eastern Mediterranean room in Cambridge's Inman Square offers a flavor-rich, romantic experience, with a leafy back garden that is magical on summer nights. Warm spicing, meze, and impeccable service make it a sophisticated, aromatic date destination.

    What to order: Meze tasting; garden patio

    Reserve

  • Yvonne's

    Supper Club $$$

    Transporting diners into a moody, library-lined supper club in the former Locke-Ober space downtown, this spot is atmospheric and lush. The clubby setting, inventive cocktails, and globally minded plates make it a favorite for romantic special occasions.

    What to order: Modern supper-club plates; cocktails

    Reserve

  • Mamma Maria

    Italian $$$

    A warm, multi-room Italian set in an old townhouse on North Square in the North End, with a relaxed-romantic vibe and famously discreet corners. Regional Italian plates and handmade pasta by candlelight make it a longtime proposal favorite.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; townhouse setting

    Reserve

  • Mooo....

    Steakhouse $$$

    A refined Beacon Hill steakhouse inside the XV Beacon hotel with plush, understated glamour and old-school charm. The elegant setting suits couples who want a celebratory, timeless steak dinner with a great martini and polished service.

    What to order: Signature steaks; big cuts

    Reserve

  • No. 9 Park

    French-Italian $$$$

    Barbara Lynch's elegant flagship on Beacon Hill overlooks the Common and the State House, well suited to a special downtown date. Refined French and Italian cooking, a legendary wine program, and a graceful room make it ideal for an unhurried evening.

    What to order: Prune-stuffed gnocchi; tasting menu

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Boston

Few cities reward dining with a view like Boston, where the harbor, the skyline, and the Charles River create striking backdrops from spring through fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Boston range from harborside terraces in the Seaport to hotel rooftops above Back Bay and open-air decks facing the downtown towers.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when rooftops fill quickly and reservations or early arrivals become essential. Many focus as much on the setting and drinks as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a sunset cocktail over Boston Harbor or a laid-back patio with skyline views, these spots deliver the city's most photogenic dining.

  • Lookout Rooftop Bar

    American $$$

    Perched atop The Envoy Hotel in the Seaport, Lookout offers sweeping views of Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline. The buzzy terrace is a prime golden-hour spot for cocktails and shareable bites steps from the waterfront.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; harbor views

    Reserve

  • Contessa

    Italian $$$$

    High atop The Newbury Boston overlooking the Public Garden, Contessa serves Northern Italian plates from the Major Food Group in a glass-enclosed rooftop with an open-air terrace. The refined room and Back Bay views make it a special-occasion standout.

    What to order: Handmade pastas; Public Garden views

    Reserve

  • Legal Harborside (Third Floor)

    Seafood $$$

    The third-floor rooftop of Legal Harborside on Liberty Wharf features a retractable glass roof and open-air deck over Boston Harbor. It pairs raw-bar seafood and cocktails with one of the Seaport's best waterfront vantage points.

    What to order: Raw bar; cocktails; harbor views

    Reserve

  • Sky Lounge at YOTEL Boston

    American $$

    This Seaport rooftop lounge, also known as Deck 12, offers skyline and harbor views with cocktails and light bites. Its relaxed, modern vibe makes it a solid choice for sunset drinks above the neighbourhood.

    What to order: Cocktails; small bites; skyline views

    Reserve

  • The Roof at The Colonnade

    American $$

    A Back Bay hotel rooftop with a pool deck and open city views toward the Prudential Center and beyond. The laid-back terrace is a warm-weather favourite for cocktails and casual bites in the heart of the city.

    What to order: Cocktails; casual bites; city views

    Reserve

  • Pier 6

    Seafood $$$

    Set on the Charlestown Navy Yard waterfront with a rooftop deck, Pier 6 delivers panoramic views of the harbor and the downtown skyline. Seafood-forward plates and cocktails make it a scenic spot for sunset over the water.

    What to order: Seafood; cocktails; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Rooftop at Revere

    American $$

    The seasonal rooftop bar at the Revere Hotel near Boston Common offers city views, cocktails, and a lively open-air scene. Its central location makes it a convenient perch for drinks before or after a night out.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; city views

    Reserve

  • ReelHouse

    Seafood $$

    An East Boston waterfront restaurant with an open-air patio facing the downtown skyline across the harbor. The unobstructed views and seafood-focused menu make it one of the city's most photogenic waterfront tables.

    What to order: Seafood; cocktails; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Tia's on the Waterfront

    American $$

    An open-air waterfront bar and restaurant on Long Wharf, Tia's is a breezy warm-weather spot for drinks and casual seafood beside Boston Harbor. The lively patio fills quickly on sunny afternoons and evenings.

    What to order: Cocktails; casual seafood; harbor views

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Boston

Boston's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Boston span comfort-food diners, refined seasonal menus, and globally inspired spots serving everything from vegan pan-Asian to plant-based Ethiopian and Thai.

Many of the region's produce-driven chefs source from New England farms, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Boston can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • Sarma

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    A stylish, vegetable-forward mezze restaurant in Somerville from chef Ana Sortun and Cassie Piuma, offering an elevated Eastern Mediterranean menu in a lively setting. It demonstrates how far Boston's produce-driven dining has come, with inventive small plates and a sophisticated bar program that appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward mezze; spiced small plates

    Reserve

  • Life Alive Organic Cafe

    Vegetarian Cafe $

    An organic vegetarian cafe serving plant-based bowls, hearty breakfasts, smoothies, and baked goods across Cambridge and Boston. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable everyday stop for wholesome, satisfying meat-free meals.

    What to order: Grain and veg bowls; smoothies

    Reserve

  • Grasshopper

    Vegan Pan-Asian $$

    A longtime vegan pan-Asian restaurant in Allston serving wholesome, health-oriented dishes, noodles, and mock-meat stir-fries. Its dedicated approach and signature soy nuggets have earned a loyal following over many years.

    What to order: No-Name soy nuggets; noodle stir-fries

    Reserve

  • Veggie Galaxy

    Vegetarian Diner $$

    A vegetarian diner in Central Square famous for its vegan milkshakes and comfort-food classics like a seitan Reuben, plus an adjoining vegan bakery. A Cambridge institution, it remains a beloved go-to for plant-based indulgence.

    What to order: Seitan Reuben; vegan milkshakes

    Reserve

  • Whole Heart Provisions

    Plant-Based $$

    A plant-based spot serving creative bowls and vegetable-driven comfort food across Allston, Fenway, and beyond. Inventive dishes and a warm, casual vibe make it a strong choice for those seeking hearty, flavorful meat-free meals.

    What to order: Loaded plant-based bowls; sides

    Reserve

  • Addis Red Sea

    Ethiopian $$

    A South End Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Clover Food Lab

    Vegetarian $

    A vegetarian fast-casual favorite with locations across Boston and Cambridge, serving inventive plant-based sandwiches, sides, and breakfast. Casual, friendly, and beloved by locals, it offers fresh, seasonally driven meat-free comfort food with plenty of vegan options.

    What to order: Chickpea fritter sandwich; rosemary fries

    Reserve

  • Red Lentil

    Vegetarian $$

    A vegetarian and vegan Watertown spot serving globally influenced plant-based plates from Mediterranean to Asian. Its neighborhood charm and wide-ranging menu make it a comfortable, reliable meat-free destination.

    What to order: Globally-inspired plant plates; curries

    Reserve

  • My Thai Vegan Cafe

    Vegan Thai $

    A Chinatown vegan institution serving hearty plant-based takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics, plus bubble tea. Its long history and satisfying, flavorful cooking make it a meaningful stop for vegan dining in the heart of the city.

    What to order: Mock-duck curries; pad see ew

    Reserve

  • Oleana

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, Ana Sortun's Arabic-influenced Cambridge restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward dishes worth seeking out. Its creative produce cookery makes it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters in Inman Square.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward plates; mezze

    Reserve

Best Seafood & Iconic Boston Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Boston without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: clam chowder, lobster rolls, North End cannoli, and North Shore roast beef.

Creamy New England clam chowder is the headline act, a thick, briny bowl that locals defend fiercely, while the buttery lobster roll is the summer staple visitors chase from the waterfront to the harbor.

Beyond seafood, the flaky cannoli of the North End and the thin-sliced roast beef sandwiches born just north of the city are essential rites of passage. These dishes are unpretentious and deeply tied to Boston's maritime and immigrant roots.

Come hungry, embrace the butter and the mess, and taste the foods that define the city's culinary identity.

  • Neptune Oyster

    Seafood / Raw Bar $$$

    The definitive raw bar for many, a tiny North End room famous for pristine oysters and a warm, butter-drenched lobster roll served alongside a cold-mayo version. No reservations and long waits, but it is quintessentially Boston.

    What to order: Hot buttered lobster roll; oysters

    Reserve

  • Union Oyster House

    Seafood $$

    America's oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving oysters and chowder since 1826. Touristy but genuinely historic, it offers classic New England seafood in the very rooms where Daniel Webster once slurped oysters at the bar.

    What to order: Clam chowder; oysters

    Reserve

  • Legal Sea Foods

    Seafood $$

    The dependable Boston institution whose clam chowder is so trusted it has been served at presidential inaugurations. Reliable, generous, and everywhere across the metro, it is the safe, satisfying benchmark for New England seafood.

    What to order: New England clam chowder

    Reserve

  • Mike's Pastry

    Italian Bakery $

    The famous North End bakery whose cannoli, filled to order and packed in the iconic blue-and-white box, draw endless lines on Hanover Street. Over-the-top and beloved, it is the dramatic, must-do dessert stop for visitors.

    What to order: Ricotta cannoli

    Reserve

  • Modern Pastry

    Italian Bakery $

    The quieter North End rival to Mike's, prized by locals for its lighter shells and house-made chocolate. Cannoli filled fresh at the counter make it the connoisseur's pick in Boston's long-running cannoli debate.

    What to order: Fresh-filled cannoli

    Reserve

  • Kelly's Roast Beef

    Roast Beef $

    The Revere Beach original that reportedly invented the North Shore roast beef sandwich. Thin-sliced beef on an onion roll with James River sauce, eaten seaside, is an affordable, unpretentious Greater Boston rite of passage.

    What to order: Roast beef sandwich with sauce

    Reserve

  • Regina Pizzeria

    Pizza $$

    The original North End brick-oven pizzeria, open since 1926 on Thacher Street. Blistered, crackery crust and cold pitchers in a cash-only corner joint represent Boston's everyday, old-school pizza tradition.

    What to order: Brick-oven thin-crust pizza

    Reserve

  • Santarpio's Pizza

    Pizza $

    A gritty East Boston legend near the airport, famous for its charred bar-style pies and grilled house-made sausage and lamb skewers. The dive vibe and no-frills service make it a true only-in-Boston hang.

    What to order: Bar pizza; grilled skewers

    Reserve

  • Omni Parker House

    Classic American $$$

    The historic downtown hotel where Boston cream pie was born and still served. A genuine culinary pilgrimage, its dining room lets you taste the city's official state dessert in the exact place the tradition began.

    What to order: Original Boston cream pie

    Reserve

  • James Hook & Co

    Seafood / Lobster $$

    A no-frills waterfront lobster shack that has sold seafood off Boston's docks for over a century. Standing outside with a fresh, generously stuffed lobster roll is a quintessential, unpretentious harbor meal.

    What to order: Cold lobster roll

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Boston by Neighborhood

Boston is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants in Boston are spread across them rather than concentrated in a single dining district.

The historic North End remains the Italian heart, while the South End and the waterfront Seaport form the buzziest modern hubs.

Jamaica Plain, Somerville, and Cambridge reward those who venture into the independent, chef-driven scene, and Chinatown and East Boston offer vibrant, affordable multicultural eating.

Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, walkable strolls, and a genuine sense of local life. This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the city.

  • North End, Neptune Oyster

    Seafood $$$

    A tiny, always-packed raw bar that put modern seafood on the map in Boston's historic Italian North End. The lobster roll, served hot with butter or cold with mayo, is the stuff of legend. No reservations, so expect a wait that is worth taking.

    What to order: Lobster roll; oysters; crudo

    Reserve

  • South End, Toro

    Spanish $$$

    Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's boisterous Barcelona-style tapas bar anchors the stylish South End. Communal tables, cava, and the signature grilled corn make it one of the city's most beloved rooms and a lively introduction to the neighborhood.

    What to order: Maiz asado; jamon; tapas

    Reserve

  • Seaport, Row 34

    Seafood $$$

    A polished oyster bar and gastropub in the fast-growing Seaport District. A deep raw bar and an ambitious craft beer list capture the neighborhood's transformation along the South Boston waterfront.

    What to order: Oysters; raw bar; fried clams

    Reserve

  • Chinatown, Hei La Moon / Gourmet Dumpling House

    Cantonese $$

    Boston's compact Chinatown, tucked beside the Theater District, serves dim sum, Cantonese classics, and late-night noodles. A cart-service dumpling crawl through the neighborhood is affordable and rewarding.

    What to order: Dim sum; roast duck; soup dumplings

    Reserve

  • Cambridge, Oleana

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    Ana Sortun's eastern Mediterranean gem draws diners across the river to Cambridge's Inman Square. A lush back patio and spice-forward mezze make it a destination worth planning a whole evening around.

    What to order: Mezze; spiced flatbreads; baked Alaska

    Reserve

  • East Boston, Angela's Cafe

    Mexican $

    Rich, home-style Pueblan Mexican cooking in the heart of Latino East Boston. Family recipes, standout moles, and handmade tortillas reward the short trip across the harbor by subway.

    What to order: Mole poblano; tacos; guisados

    Reserve

  • Back Bay, Grill 23 & Bar

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A clubby, wood-paneled steakhouse in elegant Back Bay near Copley Square. Prime cuts, an encyclopedic wine list, and old-school polish make it a classic special-occasion anchor in the neighborhood.

    What to order: Dry-aged steaks; oysters

    Reserve

  • Fenway, Sweet Cheeks Q

    Barbecue $$

    Tiffani Faison's Texas-style barbecue joint brings smoked brisket and skillet biscuits to the bustling Fenway. It is an easy, satisfying pick before or after a Red Sox game at nearby Fenway Park.

    What to order: Brisket; ribs; hot honey biscuits

    Reserve

  • Jamaica Plain, Tres Gatos

    Spanish $$

    A cozy tapas spot, book, and record shop rolled into one on the leafy streets of Jamaica Plain. Small plates and a warm neighborhood feel make it the ideal introduction to JP's independent charm.

    What to order: Tapas; boquerones; patatas bravas

    Reserve

  • Somerville, Sarma

    Middle Eastern $$$

    Cassie Piuma's playful Middle Eastern mezze restaurant hides in a residential corner of Somerville. Roving snack trays and inventive small plates make it one of the area's most joyful, chef-driven rooms.

    What to order: Mezze; meatball lollipops; snack tray

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Boston

Boston's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Boston keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on the Seaport's continued expansion, ambitious neighborhood debuts across Somerville and the South End, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

New openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps. Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Boston dining is heading right now.

  • Comfort Kitchen

    Global Diaspora $$$

    An Upham's Corner destination in Dorchester built around the global African diaspora, serving spice-forward cooking in a lovingly restored former comfort station. Its warm hospitality and inventive, ingredient-driven plates have made it one of the city's most celebrated newer arrivals.

    What to order: Spice-forward diaspora plates

    Reserve

  • Bar Volpe

    Southern Italian $$$

    Karen Akunowicz's Southern Italian restaurant in South Boston brings handmade pasta and wood-fired seafood to a lively Dorchester Avenue room. Its energy and technical cooking have kept it firmly in the conversation as a modern favorite.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; wood-fired seafood

    Reserve

  • Krasi

    Greek $$$

    A modern Greek meze bar in Back Bay boasting one of the largest all-Greek wine lists in the country. Its shared plates, spit-roasted meats, and buzzy room have energized Hellenic dining in the city.

    What to order: Greek meze; extensive Greek wine list

    Reserve

  • Contessa

    Northern Italian $$$$

    A glamorous Northern Italian rooftop restaurant atop the Newbury Boston from the team behind New York's most talked-about rooms. Its see-and-be-seen crowd and polished cooking made it an instant destination in Back Bay.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; rooftop dining

    Reserve

  • Nightshade Noodle Bar

    Vietnamese $$$

    A fiercely creative Vietnamese tasting-menu restaurant in Lynn that earned rapid acclaim and a devoted, hard-to-book following. Its bold, personal point of view makes it emblematic of the region's adventurous new wave.

    What to order: Vietnamese tasting menu; hard-to-book

    Reserve

  • Celeste

    Peruvian $$

    A tiny, warmly run Peruvian restaurant in Somerville's Union Square where the chef often cooks and greets guests personally. Its ceviche and lomo saltado draw crowds to one of the area's most beloved small rooms.

    What to order: Ceviche; lomo saltado

    Reserve

  • Bar Enza

    Italian $$$

    Chef Tony Maws' rustic Italian restaurant inside Cambridge's Charles Hotel pairs handmade pasta with a produce-driven sensibility. Its comfortable room and confident cooking reflect a move toward approachable European dining.

    What to order: Rustic Italian; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • Moëca

    Seafood $$$

    A seafood-focused newcomer in Somerville turning out refined coastal small plates in an intimate setting. Its careful sourcing and shareable format keep it popular with those chasing the neighborhood-bistro trend.

    What to order: Coastal seafood small plates

    Reserve

  • Wusong Road

    Chinese-American $$

    A Harvard Square tiki bar and Chinese-American restaurant blending elaborate cocktails with nostalgic, generous plates. Its playful atmosphere and packed bar make it a lively see-and-be-seen spot in Cambridge.

    What to order: Tiki cocktails; Chinese-American plates

    Reserve

  • Time Out Market Boston

    Food Hall $$

    A curated Fenway food hall gathering standout local vendors under one roof, offering an easy way to sample multiple buzzy chefs and cuisines in a single, casual visit.

    What to order: Multiple local vendors under one roof

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Boston most famous for?

Boston is most famous for New England clam chowder and the lobster roll. Locals also love raw-bar oysters, fried clams, Boston baked beans, and Boston cream pie, plus the Italian bakeries of the North End.

Where can I get the best lobster roll in Boston?

Top lobster roll spots include Neptune Oyster in the North End, Row 34 in the Seaport, and James Hook & Co. on the waterfront. Order it cold with mayo or warm with butter, and try more than one.

Do I need reservations for top Boston restaurants?

Yes. Acclaimed spots like O Ya, Menton, No. 9 Park, and Grill 23 need reservations released weeks ahead. Neptune Oyster is walk-in only with long waits. Book early or sit at the bar.

Which Boston neighborhoods are best for dining?

The Seaport and South End are the buzziest hubs. The North End is the go-to for Italian food, Chinatown offers affordable Asian cuisine, Back Bay has upscale classics, and Cambridge and Somerville draw chef-driven spots.

How expensive is fine dining in Boston?

Boston's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before pairings. Neighborhood seafood shacks, North End trattorias, and spots like Santarpio's offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Boston?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian spots include Life Alive, Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, and Whole Heart Provisions. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate vegan menus with notice, and Chinatown offers plenty of plant-based dishes.