40 Best Restaurants in Boston

40 Best Restaurants in Boston

Since Boston is the cradle of the American Revolution and a city that takes great pride in its past, all-American cuisine has long thrived at the city’s best eateries. But because the booming technology and education sectors have drawn in new cultures from all over the world, diversity is now flourishing here as well. Although steakhouses, clam chowder, and lobster rolls are still undisputedly the best, Boston has found its culinary niche. The city offers everything from high-brow omakase tasting booths to street-food-influenced cafes and everything in between, moving beyond conventional New England mainstays. Combining those foods with foraging and fresh seafood customs from New England feels more “Boston” than ever. Whether you’re in Boston on business, visiting historical sites in the summer, admiring the leaves in the fall, or skiing in the winter, the city has some of the best flavors in the world to offer. Here is our quick list of the top eateries in this intricate and world-class city.

Read also; 20 Relaxing Coffee Shops in Boston

The Best Asian Eateries in Boston

1. O Ya

O ya is a modern Japanese restaurant that was created as a result of years of considerable travel and labor around Japan and the rest of the world. Given its legendary status, you might anticipate this cult favorite sushi and omakase restaurant to have a more opulent address than a 30-seat dining room down a quiet side street in the Leather District. But that’s O Ya’s magic. The dish alone makes it a must-try for any devoted sushi fan visiting Boston. Although rolls, sashimi, and other items can be ordered à la carte, any reputable eater in Boston understands that the omakase menu is the only option. While some dishes stick firmly to tradition, others introduce surprising yet sumptuous ingredients like foie gras and truffle.

practical information

address:9 E St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

hours:tue-sat;5-8:30 pm

phone: +1 617-654-9900

website: O Ya

2. Uni

The Back Bay’s Uni is unlike any other seafood restaurant you’ve ever gone to in Boston. If you thought you knew Boston, entering this dining room is like entering a darker, sexier, and more wonderful Boston. With a whimsical dash of cosmopolitan global influences, executive chef David Bazirgan combines the rigorous skills of traditional Japanese sushi and izakaya restaurants. Whatever you choose to eat, start with the famous Uni Spoon, a slice of raw sea urchin topped with quail egg yolk and osetra caviar that is supposed to be eaten in one mouthful. One of the most sumptuous and well-known starters in the entire city, it is.

practical information

address:370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States

hours:sun-thur;5:30-9 pm/Fri-sat;5:30-10 pm

phone:+1 617-536-7200

website: Uni

3. Dumpling Cafe

The well-known Dumpling Cafe, a dependable fixture with something for every palate, is a fantastic example of the area’s culinary prowess. Best bets fall into two categories: Taiwanese cuisine and, predictably, dumplings. Connect the two with the pan-fried dumplings made in the Taiwanese manner, but save room for the little juicy buns (also known as soup dumplings) with pork and the spicy-sweet eggplant made in the Taiwanese way.

practical information

address:695 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

hours:sun-thur; 11 am-11:30 pm/Fri-sat; 11 am-1:30 pm

phone:+1 617-338-8859

website: Dumpling Cafe

4. Peach Farm

Eat at this purposefully unassuming Chinatown staple like the expert chefs we frequently run across by selecting a whole fish to be cooked, simply seasoned in ginger, soy, and scallions, and then filleted tableside. Additionally, don’t miss Peach Farm’s fantastic selection of popular Cantonese dishes including hot salted shrimp, scallops with vermicelli, and clams with black bean sauce. The experts agree that the city no longer offers reliably fresh fish with bold flavors.

practical information

address:4 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

hours:mon-sun;11:30 am-12 am

phone:+1 617-482-3332

website: Peach Farm

5. Shojo

In a historically significant area like Chinatown, a 10-year-old restaurant can seem almost young, but Shojo has established itself as a mainstay over the past ten years, which makes sense given that it’s one of the friendliest places around to bring visitors from out of town or just enjoy a night out. It could survive on the reputation of its drinks alone, but Shojo elevates the experience with a daring food menu that jumps from airy buns loaded with Japanese-style fried chicken or smoky BBQ pork to fries smeared in mapo tofu and “kimcheese.”

practical information

address:9A Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

hours:tue-thur; 11:30 am-11 pm/Fri-sat;11:30 am-12 am/sun-mon;4-10 pm

phone:+1 617-482-8887

website: Shojo

6. Dakzen

You should take your date to Dakzen if you enjoy sharing a steaming bowl of the greatest khao soi in the area, which is made even better by the addition of a crispy pig belly. Since it opened in 2018, the unpretentious Davis Square jewel has been leading the pack of Thai restaurants in the Boston area that provide limited menus tailored to a particular region or genre in this case, a primarily noodle-based assortment of street cuisine.

practical information

address:195 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144, United States

hours:mon-thur; 11 am-9 pm/Fri; 11 am-10 pm/sat;12-10 pm/sun;12-9 pm

phone:+1 617-718-1759

website: Dakzen

7. Chalawan Asian Eatery

Too many different cuisines on a menu can often be a warning sign, but Chalawan succeeds in touching on many regions of Southeast Asia and beyond. The dishes that pay homage to modern Thai cuisine such as a single perfectly cooked scallop topped with caramelized crispy duck and crispy chicken skin with eggplant relish are all from Thailand (the Isan region). It’s the ideal time to go if you missed it because it debuted only six months before the epidemic.

practical information

address:1790 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States

hours:mon-thur;5-9:30 pm/Fri-sat;12-2:45 pm,5-10 pm/sun;12-2:45 pm,5-9:30 pm

phone:+1 617-547-8888

website: Chalawan Asian Eatery

8. Mahaniyom

Mahaniyom is a remarkable example of the current iteration of the Thai food genre, and the Thai food scene in Greater Boston has been becoming better and better in recent years. The restaurant jumps through a number of regions, but not carelessly, with a condensed menu that is bold in its succinctness. Whether it’s a straightforward bowl of crab fried rice or the southern Thai classic of Hat Yai fried chicken, every dish brings the team back home. The creative drinks go well with everything, which is not surprising considering that co-owner Chompon (Boong) Boonnak previously worked behind the bar at Chinatown cocktail institution Shojo.

practical infomation

address: 236 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445, United States

hours: mon and wed-thur; 11:30 am-2 pm,4-10 pm/Fri-sat; 11:30 am-2 pm,4-11:30 pm/sun;12-2 pm,4-10 pm

phone:+1 617-487-5986

website: Mahaniyom

9. Cafe Sushi Shoten

Although it’s been around since 1984 and is housed in an unassuming building near Harvard Square, sandwiched between a shoe repair shop and a Dry Bar, you’ll still like Café Sushi. For some of the best sushi in Boston, locals frequent this L-shaped establishment, which was upgraded and rebuilt in the summer of 2018. It is always packed when the doors open for the evening. Sit at the eating bar to watch the sushi chefs create traditional maki rolls, creative takes on them, or sashimi with properly seasoned rice and fresh fish. The eatery takes pride in its constantly-evolving seasonal menu of sashimi and nigiri as well as its constant favorites.

practical information

address:1105 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

hours:tue-sat;12-9 pm

phone:+1 617-492-0434

website: Cafe Sushi Shoten

Boston’s Top European Eateries

10. SRV

Executive chef Michael Lombardi’s SRV has a foot in both worlds, it’s more upscale than your normal neighborhood joint while also being more approachable than fine dining. Priorities first as you plan the main courses, be sure to order a few Cicchetti, or little nibbles, for the table. The salted fish baccala, calamari crostini with nduja, and fried olives are to die for. From there, the menu combines sophisticated Venetian dishes like house-made lumache pasta with shrimp, snails, and mussels in a vermouth reduction with Italian classics (like the must-order meatballs). Can’t decide what to do? Trust the chef when ordering the tasting menu, one of Boston’s greatest deals on a menu of this nature.

practical information

address:569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118, United States

hours:sun-wed;5-9 pm/thur-sat;5-10 pm

phone:+1 617-536-9500

website: SRV

11. No. 9 Park

Some of the city’s best surf and turf have been available at No. 9 Park for more than 20 years. It is impossible to describe how good the rosemary tagliatelle with peekytoe crab, walnuts, and chorizo vinaigrette tastes. The foie gras-topped prune-stuffed gnocchi is a sumptuous treat, while the Hokkaido scallop Crudo melts on your tongue. Although the grilled Bavette steak, which is served with summer beans, French feta, and Marcona almonds, is a classic, it is also one of the most popular dishes.

Practical information

address:9 Park St Pl, Boston, MA 02108, United States

Hours:wed-sun;5-9 pm

phone:+1 617-742-9991

website: No.9 Park

12. Fox & The Knife

When she opened Fox & the Knife this year, chef Karen Akunowicz had a lot on the line. In addition to being a well-liked Top Chef candidate in 2015, she also won a James Beard Foundation Award for her work at Myers + Chang in 2018. Fortunately, her quaint, elegant Italian restaurant in South Boston is a huge success. Her experience in Modena, Italy, served as inspiration for the menu, which features delicate alterations of traditional Emilia Romagna fare.

practical information

address:28 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, United States

hours:wed-sun;4:30-10 pm

phone:+1 617-766-8630

website: Fox & The Knife

13. Menton

The French-inspired food at Menton contains a tiny bit of Italian flavor. Take the langoustines, which are served in a nest of shredded phyllo with rhubarb slices and tiny dot-like globules of pumpkin-seed oil on top. Or the fresh halibut served with java bean purée and baked in a croûte. Although a meal here will cost you a hefty penny, for foodies searching for the elusive combination of fine dining and New England seafood, the experience is nothing short of magnificent.

practical information

address:354 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States

hours:wed-thur and sun;5-9 pm/Fri-sat;5-10 pm

phone:+1 617-737-0099

website: Menton

14. Bistro du Midi

In Boston, it can be challenging to find a true Provençale eatery that doesn’t stray too far toward opulent brasserie fare, but Bistro du Midi succeeds and throws in some coastal New England for good measure. The confit chicken leg is served with green lentils, spring peas, and a lovely lavender sauce. The Faroe Islands fish, with almonds, rhubarb, white asparagus, and green garlic, is almost too pretty to eat. Spend the extra money, if you can, on the exquisite seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings, it’s wonderful.

practical information

address:272 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States

hours:mon-thur; 11:30 am-9:30 pm/Fri;11:30 am-10 pm/sat; 11 am-10:30 pm/sun; 11 am-8 pm

phone:+1 617-279-8000

website: Bistro du Midi

15. Season to Taste

It’s challenging to identify a signature dish at this establishment because the menu is completely revised every six weeks based on seasonality. But no matter the season, you can always rely on homemade pasta, a hyper-seasonal salad, homemade bread, and the day’s freshest catch. It’s usual to find influences from Southeast Asian street cuisine in the first course, then Provencal in the second, and Italian in the third.

practical information

address:1678 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

hours:sun-wed;5-11 pm/thur-sat;5-11:30 pm

phone:+1 617-945-9535

website: Season to Taste

16. Bar Mezzana

Bar Mezzana has swiftly turned into a favorite among residents in the Ink Block, a once-forgotten neighborhood between Chinatown and the South End that has recently grown hot with development (and not just those who live in the condos upstairs). Expect plenty of fresh seafood and traditional hearty tastes in Chef Colin Lynch’s coastal Italian cuisine, which is a perfect complement to Boston. However, the cocktails took it to the next level. Try one of the imaginative spritzes, which may resemble a traditional Italian aperitivo but taste nothing like it.

Read also; The Best Juice Bars in Boston

practical information

address:360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118, United States

hours: Mon-Fri;5-10 pm/sat-sun; 11 am-3 pm,5-11 pm

phone:+1 617-530-1770

website: Bar Mezzana

17. Pomodoro

Although there are a lot of Italian restaurants on the main strip that move patrons in and out like an assembly line, Pomodoro, with only about nine tables, never feels crowded. Without a doubt, there will be a line, especially on weekends, but once inside, the ambiance is delightfully tranquil and warm.

practical information

address:351 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, United States

Phone: +1 617-367-4348

18. Pammy’s

A number of restaurants with an Italian theme have opened in recent years, but Pammy’s, a self-described “New American trattoria,” which has been open for five years, has remained unique thanks to its fusion of Italian and other influences. For instance, a popular dish on the menu covers snail-shaped lumache pasta in a Bolognese sauce that has been spiced up with gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste. The welcoming atmosphere in the gorgeous setting, which includes features like a tiled hearth and an enormous gold-framed mirror, is enhanced by the staff’s extraordinary efforts. You’ll want to carry this one in your back pocket for warm and cozy situations, both special and daily, with hospitality like this.

practical information

address:928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

hours:mon-sat;5-10:30 pm

phone: +1 617-945-1761

website: Pammy’s

19. Faccia a Faccia

Recently, chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette added an Italian-themed eatery to their outstanding local lineup (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and it’s incredible they did. Fresh ingredients, including seasonal produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market, are used in the seafood-inspired menu. The roomy Back Bay restaurant offers a wonderful assortment of spritzes along with a half-dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster, and other seaside treats. The most anticipated summer opening in Boston proper is Faccia Brutta.

practical information

address: 278 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, United States

hours: Mon-Fri;5-10 pm/sat;12-3 pm,5-10 pm/sun;12-8 pm

phone:+1 857-991-1080

website: Faccia a Faccia

Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston

20. Grand Tour

Grand Tour is a sophisticated yet casual approach to French cuisine, which can sometimes feel a touch too heavily confused with fine dining in Boston. Expect traditional French classics like leg of lamb that comes off the bone, mussels cooked with leeks and fennel, or streak frites made with beef from renowned Cambridge butcher Save nor’s. A delicious caviar omelet and veal sweetbreads with mustard aioli and sliced peaches are two unanticipated menu items. Make sure to order the special off-menu lamb burger if you are there for lunch.

practical information

address:314 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115, United States

hours:sun-thur; 11:30 am-9:30 pm/Fri-sat;11:30 am-10:30 pm

phone:+1 857-277-0800

website: LITTLE WHALE OYSTER BAR

21. Row 34

While Row 34’s empire continues to grow, the vast Fort Point location continues to be the best place to eat seafood with a decidedly Boston feel. Keep it simple with traditional fish and chips, venture out on the (quietly) best beer list in town, or dress it up with a sizable raw-bar platter or even a whole fish that has been cooked.

practical information

address:383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States

hours:tue-wed;5-11 pm/thur-sat; 11:30 am-11 pm/11:30 am-10 pm

phone:+1 617-553-5900

website: Row 34

22. James Hook & Co

This family-owned institution, which is more of an urban lobster shack than a full-fledged restaurant, has been bringing lobster to downtown Boston since 1925. There aren’t many more alternatives needed because everything on the menu is so good; clam chowder, whole-cooked lobsters, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, and lobster rolls. This is the truest form of Boston seafood.

practical infomation

address:440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, United States

hours:mon-sun; 10 am-4 pm

phone:+1 617-423-5501

website: James Hook & Co

23. Neptune Oyster

Since it opened in 2004, the modest 42-seat café known as Neptune Oyster Bar has offered one of Boston’s greatest lobster rolls (hot or cold) on toasted brioche. Prospective diners many of them out-of-towners who make this a must-stop might find themselves waiting outside for an hour or more for one of these sought-after rolls. (Waits between lunch and dinner are significantly shorter in the winter when they are around half that long.) However, Bostonians still come here on special occasions despite the infamous queues. Don’t miss out on all the other wonderful sustainable seafood options available here.

practical information

address:  63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113, United States

hours:sun-thur; 11 am-9:30 pm/Fri-sat;11 am-10:30 pm

phone:+1 617-742-3474

website: Neptune Oyster

24. Woods Hill Pier 4

It’s difficult to imagine a more picturesque location on the Seaport at dusk than this restaurant’s main dining room, which offers a sweeping view of Boston Harbor and farm-to-table cuisine. The owner of the restaurant Kristin Canty raises almost all of the meat on her farm, and she also grows a sizable portion of the restaurant’s produce. The bucatini all amatriciana cooked in-house with guanciale from Woods Hill pigs is that much more delicious, and even seemingly straightforward dishes like roasted broccoli simply burst with flavor. The rack of lamb with piquillo-pepper romesco is that much juicier.

practical information

address:300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, United States

hours:tue-thur; 5-9 pm/Fri;5-9:3-pm/sat; 11 am-2 pm,4:30-9:30 pm/sun; 11 am-2 pm, 4:30 pm-8:30 pm

phone: +1 617-981-4577

website: Woods Hill Pier 4

25. Mooncusser

Although Mooncusser may have started out as a fish home, it has since evolved into much more. This restaurant has undergone a culinary overhaul under the guidance of Chef Carl Dooley, with a new emphasis on providing four-course tasting menus. Each time they visit, visitors can always experience something new thanks to the monthly changes in the prix fixe menu, which also comes with optional wine pairings. Yes, seafood still has a significant place on this menu, but now fish dishes, like barbecued unagi or potato gnocchi with salt cod, share the spotlight with other, internationally influenced dishes, including deer with Hungarian dumplings and Sichuan pig sausage consomme.

practical information

address:304 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116, United States

hours:tue-thur;5:30-9:30 pm/Fri-sat;5-9:30 pm

phone: +1 617-917-5193

website: Mooncusser

Boston’s Top Mediterranean Restaurants

26. Sarma

Since chef Cassie Piuma is a native of the Boston area and received her culinary training at Oleana in nearby Cambridge’s Inman Square, the menu features a variety of Mediterranean crowd favorites, including Greek spanakopita and saganaki as well as Arab-style kofte sliders and shawarma topped with labneh. Then there are the more difficult-to-define dishes, such as octopus skewers, squash cakes with harissa, and a menu of shish kebabs with choices including monkfish, salmon, and heartier meats like duck. Every main course is nicely complemented by a seasonal vegetable plate (or two, or three), and you’d be remiss if you didn’t spare room for a flaky pastry dessert like the pumpkin baklava.

practical information

address:249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145, United States

hours:sun-thur;5-10 pm/Fri-sat;5-11 pm

phone:+1 617-764-4464

website:Sarma Restaurant

27. Saloniki Greek

This homegrown, fast-casual Greek concept by celebrity chef Jody Adams has quickly become a local favorite. It was inspired by the pungent tastes and street delicacies of Thessaloniki, Greece. The audience is made up of business types leaving for lunch, students, and anyone else who wants to get their hands on souvlaki, salads, or the extremely stacking baklava crisps, as is the case with any popular fast-casual concept. Every ingredient on the menu is sourced as locally as possible and features tried-and-true flavors like oregano, honey, creamy feta cheese, slow-roasted meats, and lots of garlic. The modest cocktail menu at Saloniki, which include a Saloniki Daiquiri and the dangerously drinkable spiced sangria, gives it an advantage over other lunch spots.

practical information

address:4 Kilmarnock St, Boston, MA 02215, United States

hours:mon-sun; 11 am-9 pm

phone:+1 617-266-0001

website: Saloniki Greek

28. Krasi

Krasi, which means “wine” in Greek, is a restaurant in the former Café Jaffa location in the Back Bay. A Greek wine list with more than 180 all-natural, organic, and biodynamic options complements the menu of regional meze. The colorful items on the menu at Krasi do not disappoint, and everything, right down to the dessert, is expertly prepared.

Read also; 10 Boston Famous Food You Want to Have Right Now

practical information

address:48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115, United States

hours: Mon-Fri;5-11 pm/sat-sun; 10 am-3 pm,5-11 pm

phone:+1 617-536-0230

website: Krasi

29. El Oriental De Cuba

The robust stews, creamy flans, and tres lech cakes, as well as the flaky, savory empanadas and enormous pork, ham, and cheese Cuban sandwiches everything about Cuba’s homey cuisine, is done perfectly at this long-standing neighborhood restaurant. In the colder months, El Oriental’s warm ambiance, kind nature, and vibrant flavors (don’t miss the tropical shakes) are especially appreciated.

practical information

address:416 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130, United States

hours:mon-sat; 11 am-8:30 pm/sun; 11 am-8 pm

phone:+1 617-524-6464

website: El Oriental De Cuba 

30. Oleana

Oleana feels ageless rather than drained even after more than two decades in business. Chef Ana Sortun’s renowned Cambridge restaurant, which draws flavor inspiration from a variety of Middle Eastern cuisines, infuses intense flavor into a changing selection of cold and hot mezze, from straightforward dark leafy greens with a Lebanese garlic sauce to Baharat-spiced local quail kebab with barberries and pistachio. The patio is one of the most romantic places to enjoy them all.

practical information

address:134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

hours:sun-thur;5:30-10 pm/Fri-sat;5:30-10:30 pm

phone:+1 617-661-0505

website: Oleana

31. Toro

The South End has been served by the Spanish tapas restaurant and bar Toro since 2005. The menu, which was developed by James Beard Award-Winning Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, includes Barcelona-inspired hot and cold small plates that are meant to be served and enjoyed Tapas-style. The beverage program includes classic-inspired cocktails and an eclectic, meticulously curated wine list. The no-reservations policy at Toro, which had previously been one of the hardest venues in town to obtain a table at, was gratefully overturned a few years ago, and the mid-2021 addition of a large rear terrace made it even simpler to get in. To put it another way, its magic still works today without trouble.

Practical information

address: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, United States

hours:mon-sun;5-10 pm

phone:+1 617-536-4300

website: Toro

32. Alcove

Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli ran the bar at Eastern Standard before going into restaurant management with Alcove. Therefore, it makes it fitting that this classic brasserie adheres to the same recipe as the former Kenmore Square favorite; a diverse blend of raw bar, European, and farm-to-table American fare, as well as a top-notch cocktail program. Chuck Draghi, the new executive chef, has infused the cuisine with favorites from his cherished, now-defunct restaurant Erbaluce (including green-crab bisque and a mind-bending carbonara). That update is exciting enough to draw customers’ attention away from the stunning vistas of the Zakim.

practical information

address:50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, MA 02114, United States

hours:mon-fri;12-10 pm/sat-sun; 11 am-10 pm

phone:+1 617-248-0050

website: Alcove

33. Chickadee

The Mediterranean-inspired seasonal menu at this Seaport hotspot, which takes its name from the bird that represents Massachusetts, uses products sourced from nearby farms, markets, and producers. Tzatziki made from kohlrabi combines the best of both worlds in its appetizer. Check out the fried hake with pickled peppers and zhoug on the pita-heavy lunch menu. There are more options for dinner, including pasta dishes like littleneck clams with green harissa or gnocchi with smoked chestnut. Fresh ingredients are also used in inventive drinks, such as snap peas, roasted red peppers, and jasmine, to mention a few.

practical information

address:21 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States

hours:sun-thur;5-9pm;Fri-sat;5-10pm

phone:+1 617-531-5591

website: Chickadee

Best African Restaurants in Boston

34. Tawakal Halal Cafe

This little family-run cafe in East Boston, which is close to Logan Airport, is one of the best restaurants in the area. The mood is established by the bright yellow walls covered in Somali trinkets, and anyone’s mouth will moisten at the powerful perfume of cardamom and other aromatics. Start with a traditional biryani plate, which features a large scoop of stewed chicken, beef, or falafel over a mound of flavorful basmati rice. To elevate the dish, ask for some of the restaurant’s habanero mango sauce. Beef and vegetable samosas, which are fried to absolute crispiness, are also available. 

practical information

address:389 Maverick St, Boston, MA 02128, United States

hours:tue-sun;3-9 pm

phone:+1 617-418-5890

website:Tawakal Halal Cafe

Boston’s Top Upscale Restaurants

35. Asta

It’s been almost ten years since Asta started offering upscale tasting menus with the kind of exact minimalism you might get at a posh Copenhagen restaurant. The menu is constantly changing to highlight the best seasonal fare, but other than that, everything at this fine-dining mainstay feels steadily reliable. It’s even decorated with little eccentricities like a Zeus painting on the wall (left over from a previous tenant of the space), bunny-shaped cookies with caramel popcorn for dessert, and occasionally fried chicken sandwich pop-ups.

practical information

address:47 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

hours:tue-Fri; 7-10 pm/sat;6-11 pm

phone:+1 617-585-9575

website: Asta

Best Wine-Focused Restaurants in Boston

36. Haley. Henry

As we begin to make our way back into public areas, if spending the evening curled up in a small, dim setting with a faintly nautical vibe sounds like the perfect night out, you should add Haley.Henry to your usual rotation. You won’t find a fancier-looking plate of sausage and beans, and this oenophile’s paradise has been bringing life to Downtown Crossing for six years with its extra-funky wine selection, canned fish, mix-and-match charcuterie and cheese platters, and comforting small plates with inventive twists.

Practical information

address: 45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108, United States

hours: Tue-thur;3-11 pm/Fri; 3 pm-12 am/sat; 12 pm-12 am

phone:+1 617-208-6000

website: Haley.Henry

Boston’s Top Casual Dining Places

37. Pete’s Dockside

This relaxed maritime eatery is tucked away among the Southie side of the Seaport District’s warehouses. Full breakfast, salads, burgers, hot and cold subs, broiled haddock, and Buffalo mac & cheese are all on the menu. There are dog-friendly picnic tables. You can place a walk-up counter order, and the meal will be brought to you.

practical information

address:12 Channel St, Boston, MA 02210, United States

hours:mon-fri; 7 am-2 pm

phone:+1 617-423-1110

website: Pete’s Dockside

38. Parm

Parm is a chef-driven concept developed by Major Food Group, which was formed by well-known chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, as well as restauranteur Jeff Zalaznick. It specializes in serving home-style Italian food. The restaurant is unpretentious, and reservations are not required. This undoubtedly makes it a weekday dinner favorite for locals in Back Bay and South End as well as a lunchtime fixture for nearby office workers.

practical information

address: 100 Huntington Ave Suite K006A, Boston, MA 02116, United States

hours:mon-sun; 11 am-10 pm

phone: +1 617-751-1113

website: PARM

39. Yvonne’s

Ruka, Mariel, Lolita, and Coquette, the flagship of COJE Management Group, continue to dazzle in the legendary old Locke-Ober premises with one of the sexiest rooms in town. Glowing, glitzy, and luxurious, it’s ideal for Instagram-worthy group selfies, yet unlike many other similarly, scenic venues, Yvonne’s service, cocktails, and wonderfully creative food by head chef Tico Huynh truly deliver the goods. Don’t pass up the opportunity to share (and photograph) one of his eye-catching large-format dishes, such as the grilled “viper” chop or the 2-pound long-bone rib-eye steak.

practical information

address:2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108, United States

hours:sun-thur; 5 pm-1 am/fri-sat; 4 pm-2 am

phone:+1 617-267-0047

website: Yvonne’s

40. Carmelina’s

In the center of Boston’s renowned Little Italy, on Hanover Street, sits Carmelina’s, which first opened its doors in 2012. Since then, Chef DiPaola has adapted cherished family recipes for his best-loved meals into contemporary Italian dishes that feature equal amounts of fish and fresh pasta. The open kitchen layout of Carmelina’s interior reflects a mother-approved kitchen. The walls are covered with family photos, which gives them a cozy feel. Diners may enjoy an intimate dining experience in the compact room and see their delicacies prepared from start to finish.

practical information

address:307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, United States

hours:mon-sun;12-10 pm

phone: +1 617-742-0020

website: Carmelina’s

Anyone interested in food, whether new to Boston or a lifelong resident, will find plenty to discover here. The city is fortunate to have a fantastic seafood-filled dining scene, but there is also a wide variety of other options.