21 of the Best Restaurants in Boston
POSTED BY Mavy | November 29, 2017
Label: Travel Tips
When you think of Boston you probably think of history, sports and some of the best universities in the world.
However, it’s also got an impressive collection of restaurants, with a culinary scene that’s starting to catch up to its east coast neighbour, New York.
For a relatively small city, there are plenty of eateries to get your teeth into during your stay and here are 21 of our favourites.
Row 34 claim that if they could eat oysters and drink beer for every meal then they probably would, and it’s easy to see why!
New England has a great reputation for seafood and this oyster bar in Fort Point is a great case in point.
It has a casual atmosphere and fair prices but is quickly establishing itself as one of the hottest reservations in this once quiet part of town.
The lobster rolls are a particular highlight, with both creamy and buttered variations available, and both are equally heavenly.
Located in the historic Copley Square, Sorellina is a cutting-edge Italian eatery run by chef/owner Jamie Mammano, who runs many of the city’s top restaurants.
Sorellina recently celebrated ten years of business and it’s easy to see why they’ve flourished, putting a modern twist on classic Italian dishes, with an impressive wine list to match.
The excellent food and super-stylish interior make this one of Boston’s most decadent dining experiences and the price tag does reflect this, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Another great casual oyster bar, this time in the city’s North End, Neptune has an array of East Coast oysters to try with their signature horseradish cocktail sauce and Prosecco-based mignonette.
The pièce de résistance, however, is the seven-ounce Maine lobster roll, offered either cold with mayonnaise or warm with butter, served up on a toasted brioche roll from a bakery just down the street.
Always one step ahead of the curve, Neptune is a true pioneer of the Boston seafood scene and one not to be missed.
If it’s pizza that you’re in the mood for, look no further than Regina Pizzeria. The original Boston pizza place, Regina has been welcoming hungry guests through its doors for over 90 years with hearty, brick oven pizzas.
So what sets Regina’s apart? Well, their secret recipe, passed down through three generations, probably has something to do with it!
Whether it’s the specially aged whole milk mozzarella, the light and spicy sauce with a hint of Romano cheese, or the fresh toppings, you might not be able to put your finger on it!
Island Creek have their own oyster farm down the coast in Duxbury and a very strong connection between farmer, chef and diner.
Found in the city’s Kenmore Square, Island Creek is centred around an impressive 25-seat bar, with an ever-changing line up of lobsters, clams, shrimp and more.
The bar has a real nautical feel, with gabions (cages) filled with thousands of oyster shells adorning the back wall.
One of the best Italian eateries in the North End, Mamma Maria is set in a beautiful row of 19th-century houses and offers one of the best views you can find while sitting down for dinner in the city.
Situated on a hill overlooking downtown Boston, the floor-to-ceiling windows give you a perfect view of the skyline in the distance, contrasted with the old cobbled streets of North Square in the foreground.
As for the food, Mamma Maria is the only Italian restaurant in the city to achieve a four-diamond rating from the AAA Travel Guide, with a classic menu featuring some slightly different pasta dishes such as rabbit pasta and the signature dish, the osso buco.
Located in the new 100 Pier 4 building in the city’s Seaport district, this is a chain with a difference.
Ocean Prime is known for its high-end steaks and seafood coupled with beautiful wood-accented interiors, with a gorgeous granite centrepiece bar serving up wines and craft beers.
Like we said, it’s not your average steakhouse, with a prime steak costing around $40 and other high-end options including chilled Maine lobster, caviar, and sushi.
Located on the city’s Beacon Hill, Mooo…. is another of Jamie Mammano’s restaurants, this time in the form of a modern steakhouse situated in historic surroundings.
While the steak is amongst the best in the city, Mooo…. is much more than just a steakhouse, with great breakfasts, light bar snacks and even an ‘acoustic brunch’ on a Sunday.
The versatility is what makes Mooo…. such a great venue, so be sure to check it out whether you’re after sumptuous beef Wagyu or just a salad and a smoothie.
Continuing the business started by their grandfather in 1925, the Hook family have been catching and selling lobster on Boston’s waterfront for three generations.
While they continue to sell lobster to other restaurants and distributors across the country (selling over 50,000lbs of lobster each day!), they also have their own restaurant on the harbour.
Tourists and locals alike love the lobster rolls, chowder bowls and other local classics served here.
The Bostonia pays tribute to all things Boston, situated right opposite Faneuil Hall in a building which has stood since 1902.
Celebrating the history, people and traditions of the city, the Bostonia includes an exposed kitchen which serves up ‘refined rustic’ dishes in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
And with bars on two floors, the Bostonia is as attractive to those looking for a relaxed drink with friends as it is for those looking for a polished dining experience.
Open since 1882, Doyle’s is one of Boston’s favourite bars, with a casual Irish-American menu making it well worth a visit for its food offerings too.
It’s a real throwback and a quintessential Boston Irish pub, with a large selection of local beers.
In fact, Doyle’s was the very first bar to serve Sam Adams beer, which is now sold right around the country.
Ask any Boston local where to find the best sandwich in the city and they’ll likely point you in the direction of Sam LaGrassa’s.
Family owned and operated since 1968, LaGrassa’s have built up a legendary reputation in the city, with their Chipotle Pastrami going down a particular storm with the locals.
Other favourites include their ‘fresh from the pot’ corned beef, aged black Angus roast beef, and of course, fresh clam chowder.
For a truly Mediterranean experience, right in the South End of Boston, be sure to head to Barcelona wine bar.
Decorated with reclaimed wood and steel, with huge windows and a beautiful patio, it really does have a European feel and offers some of the best tapas in Boston alongside a great selection of wines.
Grilled asparagus, mussels al diablo, spiced beef empanadas, paella and grilled pork are all on the menu put together by head chef Marcellus Coleman.
The Capital Grille is another high-end steakhouse chain, but don’t let the fact that it’s a chain put you off!
Located in the swanky Back Bay area, it’s far from your usual steakhouse and is frequented by the great and the good of Boston, including the odd celebrity, who flock here for the excellent food and stylish décor.
With three locations around town, Luke’s is the brainchild of New England native Luke Holden, with an industrial yet nautical feel and, of course, great lobster.
The toasted lobster rolls are the highlight, but Luke’s also offers a good range of seafood dishes such as chowders, bisques and soups.
This ‘World Famous’ Italian pizzeria has gone from a small takeaway to a Bostonian institution, with a family-friendly vibe and great food inspired by the owner’s grandmother, who passed down many of the recipes you see on the menu.
The guys at the Italian Express perfected their authentic Italian pizza after spending time travelling through the country, honing their craft, so you know that the right love and care has gone into your pizza!
There’s also a patio area so you can enjoy your food in the sun for a real Mediterranean vibe.
Another from Jamie Mammano, Mistral is a French bistro located in the stylish South End, focusing on simple food and the best ingredients.
Named after a wind which blows through southern France, the décor of Mistral takes a lot of inspiration from the Provence region, with hand-picked French pottery, high ceilings and some impressive arched floor-to-ceiling windows.
The restaurant features a stunning main dining room as well as a bar and lounge area which serves up craft cocktails along with a selection of the finest wines.
Ostra is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant at the luxury end of the scale, with luxury prices to match!
It’s every bit as posh as you would imagine and the prices are sure to make you wince, but, in fairness, you’ll struggle to find many better restaurants in town than Ostra.
With a northern Italian menu featuring specialities like lasagne, veal chops and Kobe beef sirloin, Davio’s can be found around the country these days but was born here in Boston.
Despite being located in the busy Park Square, once you step through the doors, you’re instantly taken away from the hustle and bustle and into a relaxing space with great food and wines.
While the dishes are the main draw, you’ll also love the open kitchen layout, allowing you to see your meal prepared right in front of your eyes.
The Parish Café has been serving Bostonians for over 25 years now, built on a simple but great concept.
Owner Gordon Wilcox approached each of Boston’s best chefs and asked them to create a sandwich for his new menu, with each one being named after the chef and their restaurant.
Not only is it a fun concept, but because the sandwiches have all been created by chefs, you know the quality is going to be high!
Serving up fresh seafood since 1978, the Atlantic Fish Company print their menus daily to reflect the freshly caught produce, sourced straight from the harbour each morning.
Designed to look like a seafaring vessel, the restaurant is decked out in nautical artwork with lovely wood finishes.
As for the food, start off with a chilled seafood platter before moving onto mains such as clams, bass, lobster and chowder, with steak and chicken options available if you haven’t quite got your sea legs.
As you can see, Boston is full of great places to eat, from swanky steakhouses to family-run pizzerias, and, of course, lots of seafood!
However, it’s also a fantastic city to explore, with narrow streets and history on every corner, whilst maintaining a thoroughly modern feel due to the many students who attend the world famous local universities.
To check out this amazing city for yourself, be sure to browse our cheap flights to Boston today!