Try Portuguese fare, Lanzhou noodle bowls, and local oysters all in Boston.
Boston ’s restaurant setting does n’t rely solely on clam chowder , though arguably , it could . We also turn down to apologise for our fervent love of lobster paradiddle . But thecity ’s treasure trove of culinary delightsgoes much deep than these low - pay heed fruits of the sea .
We knowyour Boston itineraryis jam - tamp down withFenway Park , The Freedom Trail , and Boston Pops operation , but consider this an open invitation to eat your way through the metropolis — from local oysters on Newbury Street to Mediterranean indulgence . You ’ll find disco music - vibed pizza hangs at a Food connection chef ’s food hall concept and eclectic external menu with deep dive into Lanzhou noodle bowls and the open - flame culinary art of Greece ’s roving shepherds . Nestled in every nook and cranny of the urban center , Boston ’s restaurant scene is a idealistic hodgepodge of immersive chef - extend conception , elevated grab - and - go , and international scrumptiousness — and these 13 restaurants are among Bostonians ’ not - to - miss favorites .
Amar
Back BayThe majestic sight of the Charles River is just part of the temptingness at Amar , where Michelin - star chef George Mendes dazzle guests with Portuguese fare on the seventeenth flooring of Raffles Boston . Originally a New Englander , Mendes honour his Lusitanian heritage while collaborating with Boston ’s farms and fisherman like Wulf ’s Fish and Brookline ’s Allendale Farms . The computer menu also sport a easy - laugh at duck’s egg and Portuguese - sourced Carabinero Shrimp . Of course , the tableside streetcar garners oohs and ahhs , propose rarefied port and Madeira wines and adding to the refined rusticity .
Contessa Boston
Back BayHovering 17 level above Boston ’s famed Newbury Street , Contessa is unapologetically spectacular — the décor , the scene , and its touch rarified trattoria culinary art . Tourists and local anaesthetic alike blaring for Contessa ’s la-di-da views of Back Bay and Boston Public Garden — verdant green in summertime and shimmer with holiday light get along winter . This Boston favorite brings in impudent burrata each day , serves perfectly brackish East coast oyster , and wows guests with fresh - made pastas like Sweet Pea Tortellini and Fettuccine Bolognese . walk through the marble and velvet place , it ’s not uncommon to see the Squash Carpaccio on most tables . The improbably pop starter elevates acorn squash to icon status via wispy thin slivers dappled with Eruca sativa , pumpkin germ , agrodolce .
Little Whale Oyster Bar
Back BayShopping Newbury Street ’s eclectic premix of luxury and folksy fabulousness will leave you exhilarated — and hungry . Luckily , Chef Michael Serpa ’s Little Whale is intimate and downright magic . Obviously , the itty - bitty checklist - style system for ordering oysters adds to the vibe , but the main menu hold its own with local fried Ipswich Clams , Gloucester Swordfish , and Lobster Spaghetti . The seafood phonograph recording are perfect for a particular night or a seafood nosh with friends ; grab the $ 125 Newbury with six local oyster , four shrimp , line up lobster , ceviche , and Salmon River crudo . mate it with bubbly , wine , or a craft beer like Maine Beer Company ’s Little Whaleboat — because root .
The Beacon at View Boston
Back BayHigh atop The Prudential Tower , View Boston is New England ’s mellow outdoor rooftop deck , and the 360 - academic degree , 33 - naut mi views are 2nd to none . A 22 - seat bistro , The Beacon splay the menu seasonally and volunteer time - test Boston classic like lobster rolls and joint beef sandwich with a jazzy BBQ - jalapeño aioli sauce . you could also count on a few taste bud tempter like Goat Cheese Fritters . Those looking to pre - game before late - night shenanigans can snaglate - night saveraccess to View Boston ’s indoor and outdoor observation decks for $ 10 , after 9 post-mortem . Last call for Stratus sofa and Beacon bistro is at 9:30 necropsy , so arrive at 9:01pm and make the most of the night horizon and wiliness cocktails .
Gordon Ramsay Burger
DowntownIn between visitingThe Old State HouseandThe New England Holocaust Memorial , Gordon Ramsay Burger makes the perfect endocarp stop . The hamburger hub slow - simmers sauce — like fresh chipotle ketchup — all day long and the menu is focussed and utterly fantastic : burgers , shareables , and Roger Fry . A beefburger and kid will be around $ 30 , a proficient deal by all accounts . The roast jalapeno Hell ’s Kitchen Burger is a go - to , but you ca n’t go wrong with anything on the carte du jour . The tail are rich and fluffy , which shockingly applies to even the gluten - free buns , and the fries are top - nick .
Tenderoni’s at High Street Place
DowntownTenderoni ’s in High Street Place Food Hall is a funky honest-to-god - schooling pizza joint with a sprinkle of magic ' 70 disco dust . It ’s no surprisal , hold that it ’s the visual sense of imaginative chef Tiffani Faison — known for Food internet’sChopped . Tenderoni subs ? Classic colossal beauties , overstuff with filling like chicken parm and savory soppressata . The two - foot - long pizza pie are framed with blockheaded freshness and plenty of charred cheesy bits along the edges . All this , plus the unchecked joy of pizza pie by the slice , starting at $ 7 . Everyone starve something different?High Street Place Food Hallboasts 20 food concepts — from brewery and sushi to Mediterranean , tacos , and a champagne streak . incentive points for being so near to South Station .
Grace by Nia
SeaportA little southern swagger , justly here in Boston . Grace by Nia call a unequaled Riffian on the classic southerly dining experience , plus an intimate point , impressive barroom , and lounge area , featuring bouncy jazz , R&B , individual , and hip - record hop entertainment . In short , it ’s a New - day supper club where the standard atmosphere and food are imbued with feel - secure vibraharp — thanks to restaurateur Nia Grace , co - founder of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition . Clearly , she understands that apps are paramount to a meal partake in with friends and family ; the dinner computer menu showcases over a XII neophyte like Bourbon Peach Spareribs , Fried Green Tomatoes , and Smoked Deviled Eggs . Brunch buffet ? Absolutely . Try the electrocute catfish , coconut grits , buttermilk waffle , cajun home base fries , and more .
Hook + Line
SeaportPerhaps chef Mark Cina has brine coursing through his veins . He trained at Michelin - star restaurants out west , but Cina ’s a Massachusetts hombre who grew up between the Cape and Needham . He falsify on Nantucket too , but now he ’s at the helm of the waterfront gem Hook + Line . Cina brings hisbrine to shellphilosophy to the menu , which include Stuffies and Whole Roasted Branzino , with Riffian on hold dear New England classic like Grilled Kayem Hot Dogs with caviare . In a rushing ? Pop into their adjacent H + L Market and grab some fry clams , gluten - free chowder , or fresh fish .
Boqueria
SeaportLocals know that the Seaport ’s one of the buzziest neighborhoods in Boston right now , between theInstitute of Contemporary Art Boston , Boston Harborwalk , brewery , and endless pop - ups and installations . There are plenty of astral smirch for food , and Boqueria repeatedly realise its ranking , among the best . It ’s a harbor of minuscule plates goodness , featuring a joyous overload of deeply flavored savory bit of meaty bites and veggie . fix for tapa euphoria with nearly two 12 little plate options , from roasted broccoli with Marcona Amygdalus communis and raisins to sizzle lamb skewer . Treat yourself to the Cerdo Ibérico — a ham actor from Andalusia copper that forage for ( and gorge themselves on ) acorns . The vibe is sultry but reachable , with next - story ambiance and a Sangria for every mood .
Gigi
South EndWhether it ’s the cosy ambiance ( emerald green velvet , etc . ) or the handwriting - made pasta , Italian spot Gigi court its Edgar Guest with both mode and substance . Linger the night aside with small plate pastas or go big with the new tomato Rigatoni alla Vodka . Either way , the wine list reads like a romance novel with all its swoony sip , organized by the chalk , bottleful , and region . Brunch includes all the alimentary paste options ( of course ) , plus Ricotta Pancakes , Eggs in Purgatory , and a Milanese Sandwich with tomato jam .
Bar Vlaha
BrooklineA vibrant monitor that Boston ’s food scene reaches far beyond a mustard drizzled Fenway frank ( a delicacy , of course ) , Bar Vlaha comes through with inspired Greek menu . The warmth of the interior decoration creates a smart esthetical ( cue the intimate cloth ) , and the perfect ambiance to unwind after a meddlesome twenty-four hours of Boston ’s sights . The nutrient , blank , and school of thought are an homage to the Vlach people , nomadic shepherd from the rural mountain and lake villages of Central and Northern Greece . At the heart of it all lie the art of hospitality , and Bar Vlaha drive home with traditional mobile cooking techniques of charcoal and open - blast methods . Do n’t miss the rustic sheep ’s Milk River sourdough scratch ( Horiatiko Psomi ) and Karydokeftedes , delicious walnut potato fritter .
Umbria
North EndRestaurateur Frank DePasquale and Boston ’s North remnant are as synonymous as pasta and wine . The Italian trailblazer has seven dining concepts and oodles more culinary - centric venture . His three - flooring eating place , Umbria , is a feastable steakhouse jubilation of the famed Italian region . Chef Nello Caccioppoli , born and farm on the Amalfi Coast , oversee the cuisine and offers the best of Umbria ’s artisanal alimentary paste goodness and high - end steaks like the popular 36 - ounce Prime Tomahawk Rib Eye for two . Then again , the wild wild boar Gnocchetti Al Cinghiale is the amply flavored beauty to appease your luxury - meets - solace craving .
MIDA
East BostonKnown for his extraordinary hospitality , doling out as many hugs and handshakes as entrance , chef - owner Douglass Williams embodies the essence of the communal nature of the food experience . The antipasti platter are spilling over with salumi , cheese , and dry yield — just right for a little sharing and sip sesh . But even his sides are noteworthy ; the Roasted Carrots with sumac yogurt are reason enough to stop by . One of Boston ’s only Black amercement - dining chef - owner , Williams is n’t afraid to put gamy - end short rib lasagna side - by - side on the card with house - made pizza pie like his white sauce Bianco with shave Allium cepa and mushrooms .
Cajun Jambalaya at Grace by Nia|Photo courtesy of Grace by Nia
The views at Amar.|Photo courtesy of Amar
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Oxtail and Grits at Grace by Nia.|Photo courtesy of Grace by Nia
Photo courtesy of Gigi
