Boston is known for famous dishes like Boston cream pie (which originated at Parker’s Restaurant in the Omni Parker House hotel), clam chowder, Boston franks, Boston baked beans and anything and everything lobster related. Lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, lobster salads, lobster grilled cheese…you can find it all right here in Beantown. While there are plenty of tried-and-true classic Boston restaurants every out-of-towner should visit once, there are also plenty of noteworthy newbies making headlines—and taking over our Instagram feed. From North End Italian gems and Boston Seaport standouts, to must-visit spots in Beacon Hill, Fenway, the South End and Chinatown, there’s no shortage of neighborhoods to food crawl in America’s Walking City. Behold our list of 28 best restaurants in Boston for likable food pics, curated with a little help from Boston-based TikTokers and Insta-stars, Rachel Eng and Maddie Gatto of @twotastebuddiez.
Best Restaurants in Boston
Contessa
As the first restaurant in Boston from Major Food Group, we had major expectations from Contessa and they did not disappoint. Located in the heart of Back Bay at The Newbury Boston, Contessa offers the finest Northern Italian fare with breathtaking skyline views as their backdrop. Fun fact: All the walls are retractable, so it’s like an open-air trattoria when the weather allows. A posh marble bar holds center court behind a row of jewel-toned stools and the black and white striped canopy is evocative of grand European villas upon entry. As for the menu, must-try antipasti include Bruschetta Contessa (speck, shaved cremini, poached egg) and Octopus Agrodolce. Moving on to pasta and pizza, there’s Fusilli Genovese, their famed Spicy Lobster Capellini and Focaccine (prosciutto, robiola, black truffle). For the meat lovers, opt for Classic Veal Milanese or the 40-oz Bistescca Fiorentina for two. And in true MFG fashion, an assortment of expertly crafted cocktails are available, plus Boston Cream Pie Bomboloni for dessert. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
The Banks Fish House
If this isn’t the most Insta-worthy Bloody Mary you’ve ever seen—we don’t know what is. I mean, COME ON with this bacon egg and cheese slider-topped tipple! Damn good breakfast drinks aren’t the only reason to flock to The Banks Fish House though… Reminiscent of an old-school New England fish house, it’s one of our go-to seafood spots in Boston’s Back Bay for all the raw bar staples, perfectly executed fish and chips and chowder (plus Chowda Flatbread with creamy creme fraiche, crunchy oyster crackers and lots of smoked bacon and clams). Then there are more elevated entrées, like Cuttlefish Ink Spaghetti. BFH also scores high points for ambiance and will have you returning again and again, for the nautical-meets-cozy vibes. Pro tip: Request a table by the fireplace where you can camp out all day, work remotely, or just sip cocktails with friends and never leave. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Krasi
Krasi is the Greek word for wine, and this restaurant definitely lives up to its namesake, featuring one of the most extensive selections of Greek wines in the US. Their menu has classic meze in addition to fresh-baked breads, imported cheeses and table-side tzatziki. The interior’s beautiful natural lighting provides the perfect setup for that “Instagrammable” shot and you can’t miss out on their dip trio of tzatziki, htipiti and taramosalata at brunch, or the Feast of the Gods at dinner (a sampling of dishes with an optional wine pairing). —Twotastebuddiez
Scampo at The Liberty Hotel
Scampo may be Italian for “escape,” but that’s the last thing you’ll want to do once you enter Boston grand dame Chef Lydia Shire’s dining room. Arguably the most unique in the city, since it’s located in the former Charles Street Jail turned luxury hotel, The Liberty. Of course her Lobster Pizza is the true star of the show, but many signature dishes also draw flavor references from the Mediterranean and Middle East, like her Colorado Grilled Lamb Chops with a spoonful of tahini, fried garlic, Persian lime and chick pea fries. Shire also likes to cook up whatever’s in season—be it jumbo white Belgium asparagus spears, spring crab or pea button ravioli—and when the weather warms, there’s a charming little terrace out back for al fresco dining. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Bistro du Midi
Vying for one of the best brunches in Boston is Bistro du Midi, where French meals are just as they should be: lengthy, beautiful and seriously satisfying. Their Petit Déjeuner Flatbread with nduja, prosciutto, potato and a sunny side egg wins for most Instagrammable dish, but Duck Confit ‘Foieffles’ and Citrus Cured Salmon Benedict are close runners-up. Parisian cafe vibes abound downstairs, with checkered floors and yellow rattan barstools, but upstairs offers a more elegant option with sliding farmhouse doors and windows overlooking the Public Garden. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Zuma at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street
Just like Zuma’s London, Miami and Dubai outposts, crazy good sushi, over-the-top dessert presentations and addictive Black Miso Cod are at the forefront of what Zuma Boston does best. Their menu showcases a variety of dishes from its three kitchens (the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill) and it’s always a scene on the weekends, considering its prime real estate position—upstairs at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Committee
Not only is the vibrantly decorated Committee a no-brainer for celebrations, but their creative seasonal cocktail list and shareable plates lend themselves to beautiful table spreads to adorn your Instagram feed. The patio is ideal for outdoor summer brunches close to Boston’s Seaport, and dishes range from classic Mediterranean fare to modernized takes. Don’t miss out on the Spanakopita Grilled Cheese on sourdough, or the Greek Yogurt Pancakes with toasted almonds and fresh berries. —Twotastebuddiez
Street Bar
Perched in the bottom of the historic Ritz-Carlton Boston building—which is now the exquisitely refurbished Newbury Boston—sits The Street Bar with the best street views of passersby. Enjoy nibbles like Pigs in a Blanket, Spicy Pink Lobster Chowder, Avocado Louie and their famed Hand Carved Sandwich, alongside complimentary snacks (doesn’t get better than a trio of Saltie Girl Potato Chips, Castelvetrano Olives and Bazzini Nuts). Wash that all down with a Negroni, stay a while gazing out at the Public Garden and consider canceling all plans for the rest of the day, tucked inside this cozy refuge. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Union Oyster Bar, Boston Chowda Co & Neptune Oyster
If you come to Boston and don’t eat New England clam chowder, don’t leave until you do. You’ll find creamy chowda and oyster crackers on the menu at most restaurants in these parts, but for the best—and most Instagrammed—chowders, pay a visit to Union Oyster House (one of America’s oldest restaurants dating back to 1826), Boston Chowda Co in Faneuil Hall and Neptune Oyster. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden
Headed up by acclaimed mixologist Ran Duan, Blossom Bar offers a large selection of traditional Sichuan dishes, in addition to a thoughtfully implemented beverage menu. As in, cocktails are almost too beautiful to drink. Our favorites include Duan’s Whip (with Pineapple Dole Whip) and Gloria, winner of the 2019 Bacardi Legacy award. Sichuan Cuisine is a style of Chinese cuisine originating from Sichuan Province in southwestern China, and Blossom Bar does not disappoint, featuring hits like Dan Dan Noodles, Chengdu Duck Stew and Sichuan Flavor Chicken. Also noteworthy: sister restaurants Baldwin Bar and Ivory Pearl. —Twotastebuddiez
Coquette
Sitting very pretty inside the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, Coquette is the latest venture from the team behind Yvonne’s and already one of the hottest reservations in town. Coastal French-meets-Basque cuisine is the focus, with decadent fruits de mer towers piled high with pristine shellfish, lobster tails, ceviche dips and waffle chips, plus an assortment of accoutrements and mignonettes. There’s Borek Spring Rolls with samurai sauce and Lobster Croquettes to delve into, before the insanely delicious tarte flambés (order the Duck Confit or White Clam flatbread with smoked leeks, sauce au camembert and fried shallots). Finish the grandiose meal with Rhum Baba Doughnuts and photo opps under dreamy Anglican murals and you’ll swear you’ve teleported back to Renaissance times. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Cisco Brewers Boston Seaport
Cisco Brewers Seaport brings a slice of Nantucket to Boston with its fourth season in Seaport featuring its award-winning craft beer and wine and loaded TOTCHOS. This outdoor beer garden features Cisco’s extensive portfolio of beers (we see you, Wandering Haze Hazy IPA and Grey Lady), plus hard ciders, frosé and coolers. The best part? It’s dog friendly so your four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the fun. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Wood Hills Pier 4
No one does farm-to-table fare quite like Wood Hills Pier 4. Head Chef Charlie Foster provides patrons with an extensive menu backed by flavor and sustainability. Wood Hills Pier 4 is part of the restaurant family of Woods Hill Table, sourcing their cuisine directly from its namesake, The Farm at Woods Hill. The fresh produce and meat elevate their beautiful, tapas-style dishes that are meant for sharing. Some highlights of their frequently rotating menu include fresh local seafood like fluke crude and east coast oysters, as well as dry-aged Woods Hill Farm Duck Breast with crispy confit. And don’t sleep on their drink menu, featuring hand-picked, local distillers like Bully Boy and Privateer. —Twotastebuddiez
Parish Cafe
Parish Cafe is legendary in Boston, thanks to a menu of specialty sandwiches created by B-Town’s top chefs. There’s The Eggplant Milanesa by Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa, Toro and Little Donkey (thin sliced pan-fried eggplant, avocado, slow-roasted black bean spread, on a sesame torta roll). The Flour BLT by Chef Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery (applewood smoked bacon, tomato confit, bibb lettuce, basil mayo on Texas toast). And the holy grail sammie: The Zuni Roll by Chef Norma Gillaspie (sliced turkey, crispy bacon, dill havarti cheese, cranberry chipotle sauce, on a warm flour tortilla). PS, the beer list is epic if you’re looking for local ales. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Cafe Landwer
With multiple locations around Fenway/Kenmore and Brighton, Israel’s Cafe Landwer has been a Boston staple for several years now. Their interior features a modernized take on classic diners, with elements such as vintage wall art, a retro coffee bar and traditional signage. Cafe Landwer specializes in Mediterranean/Israeli-style dishes, including their famous Landwer Shakshuka and schnitzel, plus a variety of salads and hummus bowls. They are also vegan and vegetation friendly, with several adjusted options in each category like Landwer’s Vegan Breakfast, Vegan Shakshuka and more. You simply cannot miss out on their rugelach for dessert! —Twotastebuddiez
Saltie Girl
Located smack dab in the middle of bustling Newbury Street, Saltie Girl is always packed—and always delicious. You can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu, but they’re known for their tinned seafood specialities, baskets of flawlessly fried fish and lobster delicacies. Try the Gloucester Lobster Roll (warm or cold) and the Ginger Scallion Lobster, then hop next door to keep the food coma going at Seafood Pizza by Saltie Girl. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Fox & the Knife
Ask anyone in the know about the best restaurants in Boston these days and most will wax poetic over Fox & the Knife. James Beard award-winning chef/owner Karen Akunowicz is a culinary wizard and each of her house-made pastas is more genius than the next. In particular, the Tortelli Verdi with wild nettles, Pepe c Cacio Lasagnette and Raviolo Carbonara with guanciale are brilliant on every level. Also worth a visit: Akunowicz’s second restaurant, Bar Volpe, in South Boston. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Source
Source is a go-to date night spot in Harvard Square for those nights you’re looking to impress. Their modern approach to a gastropub and pizza bar has earned them a locals-loved rep and owner Daniel Roughan’s attention to detail makes every aspect of the dining experience superb, right down to the unique plates each dish is served on. Prepare to be transported to Italy after one bite of Neopolitan-style pizza, straight out of the wood-fired oven, or go for brunch and enjoy Deconstructed Grilled Cheese and Hangover Pizza. —Twotastebuddiez
Lookout Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel
When it comes to gram-worthy waterfront vibes and views, look no further than The Envoy Hotel’s Lookout Rooftop for seeping views of the city, plus microbrews and seasonal cocktails. Yes it gets crowded, but when you want a light bite and a cold drink on a hot day, there’s no beating this sky-high perch. Come wintertime the glowing fire pits are replaced by neon snow globes and an après ski-inspired menu is on hand to keep the good times flowing year-round. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Bakey
Imagine your favorite baked good. Say, a buttery babka, shot through with swirls of rich chocolate. Now, imagine that babka, fresh out of the oven, still warm in your fingers as you pull it apart. The steam wafts up, delivering aromas of yeast and melted chocolate before you take that first, heady bite. Unforgettable, right? That, in a nutshell, is Bakey, a café that pairs first-rate coffee with baked goods that are only served in their prime. You’ve never tasted such straight-from-the-oven-fresh perfection. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Taiyaki
This New York City-based ice cream chain made it’s way to Boston’s Seaport District and took the city by storm. Taiyaki might be the most photographed dessert in Boston—just sayin’. Taiyaki takes its name from traditional Japanese cakes made from a waffle-like batter shaped into a fish and filled with red bean or custard, but they have a DIY option with a choice of soft serve flavor and various toppings. You can’t miss out on their soufflé pancakes topped with matcha cream either! —Twotastebuddiez
Yvonne’s
Yvonne’s oozes swanky super club dining vibes, thanks to twinkling chandeliers, dimly-lit interiors and a bar studded by skulls. When you’re not transfixed by the eccentric details throughout the dining room and adjacent library, turn your eye back to their large-format punch bowls and boozy tea service for two. Follow that up with the Seared Halloumi with charred eggplant and Grilled Viber Chop with kimchee fried rice. Pro tip: Reserve one of the seven tables tucked-away in the Gallery. Reservations aren’t easy to come by, but worth it to enter through the secret bookcase door. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
Nico Ristorante
The North End is the Little Italy of Boston and a must-visit destination for foodies who love noods—and Nonna-style Italian delights. When in this hood, Nico Ristorante should definitely be high on your Boston bucket list for their Restaurant Row notoriety and theatrical dinner presentations. PS, it’s worth point out that Nico is one of the only restaurants in the North End that offers the holy grail of pastas: a table-side Cacio e Pepe experience prepared in a parmesan wheel. —Twotastebuddiez
Crazy Good Kitchen
Family-owned restaurant Crazy Good Kitchen is comfort food at its finest. Owner Tony capitalizes on his background as a butcher in Brazil to bring flavorful, high-quality burgers to Boston that that crazy good. The burgers, fried chicken, loaded french fries and towering milkshakes are all crave-worthy, so stop by their diner in Malden, or their newly opened full-service location on Newbury Street to indulge. —Twotastebuddiez
Paris Creperie Seaport
The Paris Creperie Seaport is an Insta HUB for glittery purple drinks, eggy breakfast crepes and cocktails with mermaids dangling off the side. There are also sweet crepes, fresh omelettes, three varieties of Shakshuka and a canapés section of the menu perfect for sharing. Go for brunch, or a late-night dessert binge and be sure to sample the French-style Cosmopolitan. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
The Beehive
The Beehive has been a Boston institution in the South End ever since 2007. Known for its sprawling patio dining, live jazz, boho vibes and an eclectic menu that satisfies every kind of craving, it’s ideal for weekend brunch, late night nibbles or an al fresco dinner. They also have one of the most extensive Champagne and sparkling wine lists in the city and inventive cocktails to please all palates. Order the Lamb Meatballs with roasted peppers and tahini-lime sauce, Tuna Tartare with spicy cucumbers and the Truffled Short Ribs with Tokyo turnips and lardons. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade
