Boston may be known for its pioneering business culture, but it has also been growing its presence in the food scene. The city offers dynamic dining, with award winning restaurants that are just as loved as hole-in-the-wall spots with cult followings.
From fresh seafood to hand-made pastries, the city has no shortage of high-quality, delicious food to offer. Whether you're chasing a bowl of chowder on the waterfront, a tasting menu in the South End, or the perfect Italian-American plate of pasta, Boston delivers.
To understand Boston’s food scene today, it’s important to know what the city’s history of food looks like. Boston's culinary identity has always been shaped in part by the people who immigrated here, and food is a huge part of the city's identity.
With the arrival of thousands of newcomers to the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ethnic groceries and restaurants were some of the first signs of unique food cultures that intrigued native-born residents while nourishing immigrant communities. Records of the Boston Licensing Board between 1909 and 1937 show that foreign-born restaurant owners outnumbered native-born owners, and they held a majority of the licenses issued for food vendors across the city.
Different immigrant groups left distinct marks on the city's food landscape. Boston's first Italian-owned restaurant opened in 1868 on Boylston Street, and by the 1920s, there were several hundred Italian-owned restaurants. Meanwhile, Chinese restaurants in Boston were strikingly successful in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, despite the city's small Chinese population at the time.
Restaurants offered economic opportunities for immigrants as small business owners, while simultaneously giving them a way to preserve their culture and serve their community with familiar foods and customs from home.
Over time, those foods stopped being considered "foreign" and simply became Boston. Each neighborhood’s unique food offerings all grew from communities of newcomers who built something lasting. With over 3,000 restaurants in Boston alone, the restaurants listed below are just some that reflect Boston’s innovative culture and all that the city has to offer when it comes to quality food.
Boston's relationship with Italian food runs deep. The North End, one of the oldest Italian-American neighborhoods in the country, has been home to delicious and authentic Italian food since its establishment.
From experimental spots with modern flairs to more authentic, family-owned restaurants, Boston has plenty of Italian food that appeals to locals and tourists alike. While Boston’s love of Italian food may have started in The North End, today it stretches all across the city.
Located in the heart of Boston’s Little Italy (aka The North End), Carmelina’s lives up to its location’s namesake by serving up some of the best Italian food in Boston. This hotspot, which is featured in the Michelin Guide, serves traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist.
The interior, boasting an open kitchen and walls covered with family photos, reflects the family recipes used in the dishes served. Notable dishes include lobster ravioli, spaghetti carbonara, and the baked meatballs.
If you’re looking for quality over flair, Giulia is the spot for you. Handmade pastas are the backbone of the menu. The Michelin-recommended restaurant prides itself on natural ingredients sourced from local farms and directly from Italy, with an open kitchen at the back where guests can watch the staff at work.
The all-Italian wine list is a cut above what you'll find most places in the city, and the menu offers Italian food prepared the way you'd find it in a classic trattoria, not a tourist trap. This spot is popular for a reason, so it's recommended to book well in advance.
This small, family-run spot has been serving up traditional, home-cooked Italian food for over 24 years, making it a staple in Boston’s Italian food scene. If you’re looking for homemade Italian comfort foods that bring you right back to your grandma’s kitchen, you can’t beat Rino’s Place.
This spot was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and has been busy since. They don’t take reservations for parties under six, so be prepared for the wait (although according to many satisfied customers, it’ll be worth it). Pro tip: this spot is cash only, so make sure you have enough cash to cover your bill at the end of your meal.
No list of the best Italian restaurants would be complete without at least a mention of pizza. If your favorite Italian dish involves a crisp crust and a mouth-watering ratio of sauce to cheese, you’re not alone.
To get the full scoop on Boston’s pizza, check out our page dedicated to the best pizza spots in Boston.
Sitting on the coast of Massachusetts, it shouldn’t come as a shock that some of Boston’s most iconic bites fall into the category of seafood. While the city has become known for dishes like lobster rolls and clam chowder, the seafood scene in Boston is nothing short of abundant (and fresh). With restaurants that range in price and offerings, there are plenty of spots that can satisfy your seafood cravings.
If you want a seafood restaurant that goes beyond traditional New England offerings, look no further than Moëca. This restaurant, cheekily named after the invasive green crab species found in New England, offers a menu that is inspired by a mix of international dishes.
The restaurant focuses on working with small boat fishermen in order to provide guests with a sustainable, responsibly sourced experience. Moëca is intentional with their dishes, and works to use what is available on a daily basis. Some standout dishes include the spaghetti with Maine lobster, the buttermilk fried monkfish, and the smoked trout.
You can’t visit Boston without at least trying a lobster roll, and there’s no better spot to get one than Neptune Oyster.
This Michelin-recommended spot offers both hot (with butter) and cold (with mayo) lobster rolls served on brioche rolls, as well as plenty of other seafood staples. As a popular spot with numerous accolades, including being a James Beard Award Semifinalist, be ready to be greeted with a long line. Although long wait times can be a drawback, it has been repeatedly said that the line at Neptune Oyster is worth the wait.
Located in the North End Waterfront neighborhood of Boston, Boston Sail Loft combines waterfront views with fresh seafood, serving up New England classics right on the Boston Harbor.
This family owned spot serves up a mix of seafood including iconic dishes like lobster rolls and clam chowder, along with staples like mussels, fried clams, and whole lobsters. They don’t take reservations, so you may want to make the visit when you don’t have time sensitive plans following your meal.
Boston's Asian food scene has never been more exciting. With cuisines ranging from under-represented regions of China to the Himalayas and Japan, Asian food in Boston truly spans the continent. Whether you're after something comforting or something you've never tried before, Boston delivers.
Founded by Sumiao Chen, a female restaurateur and scientist from Xiangtan, Hunan, the restaurant offers the bold flavors that define Hunanese cuisine. Although this regional style remains underrepresented in the US, Sumiao Hunan has done a good job of bringing its unique flavors to New England. It has earned Michelin recognition and been featured on the NYT's Best Restaurants list multiple times.
The menu features singular dishes and monthly specials that keep things interesting. To enhance your dining experience at this restaurant even further, stop by on Wednesday and Thursday nights to enjoy live music with your flavorful meal.
Located in West Roxbury, Himalayan Bistro is the first Nepali restaurant in the Greater Boston area. According to their website, this restaurant serves food prepared in the tradition of Nepalese royal cuisine. They also have an expansive Indian menu that covers tandoori, biryani, and freshly baked breads. With no shortage of options on the menu, this is a great spot to visit, whether you know exactly what you want or you’re looking to try something new.
Himalayan Bistro also offers monthly specials that elevate lesser-known dishes you won't find anywhere else in the city, making this a unique Asian food experience in Boston.
Named "Because I Have Dream" in Japanese, this udon shop that opened in 2018 has been packing in noodle fans ever since. Executive Chef Tomo Shinoda hand-makes every batch of noodles, applying techniques learned across ramen, udon, and soba training. There are only four options on the menu (which has actually expanded since opening), which helps make your decision easier.
Although the menu is limited, this no-frills joint ensures that what few options they do offer are done right. With a newer Seaport location in addition to the original Cambridge location, Yume is ready to accommodate more noodle-loving guests. Pro tip: If you love Yume Ga Aruka, check out Yume's sibling restaurant Yume Wo Katare, which is a ramen spot located in Cambridge!
When it comes to mouth-watering steak dinners, Boston's steakhouse scene delivers. From independent institutions to sleek hotel dining rooms, there’s no shortage of high-quality steakhouses throughout Boston to choose from.
For more than 40 years, Grill 23 & Bar has been New England's premier steak and seafood grill, renowned for its prime, all-natural, dry-aged beef and creative seafood presentations. This spot has consistently earned "Best of Boston" steakhouse honors and has held Wine Spectator's prestigious Grand Award since 2017. Their beef is sourced exclusively from Brandt Beef, a California family farm with the country's only Master Chef's Institute Seal of Excellence for a beef producer.
Located at the top of Beacon Hill just steps from the State House, Mooo…. is a modern steakhouse inside the luxurious XV Beacon Hotel, where Chef-Owner Jamie Mammano channels his culinary creativity into modern interpretations of classic steakhouse dishes. Signature offerings include an all-natural grass-fed ribeye and Wagyu A5 sirloin, complemented by a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Although dietary restrictions can sometimes be difficult to work around, these spots around Boston ensure that you don’t have to compromise quality in order to get food that meets your diet requirements.
This spot has been serving vegan Thai cuisine in downtown Boston’s Chinatown since the early 1990s. The extensive menu spans rice dishes, noodles, curries, salads, and Chinese-inspired options, with an impressive drinks menu including bubble tea and a wide selection of vegan desserts. The portions at this spot are generous and the prices are relatively easy on the wallet for the quality of food you’re getting.
This award-winning plant-based restaurant and craft cocktail bar is located in South Boston and offers 100% vegan, globally-inspired food and drink. Led by sisters Mary and Nada Lattouf, the menu is packed with all-scratch vegan eats with a Middle Eastern flair. From shakshuka to creative cocktails, this cozy 25-seat spot appeals to everyone, no matter their dietary restrictions.
Eating out is fun and convenient, but it can also add up very quickly. If you’re looking for places that offer delicious food at a price that won’t break the bank, these are the spots for you.
This noodle spot is a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for an affordable meal. Chef-Owner Gene Wu hand-pulls every order of noodles, meaning you’re getting fresh, quality noodles in your meal. Some menu highlights include thick, chewy noodles with a variety of toppings, meaty flatbread sandwiches, and lamb skewers, all of which are priced so that lunch for two is a steal.
Theo's Cozy Corner is a small spot with plenty to offer. The diner, which serves a blend of American and Italian dishes, features a menu with a variety of options including fluffy pancakes, crispy home fries, and corned beef hash to name a few. With generous portions and
homemade hot sauce, this spot makes the fact that its cash only well worth it.
Oftentimes, lunch easily gets overlooked. These restaurants are making sure that the people of Boston have access to high quality food all throughout the day, especially during the all too common midday slump.
Bonus: all of these spots are Fooda Restaurant Partners, making it even easier to bring them into your office!
El Jefe's brings authentic Mexican street food to Boston and Cambridge, with tacos and burritos assembled to order, inspired by the owner's hometown street vendors. Portions are generous, guac is always included at no extra charge, and everything is made fresh. There’s also a Picante Station stocked with hot sauces from across the country and around the globe.
Moyzilla is a beloved food truck bringing creative Asian street food to the streets of Boston. It’s built around high-quality, handcrafted dumplings made with all-original recipes. Highlights range from classic pork and napa cabbage dumplings to a signature cheeseburger dumpling, karaage chicken, and a Taiwanese beef noodle soup simmered for six hours. They're also a popular catering choice for corporate events across the city.
Are you a restaurant in Boston looking to grow your business during lunch? Join our partner network of over 4,500 independently owned restaurants and get your food in front of a new audience. Learn more about what it means to become a Fooda Restaurant Partner today!
No meal is fully complete without dessert, and lucky for you, there’s no shortage of delicious dessert options in Boston. From century-old bakeries to inventive ice cream shops, Boston’s dessert scene is not something to overlook.
This bakery is one of The North End’s most reliable sweet treat spots. Family-owned and operated for a century, Bova's makes all its pastries, breads, and calzones fresh daily. With quality standards that have held up for 100 years, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the bakery was named one of Yelp’s best Italian bakeries in the United States.
From lobster tails and turnovers to cookies and pies, Bova’s has plenty to offer when it comes to desserts. If you want to try something trusted, their Sicilian cannolis and award-winning Tiramisu are considered their specialty Italian desserts, according to their website. Pro tip: Bova’s is open 24 hours, making it the perfect place to visit to satiate any late-night, sweet-tooth cravings.
The New York Times once called Toscanini's the world's best ice cream, and the Cambridge scoop shop has been living up to that title since then. It has taken home the Best of Boston award for ice cream multiple times and earned high praise from Gourmet, Bon Appétit, and People Magazine.
The inventive flavors are rotating, so customers always have something new to try. Iconic flavors include Kulfi, which features cardamom, roasted almonds, and pistachios, as well as B3, which is a mix of brown butter, brown sugar, and brownie. If you’re looking for ice cream that matches its quality with ingenuity, Toscanini’s may be your spot.
This authentic French patisserie can be found tucked into Boston's South End. The menu consists of traditional French pastries like buttery croissants, canelé, decadently beautiful tarts, and more. The owners are from the south of France, meaning you’re getting an authentic patisserie experience when you visit.
Everything is made fresh on-site, so you won’t have to worry about stale pastries ruining your dessert adventure. With rave reviews across multiple platforms, the general consensus is that Colette Bakery is worth a visit.
With so many amazing restaurants throughout the city, it only makes sense you might want to bring some into the office. Fooda brings the city's best local restaurants directly to your workplace, so you can eat well without leaving the building.
Ready to bring the best restaurants in Boston to your office? Get connected with Fooda today and let us help you design a workplace food program that meets your wants and needs.
Do I need a reservation at these restaurants?
It depends on the spot. Higher-end restaurants like Giulia and Carmelina's book up quickly (sometimes weeks in advance), so reservations are strongly recommended. More casual North End staples like Rino's Place don't take reservations for small parties, so your best bet is to arrive early or be prepared to wait. For bakeries and dessert spots, just walk in.
Are these restaurants good for dietary restrictions?
Several on this list are particularly accommodating. La Famiglia Giorgio's is well known for its extensive gluten-free menu, including housemade gluten-free pasta. Himalayan Bistro has a large number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. It's always worth calling ahead if you have serious dietary concerns.
What's the average price range across these restaurants?
The list covers a wide range. Bakeries and casual spots like Bova's, Toscanini's, and La Famiglia Giorgio's are very affordable. Mid-range restaurants like Sumiao Hunan Kitchen and Wusong Road will run you around $30–$50 per person (including drinks). Fine dining spots like Giulia and Carmelina's can climb higher, especially when factoring in wine or other drinks.
