Best restaurants in Boston

If you like food – and we really mean like food – you’ll be spoilt for choice at any one of the best restaurants in Boston.

Boston boasts some innately local dishes thanks to being situated on the East Coast – and not far from the cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. It’s the largest city in Massachusetts and is famed for baked beans, clam chowder and wonderful seafood.

So, when you’ve parked up your rental car, why not kick back and indulge in some delicious food at one of the best places to eat in Boston.

Union Oyster House

Union Oyster House, 41 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108

Established in 1826, Union Oyster House is America’s oldest restaurant – the charming building it’s housed in dates back to pre-revolutionary days. Topping our list as one of the best places to eat in all of Boston, this establishment is well worth a visit – especially seeing as Boston is famed for its seafood.

Located on the Freedom Trail, follow in Daniel Webster’s footsteps and enjoy seafood dining on rustic tables and in cozy stalls. Choose from soups and chowders to salads and seafood samplers. Why not go all out and indulge in oysters or the lobster pot?

MIDA

MIDA, 782 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

Run by the Mida family in an Italian neighborhood, MIDA means ’he gives me’ and the staff aim to make every meal they craft and deliver a gift to each and every customer.

Well-travelled chef/owner Douglas Williams was named by Food & Wine as one of the top 10 Best New Chefs in America 2020, so drop by to see what all the fuss is about. Serving handmade pasta and specially selected drinks in the South-End neighborhood, the menu focusses on the cuisine of different Italian regions. The perfect date night establishment, it delights with rock shrimp carbonara, short rib lasagna and a knockout butter crumb hake.

Deuxave

Deuxave, 371 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Deuxave dishes up modern French cuisine to an impeccable standard. Created by Chef Chris Coombs and restaurateur Brian Piccini, Deuxave uses the finest American ingredients from the best local farmers, fisherman and foragers. With presentation as pretty as the flavors are exceptional, you’re in for a treat at this establishment.

Nestled on the well-known corner of Commonwealth and Massachusetts Avenues, Deuxave offers dishes such as crispy duck confit with a trio of rhubarb and a main entrée of macadamia-crusted tuna. Leave space if you can for the matcha souffle, paired with a brilliant burnt honey ice cream. Deuxave is often described as one of Boston’s ‘hidden gems’ and is a great neighborhood restaurant.

Amrheins

Amrheins Restaurant, 80 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127

Amrheins gets the accolade of being the oldest bar and restaurant in south Boston – and has held a place in the city’s heart since 1890. Situated on the corner of West Broadway, it’s a great spot to watch sports with a laid back, traditional diner-style vibe.

There’s an extensive menu and all tastes are catered for here, whether you want a simple sandwich or burger or something a bit more decadent like the steak tips. Plus, there’s free onsite parking, so you can pull up your Hertz rental with ease.

Menton

Menton, 354 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210

Menton sits in Fort Point and should definitely be on your must-try list. The urban chic of its exterior is mirrored inside by the décor – think sleek, modern and futuristic. Enter the establishment and you’ll be treated to a modern fine-dining experience from chef Barbara Lynch.

The ambience at Menton aims to ‘transport’ the diner with seasonally inspired menus using exquisitely presented ingredients. The expertly crafted dishes are lovingly created using produce from small independent growers and producers. The chef’s tasting menu may contain treats such as turbot with asparagus and morels or razor clam with caviar and brown butter. It’s a place to push the boat out.

Mama Maria

Mamma Maria, 3 North Square, Boston, MA 02113

Situated in the historic North Square, Mamma Maria has earned a reputation for being one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Its impressive accolades speak for themselves – just one of which is the Four Diamond Award of Excellence by AAA in 2022.

Described by The New York Times as a cross between an Italian villa and a Boston mansion, you’re in for a treat at one of the best places to eat in Boston. The menu sources local ingredients from New England and prides itself on creating traditional Italian cuisine. Sample reliably excellent dishes from mushroom carpaccio to osso buco.

Krasi 

Krasi, 48 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115

Krasi was designed to allow its customers to be able to unwind in a setting that promotes good conversations between friends – old and new. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere at this meze eatery situated in Back Bay on the Charles River.

It offers an impeccably chic Mediterranean aesthetic with pristine lines and cool, crisp colors. Enjoy your brunch, lunch or dinner here from an authentic Greek meze menu that’s lifted by clever touches. Want to become a believer? Go for the dolmas stuffed with filet mignon tartare and a bone marrow yoghurt.

Hunter’s Kitchen and Bar

Hunter's Kitchen and Bar, 110 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127

Enjoy southern-inspired comfort dining at Hunter’s Kitchen and Bar. Head for this neighborhood gem and you’ll be treated to high-quality dishes and a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Hunter’s Kitchen and Bar has the feel of an old hunter’s lodge with some awesome individual, quirky art and artefacts. Enjoy the likes of brisket sliders, ribs and chicken on the bone that will fill you up after a long day of sightseeing in Boston.

Now you’ve got a taste of some of the best restaurants in Boston, explore the immensely varied venue styles and cuisines for yourself. Plan your trip to Boston and add these highlights to your must-visit list.

Get to know more about Boston

There’s so much to explore in this historic city. Take a look at the following guides to help plan your visit:

• Best hotels in Boston
• Best things to do in Boston
• Boston’s neighborhoods