Best Restaurants in Boston – The Ultimate Guide

A Short History Of Boston Food Tradition

Julia Child spent almost 40 years in the capital of Massachusetts, being especially supportive of female chefs. Others picked up, and once called Beantown, Boston’s become much more than baked beans and cod. Thanks to its economic growth, a rising crop of young and talented chefs, and culinary innovations, B-Town has gone through a renaissance both in development and food. While oysters and seafood will always be The City’s important tradition, it’s dining scene is diverse, appealing, and looking ahead today.

Even fish cookery has transformed into a new and unique experience offering smoked and cured seafood boards. Also, “head-to-tail” plates, such as the whole striper fish, are regular meals without shocking effects as they had in the past. Latino and Asian immigrants were creative muses for Boston’s chefs and still are. That’s why East Boston is a mecca for traditional Latin food lovers; Dorchester is a Vietnamese hub, while Chinatown remains intact with its own specific features and cuisine. That being said, in the sea of so many foodie spots, it’s hard to answer the question: What is the best restaurant in Boston?

Although the city has a lot of growing still to do, that doesn’t mean you won’t find the brasserie to your liking. On the contrary, Boston boasts an excellent and diverse culinary scene that even those with a refined sense of taste will enjoy. If you’re wondering what Boston’s signature dishes are, we’ll help you learn more about the delicacies that Bostonians are proud of before moving to Boston.

Why Should You Know All the Good Food Places When Moving to Boston?

When relocating to a new city, especially one as vibrant and historic as Boston, knowing the best food spots isn’t just about indulging in delicious meals—it’s about truly integrating into the community. These eateries often become the heart of your new social life, where you can unwind after a long day of unpacking or celebrate the completion of your move.

Anyone using a long-distance moving company or planning a move with cross-country movers will have enough free time to familiarize themselves with local dining options, which can make the transition smoother. Furthermore, moving across the country is a significant life event, and partnering with a reputable auto transport company ensures your vehicle arrives safely, allowing you to explore Boston’s culinary scene right away.

From quaint coffee shops to bustling food markets, having your car ready and waiting can help you dive straight into discovering Boston’s hidden gems. This familiarity can offer comfort in an unfamiliar place, helping you settle in more quickly.

Moreover, working with long-distance movers means you have the heavy lifting handled, giving you more time to explore. For example, the Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving team offers comprehensive long-distance moving services. With our help you will have so much free time to explore Boston. Knowing where to find the best restaurants before you arrive can provide a sense of home and make those first days in Boston less overwhelming.

What You Must Eat in Boston?

With its reputation as a foodie place packed with worldwide known marine products, classic New England meals, and a large international culinary scene, B-Town is a place whose plates shouldn’t be missed. If you haven’t tried some of the following specialties, at least one should be on your bucket list after settling down in the City on a Hill:

• Clam chowder
• Lobster rolls
• Cannolis
• Baked beans
• Fish and chips
• Cream pie
• Oysters
• Fenway Frank

Where Do Locals Eat in Boston?

If you’re a newcomer and moving from a small town to a big city, you probably don’t know where do locals eat. But there’s no need to worry. With our help, you’ll find hidden gems where Bostonians often go. So, if you would like to eat great food at affordable prices, we’ve put the following list of hidden treasures where you can enjoy unique specialties:

• Modern Pastry (North End) – this small Italian bakery offers cannolis with different fillings and lattes,
• North 26 (across from Faneuil Hall Marketplace) – Boston cream pie is something you must try here,
• Abby Lane (Theatre District) – If you’re in the mood for a pizza, lobster roll, and delicious coleslaw, this is a place to be,
• Cho Cho’s (Porter Square, Cambridge) – for Korean and Japanese food aficionados,
• Tony C’s (Fenway) – this sports bar offers not only excellent burgers and lobster rolls but also tons of games on the multiple big screens,
• Fin’s Sushi & Grill (Theatre District) – kimchi seafood ramen, savory broth, and noodles – perfection for your bud taste,
• Fenway Franks (Fenway Park) – living in Boston and not being familiar with the smell and taste of iconic hot dogs means you still haven’t tasted sweet Italian sausage and monster dogs. But, if you follow the smell (they’re everywhere in and around the stadium), you’ll come across the pleasure that’s hard to resist.

What Are Fancy Restaurants in Boston Where Celebrities Eat?

Boston is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, making it a favorite destination for celebrities. If you’re looking to dine where the stars do, Boston boasts an array of upscale restaurants that are known for their exquisite cuisine and A-list clientele. From chic, contemporary spots to timeless establishments, these eateries offer a dining experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

• Bill’s Pizzeria – Generations-old recipes are made in Bill’s Pizzeria, and they’re so delicious that even some celebrities can’t pass by without dropping by. For example, the actor John Krasinski says that whole wheat crust options are his favorite, and sometimes gyros are on his bill of fare.
• Lucky’s Lounge and Vinny’s – Besides a notable menu and classic cocktails, Lucky’s Lounge offers excellent entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Located near Fort Point Market, this is a spot where David Day, Bostonian Editor and DJ, often goes for live music and good bites. Also, you can find him at Vinny’s, where he enjoys Sicilian-style cooking.
• Bricco – This top-notch eatery and enoteca is a spot where the most famous actors eat while enjoying indoor or outdoor options. In Bricco, you’ll see Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lawrence, and Melissa McCarthy ordering their favorite appetizers and ricotta pillows with parmesan creamed spinach. Located in one of the best neighborhoods in Boston, North End, it should be jotted down in your foodie bucket list.

To Taste an Authentic Italian Fare, Visit the Best Italian Restaurants in Boston

“The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you’re hungry again” – George Miller, Director

It’s delicious, rich, and irresistible, and it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love Italian cuisine. Even if you’re one of these, you probably satisfy your palate at least once a week with pasta, pizza, spaghetti, and pedigree wines from Toscana. B-Town is packed with plenty of trattorias and ristorante with authentic flavors, atmosphere, and charm that can be found only in Italy. And in Boston.

This unique spirit is evident in Fox & The Knife, where guests come together and celebrate the everyday joys with good bites and irreplaceable company. Dishes are inspired by Modena’s traditional cuisine mixed with modern techniques. If you decide to have dinner at this South Boston’s place, be ready to spend some time studying the bill of fare and finding the right meal. It’s full of interesting specialties that include antipasti, primi, seconde, and dolce at the end. To mention just a few:

• Nectarine panzanella (fennel, tomato, basil, sumac)
• Housemade mozzarella
• Orrechiette cime de rape (broccoli rabe, sausage, chickpea, pecorino)
• Milanese di maiale (crispy pork, saffron aioli, pickled cherries)
• Dirty chai affogato (espresso, housemade chai gelato)

When one is looking for original pizza with handmade dough, where else could he expect to find it than in the North End of the City? There’s no doubt that among the best restaurants in Little Italy Boston stands out Regina Pizzeria. If you ask locals where to get a perfect slice of pizza, most will tell you right here. Why? There are several excellent reasons why this spot attracts so many Bostonians daily:

• Secret recipe with a special natural yeast – the result is a perfect crust
• The natural sauce is spicy yet light
• Whole milk mozzarella cheese
• Toppings – fresh and finest veggies and meats, without preservatives and additives.

Experience Good Vibes and Unusual Plates in Fun Restaurants in Boston

Sometimes, you need more than a sophisticated environment and great bites, especially when moving to a city alone and wondering how to meet new neighbors. Consider spending several hours surrounded by amazing people, live music, excellent entertainment, and meals at night. Fortunately, Boston has a bit of everything for everyone. And if you’re looking for a place to grab some brews and blow off some steam, The Hub is the place to be.

Cuba in Gustazo

Did you know that Gustazo brought authentic Cuban flavors, original decor, and the spirit of Havana in the middle of Cambridge and Somerville? Located just two blocks from Porter Square, this venue is perfect for taking pleasure in modern interpretations of classic Cuban cuisine made with the finest ingredients. In this lively neighborhood brasserie, you’ll feel at home while being tucked in a cozy ambiance and enjoying selected compilations of Cuban music. And you will forget about moving away from friends for at least a couple of hours.

Myers + Chang Is One of the Most Modern Restaurants in Boston

If you need a place for weddings, private events, or corporate functions, choose Myers + Chang, which is open seven days a week. This swanky eating spot in the South End boasts a dynamic and playful interior, just like small, Asian-inspired plates offer soul food. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. The choice is large – Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese specialties are on the bill of fare.

Select Oyster Bar and No Relation Are Among the Best Sushi Restaurants in Boston

One thing is for sure – when you don’t know what to eat, sushi is always a good idea. In B-Town, there are plenty of spots where you can order pure perfection or marine products covered with mountains of truffles and fresh ingredients.

No Relation offers nothing less than an always-changing menu, the freshest ingredients, and top-notch service. This South End eatery boasts a cozy atmosphere serving traditional Japanese sashimi and nigiri interpretations. Knowledgeable chefs are willing to show tips for at-home cooks. Expect a great sake selection for the pairing to complete your meal. So, if you’re addicted to sushi and Japanese cuisine, this place will blow your mind.

Select Oyster Bar is an excellent crustacea spot in Back Bay, serving high-quality meals, including raw food, such as local oysters. The rest of the plates will satisfy even the pickiest guests – crudo, local shellfish, octopus, ceviche, and swordfish, which are skilled, prepared, and flavored with seasonal spices. Creative meals, the most delicious lobster roll in the B-Town, and fresh fish are just some amenities this place provides.

There’s no Better Love Story Than in Romantic Restaurants in Boston

When looking for a romantic getaway, a warmly candlelit table with tasty plates and excellent wines is a must. Luckily, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Boston, including visiting excellent dining spots. Whether you’re looking for elegance and carefully selected menu items, or domestic-feeling meals with international fares, The Hub has it all.

Located in Downtown Crossing, Mariel is a swanky spot that will fascinate you both with its interior and great plates. This upscale place offers Cuban specialties and craft cocktails served in elegant and dreamy surroundings. Empanadas, cheese puffs, crispy fish, octopus, ceviche, you name it – whatever you order, you’ll be crazy about specific flavors. If you love louder music, good vibes, and excellent service, Mariel is a site where you’ll find sparkles and magic.

Now imagine an antique-filled room and table full of plates crammed with French-Canadian specialties. It sounds like an excellent introduction to a romantic evening. Located in Kendall Square, Cafe du Pays is a perfect meeting point to break the ice before watching a movie at the nearby Kendall Square Cinema.

And for those who prefer sitting at a counter, sipping a drink, and whispering sweet words, the wide choice of different cognacs, whiskeys, Armagnacs, coffees, and teas will make their evening perfect.

Best Restaurants in Chinatown Boston Are the Places You’ll Always Come Back to

For gourmets, there is no better place in B-Town than Chinatown. Whether you love dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, dim sum, ramen, sushi, hot pot, or something else specific for Chinese cuisine, you’ll satisfy your cravings in this neighborhood. Still, if you decide to have a decent meal, you should be familiar with dining options this area offers. Especially if you’re a newcomer, this might be a risky undertaking. To shorten your research and wander the streets of The Hub, we’ve singled out two spots ideal to start your Chinese dinner or lunch.

Each Plate Is a Masterpiece in O Ya

Eating in O Ya is a truly amazing and unique experience where each plate is presented as “a work of art.” Don’t be surprised with small plates – they are full of Japanese flavors and unique bites, such as wild bluefin chutoro tartare with homemade ginger kimchi and wild spot prawn with garlic butter. Does this sound unique and exotic? If yes, that’s because it is. Prices are a bit higher, but these delightful bites are worth every cent.

At Night or During the Day, Eat Well at Peach Farm

With an overwhelming offer, you’ll be tempted to come every evening until you try all the specialties. Fish products, lobster with ginger, or Peking duck – whatever you order, you’ll leave the eatery satisfied and with a full stomach. The great advantage of Peach Farm is its night service, so you can drop by late at night and find fresh and delicious meals.

Table Reservation Is a Must in the Best French Restaurants in Boston

Known all around the world, French cuisine is a joy both for eyes and taste buds. Julia Child always had only words of praise for French cuisine: “I had my first French meal, and I never got over it. It was just marvelous…”

In The Hub, it’s possible to have a good time tasting the same delicacies as in Paris or Provence.  B-Town features many top-notch Gascony eateries, bakeries, and cafe options worth exploring. Besides, eating French dishes is a feast for the soul and the stomach. That’s why you need to find places for your liking, with extraordinary plates and appealing interiors – just make sure to reserve your table several weeks ahead. In the Back Bay neighborhood, you can try the same cuisine in two different spots. And decide which one you love the most.

Grand Tour Evokes the Spirit of Parisian Bistros

This is the ideal spot for special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, or business lunches. With its classy but comfortable ambiance, the Grand Tour will leave no one indifferent. Besides a cozy and inviting atmosphere, France’s authentic flavor will provide you with plenty of excellent bites. While sitting here and nibbling your cheese, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of Paris.

Ideal for All Types of Events – Rochambeau

With two levels, two dining rooms, two bars, an outdoor patio, and a cafe, Rochambeau seems to be an ideal location to spend time with your loved ones or just drink a cocktail. Thanks to its exceptional layout, boundaries do not exist. During summertime, you can enjoy magnificent views sitting outdoors, and if it rains or snows, there is enough space inside to organize a great party or wedding. Providing brunch, lunch, and dinner options, Rochambeau will be your favorite spot to please your appetite or have a fun time with friends.

Best Lunch Restaurants in Boston

What’s the first thing that pops into your head when wondering where to have lunch in Boston? Perhaps enjoyable outdoor patio, excellent bill of fare, impeccable service, or all together? In B-Town, you can choose everything – a neighborhood that suits you the most, surroundings, type of cuisine, and views while eating your main course and drinking top-notch wine.

One of the most exceptional recommendations is a chic but homey space in Central Square, where you will find homemade pasta, fine wines, and a fireplace. Pammy’s will attract you not only by its appealing decor but also by that specific family mood, thanks to the chefs, wife, and husband. This is a perfect place if you want to spend some quality time with dear people eating finger-licking specialties.

It’s said that Mediterranean cuisine is the healthiest one, and it should be eaten at least two times a week. And if you have a chance to spend your lunchtime in a big Greek foodie spot with a reliable menu, lucky you. Located in the Seaport District, the Committee offers Greek specialties and an outdoor brasserie, which is ideal during summer months.

Experience Unforgettable Moments in Family Restaurants in Boston

A kitchen is where family members spend unforgettable moments together, eating their favorite meals and having relaxed conversations. This experience might become even deeper if you decide to get out of home and try something different somewhere else. The Hub is a place with plenty of kid-friendly eateries and an environment adjusted to children’s needs.

And the greatest thing is you can choose a dining spot according to your preferences and budget. Healthy and various ingredients with unique surroundings are probably the priority for every parent when planning lunch or dinner with kids. We’ve got you covered with some interesting spots offering plenty of things to do in Boston with kids besides eating.

Flatbread Company Brighton is an eatery where each family member will be happy – children can run around between the bites thanks to plenty of space, while excellent beer selection, several tasty pizza options, and salads are definitely things that will amuse parents.

If Jamaica Plain is going to be your prospective neighborhood, it’s good to know that Canary Square is situated here. This casual and fun eatery offers classic American cuisine with unique flavors and a creative approach. Your kiddos will be thrilled due to ample seating for families and entertainment options, such as crayons for children and parents alike.

Eat Well and Save Money in the Best Affordable Restaurants in Boston

Boston may be known for its high-end dining, but it’s also home to a variety of affordable restaurants that don’t skimp on quality or flavor. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank by exploring these hidden gems. From cozy diners to bustling eateries, Boston’s affordable dining scene offers something for everyone, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to save money.

Impeccable Service and Excellent Plates Feature the Most Expensive Restaurants in Boston

For those seeking a truly luxurious dining experience, Boston’s most expensive restaurants offer impeccable service and dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. These establishments are known for their attention to detail, from the elegant ambiance to the expertly curated menus. Dining at one of these top-tier spots promises an unforgettable evening where every aspect of your meal is executed to perfection. And if the cost of living in Boston is not something you worry about, here are the spots for you to check out.

Best Restaurants in Boston Are Amalgam of Different Cultures, Tastes, and Tradition

Boston’s culinary scene is a rich tapestry woven from the diverse cultures, tastes, and traditions that have shaped the city over the centuries. From the classic flavors of New England seafood to the vibrant spices of international cuisines, the best restaurants in Boston offer a unique blend of old and new.

This reflects the city’s history as a melting pot of immigrants who brought their culinary traditions with them, creating a food scene that is both dynamic and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. That being said, dining out can be considered one of the unique things to do in Boston. Some of the best restaurants will be on the bucket list of gourmets, while those interested in Skywalk Observatory or live music in dance clubs will be fascinated by Boston nightlife.

Just remember, these restaurants don’t just serve food. They offer an experience that connects you to the city’s diverse cultural landscape. As you explore the city’s vibrant food scene, you’ll discover that each restaurant offers a unique taste of Boston’s rich cultural mosaic, making dining here an adventure that goes beyond the plate.

Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving Crew Will Help You With the Move While You Explore Boston’s Best Restaurants

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but with Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving Crew by your side, you can focus on exploring Boston while we take care of the heavy lifting. As a trusted relocation company, we provide comprehensive long-distance moving services as well as packing assistance to ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free.

Our cross-country Boston movers will handle everything. All you have to do is let yourself enjoy the process. Even top-notch eateries in the suburbs of Boston will provide you with a real culinary adventure. Whether you’re moving to the suburbs or fancy neighborhoods, be ready to immerse yourself in different cuisines, flavors, fresh ingredients, and spices, and you’ll discover a whole new foodie world.

To start the adventure, give Flat Price Auto Transport a call. Let us handle your move so you can enjoy discovering all the culinary delights that await you in your new hometown.