Best Restaurants in Boston

Giacomo's Ristorante

A beloved, no-frills North End red-sauce Italian institution famous for generous portions and lively communal energy. Go for the seafood fra diavolo and house pastas at fair prices. Practical note: cash only and no reservations, with lines that form quickly down Hanover Street.

Restaurants

Grill 23 & Bar

Boston's premier old-school steakhouse, proudly independent since 1983, set in a handsome former bank building in Back Bay. Go for dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine list, and polished service in a clubby, special-occasion atmosphere. Practical note: it's a dressier room where reservations and business-casual attire are recommended.

Restaurants

Myers + Chang

Joanne Chang and Christopher Myers's funky indie diner in the South End delivering a personal, modern take on Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese specialties. Go for the dan dan noodles, dumplings, and the famous tiger's tears beef. Practical note: the vibe is casual and fun, and weeknight or off-peak visits are easiest for grabbing a table.

Restaurants

Neptune Oyster

A tiny, perpetually-packed marble-bar seafood spot in the North End, widely considered Boston's best raw bar and home to a celebrated warm-buttered or cold-mayo lobster roll. Go for the rotating selection of East and West Coast oysters and crudo. Practical note: it's small and takes no reservations, so expect a wait, especially at peak hours.

Restaurants

Oleana

Chef Ana Sortun's acclaimed Cambridge destination for Arabic- and Turkish-influenced Eastern Mediterranean cooking, beloved for vibrant spicing and vegetable-forward dishes. Go for the whipped feta with spices, fried mussels, and the famous baked Alaska dessert. Practical note: it's in Inman Square with a coveted summer garden patio, and reservations are strongly advised.

Restaurants

Saltie Girl

A jewel-box Back Bay seafood bar known for inventive raw and cooked dishes plus an extensive selection of tinned fish (conservas). Go for the torched fish, lobster roll, and the fried lobster and waffle. Practical note: the space is very small and reservations or an early arrival help, as walk-in waits can be long.

Restaurants

Tatte Bakery & Café

A homegrown Boston cafe chain whose photogenic Beacon Hill location pairs European-style pastries with a strong all-day brunch and coffee program. Go for the shakshuka, halloumi sandwich, and the pistachio croissant or kouign amann. Practical note: it sits around the corner from picturesque Acorn Street, making it an ideal stop while exploring Beacon Hill.

Restaurants

Toro

Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's award-winning South End tapas bar, serving Barcelona-inspired hot and cold small plates since 2005. Go for the signature grilled corn with aioli, lime and cheese (maiz asado) and the wood-grilled meats and seafood. Practical note: it's no-reservations for most of the dining room, so arrive early or expect a wait at the bar.

Restaurants

Union Oyster House

America's oldest continuously operating restaurant, open since 1826 and celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2026, set in a creaky Colonial building near Faneuil Hall. Go for the historic oyster bar, clam chowder, and classic New England seafood in a genuine landmark setting. Practical note: it's touristy but the history is real, including the booth Daniel Webster favored.

Restaurants

Yvonne's

A stylish, dimly-lit modern supper club hidden behind an old downtown haberdashery, blending a handsome library-bar setting with globally-inspired New American plates. Go for craft cocktails and shareable small plates in one of the city's best-looking rooms. Practical note: it skews late-night and cocktail-forward, so it's great for a date or drinks-and-bites evening.