Top 10 Best Boston Restaurants

The top 10 restaurants in Boston are Bar Vlaha, Sarma, O Ya, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Asta, Field and Vine, Lenox Sophia, Comfort Kitchen, Mahaniyom, and Sushi Temple Records. The city of Boston offers iconic dishes such as New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston Cream Pie. Union Oyster House, a National Historic Landmark, has been serving food since 1826, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the country. Boston does not have any Michelin-starred establishments, but the city is home to many James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants.
The city's reputation as a food destination is deeply tied to its history and location. Neighborhoods like the North End are known for Italian food, and the South End, with its chef-driven bistros, are home to some of the best restaurants in Boston. These areas exemplify the city's food identity, offering authentic dishes that reflect both New England's heritage and its modern, international influences.
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. Its position on the Atlantic coast provides direct access to fresh seafood like lobster, cod, and clams, which are staples on local menus. The city's identity is shaped by this access to natural resources and its rich history, making it a top-tier destination for food enthusiasts. The top Boston restaurants are listed below:
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1 Comfort KitchenAmericanWe aggregate data from one or more Comfort Kitchen locations in our database to create the most accurate list of Comfort Kitchen prices. We update our database frequently to ensure that the prices are as accurate as possible.
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Description:
Comfort Kitchen is an all-day cafe, restaurant, and bar in Dorchester that celebrates the food of the African diaspora. It serves cafe fare during the day and transitions to a full-service dinner experience.
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Global Comfort Food, African, Caribbean, Asian
Signature Dishes:
Jerk Jackfruit Sliders, Yassa Chicken, and Gullah-inspired rice dishes.
Location:
611 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA 02125
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates as a social enterprise, with a mission to promote equity and economic development in the community.
What Makes It Special:
Comfort Kitchen earned a James Beard Award as one of the best new restaurants in the country for its food and its community-focused mission.
What Sets It Apart:
It connects global comfort food from Asia to the Americas back to its roots in Africa, creating a unique and meaningful menu.
Operating Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Price:
Dinner entrees range from $50 to $100.
What Food is Boston Famous For?
Boston is famous for New England seafood classics. New England Clam Chowder, a creamy potato and clam soup, is a signature dish. The city is also known for its lobster rolls, which feature lobster meat served on a grilled, hot dog-style bun. Other notable foods include Boston Baked Beans, the Boston Cream Pie (which is a cake), and cannolis from the Italian bakeries in the North End. Much of the good food in Boston is centered on fresh, local seafood.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Boston?
The average cost of a meal in Boston changes based on the restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $20 and $30. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $80 and $125. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $150 to over $300 per person. Breakfast at a cafe is $15 to $25, while a fast-food meal is under $15.
Does Boston Have Any Michelin Star Restaurants?
No, there are no Boston Michelin restaurants. The Michelin Guide does not currently rate restaurants in the city of Boston or the state of Massachusetts. The guide's coverage in the United States is limited to a few specific locations, which do not include Boston.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Boston?
The most popular fast-food restaurants in Boston are listed below:
- Dunkin': Founded in Massachusetts, this chain is an institution in Boston, known for its coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Kelly's Roast Beef: A regional chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches, lobster rolls, and fried clams, with locations just outside the city.
- Regina Pizzeria: While not a traditional fast-food chain, its original North End location and other branches offer quick-service slices of its famous brick-oven pizza.
- Shake Shack: This national chain is very popular in Boston, with multiple locations serving burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and milkshakes.
Where are the Top Places to Eat in the Boston Seaport District?
The Seaport District has many of the top places to eat in Boston such as Woods Hill Pier 4 and Committee. The best restaurants seaport boston has to offer are listed below:
- Woods Hill Pier 4: A waterfront restaurant focused on farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on fresh seafood and steak.
- Committee: A lively Greek restaurant and bar known for its extensive menu of meze (small plates) and creative cocktails.
- Lookout Rooftop and Bar: Located atop The Envoy Hotel, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor along with drinks and small bites.
- Chickadee: A restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired food in a modern, industrial space, known for its pasta and craft cocktails.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Boston?
The new restaurants Boston has recently welcomed are listed below. These new restaurants are quickly generating interest in the city:
- Faccia a Faccia: An Italian restaurant in the Back Bay focusing on coastal dishes, handmade pastas, and spritzes. Located at 278 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.
- Lehrhaus: A Jewish tavern and house of learning in Somerville, combining a restaurant, bar, and library with a menu of contemporary Jewish food. Located at 425 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143.
- Mida Newton: A new location of the popular South End Italian restaurant, bringing its handmade pastas and Italian-American fare to the suburbs. Located at 261 Walnut St, Newton, MA 02460.
- The Dubliner: A modern Irish pub located in the former Kinsale space in Government Center, offering classic pub food and live music. Located at 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108.
What are the Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in South End Boston?
The South End has many acclaimed restaurants such as Oishii Boston and Kava Neo-Taverna. Some of the best hidden gem restaurants Boston has in this neighborhood are listed below:
- Oishii Boston: One of the best south end restaurants, this upscale sushi spot is tucked away on a quiet street, offering creative and high-quality sushi.
- Anoush'ella Saj Kitchen: This small, casual spot is one of the top restaurants in south end for quick and flavorful Mediterranean wraps and bowls.
- Kava Neo-Taverna: A cozy and authentic Greek restaurant known for its small plates and fresh seafood, offering a transportive experience.
- Coppa Enoteca: An intimate Italian enoteca with a focus on cured meats, cheese, pasta, and pizza, located on a charming corner.
Which Restaurants in Boston Serve Vegan Food?
Boston offers many restaurants serving vegan food. My Thai Vegan Cafe in Chinatown serves a full menu of plant-based Thai dishes. Veggie Galaxy is a vegetarian diner in Cambridge with many vegan options for classic American comfort food. PlantPub has locations in Fenway and Cambridge, offering 100% plant-based pub fare like burgers, pizzas, and craft beer.
Which Restaurants in Boston Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many Boston restaurants serve gluten-free food. Legal Sea Foods, a Boston-based chain, is well-known for its extensive allergy protocols and can prepare most of its seafood dishes gluten-free. Picco in the South End offers gluten-free pizza and has dedicated procedures to prevent cross-contamination. Kane's Donuts offers a wide selection of gluten-free donuts made in a dedicated facility.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Boston?
The most famous cuisines in Boston are listed below:
- New England/Seafood: This is the city's defining food style, with a focus on fresh, local seafood like lobster, clams, and cod.
- Italian: The North End neighborhood is a hub for Italian-American restaurants, bakeries, and cafes serving pasta, pizza, and cannolis.
- Irish: Reflecting the city's heritage, Irish pubs are common, serving classic dishes like shepherd's pie and fish and chips.
- Modern American: Many of the city's top restaurants offer contemporary American menus that use local New England ingredients.