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What to Eat in Boston
Bostonian cuisine has undergone a gastronomical revolution, with a steady stream of new chefs putting their own spin on tried-and-true city classics like baked beans, fresh seafood and clam "chowdah."
Boston's growing immigrant population has ushered in another component to the burgeoning culinary scene. Cobblestone streets are now increasingly lined with Thai and Ethiopian restaurants. Check out the North End for delicious Italian dishes and pastries like cannolis and rum cakes. Though most locals are loyal to either Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry on Hanover Street, both offer top-notch sweets. Large international student bodies at universities like Harvard and MIT mean you'll enjoy everything from French to Moroccan fare in Cambridge. For an authentic tapas meal, make your way to the artsy South End neighborhood. Diners can savor Spanish-inspired bites like mussels with chorizo and chicken and potato empanadas at Toro, one of the area's most popular tapas eateries. Another South End favorite is The Butcher Shop, where meat-centric entrees steal the spotlight. Or, for a taste of some of Boston's most inventive sushi entrees, venture to O Ya, where scarlet sea scallops and fried Kumamoto oysters are just a few offerings found on the menu.
Should you crave more traditional New England fare, dine at Durgin-Park in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Here, you'll find local favorites like corned beef sandwiches, shepherd's pie and clam chowder. Another beloved establishment is Union Oyster House near Haymarket, where – you guessed it – freshly-shucked oysters have hooked patrons since the restaurant opened its doors in 1826. For a fun and tasty overview of the Boston dining scene, consider taking a food tour.
Find the Best Restaurants in Boston
- #1Salumeria Italiana#1 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (314)$ - $$ | Italian151 Richmond St, Boston, MA 02109-1414Read More » - #2Sam LaGrassa's#2 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1562)$ - $$ | American, Fast Food, Deli, Soups44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108-5120Read More » - #3Mario's Restaurant#3 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (274)$ - $$ | Italian347 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128-1480Read More » - #4Monica’s Mercato & Salumeria#4 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (282)$ | Italian130 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1764Read More » - #5Italian Express Pizzeria#5 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (855)$ - $$ | Italian, Pizza336 Sumner St East Boston, Boston, MA 02128-2124Read More » - #6Bova's Bakery#6 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1069)$ | Italian134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1749Read More » - #7Mamma Maria#7 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1236)$$ | Italian, Contemporary3 North Square, Boston, MA 02113-2404Read More » - #8Mike & Patty's#8 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (380)$ | American12 Church St, Boston, MA 02116-5514Read More » - #9The Capital Grille#9 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1179)$$ | American, Steakhouse900 Boylston St Hynes Convention Ctr, Boston, MA 02115-3101Read More » - #10Ma Maison#10 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (240)$ - $$ | French, European272 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114-3123Read More » - #11Modern Pastry Shop#11 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (2126)$ | Italian, Cafe, European257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113-2322Read More » - #12North Street Grille#12 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (488)$ - $$ | American229 North St, Boston, MA 02113-2105Read More » - #13Saltie Girl#13 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (331)$ - $$ | American, Seafood281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116-2805Read More » - #14SRV Restaurant#14 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (274)$ - $$ | Italian, Mediterranean, European569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118-1180Read More » - #15Carmelina's#15 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (629)$ - $$ | Italian307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113-1810Read More » - #16Mike's City Diner#16 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (338)$ | American, Diner1714 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118-3307Read More » - #17Mistral#17 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1065)$$ | French, European223 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116-5113Read More » - #18Flour Bakery & Cafe#18 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (806)$ - $$ | American, Cafe12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210-1224Read More » - #19Ostra#19 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (1039)$$ | Seafood1 Charles St S, Boston, MA 02116-5447Read More » - #20Theo's Cozy Corner Restaurant#20 of 3,096 Places to Eat in Boston
Tripadvisor (335)$ | American, Cafe, Diner162 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113-1212Read More »
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