Beacon Hill & Boston Common
This retro restaurant harks back to the glory days of its namesake (an actual city square that used to occupy the site of City Hall Plaza). Old photos and…
Must-see restaurants in Boston
Boston
Southie's first gastropub puts a curious, local-with-a-twist on things, which might catch you off guard. But why wouldn't you want a lobster scramble for…
South End & Chinatown
A divey diner that does what a diner is supposed to do – that is, serve bacon and eggs and burgers and fries, at any time of the day or night. Plonk…
Cambridge
This super-hip, seemingly 'secret,' subterranean spot dishes up skewers, noodles and other smallish servings that fuse Asian and other international…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
India Quality has been serving chicken curry and lamb saag to hungry students, daytime professionals and baseball fans since 1983 – and it repeatedly tops…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
Fun, casual, noisy and supremely tasty, Sweet Cheeks consistently ranks among Boston's best barbecue places. Besides the recommended pulled pork and beef…
Cambridge
Formerly known as the Cox-Hicks House, this quaint clapboard house dates to 1802. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned inn, it retains its historic charm with…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
The way burgers were meant to be: beef is ground fresh daily on the premises and burgers are made to order, with fancy (grilled mushrooms, bacon and…
Charlestown
Not an osteria, but an 'Oysteria.' Get it? This is seafood with an Italian twist, so you'll find dishes like Ligurian fish stew, swordfish salmoriglio and…
Back Bay
New England clam chowder in a bread bowl: for a perfect lunch here, that's all you need to know. For nonbelievers, we'll add seafood fra diavolo, lobster…
Back Bay
The entrance to this hidden treasure is in the alley off Gloucester St. Step inside and find yourself in a cozy casa – filled with folk art and Talavera…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
The concept is simple. Decide whether you want a flatbread sandwich, salad or mezze plate. Choose chicken, steak or veggies as a main ingredient. Then add…
Back Bay
If you have trouble deciding what to order, Piattini can help. The name means ‘small plates,’ so you don’t have to choose just one. There's also an…
South End & Chinatown
The shrimp dumplings and steamed pork buns are highly recommended at this no-nonsense Chinatown favorite. The downside is that there are no pushcarts to…
Back Bay
Coda does the essentials, and does them right. The menu changes seasonally, but you'll often find grilled salmon, steak frites and bone-in chicken breast,…
South End & Chinatown
Start the day with a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and other old-fashioned goodness, topped with a bottomless cup of coffee. If you need to refuel…
Cambridge
Some people think that this retro diner is one of the best places to eat breakfast in the country. Decadent delights such as coconut pancakes, six kinds…
Boston
At Falafel King, the Middle Eastern food is fast, delicious and cheap. This carry-out joint is perfectly placed for a picnic on the Common. Best of all,…
Boston
A North End staple. Crowds of tourists and suburbanites (and some locals, too) line up at Mike's to sample his diverse selection of cannoli – not just…
Back Bay
At the corner of Mass Ave and Comm Ave (get it?) this is all very elegant, with chandeliers, dark wood furniture and big picture windows overlooking the…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
This super-cool, modern steakhouse presents a challenge: don't fill up on the irresistible rolls before your food arrives. You'll be glad you saved room…
Back Bay
Easy on the eyes, easy on the palate. Douzo fills its loungey interior with attractive urbanites sipping fancy cocktails and feasting on fresh raw fish…
Cambridge
Smack-dab in the middle of Harvard Square, this attractive gastropub has a classy, classic atmosphere, enhanced by good-looking, effervescent patrons. The…
Boston
Step up to the counter and place your order for one of Sam La Grassa’s signature sandwiches, then find a spot at the crowded communal table. You won’t be…
Boston
Two words: free falafels. That’s right, everyone gets a little free sample before ordering. There is no disputing that this is indeed the falafel king of…
Charlestown
This creative pizzeria – which also has an outlet in Beacon Hill – is the brainchild of celebrity chef Todd English, who tops whisper-thin crusts with…
Miracle of Science Bar & Grill
Cambridge
With all the decor of your high-school science lab, this bar and grill was a pioneer of geek chic. The menu takes the form of the periodic table posted on…
Boston
This family-run Italian joint is one of Boston’s best-kept secrets. But those in the know keep coming back for more – staff seem to know everyone by name,…
South End & Chinatown
Taiwan Cafe is a few steps off the main drag, so you might not have to wait quite as long for the excellent soup dumplings and other Taiwanese specialties…
Streetcar Suburbs
The menu here offers regional dishes that will redefine your concept of what constitutes Chinese food. Cold appetizers such as the five-spice tofu or the…
Streetcar Suburbs
There's nothing fancy going on at this popular lunchtime spot, but it sure is tasty. Settle in for delicious falafel, assorted kebabs, or the all-time…
Boston
The cafeteria at the Museum of Science is set up like a food court, with a variety of food stations serving Tex-Mex, salads, pasta, pizza and coffee. Most…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
This is a dark, urban gastropub with food and drinks for a refined palate. There is an eye-catching and daily-changing raw bar, while the short list of…
Boston
If you ever wondered exactly what constitutes a 'shoppe' with a double-p-e, this is it. Come to Lulu's for old-fashioned, high-end sweet treats like fancy…
Cambridge
Turns out, you don't have to go to the North End for Italian food. This Central Sq neighborhood favorite showcases its own delectable concoctions…
Back Bay
Pleasantly situated inside the Boston Public Library, this informal cafe serves croissants, muffins, bagels, scones and pastries to start off the day,…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Affordable lunch specials ($10-15) make this a popular spot for State House staffers and other professional types. The minimalist decor and extensive menu…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
The brainchild of celebrity chef Todd English, Figs rakes 'em in with its innovative whisper-thin pizzas. For a real treat, order the signature fig and…
Boston
There are several options for lunch on Aquarium Plaza, including Reef. This seasonal outdoor restaurant serves lobster rolls, clam chowder and steamers …
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Here's a quick and easy lunch spot on the Boston Common, occupying the handsome 'Pink Palace' (formerly a men's toilet, but never mind).
