Restaurants in Boston
-
A
June Bug Cafe
- Boston, USA
- Restaurants › Café
Dressed up like a June bug, this bohemian café's green-and-purple walls show off the work of local artists. Big, comfy couches (not to mention wi-fi access) invite surfers to settle in for an afternoon, sipping bubble tea or noshing on well-stuffed sandwiches. Vegetarians are well catered for, especially if they indulge in imitation meat.
reviewed
-
Ken’s Noodle House
Sit at the counter and your mouth will water as you witness the art of ramen preparation. This is a far cry from the bastardized instant version. If you’re lucky, this Japanese restaurant will have its Nishiyama ramen in stock, specially imported from Sapporo, and you can slurp your noodles like the expat salaryman sitting next to you.
reviewed
-
B
Salts
Come to Salts for a practically perfect dining experience, where the décor is elegant, but not stuffy, the waitstaff is attentive but not overbearing. And the food… the food is simple but utterly sublime. The French influenced menu changes frequently, but it always features the specialty cider-glazed roasted duck, a divine experience for two.
reviewed
-
C
Xinh Xinh
Wins the award for Boston’s favorite pho (pronounced ‘fuh’), the sometimes exotic, always fragrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup. These hot, hearty meals come in big bowls and warm you from the inside out. The lemongrass tofu is especially recommended, as are the roll-it-yourself spring rolls (work for your food!).
reviewed
-
D
Baja Betty’s
There is not much to this little hole in the wall – just a clean counter and busy kitchen, where the chefs are tossing tortillas and wrapping them up around meat and cheese and veggie goodness. Daily specials include delicacies such as chicken in red mole sauce or pork in guajillo sauce, as well as veggie-options. Kids love the junior sizes.
reviewed
-
E
Antonio's Cucina Italiana
Antonio offers all the charms of your favorite North End eatery: the cramped quarters and scrumptious southern Italian fare are straight from Hanover St, without the crowds. Huge portions and friendly service are reminiscent of eating in the kitchen of your beloved Italian aunt. This neighborhood favorite is little known off of Beacon Hill.
reviewed
-
F
Ten Tables 2
True to its name, this gem has only 10 tables (you’ll need to reserve one of them). The emphasis is on simplicity – appropriate for a restaurant that specializes in traditional cooking techniques. The menu is short but changes frequently to highlight local, organic produce, handmade pastas, fresh seafood and homemade sausages.
reviewed
-
G
Panificio
- Boston, USA
- Restaurants › Café
It’s not easy to snag a spot in this cozy, sun-filled bistro. By day, regulars stop in for fresh soups and sandwiches, buttery pastries and piping hot coffee. In the evenings, the menu expands to include homemade pastas and hot meat dishes. Don’t miss the weekend Italian brunch, featuring toasted bread with decadent toppings.
reviewed
-
H
El Oriental de Cuba
Lunchtime lines often run out the door as hungry patrons wait patiently for the specialty Cuban sandwich. Roast pork, Swiss cheese and ham are stuffed into a roll, and served with a side of maduros, or fried plantains. Wash it down with a tropical shake or a sugar cane juice, and you can be forgiven for thinking you’re in Havana.
reviewed
-
I
L'Osteria
This family-run ristoranti typifies the mouth-watering magic and Old-World charm of the North End. It's nothing fancy, but the service is friendly and the southern Italian fare is always delicious. Generous portions guarantee that you will have leftovers for lunch. The basement is sort of drab, so it's worth waiting for a table upstairs.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Freestone’s City Grille
Freestone’s offers ‘Gay Nineties’ ambiance in a reclaimed bank building, complete with a stained-glass mirror and a brass monkey. Modern American fare shows hints of Asian influence, especially in the specialty salads. This place is opposite the National Historical Park visitor center, so it’s easy to find.
reviewed
-
J
Vee Vee
Vee Vee stands for Valachovic, the last name of the two creative genii behind this sweet spot on Centre St. The decor is minimalist and modern, but nothing too trendy for granola-loving Jamaica Plain. The menu is limited to seafood and vegetarian items, with the occasional meat special, but the focus is always on fresh and local.
Veggies: come on Wednesday for a $25 three-course prix-fixe bargain.
reviewed
-
K
Scampo
Celeb chef Lydia Shire has done it again. This masterpiece – on the ground floor of the Liberty Hotel – is a trendy and tantalizing restaurant buzzing with energy. The wide variety of delectable handmade pastas and the region's finest freshest seafood are to be expected; the mozzarella bar is a delightful and delicious surprise.
It seems sinful to order pizza at such a fine restaurant, but Shire makes it easy to justify, by offering irresistible and unusual combinations of toppings.
reviewed
-
L
Milk St Café
- Boston, USA
- Restaurants › Deli
This is a favorite lunchtime spot of the suit crowd. Pastas, salads, soups and sandwiches include lots of vegetarian options. The park location is pleasant in summer, when café tables are set out and diners spill onto the greenery. There is a second location (minus the garden seating) on Milk St near the Old South Meeting House.
reviewed
-
M
South End Buttery
A portion of the revenue from cupcake sales here goes to a local animal shelter. Coffee drinks feature shade-grown organic beans. Packaging materials are made from recycled paper. Now that your conscience is eased, you can really enjoy that chocolate-hazelnut cupcake. The brunch and dinner meals are simple, seasonal and delicious.
reviewed
-
N
Penang
Serves Malaysian fare in a festive, tiki-bar atmosphere. Some items are listed with the admonition 'Ask your server for advice before you order!!!' Fortunately, most of Penang's menu items are delightfully different, but not too intimidating. Regulars rave about the roti canai, crispy pancakes with a curry dipping sauce.
reviewed
-
O
Emma's Pizza
Before or after a flick at the nearby Kendall Sq Cinema, make a point of stopping at this friendly neighborhood pizzeria, which instills a maniacal devotion in its customers. Crispy thin crust and creative topping combinations cause Emma's to be consistently rated among the city's best pizza. Slices and salads are sold from the front window.
reviewed
-
P
Gourmet Dumpling House
Xiao long bao. That’s all the Chinese you need to know to take advantage of the specialty at the Gourmet Dumpling House (or GDH, as it is fondly called). They are Shanghai soup dumplings, of course, and they are fresh, doughy and delicious. The menu offers plenty of other options, including scrumptious crispy scallion pancakes. Come early or be prepared to wait.
reviewed
-
Q
Craigie on Main
French foodies absolutely adore Tony Maws’ rustic fare and intimate atmosphere at Craigie. The menu changes daily, depending on fresh, seasonal ingredients; there is also an excellent bar with an intriguing selection of cocktails and interesting bar food to go along with it. Creativity and energy exude from the open kitchen, along with the wonderful aromas.
reviewed
-
R
Sabra Grill
Sabra served fresh and delicious Middle Eastern takeout long before it was trendy. Vegetarians can't do better than the daily special that never seems to change, a garlicky and delicious roasted veggie sandwich. Others swear by shwarma of any kind. Seating is limited, so pick a sandwich and head over to JFK Park for a picnic.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
La Morra
The sleek interior at La Morra is the setting for equally sophisticated dining, featuring small plates of antipasti and homemade pastas. A daily changing prix-fixe menu offers wine pairings to complement the three-course meal. The staff is pleasant and professional, though service can be harried when the place gets hopping.
reviewed
-
Southeast Asian Restaurant
Aficionados of Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines come here from all over New England to feast on authentic Asian fare, including the legendary ‘bowl of fire’ (Lao spicy beef). In the heart of the Acre, the restaurant and associated market are a beacon of culture for Lowell’s Southeast Asian immigrants.
reviewed
-
T
Tanjore
Tanjore's lunchtime buffet has been a favorite of Harvard Sq locals for years. The buffet changes daily, but it always features perfectly fluffy basmati rice, fresh, hot naanbread and subtly delicious kheer (rice pudding). This place is good enough to come for dinner, but the buffet offers superior value.
reviewed
-
Candleworks
In a restored brick candle factory, this chic restaurant is about as good as it gets in New Bedford. You can eat in the cool cellar or under the umbrellas on the patio: either way the setting is luxurious. Italian dishes have a modern, New England flair (lots of seafood). Live piano music fills the air in the evenings.
reviewed
-
U
No Name
The location on the fish pier lends credence to the motto ‘Where the fresh are so fresh, they jump out of the water and onto your plate.’ This place has lost some of its charm since being discovered by outsiders, but that doesn’t stop dock workers from showing up for fried clams and fish chowder.
reviewed