Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Boston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Willow & Ivy on Exeter

4.8

4.8 (35)

$31 to $50

American

Back Bay

About the restaurant

Welcome to Willow & Ivy, a neighborhood eatery located in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay. Our newly renovated space is full of energy, enhanced by lush greenery and beautiful vaulted windows that fill the room with warm, natural light. Whether you enter from charming Exeter Street or through The Lenox lobby, you will be greeted by our smiling staff and the enticing aromas of our locally curated menu. Your table is all set—sit back and enjoy.

Top review

Jamie

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent experience at this newly opened restaurant. The service was amazing and the food was delicious. Our server was knowledgeable and passionate and the owner came to check on us. I will definitely go back next time I am in town.

Moonshine 152

5.0

5 (1864)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

A modern -American, neighborhood bistro restaurant in Southie (South Boston) by Chef-owner Asia Mei (as seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay & Phantom Gourmet). With a globally-inspired, comfort food meets street food menu, Chef Asia puts her unique spin on both East & West Coast style cooking, striving to match the beautiful restaurant’s aesthetic, contributing to numerous glowing re-reviews, accolades & praise. Her "Best of Boston" Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, her award-winning Burgers & Vegetarian Burgers, Street Tacos & weekly changing specials are only some of the reasons she was awarded the 2023 Best of Boston Neighborhood Restaurant in South Boston.

Moonshine 152 is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, on the corner of Dorchester Avenue & West 4th Street in South Boston. We are one block from the Broadway Red Line train station, with bus connections local bus connections. We are a short walk from the South End & Ink Block neighborhoods as well as The Seaport & Downtown Boston.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 7 days ago

Asia and her staff are experts on delivering amazing food paired with a great vibe. I took a large group of out of towners there, and she knocked their socks off. I will be back as often as possible.

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Popular dish

Butterscotch Pudding

Popular dish

Jalapeno Crab Rangoons

Sambalos tapas & Bar

4.9

4.9 (16)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Winthrop

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sambalos, where every dish tells a story and every bite is an adventure! Nestled in the heart of Winthrop, we are dedicated to offering a unique dining experience that blends global cuisines with a local twist.

Our menu features a delightful selection of tapas, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. From the vibrant flavors of Latin America to the comfort of classic American dishes, our offerings cater to every palate. Dive into our customizable tacos, bursting with fresh ingredients and inspired fillings that you won't find anywhere else.

At Sambalos, we believe that food is a universal language, and our innovative fusion of flavors reflects this philosophy. Whether you're stopping by for a casual dinner with friends, a family gathering, or a special celebration, our warm and inviting atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for your culinary adventure.

Join us at Sambalos, where each visit is a taste of the world right here in Winthrop! We can’t wait to welcome you!

Top review

Justin

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Great food and fantastic service, can’t wait to come back!

Umami Omakase

4.8

4.8 (142)

$50 and over

Sushi

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Umami Omakase and Sake Bar
Best Sushi of 2021 & 2023 Awards
Top 50 restaurants in Boston
Cambridge MA
Seafood. Japanese food, Beer and Wine
Chef Tasting Menu:
Miso Soup
Sashimi Plates
Sushi Nigiri
Toro
Japanese Fish; Madai. Kinmedai. Shima-Aji. Kamasu. Akayagara. Hotate. Hokkaido Uni. Kanpachi. Salmon. Unagi. Tuna. Ikura. Tibiko.
Caviar
Japnaese A5 Wagyu Beef
Foie Gras
Truffle
Kitchen specials; Duck breast. Chawanmushi
Hand Roll / Chirashi bowl
Umami Dessert
Sake Tasting/ Pairings
Fine dinging
High end restaurant
Special day, Special dinner
Occasion celebration. Birthday. Anniversary. Graduation. Marriage dinner.
Influencer welcome
Catering. Group reservation. Family and kids. Work dinner. Company party.

Top review

KevinVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Second time in a couple years. Brand new 18 course. Great omakase

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Experience

Experience 15 Courses (Tue. Wed. Thur.)

Experience

Umami 18 Coures (Tue. Wed. Thur.)

Experience

Umami 18 Course (Fri. Sat. Sun. Holidays)

Machu Picchu

4.9

4.9 (83)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Somerville

About the restaurant

You no longer need to travel to Lima to experience great Peruvian cuisine, as Machu Picchu is a restaurant right on your doorstep in the greater Boston area .Now just a T stop away from the Green line. Machu Picchu serves up the freshest and most Authentic dishes, like Lomo saltado and Ceviche. All arranged to perfection for each patron's plate. Machu Picchu is a special place to go to experience culture and great food. If you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or host a large event, Machu Picchu is for you. Not only will you have some great food, but the extensive cocktail list will definitely help you top off a great evening out.

Top review

DallieVIP

Dined on May 27, 2025

I chose this restaurant as it was close to our airbnb and easy to get to on our arrival day. The restaurant was not full and there are 3 different sections to choose from; a quiet smaller room, the main dining area and another section to the right of main dining. We chose the quiet room so we could easily talk and visit. Service came promptly and our server explained the different dishes that we were not familiar with. One thing he didn't mention was that 3 of the 4 dishes we chose included the Peruvian corn. Had we known this we would not have gotten the corn on the cob appetizer! The food was very good; ceviche was some of the best I've eaten. Portions were generous as well. Unfortunately, at the end of the meal, my husband's credit card didn't come back with the bill and we didn't catch it, so he had to go back to the restaurant today to retrieve it. Fortunately they had kept it. Overall it was an enjoyable meal.

Dotty's Kitchen & Raw Bar

4.9

4.9 (52)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Quincy

About the restaurant

Dotty's is a cozy neighborhood restaurant featuring a bountiful raw bar with oysters from all along the Northeast, along with crispy snacks, chowder, handhelds, and exquisite entrees. The venue offers a diverse menu and a carefully curated wine list, alongside a premium cocktail program with hand-hewn ice. Join us tonight!

Top review

Alexa

Dined 7 days ago

I loved the brunch menu. Drinks were good. Nice place to bring kids as well.

Yellow Door Taqueria - Dorchester

4.8

4.8 (156)

$30 and under

Mexican

Dorchester

About the restaurant

At Yellow Door Taqueria, we are serving up traditional & contemporary Mexican cuisine with a New England Spin. Our traditional tacos each have an individual twist and they're all served on the tortillas we make fresh every morning. We offer a full bar and have a stacked drink menu including several different kinds of Margaritas, an extensive tequila, and mezcal list, as well as carefully craft cocktails. If you're not into the hard stuff, no worries, we have mocktails, Mexican sodas, beer, wine, and more!

This is our original location which lives in the heart of Lower Mills, Dorchester. We are right in between our two sister restaurants Lower Mills Tavern and Madre Osteria & Bar - Perfect spots to grab a drink before or after your reservation!

Our other locations reside in Boston's South End at InkBlock and Boston's Mission Hill.

We are open 7 days a week for dinner & for brunch on the weekends!

Bar seating is first come first serve Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 9pm.

Top review

Mary AnneVIP

Dined on Jun 3, 2025

I have never had a bad experience at Yellow Door! It’s a great place with awesome food, drinks and staff!

Daedalus

4.9

4.9 (510)

$30 and under

American

West Cambridge

About the restaurant

Tucked in a converted greenhouse, Daedalus is a casual restaurant that serves New American cuisine and drinks in spacious surrounds. The restaurant's menu changes to reflect the season. Diners rave about the crab cake sandwich, the buffalo tenders and the Daedalus burger.

A neighborhood favorite, Daedalus boasts a roof deck that delivers a lovely view of Harvard square. It also hosts two bars (one located on each floor)

Top review

JoanneVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

This is a gem in Cambridge. We had a relaxing low key dinner that was delicious. The waiter and Host were warm and attentive. Recommend it highly.

Sycamore

4.9

4.9 (2834)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newton

About the restaurant

Sycamore is a seasonally inspired, chef-owned neighborhood bistro in Newton Centre. Emphasizing locally sourced produce, fish and meat, our menu draws on classic European country food; rustic and wholesome. Our beverage program is designed to complement the cuisine. The wine list focuses on passionate small producers, our beers are by and large domestic craft selections and the cocktail list highlights classic drinks and sipping spirits.

Top review

victoriak

Dined 4 days ago

Had a great server who gave us great recommendations and acknowledged our special occasion. The food was delicious. Had a great dinner and a great time.

Vee Vee

4.8

4.8 (764)

$31 to $50

American

Jamaica Plain

About the restaurant

Vee Vee in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, is a small, neighborhood restaurant operated by Kristen and Dan Valachovic. The food is best described as creative American, and we feature a well-curated wine and craft beer selection. The vibe is casual, and the menu modest but inventive. As of May 2022, we are open for indoor and outdoor dining in a seasonal patio by reservation or walk-in. We are also happy to offer takeout as well.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Chill & comfortable atmosphere. Friendly staff. Food well presented and delicious, consistently.

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