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Discover the Best New Restaurants in Boston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

As one of the country's most historic and most popular cities, the "Hub" of Boston is a hotspot for innovation, culture, and cuisine. The best new restaurants in Boston deliver an extraordinary amount of creativity for its residents and visitors, taking in a wide variety of influences and flavors to create a style all their own. But where are Beantown's most in-the-know diners headed out to when they're looking for the best new restaurants in Boston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from experienced diners from in and around Boston to put together a list of the city's best new restaurants. From acclaimed seafood restaurants to neighborhood pubs, Boston's new restaurant scene offers delights for all. Grab a table and enjoy!

Elm Street Tap Room
4.4 (143)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Somerville
Boston's Davis Square is one of the hottest and hippest sections in the city, and the Elm Street Tap Room is right at the center of activity. On nights and weekends, the Tap Room comes alive with young professionals and locals. They're enjoying the Tap Room's excellent craft beer selection and down-home American comfort food. Grab a table and try one of their favorites like the fish and chips, turkey press, or cauliflower Po'boy. The craft beer menu features some of the best craft beers from around America. These include the Maine Beer Company's Lunch IPA and Surly Brewing's Todd the Axe Man. Another tip? Before or after dinner, walk over to the classically-styled Somerville Theatre to catch a movie. It's one of the best theaters in the nation.
Top review
StevenVIP
Dined on Mar 23, 2025
Good vibe, but for a tap room they were out of a lot of varieties and food came out a bit on the colder side. Perhaps an off day, will have to give them another try
Boston's Davis Square is one of the hottest and hippest sections in the city, and the Elm Street Tap Room is right at the center of activity. On nights and weekends, the Tap Room comes alive with young professionals and locals. They're enjoying the Tap Room's excellent craft beer selection and down-home American comfort food. Grab a table and try one of their favorites like the fish and chips, turkey press, or cauliflower Po'boy. The craft beer menu features some of the best craft beers from around America. These include the Maine Beer Company's Lunch IPA and Surly Brewing's Todd the Axe Man. Another tip? Before or after dinner, walk over to the classically-styled Somerville Theatre to catch a movie. It's one of the best theaters in the nation.
Top review
StevenVIP
Dined on Mar 23, 2025
Good vibe, but for a tap room they were out of a lot of varieties and food came out a bit on the colder side. Perhaps an off day, will have to give them another try
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
4.4 (159)
$30 and under
American
Back Bay
The Trident Booksellers & Cafe presents visitors and locals with one of the best new restaurants in Boston. This intriguing bookstore and cafe combination is right on Newbury Street, one of Boston's most bustling. Stop in and browse the selections at Trident's charming bookstore before sitting down for a meal in its diner-style restaurant. Go for some of Trident's classic American sandwiches. These include a grilled cheese with melted provolone and tomato or the spicy turkey club with bacon and avocado. Trident is also known for its fabulous breakfasts, with "Trident Eggwagons" and eggs Benedict as some of the menu highlights.
Top review
KarenVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great breakfast options, alongside an amazing book and gift store. Perfect combo!
The Trident Booksellers & Cafe presents visitors and locals with one of the best new restaurants in Boston. This intriguing bookstore and cafe combination is right on Newbury Street, one of Boston's most bustling. Stop in and browse the selections at Trident's charming bookstore before sitting down for a meal in its diner-style restaurant. Go for some of Trident's classic American sandwiches. These include a grilled cheese with melted provolone and tomato or the spicy turkey club with bacon and avocado. Trident is also known for its fabulous breakfasts, with "Trident Eggwagons" and eggs Benedict as some of the menu highlights.
Top review
KarenVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great breakfast options, alongside an amazing book and gift store. Perfect combo!
The Bebop
4.7 (359)
$30 and under
American
Back Bay
The Bebop is a new establishment in one of the hottest and hippest sections of Boston. It's only a few steps away from the Berklee College of Music. The Bebop features an electric lineup of live jazz artists right alongside their excellent food and drink. With the restaurant also only a short trip from Fenway, The Bebop is a gathering point for lively crowds of all ages and dispositions. Grab one of the excellent craft beers on tap at the Bebop and sit down to enjoy their classic Bebop burger with prime ground beef. There is also beer-battered fish and chips and a traditional shepherds pie topped with golden mashed potatoes.
Top review
Todd
Dined on Jun 14, 2025
Not a lot of great what I would call value options left near where the Bebop is. Menu had more variety that we were expecting, it was loud but it’s a small bar that was packed and had really good music playing. If you’re looking for quiet fine dining, look elsewhere; if you’re looking for a really good place before an event in the Fenway area that doesn’t crush your wallet, consider here!
The Bebop is a new establishment in one of the hottest and hippest sections of Boston. It's only a few steps away from the Berklee College of Music. The Bebop features an electric lineup of live jazz artists right alongside their excellent food and drink. With the restaurant also only a short trip from Fenway, The Bebop is a gathering point for lively crowds of all ages and dispositions. Grab one of the excellent craft beers on tap at the Bebop and sit down to enjoy their classic Bebop burger with prime ground beef. There is also beer-battered fish and chips and a traditional shepherds pie topped with golden mashed potatoes.
Top review
Todd
Dined on Jun 14, 2025
Not a lot of great what I would call value options left near where the Bebop is. Menu had more variety that we were expecting, it was loud but it’s a small bar that was packed and had really good music playing. If you’re looking for quiet fine dining, look elsewhere; if you’re looking for a really good place before an event in the Fenway area that doesn’t crush your wallet, consider here!
Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails
4.6 (446)
$30 and under
Sushi
South Boston
Boston's "Southie" neighborhood is the opposite of its usual portrayal in the media. This once rough-and-tumble area is now a cosmopolitan haven for young professionals, culture, and cuisine. Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails, one of the best new restaurants in Boston, is right at the forefront of this new South Boston experience. Stop into this upscale location near Telegraph Hill to take in classic sushi and fusion dishes in its elaborately-decorated dining room. Don't forget about the cocktails, either. Try the Boomerang with bourbon and Mezcal or the Cry Baby with ghost tequila, lime, and hibiscus.
Top review
GayleVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The air conditioning was not working and we were sweating during our dinner. The food was excellent as always. 
Boston's "Southie" neighborhood is the opposite of its usual portrayal in the media. This once rough-and-tumble area is now a cosmopolitan haven for young professionals, culture, and cuisine. Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails, one of the best new restaurants in Boston, is right at the forefront of this new South Boston experience. Stop into this upscale location near Telegraph Hill to take in classic sushi and fusion dishes in its elaborately-decorated dining room. Don't forget about the cocktails, either. Try the Boomerang with bourbon and Mezcal or the Cry Baby with ghost tequila, lime, and hibiscus.
Top review
GayleVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The air conditioning was not working and we were sweating during our dinner. The food was excellent as always. 
Alcove
4.5 (1919)
$31 to $50
American
West End
Right along the water in Boston's West End neighborhood, Alcove is a neighborhood favorite for drinks and Mediterranean-style cuisine. Only a few steps from the T.D. Garden, Alcove is the spot to go for dinner before or after a game or a show. Head in for dinner to try Alcove's New England oysters, shellfish tower, or miso-glazed salmon. Alcove is also one of Boston's best destinations for brunch, featuring favorites like cinnamon rolls and peach coffee cakes.
Top review
StephenVIP
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Daniel's attentiveness, warmth and accuracy demonstrates what a real professional that he is. great drinks, food and yummy chocolate torte.
Right along the water in Boston's West End neighborhood, Alcove is a neighborhood favorite for drinks and Mediterranean-style cuisine. Only a few steps from the T.D. Garden, Alcove is the spot to go for dinner before or after a game or a show. Head in for dinner to try Alcove's New England oysters, shellfish tower, or miso-glazed salmon. Alcove is also one of Boston's best destinations for brunch, featuring favorites like cinnamon rolls and peach coffee cakes.
Top review
StephenVIP
Dined on Jun 15, 2025
Daniel's attentiveness, warmth and accuracy demonstrates what a real professional that he is. great drinks, food and yummy chocolate torte.
Longfellow
4.6 (368)
$30 and under
American
Cambridge
Head into the heart of Harvard Square for one of the best new restaurants in Boston. After a day spent walking around the bustling Harvard Yard, Longfellow is a relaxing destination to sit back and enjoy an excellent meal. Right above the acclaimed Alden & Harlow restaurant and historic Brattle Theater, the Longfellow offers a creative menu of cocktails and dishes. Try one of the low-calorie "session cocktails" with meals like hickory-smoked wing flats, an Italian "grinder" sandwich, or the "Reuben-ish" salad.
Top review
MichelleVIP
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
The food and drinks were excellent! You get a taste of A&H with way better service!
Head into the heart of Harvard Square for one of the best new restaurants in Boston. After a day spent walking around the bustling Harvard Yard, Longfellow is a relaxing destination to sit back and enjoy an excellent meal. Right above the acclaimed Alden & Harlow restaurant and historic Brattle Theater, the Longfellow offers a creative menu of cocktails and dishes. Try one of the low-calorie "session cocktails" with meals like hickory-smoked wing flats, an Italian "grinder" sandwich, or the "Reuben-ish" salad.
Top review
MichelleVIP
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
The food and drinks were excellent! You get a taste of A&H with way better service!
Serafina - Boston Back Bay
4.5 (620)
$30 and under
Italian
Back Bay
The Back Bay location of this Boston favorite is one of the city's best destinations for people-watching. Right on Boston's bustling Newbury Street, Serafina is an ideal place to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing while enjoying an excellent Italian meal. This relaxed and casual restaurant features a full menu of classic Italian favorites, including penna alla vodka, chicken bress paillard, and chicken alla Milanese. A must-go for Newbury Street shoppers.
Top review
KevinVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent server. She was very attentive. Beautiful day to eat outside and they have a great space for it. Inside does not look so good so I wouldn’t recommend eating inside during the summer.
The Back Bay location of this Boston favorite is one of the city's best destinations for people-watching. Right on Boston's bustling Newbury Street, Serafina is an ideal place to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing while enjoying an excellent Italian meal. This relaxed and casual restaurant features a full menu of classic Italian favorites, including penna alla vodka, chicken bress paillard, and chicken alla Milanese. A must-go for Newbury Street shoppers.
Top review
KevinVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent server. She was very attentive. Beautiful day to eat outside and they have a great space for it. Inside does not look so good so I wouldn’t recommend eating inside during the summer.
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
4.7 (864)
$31 to $50
Cuban
Cambridge
This Cuban restaurant in Cambridge's Porter Square is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop into this colorfully-decorated and lively favorite for some of the most intriguing cuisine in Boston, with a full menu of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The tapas-style small plates include favorites like chicken and Serrano ham croquettes, avocado toast-tones, queso frito, and ropa vieja tacos. There are also plenty of more substantial dishes, like slow-roasted pork with caramelized onions, white rice, black beans, and maduros.
Top review
MaxVIP
Dined on Jun 8, 2025
The mushroom croquettes were amazing and I hope they stay on the menu,!
This Cuban restaurant in Cambridge's Porter Square is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop into this colorfully-decorated and lively favorite for some of the most intriguing cuisine in Boston, with a full menu of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The tapas-style small plates include favorites like chicken and Serrano ham croquettes, avocado toast-tones, queso frito, and ropa vieja tacos. There are also plenty of more substantial dishes, like slow-roasted pork with caramelized onions, white rice, black beans, and maduros.
Top review
MaxVIP
Dined on Jun 8, 2025
The mushroom croquettes were amazing and I hope they stay on the menu,!

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