The Best Restaurants in Boston

Boston is popular for its seafood and other specialty dishes, like Boston baked beans and lobster macaroni and cheese. Boston also has its share of steakhouses, oyster bars, and restaurants serving Japanese, Italian, and Spanish meals. Looking for somewhere to hang out after work? Many Boston restaurants host a happy hour with special drinks and snack menus. Boston is also home to many professional sports teams, including the Boston Celtics of the NBA and the Boston Red Sox of the MLB. On the night of the game, consider watching it on a big screen TV at one of Boston's sports bars while enjoying a beer and some finger food. The city also has stylish cocktail lounges serving both classic and modern cocktail recipes. These restaurants also often host live musical performances and comedic events. There are restaurants all around the city of Boston, including the downtown area, including Back Bay, both the North and South end, Jamaican Plains, and the suburbs of Brighton and Belmont.

The OpenTable Team

36 Restaurants

Updated December 15, 2021

Restaurants:	Abe & Louie’s - Boston, Al Wadi Boston, Arya Trattoria…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Steakhouse, Lebanese, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Back Bay, West Roxbury, North End…

Abe & Louie’s - Boston

$$$$

Steakhouse

Back Bay

4.6

7662 reviews

Abe and Louise's is a classic steakhouse off of I-90 in the Back Bay neighborhood. It has been around since the 1960s and serves signature dishes like its bone-in filet, Midwestern steaks, and prime burgers. Along with steak and chop dishes, Abe and Louie's Boston serves seafood items such as chilled raw oysters and a lump crab cocktail. This restaurant has received recognition from various well-known outlets, including Wine Spectator and Business Insider. It has lots of old-world style and charm in its leather booth seating, chandelier lighting, dark wood paneling with mirror accents, and white tablecloths.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Al Wadi Boston

$$$$

Lebanese

West Roxbury

4.9

183 reviews

Al Wadi offers a spacious and stylish dining room with large columns, wall niches, dramatic lighting, and a large bar with extra seating. Here diners can order a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes like lamb shanks, lentil soup, beef kabab, and chicken shish tawook. Located in the Roxbury District, Al Wadi Restaurant is a short drive from Franklin Park Zoo and the Shirley-Eustis House. This restaurant opened its doors to the public in 2010.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Arya Trattoria

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.8

2408 reviews

Established in the early 1980s, Arya Trattoria serves Italian dishes in a cozy space near the Boston Public Market and Haymarket. Its chef and owner, Chef Massimo, once worked at this restaurant as a young teen. Since then, Chef Massimo has continued his passion for food and the restaurant's tradition of making homestyle dishes with recipes dating back for generations. Some of its most popular dishes include meatballs, mushroom ravioli, and osso buco. This notable restaurant has been recognized in the Boston Globe for its many different types of house-made pasta.

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Assaggio

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.2

810 reviews

Assaggio was established in 1993 and makes its home in Boston's Historic North End District. This Italian restaurant serves classic food in an interesting and eclectic dining space. Its dining room has many Tuscan decorating touches, such as textured walls and a ceiling mural accented with Italian cherubs. The menu at Assaggio includes a combination of Italian and seafood dishes, including octopus, caprese salad, veal chops, and eggplant parmigiana. Diners can complement their meal with a glass or bottle of specially curated wine, or a cocktail from the bar.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Atlantic Fish

$$$$

Seafood

Back Bay

4.7

10626 reviews

Atlantic Fish is a fine-dining seafood restaurant located in the Back Bay neighborhood. Its menu features fresh-caught fish of the day along with seafood appetizers like crab cakes, fried oysters, tuna tartare, and Thai octopus. For heartier appetites, there are main dishes such as lobster risotto, wild salmon, filet mignon, and shrimp scampi. Its dining room has a nautical theme with stylish decor items like rope mirrors, wood oars, navy blue leather benches, and photos of the sea. In the front of the restaurant, there is an outdoor seating section where diners can enjoy the sunshine while eating. This seafood restaurant was founded in the late 1970s.

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Brassica Kitchen

$$$$

French American

Jamaica Plain

4.9

1319 reviews

The café-styled Brassica Kitchen is located in the Jamaican Plain neighborhood of Boston, minutes from Harvard University. Its small dining space has a cozy ambiance and a hip vibe. This restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Brassica Kitchen’s menu includes freshly baked pastries, salads, egg dishes, and inventive sandwiches like a crispy chicken sandwich with honey or a dry-aged Wagyu burger. At dinner, diners can order more substantive meals, including wild salmon or duck breast with side dishes such as garlic carrots and roasted mushrooms with asparagus. This café also serves a variety of coffee drinks, wines, and trendy cocktails diners can enjoy while conversing with friends. This cafe was established in 2017.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Buttermilk & Bourbon

$$$$

Southern

Back Bay

4.6

2665 reviews

Buttermilk and Bourbon serves up Southern U.S. food and hospitality in the Boston Back Bay area. This restaurant is open Monday through Sunday and features a Sunday brunch. Some of its menu items include Memphis-style baby back ribs, jalapeno macaroni and cheese, caramelized sweet potatoes, alligator fries, battered catfish, and bread pudding. Buttermilk and Bourbon has a charming decor with vintage fireplace mantles, brick walls, electric furniture including velvet chairs, and spooky artwork (representing the haunted spots of New Orleans). Outdoor seating is also available. Buttermilk and Bourbon was established in 2017.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Committee

$$$$

Greek

Fort Point Channel

4.7

1960 reviews

Committee is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and cocktail lounge close to the waterfront. Some dishes and tapas diners can enjoy include octopus, souvlaki, gyro, calamari, and manti (pork dumplings). Committee also serves stylish wines and cocktails including their signature drink, C0mmitt33 Mul3 2.0. Its ultra-chic, contemporary decor features multiple dining spaces with industrial lights, brick walls, wooden tables, metal chairs, and an open ceiling. The floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to people-watch while dining or chatting with family and friends. This restaurant has been around since 2015.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Deuxave

$$$$

French

Back Bay

4.7

4431 reviews

Deuxave is a fine-dining French restaurant in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. Its interior features an upscale design with chandelier lights, large columns, both fabric and leather dining chairs, a curved white bar with red leather seats, and large floral arrangements. There is also a spacious patio where diners can enjoy dishes from its stylish menu, including black garlic scallops, foie gras, crispy duck confit, and liver pate. It was established in the Boston area in 2010.

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Euno Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.7

1955 reviews

Euno Ristorante is a charming restaurant on the North End of town. Established in the mid-1990s, it serves food inspired by ingredients from Italy. Its specialties include fire-roasted dishes like pan-seared white fish with parsnips and risotto, roasted eggplant with tomatoes and caramelized garlic, or New Zealand sirloin with grilled asparagus. A variety of pasta dishes like gnocchi with mushrooms or linguine with spicy marinara sauce is served here. Complete a meal at Euno Ristorante with a chocolate mousse torte or homemade tiramisu and a glass of sparkling dessert wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grill 23 & Bar

$$$$

Steak

Back Bay

4.7

7515 reviews

Established in the 1980s, Grill 23 and Bar has been a staple in Boston for many decades. This steakhouse offers fine dining in the Liberty Mutual Insurance Building located in the Back Bay District. Its menu features fine cuts of beef such as filet mignon and American Kobe, as well as seafood dishes like crab cakes, salmon, and crusted swordfish. Grill 23 and Bar has a traditional steakhouse decor with studded leather dining chairs, cherry wood paneling, mirrored bar cabinets, large columns, and tray ceilings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Hideaway

$$$$

American

Brighton

3.0

1 review

Igloos at Article 24 makes its home in the suburb of Brighton. It offers a casual menu of burgers and fries, fish tacos, mac and cheese fritters, pork dumplings, BBQ chicken pizza, and pigs in a blanket. It is a stylish restaurant with two floors and televisions all around the building. Gold leather benches, brick walls, jazz artwork, and hardwood floors make this restaurant ultra-stylish. Outdoor space is also available for dining at Igloos at Article 24. This restaurant first opened in the summer of 2016.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Krasi

$$$$

Greek

Back Bay

4.9

996 reviews

The English meaning of Krasi is beautiful or adornment. Krasi is a Greek restaurant in the Back Bay area and opened in 2020. This restaurant has been named in media outlets such as Boston Magazine. At this restaurant, diners can order fresh bread, salad, lamb osso buco, slow-cooked veal, and souvla from its menu. It also has an extensive wine list. Its contemporary dining room is decorated with open ceilings, hanging pendant lights, white oak furniture, and gray whitewashed walls.

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La Hacienda Rest

$$$$

Mexican

East Boston

4.5

16 reviews

La Hacienda is a family-friendly restaurant, opened in the late 1930s. Located near Central Maverick Square, its menu includes dishes from Mexico and El Salvador such as ceviche, tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas. It offers casual dining with wooden tables featuring an Aztec-designed border. There is also space to dine outdoors. On the weekends, diners can enjoy performances by bands and live musicians. La Hacienda Rest is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night meals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

$$$$

American

South Boston

4.8

1213 reviews

A local favorite, Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant serves local comfort foods in its South Boston location. Its menu features family-friendly favorites like pizza, burgers, steaks, and ribs. Side dishes like truffle fries, mashed potatoes, and asparagus along with desserts like cheesecake or ice cream can be added to make a complete meal. A drink menu with draft beers, sparkling wines, seltzer, and cocktails are also available. This restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and was established in 2012.

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Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

$$$$

Mexican

South Boston

4.7

299 reviews

Loco Taqueria is a contemporary restaurant and oyster bar in South Boston. Its stylish but rustic decor includes brick walls, tile floors, open ceilings, string lighting, colorful artwork, and wooden benches for seating. Diners will have a wide selection of Mexican food dishes like tacos, chilaquiles, and fried artichokes to choose from. Oysters, clams, and scallops are also available from its raw bar. This restaurant is open for dinner and late-night dining.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ma Maison

$$$$

French

Beacon Hill

4.8

2223 reviews

Ma Maison serves French meals created by Chef Jacky Robert and is known as one of the fathers of fusion cuisine. Some of his culinary masterpieces include chunky cabbage soup, sauteed frog legs, tripe, and lamb chops. Family-friendly, this restaurant also has a kid's menu with dishes like fish sticks and broccoli, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, and pasta with parmesan cheese. On beautiful Boston days, there is ample space for diners to eat outdoors at Ma Maison's. This restaurant has been in business since 2004.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mamma Maria

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.9

5349 reviews

Mamma Maria offers intimate dining close to the waterfront. The restaurant is a converted townhouse with a sophisticated decor of dark-painted walls, antique lighting, gold-framed artwork, and white tablecloths. All meals are served on elegant dinnerware which makes the diner feel extra-special. The menu at Mamma Maria's features classic French dishes like rabbit pasta, venison, ossobuco, and duck with rice pilaf, making this an ideal place to celebrate a graduation, birthday, or anniversary.

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Menton

$$$$

French

Fort Point Channel

4.3

2518 reviews

Menton is a French-Italian restaurant in the Fort Point neighborhood close to the waterfront. Its menu includes classic French dishes with a modern twist. Some of its most popular dishes include foie gras, pork belly, quail eggs, and mini macaroons for dessert, and diners can eat them there or take them home for a midnight snack. This restaurant has sophisticated decor with antique wall sconces, sleek leather benches, tall windows, silk drapes, and stylish lighting. Menton has been open since 2010 and has received recognition from several local media outlets, including the Boston Globe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

MIDA - South End

$$$$

Italian

South End

4.8

2064 reviews

MIDA serves inventive Italian dishes at its Boston South End location, which is also recognized as an Artist District. This restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows which provide lots of natural light, leather benches and fabric-covered dining chairs, and a large bar for diners who want to enjoy a drink or meet a few new friends. Owned by award-winning Chef Douglass Williams who has cooked in many places in Europe, the menu at MIDA is classic but creative. It includes dishes like bolognese, Sicilian mussels, smoked short rib lasagna, and tiramisu as a sweet finish. MIDA has been in operation since 2016.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Mistral - Boston

$$$$

French

Back Bay

4.8

5402 reviews

Mistral Boston has been in business since 1997. It serves Italian dishes in a restaurant close to Back Bay East and the I-90 highway. This restaurant has a classic menu with traditional dishes such as duck and wild mushroom risotto, crab ravioli, sirloin carpaccio, and beef tenderloin. Mistral Boston has a romantic ambiance, making it an ideal place for special celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. Its decor includes soft lighting, fabric-covered dining chairs, tall windows with elegant drapes, and tables covered with white tablecloths. A stylish outdoor patio provides for outdoor dining.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mooncusser

$$$$

Seafood

Back Bay

4.9

955 reviews

Mooncusser is a seafood restaurant that has been open since 2017. Along with its standard menu with dishes like chilled cucumber soup, grilled tuna, New England clam chowder, and seared scallops, this restaurant also offers a prix fixe tasting menu. Mooncusser offers an upscale environment for fine dining near the Tufts Medical Center. Its simple and classic decor includes hardwood floors, cherry wood furniture, white walls, and pendant lights. Diners at Mooncusser are greeted by waiters in stylish blazers and dress slacks. While eating, diners can also enjoy views of the city and neighborhood from its large windows.

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Moonshine 152

$$$$

American

South Boston

4.8

1333 reviews

Moonshine 152 is a hip and stylish restaurant in Boston's South End. Along with dinner service, this neighborhood restaurant offers brunch on the weekend. This restaurant is owned by Asia Mei who specializes in making dishes using local and regional produce. Its menu features wholesome salads and entrees like BBQ ribs with roasted corn and Cajun grilled fish served with fried green tomatoes. Light meals like lamb meatballs and stuffed bacon are also served, making this an ideal place to hang out with friends before or after going to the theater. Moonshine 152 has been open since 2015.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mooo BEACON HILL

$$$$

Steakhouse

Beacon Hill

4.8

4091 reviews

Mooo is a steakhouse inside Boston's Beacon Hotel, located in the suburb of Beacon Hill. Along with stylish decor, this restaurant serves fancy dishes, making it an ideal place to celebrate a special event such as a birthday or retirement. Some items on its menu include top cuts of beef, including ribeye, Porterhouse, filet mignon, and Wagyu steaks. All of its entrees are served with freshly baked dinner rolls. It also has an extensive list of wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits. This restaurant was established in 2007.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Night Shift - Lovejoy Wharf

$$$$

Brewery

West End

4.8

238 reviews

Night Shift - Lovejoy Wharf is a local brewery within walking distance of the TD Garden sports stadium. It serves a variety of draft beers and specialty drinks like spritzers and hard ciders. This award-winning restaurant was founded in 2012 by a group of Bostonian friends who had an interest in brewing. Its food menu includes dishes like pizza, truffle fries, pretzels with honey mustard, and shrimp tacos. This restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

o ya

$$$$

Japanese

Leather District

4.9

1172 reviews

o ya restaurant serves Japanese meals from its elegant dining room with dark wood furniture and brick walls. Its specialty includes small plates and Japanese-inspired dishes like sushi tacos, bento bowls, and sushi rolls. Diners can also reserve the amakese dinner (sampler plates) where they can sample a list of dishes from the chef's tasting menu. o ya Boston is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. This restaurant was established in 2007 by the husband-and-wife team of Tim and Nancy Cushman.

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Ostra

$$$$

Seafood

Back Bay

4.8

3599 reviews

Ostra specializes in seafood, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Its menu is created by chef and owner Jamie Mammano with input from executive chef Mitchell Randall. Salmon tartare, Alaskan king crab, and golden white sturgeon caviar are a few of the dishes diners can enjoy at Ostras. This restaurant started in 1997 and is located in Boston's Back Bay area, close to the Wilbur Performing Arts Theater.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Piccolo Nido

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.9

219 reviews

Piccolo Nido's dining room features orange walls, colorful artwork, columns, and dining room chairs covered in red, orange, purple, and blue fabric. This restaurant serves Italian specialties, with some of its most popular dishes being homemade ravioli, veal parmigiana, minestrone, and tiramisu. Along with its festive dining room, it has a quaint patio for outside dining.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Scholars Bar & Lounge

$$$$

American

Downtown Crossing

4.4

206 reviews

Scholars Bar and Lounge has many spots where diners can hang out. Its multi-level restaurant has vintage decor with chandelier lights, Victorian wallpaper, leather bench seats, iron stair rails, and brick accent walls. A couple of floors are dedicated to dining while others are more for sipping on cocktails. There are even a few billiard tables on other floors of the lounge where diners can show off their pool shots and skills.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Select Oyster Bar

$$$$

Seafood

Back Bay

4.8

1936 reviews

Dine at the Select Oyster Bar for lunch or dinner. Located in the historic part of Boston, this restaurant has a raw bar with a variety of uncooked items like oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops. Other dishes diners can order from its menu include ceviche, dressed Maine lobster, tuna tartare, swordfish, and Spanish octopus. Add a glass of wine or a stylish cocktail such as the Lucky Day to any meal for an extra treat. The Select Oyster Bar was established in 2015 by Michael and Lina Velez.

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Sorellina Boston

$$$$

Italian

Back Bay

4.8

4886 reviews

Sorellina Boston is one of the restaurants owned by Chef Jamie Mammano who was formerly the executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel. Open for dinner, its menu includes game hen, veal Milanese, ravioli, and seafood dishes like halibut, scallops, and salmon. A choice of side dishes such as truffle fries, sweet corn, and soft polenta can be added to the meal. Its contemporary and tasteful decor gives this dining room a warm feel. When the weather permits, diners can sit outside on Sorellina's attractive patio. Sorellina Boston opened in 2006.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Harp - Boston

$$$$

American

West End

4.8

19 reviews

The Harp is a sports bar within walking distance of TD Gardens. It is the next best thing to being live at the game. Once settled in, diners can watch the game with friends on its large projection or flat-screen televisions while sipping on a beer or a cocktail. Its menu includes comfort and finger foods like chicken wings, burgers, loaded nachos, French fries, and macaroni and cheese. Its hip decor includes metallic gold columns, hardwood floors, a stage, and lots of lighting for musical performances. A local gem, this sports bar has been in operation for over 30 years.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Toscano Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Beacon Hill

4.8

2875 reviews

In a prime location close to Harvard Square and Beacon Hill, Toscano Restaurant has been a staple in the city of Boston since about 1955. Toscano specializes in Italian classics with some of its most popular dishes being caprese salad, minestrone, pizza, spaghetti pomodoro, and Bolognese. This restaurant is open for dinner. It has somewhat of a rustic decor inspired by Italy, including its brick walls, brown marble tabletops, stone columns, and dark leather chairs.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tresca

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.8

3180 reviews

Tresca Boston is an Italian restaurant in the North End of the city. Its menu includes traditional pasta dishes like Bolognese and ravioli and more modern dishes such as chicken parmesan egg rolls and a truffled Caesar salad. When dining here, there is the option of eating in the casual bar or the more elegant dining room. Tresca is an award-winning restaurant, established in 2006. Its decor was inspired by Tuscany and premier Italian restaurants around Europe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Troquet on South

$$$$

French

Theater District

4.8

1594 reviews

Enjoy intimate dining at the Troquet on South. Established in 2017, its menu features French and local dishes like wild gulf shrimp, duck breast, lobster rolls, and lyonnaise salad. Its stylish decor includes colorful artwork, pendant lights, dark furniture, and white tablecloths. In the front of the restaurant, there is also a spacious dining patio.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Uni

$$$$

Contemporary Asian

Back Bay

4.6

1752 reviews

Uni Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant located in the Eliot Hotel. Its ultra-chic decor combines contemporary with classic. Some of its most noted features include oversized lights, rustic wood furniture, faux painted walls, and leather bench seating. Open for dinner, its menu includes a variety of sushi rolls, duck carnitas, and Wagyu sirloin. This restaurant was established in 2002.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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