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Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Boston

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by Valerie Li Stack
Updated May 13, 2024

Most people think of Boston’s restaurant scene as one that’s filled with lobster rolls, rich and creamy clam chowder, and not much else, but I beg to differ. My food journalism career has confirmed that the city also serves meticulously crafted omakase, pitch-perfect Italian classics, and Afghani staples—if you’re hungry enough to search.

I’ve spent six years researching and dining out as a contributor for media outlets including Eater, Food52, Boston magazine, and more. I pay close attention to the quality of the ingredients, the chef, the service, and the overall ambiance. These 12 restaurants showcase Boston’s best talent and are faithfuls I find myself returning to over and over again.

4.7 (2877)
$30 and under
Italian
South End

MIDA won the hearts of Bostonians from its quaint South End location in 2016 and has since expanded into neighborhoods in East Boston and even beyond the city limits. The modern Italian restaurant lands a spot on many shortlists thanks to a carefully curated wine and amaro list, but the MVP is most definitely chef-owner Douglass Williams, who puts out thoughtful, no-frills Italian favorites like bucatini all amatriciana and classic pasta puttanesca.

Top review
AlanVIP
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
Mida is our favorite restaurant. It is a neighborhood gem, very intimate in a wonderful setting. The food is always amazing, but what sets Mida apart is the outstanding service by all members of the wait staff. Our favorite spot is a chefs table so we can see the intricate and coordinated cooking of our delicious food by the outstanding chefs. It is always an exceptional dining experience.

MIDA won the hearts of Bostonians from its quaint South End location in 2016 and has since expanded into neighborhoods in East Boston and even beyond the city limits. The modern Italian restaurant lands a spot on many shortlists thanks to a carefully curated wine and amaro list, but the MVP is most definitely chef-owner Douglass Williams, who puts out thoughtful, no-frills Italian favorites like bucatini all amatriciana and classic pasta puttanesca.

Top review
AlanVIP
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
Mida is our favorite restaurant. It is a neighborhood gem, very intimate in a wonderful setting. The food is always amazing, but what sets Mida apart is the outstanding service by all members of the wait staff. Our favorite spot is a chefs table so we can see the intricate and coordinated cooking of our delicious food by the outstanding chefs. It is always an exceptional dining experience.
4.8 (146)
$50 and over
Sushi
Cambridge

An unassuming North Cambridge spot is the site of an 18-course omakase menu steered by sushi chef Gary Lei, who previously worked his magic on over-the-top nigiri presentations at Back Bay favorite Uni. It doesn’t take long to notice Lei’s personal touches on the chef’s choice menu, featuring the freshest seafood, plus artistic garnishes. At Umami, omakase is straight-up theater—sit around the sushi counter and let the chef’s masterpieces leave you spellbound.

Top review
KevinVIP
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
Second time in a couple years. Brand new 18 course. Great omakase

An unassuming North Cambridge spot is the site of an 18-course omakase menu steered by sushi chef Gary Lei, who previously worked his magic on over-the-top nigiri presentations at Back Bay favorite Uni. It doesn’t take long to notice Lei’s personal touches on the chef’s choice menu, featuring the freshest seafood, plus artistic garnishes. At Umami, omakase is straight-up theater—sit around the sushi counter and let the chef’s masterpieces leave you spellbound.

Top review
KevinVIP
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
Second time in a couple years. Brand new 18 course. Great omakase
4.7 (739)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Dorchester

James Beard-nominated Comfort Kitchen is home to a cross-cultural menu you won’t find anywhere else in Boston. One of my go-tos is the the yassa chicken, a tender-cooked Senegalese chicken dish that now has icon-status all over West Africa and is a tribute to chef-partner Kwasi Kwaa’s Ghanaian heritage. Meanwhile, the knockout potato curry cake pays homage to managing partner Biplaw Rai’s Nepali roots.

Top review
Carolyne
Dined 6 days ago
This was my best dining experience of 2025 thus far! The food was delicious, the service was great, and the ambiance was nice. I will definitely go back to Comfort Kitchen and recommend it to others.

James Beard-nominated Comfort Kitchen is home to a cross-cultural menu you won’t find anywhere else in Boston. One of my go-tos is the the yassa chicken, a tender-cooked Senegalese chicken dish that now has icon-status all over West Africa and is a tribute to chef-partner Kwasi Kwaa’s Ghanaian heritage. Meanwhile, the knockout potato curry cake pays homage to managing partner Biplaw Rai’s Nepali roots.

Top review
Carolyne
Dined 6 days ago
This was my best dining experience of 2025 thus far! The food was delicious, the service was great, and the ambiance was nice. I will definitely go back to Comfort Kitchen and recommend it to others.
4.8 (1642)
$31 to $50
Spanish
Cambridge

Tucked away in a quieter corner of bustling Inman Square, this Spanish tapas spot charms with eclectic decor and warm hospitality. The expansive tapas menu features classic cold and hot bites from around the country, but leans heavily on Catalonia, a region on the northeastern side of the country. Savor the delicate bites with a glass of wine, cocktail, or drink from a porrón, a communal drinking pitcher with a long spout for pouring directly into people’s mouths.

Top review
Kylen
Dined 2 days ago
Great atmosphere and service with a diverse menu.

Tucked away in a quieter corner of bustling Inman Square, this Spanish tapas spot charms with eclectic decor and warm hospitality. The expansive tapas menu features classic cold and hot bites from around the country, but leans heavily on Catalonia, a region on the northeastern side of the country. Savor the delicate bites with a glass of wine, cocktail, or drink from a porrón, a communal drinking pitcher with a long spout for pouring directly into people’s mouths.

Top review
Kylen
Dined 2 days ago
Great atmosphere and service with a diverse menu.
4.6 (2242)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Cambridge

When chef Will Gilson opened this restaurant in 2012, he had one vision in mind: to give old-school New England classics a modern twist. More than a decade later, he’s crushed it, judging from the James Beard nomination and Boston magazine award, among others. No meal here is complete without the Parker House rolls and swordfish pastrami, made with the fatty belly part of swordfish that is frequently caught off New England’s coast—nods to the restaurant’s local roots.

Top review
Dawn
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
We had the Tasting menu and it was fantastic. They were able to accommodate the non meat eater. All 6 of us enjoyed our meal. Great service

When chef Will Gilson opened this restaurant in 2012, he had one vision in mind: to give old-school New England classics a modern twist. More than a decade later, he’s crushed it, judging from the James Beard nomination and Boston magazine award, among others. No meal here is complete without the Parker House rolls and swordfish pastrami, made with the fatty belly part of swordfish that is frequently caught off New England’s coast—nods to the restaurant’s local roots.

Top review
Dawn
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
We had the Tasting menu and it was fantastic. They were able to accommodate the non meat eater. All 6 of us enjoyed our meal. Great service
4.9 (2836)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Newton

Chef David Punch honed his skills at farm-to-table star Ten Tables before opening his own restaurant in the heart of Newton center in 2011. Sycamore’s low-key and fuss-free French bistro food helped it become a neighborhood mainstay, and it’s a place I’m repeatedly drawn to for delicious and sophisticated dishes that feature seasonal ingredients, like my wintertime favorite, French veal and black truffle sausage with savoy cabbage fondant and parsnip puree.

Top review
Tricia
Dined 3 days ago
Altogether fabulous! We were at a high top table and had splendid service and spectacular food. A shared Pot de Crème for dessert was over the top rich and delicious! I am eager to return soon.

Chef David Punch honed his skills at farm-to-table star Ten Tables before opening his own restaurant in the heart of Newton center in 2011. Sycamore’s low-key and fuss-free French bistro food helped it become a neighborhood mainstay, and it’s a place I’m repeatedly drawn to for delicious and sophisticated dishes that feature seasonal ingredients, like my wintertime favorite, French veal and black truffle sausage with savoy cabbage fondant and parsnip puree.

Top review
Tricia
Dined 3 days ago
Altogether fabulous! We were at a high top table and had splendid service and spectacular food. A shared Pot de Crème for dessert was over the top rich and delicious! I am eager to return soon.
4.6 (340)
$30 and under
Middle Eastern
Back Bay

For most Bostonians, Yemeni cuisine is an under-the-radar category that deserves more attention—that’s where Baba Al-Yemen comes in. The cozy Kenmore Square haunt opened in 2022 and quickly caught my attention for its lamb mandi, a dish consisting of juicy lamb shank over turmeric basmati rice, and aqdah dajaj, which is shredded chicken stew served with a side of fresh house-baked bread.

Top review
anjumVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing food, wonderful warm ambiance, and good value!

For most Bostonians, Yemeni cuisine is an under-the-radar category that deserves more attention—that’s where Baba Al-Yemen comes in. The cozy Kenmore Square haunt opened in 2022 and quickly caught my attention for its lamb mandi, a dish consisting of juicy lamb shank over turmeric basmati rice, and aqdah dajaj, which is shredded chicken stew served with a side of fresh house-baked bread.

Top review
anjumVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing food, wonderful warm ambiance, and good value!
4.7 (665)
$30 and under
Indian
Cambridge

This Harvard Square legend has served India’s greatest hits since 2011. Help yourself to a ginormous serving of goat biryani or tender dhaba chicken, and don’t skip the flavorful vegetarian curries, which include aloo gobi rich with herbs and spices. The Maharaja’s expansive subcontinental menu and impeccable service are the reasons I keep going back for more.

Top review
Samuel
Dined 2 days ago
We loved the food. There were so many vegetarian options, including quite a few that we had not previously had in other restaurants. But be aware that it’s quite pricey for Indian restaurants.

This Harvard Square legend has served India’s greatest hits since 2011. Help yourself to a ginormous serving of goat biryani or tender dhaba chicken, and don’t skip the flavorful vegetarian curries, which include aloo gobi rich with herbs and spices. The Maharaja’s expansive subcontinental menu and impeccable service are the reasons I keep going back for more.

Top review
Samuel
Dined 2 days ago
We loved the food. There were so many vegetarian options, including quite a few that we had not previously had in other restaurants. But be aware that it’s quite pricey for Indian restaurants.
4.7 (73)
$30 and under
Chinese
South End

This homey restaurant in the South End received James Beard Foundation recognition in 2023, just one year into its opening. Chef Yisha Siu’s food is unapologetically Yunnanese, inspired by the province’s mountains and valleys, which create a unique climate for wild mushrooms and fermented delicacies. Also expect aromatics commonly seen in food from Southeast Asia, which has a strong influence over Yunnanese food, as you savor Siu’s spicy and sour delicacies.

Top review
Amanda
Dined on Apr 14, 2025
Delicious food. Huge servings! We were very pleased with our dining experience!

This homey restaurant in the South End received James Beard Foundation recognition in 2023, just one year into its opening. Chef Yisha Siu’s food is unapologetically Yunnanese, inspired by the province’s mountains and valleys, which create a unique climate for wild mushrooms and fermented delicacies. Also expect aromatics commonly seen in food from Southeast Asia, which has a strong influence over Yunnanese food, as you savor Siu’s spicy and sour delicacies.

Top review
Amanda
Dined on Apr 14, 2025
Delicious food. Huge servings! We were very pleased with our dining experience!
4.6 (1542)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Cambridge

Hyper-local Forage puts sourcing front and center, using mostly New England-grown ingredients and highlighting local foodways. Its menu is seasonal, which means you’ll feast on fiddleheads in the spring and squash in the winter. When you’re up for a more adventurous meal, get the tasting menu, which can be adjusted to accommodate pescatarian, vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore preferences.

Top review
Dr. SarthakVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service, delicious food, lovely presentation and beautiful space - I highly recommend Forage as their tasting menu changes everyday and they cater to all dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan 5/5

Hyper-local Forage puts sourcing front and center, using mostly New England-grown ingredients and highlighting local foodways. Its menu is seasonal, which means you’ll feast on fiddleheads in the spring and squash in the winter. When you’re up for a more adventurous meal, get the tasting menu, which can be adjusted to accommodate pescatarian, vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore preferences.

Top review
Dr. SarthakVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service, delicious food, lovely presentation and beautiful space - I highly recommend Forage as their tasting menu changes everyday and they cater to all dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan 5/5
4.8 (1050)
$30 and under
Latin American
Cambridge

This vibey spot in the heart of Central Square showcases multiple Caribbean and South American cultures. Here, you’ll find excellent mofongo, a mashed plantain dish with meat and spices from Puerto Rico, and citrusy ceviche from Peru. But what makes La Fabrica truly special is its live Latin music scene in the front lounge. For full-fledged dance parties, head to the restaurant’s club section.

Top review
ZachVIP
Dined on Jun 11, 2025
It was another great experience with great food, great service, and a lively atmosphere. We enjoy returning to La Fabrica almost on a weekly basis.

This vibey spot in the heart of Central Square showcases multiple Caribbean and South American cultures. Here, you’ll find excellent mofongo, a mashed plantain dish with meat and spices from Puerto Rico, and citrusy ceviche from Peru. But what makes La Fabrica truly special is its live Latin music scene in the front lounge. For full-fledged dance parties, head to the restaurant’s club section.

Top review
ZachVIP
Dined on Jun 11, 2025
It was another great experience with great food, great service, and a lively atmosphere. We enjoy returning to La Fabrica almost on a weekly basis.
4.5 (1964)
$30 and under
Afghan
Pikesville

The Helmand has been an ambassador for Afghani food for almost three decades in East Cambridge, serving Central Asian staples in a dimly lit, white-tableclothed dining room. Go for world-class rice dishes like pallow, a main that mixes rice with chunks of lamb tenderloin or char-broiled marinated chicken breast; there’s also a large vegetarian entree selection. Don’t miss out on the refreshing, minty lemonade—one of the best I’ve ever had.

Top review
cindyh
Dined on Jan 5, 2020
Just fantastic food and service . Hadn’t been here for a while I’d forgotten how delicious everything was. Great restaurant for vegetarians but also has great comfort food and desserts as well as cocktails. Fabulous polite service. Have already scheduled my next meal there!

The Helmand has been an ambassador for Afghani food for almost three decades in East Cambridge, serving Central Asian staples in a dimly lit, white-tableclothed dining room. Go for world-class rice dishes like pallow, a main that mixes rice with chunks of lamb tenderloin or char-broiled marinated chicken breast; there’s also a large vegetarian entree selection. Don’t miss out on the refreshing, minty lemonade—one of the best I’ve ever had.

Top review
cindyh
Dined on Jan 5, 2020
Just fantastic food and service . Hadn’t been here for a while I’d forgotten how delicious everything was. Great restaurant for vegetarians but also has great comfort food and desserts as well as cocktails. Fabulous polite service. Have already scheduled my next meal there!
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