25 Best Restaurants in Boston

Whether you are looking for a casual date spot or an elegant setting to celebrate an anniversary or a special romantic occasion, Boston restaurants offer plenty of incredible options that will make your taste buds content. Sit at a table outside and take a delicious break between sightseeing, or plan a romantic evening out to sample new flavors and relax with a glass of wine. Photo: Ostra

Ostra is an elegant Mediterranean Seafood restaurant with an open kitchen and stylish decor. Located in Boston’s Back Bay, the restaurant serves a creative menu of Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes for dinner nightly starting at 5:30pm. Ostra has stylish black-and-white interiors and live piano music drifting in from the lounge. Chef/Owner Jamie Mammano and Executive Chef Mitchell Randall marry local seafood with celebratory opulence with dishes like smoked-to-order salmon crudo, seafood paella, and whole salt-crusted sea bass. Finish your meal with a Snow Egg dessert with meringue, mousse, raspberry and basil. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion in a beautiful setting, Ostra is one of the top romantic restaurants in Boston. 1 Charles St S, Boston, 617-421-1200 Photo: Ostra

Take a culinary journey to the rolling hills of northern Italy at this beautiful Bay Village restaurant, where renowned Chef Charles Draghi creates an inspired menu of Italian fare. The delicious flavors of Tuscany are evident in every bite on the menu that changes nightly.

An elegant setting and casual, relaxed ambiance complement the comforting food prepared at Erbaluce. Diners have access to an extensive Italian wine list, perfect for pre-theater dining. 69 Church St, Boston, 617-426-6969 Photo: Erbaluce

Audubon, just a short walk away from Boston’s historic Fenway Park, is an inviting neighborhood bar and restaurant. Set in a modern, comfortable space with a lovely patio for outdoor dining, Audubon serves a fusion of classic and eclectic fare, ranging from ground beef burgers and fries to charcoal grills, Asian bites, garden-fresh salads and homemade soups. Audubon's bar features five flat screen televisions and serves a selection of seasonal cocktails, beers and wine that can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle. 838 Beacon St, Boston, 617-421-1910 Photo: Audubon Boston

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Situated in Back Bay, Atlantic Fish is a must-try restaurant for seafood lovers. The eatery serves innovative dishes prepared with freshly caught fish and excellent shellfish platters. The signature raw bar serves Jumbo Lump Crab, Katama Bay Oysters and other favorites. The wine list is outstanding, featuring local and international options. Read more 761 Boylston St, Boston, 617-267-4000

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Rialto Restaurant and Bar in Harvard Square serves an inspired menu with a creative take on traditional Italian cuisine. James Beard Award Winning Chef Jody Adams takes diners on a sublime culinary journey that explores the rich heritage of the regions of Italy. A new regional menu is introduced every two months, with dishes representing the different regions of Italy and the Italian countryside, and is paired with some of Italy’s finest wines. The outstanding food is complemented by an elegant, relaxed ambiance with Candlelit tables, intimate booths, and a vibrant bar that takes center stage in the restaurant. 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, 617-661-5050 Photo: Rialto Restaurant and Bar

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Located in the former Boston Woven Hose Factory at 1 Kendall Square, Westbridge Restaurant combines the sophistication of French cooking and the comfort of New England fare to offer a unique dining experience. Owners Alex Gelburd-Kilmer and Chef Matthew Gaudet combine their expertise to bring diners a small-plates-heavy menu in a bright, loft-like Cambridge dining room setting. The light-hearted décor offsets the high-end French food that comes out of the kitchen with dishes like black bass with asparagus, garbanzo and lovage, accompanied by a selection of cocktails, wine and beer. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-945-0221

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Ribelle, owned by Chef Tim Maslow, serves an Italian-inspired menu of creative dishes and an intriguing list of drinks for dinner Wednesday – Sunday, and Brunch on weekends. Set in a lively, warehouse setting with communal tables, the menu features dishes such as chatham mussels with stinging nettle, cacciatorini and fennel, and rabbit with carrot, triticale berries, and za’atar. . For dessert, try the olive oil ice cream served in a chocolate shell and the tiramisu with a brownie, espresso and parsnip. 1665 Beacon St, Brookline, 617-232-2322

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Mei Mei Street Kitchen, which started as a food truck in 2012, is a restaurant on Park Drive in 2013 that serves a counter-service lunch and a casual Chinese-American dinner menu. Inspired by their love of food, a brother and two sisters started Mei Mei Street Kitchen to share their unique culinary creations. Certified by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, the restaurant employs energy efficient practices, uses reclaimed materials and works with local producers to source sustainably raised meats. The menu includes delicious eats such as scallion pancake sandwiches, dumplings, noodle salad, creamy soup and fried chicken. For dessert, try the Sweet Potato Churros with ginger sugar and caramel. 506 Park Dr, Boston, 857-250-4959

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For delicious seasonal Mediterranean-inspired fare served in a striking, sky lit space, head to Vialé. Located in Central Square, Vialé is a casual, lively eatery with an emphasis on Italian dishes. The menu includes pizzas, homemade pasta with rich sauces, and duck dishes, with excellent desserts to top off the meal. The wine list offers an array of Old World and easy drinking wines, as well as spirits, beer, and cocktails. 502 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 617-576-1900 Photo: Viale

Located just outside of Faneuil Hall, The Tap Trailhouse has a well-stocked bar and kitchen that serves classic New England fare. The menu features unique dishes such as mini oyster tacos, and Colonial burger smoked bacon. . A variety of craft beers are poured from no less than 24 antique musket-handled taps, and an extensive wine list offers an array of excellent wines to try by the glass or bottle. 19 Union St, Boston, 617-367-0033 Photo: The Tap Trailhouse

The Merchant is an American brasserie located in Downtown Crossing at the edge of the Financial District that serves a range of draft beers and craft cocktails, as well as a late-night menu in an elegant, pub-like setting. In true brasserie style, the bar takes center stage, offering a selection of 60 beers, an impressive wine list with three wines on tap, and a creative cocktail program. The kitchen serves a hearty menu with innovative takes on classic pub fare such as burgers and BLTs. Read more 60 Franklin St, Boston, 617-482-6060 Photo: The Merchant

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Boston is a restaurant for meal lovers. Stop in and try a signature steak, like the Cowboy Ribeye, or the Stuffed Chicken Breast. The bar, Curley’s, offers a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse was originally founded in 1927 by New Orleans entrepreneur Chris Matulich. It has since expanded into a highly popular chain, now owned by Ruth Hospitality Group, with over 130 locations in the U.S. You will find Ruth’s Christ Steakhouse near the Omni Parker House Hotel and the Old City Hall. 45 School Street, Boston, 617-742-8401

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Island Creek Oyster Bar serves fresh, seasonal New England seafood, creating a collaboration that joins farmer, chef and diner in one space. Stop in and try their renowned dishes, like the Fried Oyster Sliders, Bluefin Tuna Crudo, or Ethel’s lobster roll. Co-owners, Skip Bennett and Jeremy Sewell (who also serves as Executive Chef), were serving the Duxbury Bay oysters to the nation’s best chefs long before they opened the restaurant. Island Creek Oyster Bar is located adjacent to Hotel Commonwealth in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, not far from Fenway Park. 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, 617-532-5300 Photo: Island Creek Oyster Bar

Bostonia Public House is a rustic bar and restaurant on State Street designed by Tanya Nayak who merged classic elements with modern accents. Request one of the intimate booths for a romantic celebration or have a meal in the lounge. The menu features imaginative and locally inspired cuisine, while the bar offers an impressive wine list and cocktails. Live entertainment is the cherry on the top of an exceptional dining experience. 131 State St, Boston, 617-948-9800

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Established in 1937, The Paramount reflects the history and heritage of the surrounding neighborhood of Beacon Hill. The bistro-style eatery has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, decorated with retro Formica tables and an old stainless steel grill, which produces the restaurant’s mouthwatering fare. The all-day eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that feature classics such as cheese and spinach omelets, sandwiches, panini, burgers, steaks and pasta. The drinks list comprises an impressive selection of wines, local and craft beers, spirits, cocktails and freshly squeezed juices. There is a second location in South Boston. 44 Charles St, Beacon Hill, Boston, 617-720-1152; 667 East Broadway, Boston, 617-269-9999 Photo: The Paramount

Located in the heart of the city’s Financial District, JM Curley serves creative American comfort food such as handmade burgers, thick-cut fries and juicy steaks in a casual, gastropub setting. The eatery has smooth wooden flooring and dark wood décor to create a cozy ambiance, with simple tables and a long bar to sit at and savor your meal. A creative breakfast to dinner menu features dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, such as traditional burgers and fries, the daily catch or a juicy steak, while desserts like the vanilla ice-cream whipped with pretzels and bourbon-soaked blueberries should not be skipped! Grab a seat at the bar and sip a signature cocktail, craft beer or a glass of local wine, while you wait for a table. 21 Temple Pl, Boston, 617-338-5333 Photo: JM Curley

Troquet is an elegant and intimate restaurant with beautiful views over the Boston Common in the Theater District that serves a delectable French-inspired menu. The restaurant is well-known its their award-winning wine list which offers rare and distinctive wines at reasonable prices. The menu includes classic French dishes such as Bouillabaisse, black sea bass and roasted duck. Dishes are expertly paired with wines from around the world, and can be pre-ordered if you are looking for a specific vintage. James Beard award semi-finalist General Manager, Chris Campbell, shares his passion for French food and wine though Private Wine Adventures, private parties for up to 50 guests, offered year-round. 140 Boylston St, Boston, 617-695-9463 Photo: Troquet

Casa B is a Caribbean-inspired tapas restaurant and bar that embraces the warmth and romance of Latin America. Located in Somerville’s Union Square, Casa B is owned by Colombian-born Alberto and Angelina, who bring the rich Spanish Caribbean cuisines of Colombia’s Atlantic Coast and the island of Puerto Rico to the heart of Boston. Casa B’s menu is instructive and unique with special touches like little bags of fried plantain or yuca chips instead of bread. Their exciting menu possesses an elegance that matches the restaurant’s white, minimalist interior, highlighted by the beautiful staircase leading to the dining room and open kitchen, and the striking living wall of plants. 253 Washington St, Somerville, 617-764-2180 Photo: Casa B

If you are craving a freshly made sub for lunch, Al’s Café is one of the city’s favorite sub shops, known for great tasting food and excellent service. Stay cool with a cold sub, like the Lady Café Special, or warm up with a hot one, like the Chicken Pesto sub. Alan Costello and his family have been serving these mouth-watering sandwiches for over a decade, starting with their original site on State Street in the Financial District. They have since expanded to three other locations. On a sunny day, take a sub to go and have a romantic picnic in the park. 112 State St., Boston, 617-720-5555; 179 Essex St., Boston, 617-330-1002; Holyoke Center 1st Floor, 1350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-441-9100 Photo: Al's Cafe

Mamma Maria serves incredible traditional Italian food. Relax in the romantic, old world ambiance and dive into fantastic dishes, such as the Carpaccio appetizer or the Frutti di Mare Pasta. Mamma Maria also boasts a highly impressive wine cellar. Owner and community icon, John McGee, opened the restaurant in 1973. Perched on a small hill overlooking the city, the restaurant offers a spectacular view of downtown and the famous Boston skyline through incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. Mamma Maria is located in the historic North Square of Boston’s North End neighborhood. 3 N Square, Boston, 617-523-0077 Photo: Mamma Maria

Mistral Bistro in South End serves a French menu made with the finest seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere and Provence-style décor while you dine on exquisite dishes, like the Maine Crab Ravioli appetizer, Pan-Roasted Cornish Game Hen, or a delicious, thin crust pizza. They also offer fine wines and craft cocktails. Executive Chef and owner, Jamie Mammano, opened Mistral in 1997 and later joined forces with restaurateurs, Seth Greenberg and Paul Rioff, to form the Columbus Hospitality Group, which now owns several other restaurants in Boston. 223 Columbus Ave, Boston, 617-867-9300 Photo: Mistral Bistro

Dine like Genghis Khan did in ancient times at Boston’s highly-acclaimed hot pot eatery, Q Restaurant, where dishes are meant to be shared in a modern setting. The restaurant serves sushi, Chinese and traditional Mongolian dishes. Try the Flying Dragon Roll or the Red Sox Roll. Owners, Ming Zhu, Do Xu and Jimmy Ni, opened the restaurant in 2010, after their former, much-adored hot pot shop (called “Little Q”) was closed down to make way for new infrastructure developments. You’ll find Q Restaurant in the heart of Boston’s Chinatown. 660 Washington St, Boston, 857-350-3968 Photo: Q Restaurant

Dine in elegance and sophistication at Boston’s Deuxave, a trendy neighborhood restaurant serving upscale, contemporary French cuisine. Treat yourself to incredible delicacies, such as the Spiced Colorado Lamb Loin or the Tagliatelle Bolognaise. The restaurant has an impressive wine list and an innovative cocktail and beer program. Deuxave was opened in 2010 by co-owners, Executive Chef Christopher Coombs and restaurateur, Brian Piccini. Deuxave has floor-to-ceiling windows and is located at Boston’s iconic corner of Commonwealth and Massachusetts in historic Back Bay. 371 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, 617-517-5915 Photo: Deuxave

Gennaro’s at 5 North Square has been serving delicious Italian-American cuisine in an elegant, friendly atmosphere since 2009. They are open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, serving family-style dishes, gluten-free and vegan options. Taste the unbelievable meatballs or the Pollo al Mattone, and don’t miss the Sunday Gravy. Owner and Chef, Marisa Iocco, is very passionate about her culinary creations and is Boston’s only Italian-born female chef. Located in the oldest public square in the US, the eatery has lovely views of the North End neighbourhood. 5 N Square, Boston, 617-720-1050

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