176 Best Restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts

Diving head first into dishes like cuttlefish ink spaghetti, rare tuna steak with roasted eggplant, and salmon with pork belly and spring peas, chef Robert Sisca pays homage to New England’s long-standing fishing tradition. While the ocean's bounty is its main theme, he doesn't leave landlubbers stranded; there are a few chicken and turf dishes as well. A first-floor raw bar offers stellar crudo, oyster, and caviar selections. The Banks Lobster Bake is a pricey feast worth every penny, and the Fisherman's Feast is a heaping plate of fried cod, shrimp and clams.

Decked out in cheery colors of yellow, red, and green, this popular, somewhat touristy spot has the feel of a seaside clam shack located smack dab in the middle of Boston. An outdoor patio and lobster tent in summer features stunning views of the Financial District; in winter, dining retreats indoors to a warmhearted version of a waterfront dive, where you'll encounter a classic New England clambake or oysters and littlenecks from the raw bar, followed by meaty, golden crab cakes. Expect big crowds and big prices, especially on warm-weather evenings.

Neighborhood denizens swear by the counter-service whoopie pies, coffee, and buttery biscuits at this daytime destination for snacks, but the biggest buzz is saved for the back-room bistro, which boasts a hefty wine list and down-to-earth dinner options like meatloaf and shrimp fra diavolo. Housemade breakfast sandwiches keep locals returning, as do seasonal soups, gourmet sandwiches, and scratch pastries from their own pastry kitchen.

With a full menu served until 1:30 am, The Franklin has jumped to the head of the class by keeping things simple yet effective, from the well-crafted cocktails to the homey cuisine: think skillet-smoked mussels, lasagna, and steak frites. The vibe tends to feel more like a bar than a restaurant (hence the many bartender awards), so be forewarned that it can get loud and the wait for a table (there are only seven booths and two tables) can be long.

This dimly lit, nautically inspired spot pays homage to the ocean in not only decor but tasty fare. Against a backdrop of sailing ships and vessels, antiqued mirrors, and chandelier bubble-like bulbs, day-time appetites fill up on beer-battered fish-and-chips, po'boys, and lobster rolls, while the dinner crowd enjoys entrées like bucatini frutti di mare, seared scallops, swordfish tacos, and an oyster bar that features dozens of the bivalve beauties, as well as a massive chilled grand seafood tower. Even the cocktail list gives a nod to life at sea, with names like the tequila-based Oyster Shooter, an Irish whiskey concoction known as Fool's Gold, and the Bow & Arrow rum drink.

With three foodie destinations under one roof, The Shed is a dining hat trick right in the middle of Cambridge Crossing's Picnic Grove (a new green area in the heart of the city). The Lexington is chef/owner Will Gilson's shining star of the space, serving up dishes that highlight foods from The Herb Lyceum, a four-acre working farm in Groton operated by his family since the 1800s. Dine high above the city on the restaurant's coveted roof deck. Favorites have included grilled Berkshire chops, rabbit mafadine, mushroom tartine, and spring rigatone. The Shed also is home to sister eateries Cafe Beatrice, an early-morning breakfast spot, and Geppetto, an eatery for all things Italian.

Dig into snack items and meals with global flourishes at this dark-wood and leather-dressed restaurant. You may need to use your phone to light up the menu before ordering—it can get pretty dark inside. Into the evening, as it would at any social hot spot, the convivial din gets louder, especially at the bar.

One look at the neighborhood bar's menu will have you holding back belly laughs, even as it's grumbling with hunger. Plates are interesting and well thought-out, with a flair for Frito corn chips. Extensive whiskey menu. The space, which is long and lean, also boasts a shuffleboard, but you may have to wait in line to play it.

This grab-and-go counter service shop offers up sandwiches heaping with meats and cheeses, as well as salads and wraps, soups, and cookies. The housemade chips are the perfect crunchy side. Favorites include the Market Veggie Cubano, Grafton Village Grilled Cheese, and the Spicy Italian. Grab a beverage from the cooler (Mexican coke, vanilla cream, or a cold brew coffee, to name a few) to wash it all down.

Befitting its name, chef Brian Poe's casual Beacon Hill restaurant focuses on two main things: meat and interesting beers on tap. But, Poe's menu of meat goes beyond steak and chicken staples, and depending on the season and what's readily available from purveyors, dinner entrées may feature bison, camel, ostrich, emu, kangaroo, snake, yak, elk, or antelope. There are plenty of options for the less adventuresome, too. TipTap's vibe is lively, and the bar draws an after-work crowd from Government Center and the State House. The industrial space shows off a wall mural of Boston's past mayors, cedar shingles, and garage doors that open to the street in warmer weather.

Stop here for some ultra-thin-crust slices to go.

Walk into the Upper Crust's first location, and you'll see the staff pulling scratch-made dough in the open kitchen. The Neapolitan-style pizza—you can order by the slice (they're huge) or by the pie—is really tasty, and toppings go creatively beyond a classic cheese or pepperoni. We recommend ordering at the Beacon Hill shop and eating at the few stools there or taking it to-go and heading for Boston Common, which is just a short walk away, rather than utilizing the delivery service.

Across from Boston Common, Thinking Cup caters to a mixed crowd of area professionals and students from nearby Emerson College. Rarely is the coffeehouse not packed with caffeine addicts looking for their next fix of Stumptown coffee, whether it's in the form of a single origin pour-over or a macchiato. Tasty selection of breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and desserts also make Thinking Cup a great place for lunch or a snack.

A food hall curated by the media company known for its magazines and books, Time Out Market Boston features more than a dozen eateries run by some of Boston’s most acclaimed chefs, plus two bars, a demo cooking area, and communal seating. The 25,200-square-foot space is a fun place to sample everything from sweet treats at Union Square Donuts to meatballs at chef Michael Schlow's, by one of the city's most acclaimed chefs. The venue also hosts concerts, talks, and other events. Just outside, there’s a branch of Trillium Brewery, and in winter, an ice rink is set up.

If you're looking for serious ice cream, head to Toscanini's. With flavors such as gingersnap molasses, bourbon, cranberry goat cheese, burnt caramel, and green tea, this MIT establishment has few equals, especially when it comes to their microsundae—a teeny scoop of ice cream topped with excellent homemade hot fudge and real whipped cream—a perfect option for kids and adults eager for a guilt-free splurge (well, almost). Their banana pudding was even chosen as a favorite by Bon Appétit magazine.

Toscanini's Ice Cream is a well-loved local spot, specializing in all sorts of creative flavors; it has garnered national attention from the likes of the New York Times and People magazine. Also a good place for coffee, the shop frequently has small art exhibits. From the MIT Museum, it's two blocks up Mass Ave. toward Central Square; look for it on the right.

Serving locally roasted Barrington Gold Coffee, this coffee shop runs the gamut of grab-and-go java—from cinnamon maple latte to Americano—along with several dine-in options for its 32-seat bar. Sweet snacks include 14 types of mini-doughnuts. Fruity Pebbles and Strawberry Pop Rocks are favorite donut flavors, but heaping sandwiches, piping hot wood-fired pizza, a popular prime short rib and brisket burger, and sharable starters of popcorn chicken, nachos, and steak-and-cheese spring rolls also leave the kitchen.

Folks gather at the two-story Trident Booksellers & Café to review literary best sellers, thumb through the superb magazine selection, and chow down on items from the perpetual breakfast menu. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner and has an excellent beer and wine selection. Readings, writers clubs, speed dating and other events are held at the bookstore almost every night.

When it comes to craft beer, a lot of Bostonians get excited about Trillium, so do as the locals do and quench your thirst in the ever-crowded ground-level tap room or sit for a quieter meal upstairs to enjoy a small menu of American fare that's meant to keep you reaching for more. The tap rotates with seasonal and standard Trillium beers, including ciders, sours, and IPAs.

Inside the tasteful boutique Eliot Hotel lies an innovative izakaya (informal Japanese gastropub), owned by Boston star chefs-partners Ken Oringer and Tony Messina, who offer boldly flavored renditions of Asian street food—Sai Oua lettuce wraps; Mai duck carnitas; Wagyu beef dumplings; shrimp teriyaki fried rice; and dozens of tempting sashimi and nigiri choices. Although the bites can add up price-wise, the menu has a sprinkling of inexpensive dishes, like fried chicken bao bun and blistered shishito peppers. Cocktail aficionados will appreciate the creative and sophisticated offerings, and it's worth checking out the extensive reserve sake menu.

Opening its door in 1826 and earning a place on the National Historic Landmark list, the Union Oyster House is Boston's oldest restaurant. Dine like Daniel Webster (alongside his nightly hangover-heavy tumbler of brandy and water) and order oysters on the half shell at the ground-floor raw bar in the oldest part of the restaurant. For a heartier meal, head to the dark and low-ceilinged upstairs via a narrow staircase (very Olde New England) to find “The Kennedy Booth,” the president's favorite. Small tables and chairs (as well as kitschy nostalgia) are charming, as is the simple and hearty portions of Yankee-style seafood and steaming bowls of chowder. The Shore Dinner is a New England feast of clam chowder, steamers or mussels, live lobster, native corn, red bliss potatoes, and gingerbread or Indian pudding. Sinking your teeth into more than you can handle? You aren’t the first. The toothpick was first used in the U.S. here. On weekends, make reservations or risk enduring waits of historic proportions. One cautionary note: locals hardly ever eat here.

This California-based fast-food chain makes living that plant-based life a little easier. The extensive meat-free menu features burgers, sandwiches, entrée salads, tacos, burritos, and desserts sans meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal products, so you can fill up on tasty meals without sacrificing any dietary restrictions. Go bowl or go home, with heaping mounds of zucchini noodles, quinoa, and grains, topped with plant-based proteins and spices; or enjoy a Beyond Burger steak and cheese sub or Japanese Katsu-style Sliders made with Impossible Burger. Snack on the popular nachos or buffalo chickin' wings, and wash it all down with their fountain ginger hibiscus or pomegranate green iced tea.

Built in 1780 and reportedly one of the country's oldest taverns, this restored Colonial neighborhood pub in the quaint and historic gaslight district was once frequented by George Washington and Paul Revere. After a blustery walk through the Navy Yard, grab a seat by the fireplace and warm yourself with hearty chowder, lobster mac, or short rib shepherd's pie and a Sam Adams draft. Named after Dr. Joseph Warren, a physician and one of the revolutionary leaders killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the tavern was one of the first buildings reconstructed after the Battle of Bunker Hill, which leveled Charlestown. The building still oozes history, with beamed ceilings made from salvaged Charlestown Navy Yard wood, dark woods, low lighting, and large fireplace reflecting its Colonial roots.

For a big, brassy, bountiful night out in an iconic Boston building, head to this reimagined supper club inside the ornate former 1862 Locke-Ober restaurant. The buffed and beautiful sink into plush chairs in the book-packed library or at the original mahogany mirrored bar to swill down ice-cold martinis and large format drinks. Should cocktails morph into dinner, white-clothed tables glowing with votives provide a cushy place to share plates of globally inspired comfort food or dig into a few "feasts."