Boston’s food scene is more than stellar seafood and prime Italian cuisine. Some of the best restaurants in the city include James Beard Award-winning chefs, quality seafood, tasty small plates, and thoughtfully curated wine lists. While Italian food is prominent, the city also has highly rated culinary establishments serving flavors from various other cuisines, including Greek, Ethiopian, and Spanish. Wine lovers will likely enjoy several of the best restaurants in Boston, as a few double as wine bars.
Ahead of exploring Boston, discover these top restaurant picks across the city, from Jamaica Plain to Back Bay and South End.
Tonino
This cozy Italian spot is hands down one of the best restaurants in Boston. The intimate space, neighborhood restaurant atmosphere, and enticing drink menu make this an ideal spot for a date night. Jazz up your Pizza Bianca with the Ricotta and Hot Honey add-on. The sake pairings with classic Italian flavors make this tiny establishment have a mighty and unique impact on the local food scene.
Warm ambiance and attentive service are appreciated, according to guests who leave reviews on TripAdvisor. They also note that the thoughtful presentation and quality of dishes contribute to a memorable meal. While specific dishes are not consistently highlighted, the overall dining experience is praised for its authenticity and charm.
- Location: Jamaica Plain
- Chef and Owner: Luke Fetbroth
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Italian
- Spotlight: Pizza Bianca, taleggio cappelletti, sake
- Before you go: There are fewer than 30 seats, so book a reservation before you arrive.
Taquería Jalisco
This East Boston gem proves that some of the best eats in a city don’t have to break the bank. This taquería is beloved for providing the best authentic Mexican food in Boston. Although the space is small, people return for the fresh, flavorful food and satisfying portions. The menu is based on longtime family recipes, breakfast is served all day, and everything is under $20.
The birria tacos are often called some of the best in the city, thanks to their deep flavor and perfectly tender meat, according to reviewers on TripAdvisor. Many also appreciate the consistently friendly service and casual, no-frills vibe that lets the food shine.
- Location: East Boston
- Chef and Owner: Ramiro Gonzalez
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Mexican
- Spotlight: Birria tacos, horchata, tamales
- Before you go: This spot is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Saturday, when it closes at 11 p.m.
Krasi
Krasi is one of the best restaurants in Boston for wine lovers and those who enjoy an epic brunch. This wine bar offers an extensive drink menu that matches its delicious and enticing food menu. The wine list includes wines, beers, and spirits from Greece. Visit for Symposium Wednesdays every mid-week evening, when the in-house wine director guides you through a Greek wine tasting.
TripAdvisor reviewers applaud Krasi for delivering a fresh and elevated spin on traditional Greek fare. Menu favorites like the tiropita and axinosalata are often praised for their bold flavors and inventive presentation. Guests also mention the stylish interior and attentive staff, which make the overall experience feel both vibrant and refined.
- Location: Back Bay
- Chef Or Owner: Owner Demetri Tsolakis, Culinary Director Brendan Pelley, Executive Chef Jerry Pabla
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Greek, wine bar
- Spotlight: Greek wine selection, tiropita rolls, portokalopita
- Before you go: This restaurant is only open for dinner daily and brunch on weekends.
Row 34
If you want to enjoy the best of Boston’s seafood, this is for you. This high-end oyster bar has many varieties to choose from, and you can top them with caviar if you’re feeling extra luxe. There’s also crudo, ceviche, and a selection of smoked/cured seafood. If you’re in the mood for a classic, go with the New England Clam Chowder, a Griddled Crab Cake, or one of the raved-about lobster rolls. The drink menu includes cocktails and mocktails that will keep your taste buds interested.
According to TripAdvisor reviewers, Row 34 impresses with consistently fresh seafood and refined takes on regional staples. Many guests shout out the crab pasta and clam chowder in particular, calling them standouts for both flavor and execution. With its upbeat energy and well-informed staff, the restaurant hits the sweet spot between casual and elevated.
- Location: Fort Point
- Chef and Owner: Jeremy Sewall
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Seafood
- Spotlight: Lobster roll, clam chowder, raw bar
- Before you go: There are other locations in Cambridge, Burlington, and Portsmouth.
O Ya
Dining at O Ya is a culinary experience. The nightly 20-course omakase dinner is a $295 experience that can be paired with a $160 beverage pairing. There are tasting menu options for pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans. The standard menu includes nigiri, sashimi, and cooked meals, possibly including other proteins besides fish. Prepare to dine at the helm of Chef Tim Cushman, a longtime culinary titan who’s been awarded by the James Beard Foundation.
Described on TripAdvisor as “unforgettable,” guests often call out the meticulous attention to detail and artistry behind each course. Favorites like bluefin toro and A5 wagyu leave a lasting impression, while the serene, minimalist setting creates the perfect backdrop for a truly elevated dining experience.
- Location: Leather District
- Chef/Owner: Chef Tim Cushman and his wife, Nancy Cushman
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Japanese, sushi
- Spotlight: The seasonal ingredients and the changing menu
- Before you go: O Ya is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but is open for dinner service on other days.
Grill 23 And Bar
This high-end, luxe restaurant has been around since 1983, and it’s a city staple. Boston magazine has named Grill 23 and Bar the best steakhouse in the city over 24 times. Visiting the establishment is for when you want to experience fine dining, classy service, and of course, premium meat and seafood. Enjoy the spot’s post-meal cigar service if you’re up for it.
The restaurant’s expertly prepared steaks are to die for, especially the 100-day dry-aged ribeye, which is often described as deeply flavorful and worth the splurge. On TripAdvisor, guests also appreciate the knowledgeable staff and robust wine selection, noting Grill 23 as a refined go-to for celebratory nights or polished business dinners.
- Location: Back Bay
- Chef Or Owner: Owner Chris Himmel of Himmel Hospitality Group (a family business), Executive Chef Ryan Marcoux
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Steakhouse
- Spotlight: Wine list, 100-Day Dry Aged Ribeye, Famous Coconut Cake
- Before you go: This establishment is only open for dinner service.
Grace By Nia
This Black-owned restaurant and live music venue is where “soul meets the Seaport.” Whether you come for dinner or weekend brunch, you’ll be served hearty soul food classics that stick to the ribs. From the musicians, expect jazz, R&B, and soul. Consider this your late-night spot on Fridays and Saturdays, as doors don’t close till midnight. Come for the supper club vibes.
The flavorful menu and polished service receive high marks on TripAdvisor, with standouts like molasses-braised oxtails and bourbon peach spare ribs leaving a lasting impression. The blend of elevated comfort food, live entertainment, and a chic, mood-lit space makes this spot feel like an experience, not just a meal.
- Location: Seaport
- Chef Or Owner: Owner Nia Grace
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Soul food
- Spotlight: Oxtail and Grits, Maryland Hot Crab Dip, Cajun Jambalaya
- Before you go: The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. An entertainment fee will be added to dinner reservations.
Toro
Diners experience a taste of Barcelona in Boston at Toro. Helmed by a James Beard award-winning chef, the menu boasts flavorful and exciting tapas, as well as thoughtful cocktails and other drinks. This is an ideal place to catch up with friends or enjoy a meal before a night on the town.
TripAdvisor reviewers often call out Toro’s bold, unexpected flavor combinations and creative small plates, with the cauliflower and grilled octopus earning frequent praise. Many also note the buzzing atmosphere and fast-paced energy, which make it a favorite for both casual bites and celebratory nights out.
- Location: South End
- Chef and Owner: Ken Oringer
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Spanish
- Spotlight: Asado de Huesos (roasted bone marrow), Pato con Membrillo (smoked duck drumettes), Hamburguesas (burger sliders)
- Before you go: This establishment is only open for dinner service.
SRV
SRV (Serene Republic of Venice) is one of the best restaurants in Boston, thanks to its high level of service and quality Italian cuisine. Visitors enjoy small plates, fresh pasta, risotto, and Italian wines during dinner. Patrons love the tasting menu. Be sure to make reservations, as this is one of the hottest spots in town.
According to reviewers on TripAdvisor, SRV offers a dining experience that’s both elegant and soulful. The tasting menu is a frequent favorite, with diners applauding its seasonal creativity and beautifully balanced courses. Many also mention the staff’s attentiveness and the cozy, candlelit setting, which together elevate it into something truly special.
- Location: South End
- Chef and Owners: Per the restaurant, “Chef/Partner Michael Lombardi joins forces with Jim Cochener and Ted Hawkins.”
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Italian, wine bar
- Spotlight: Cicchetti (the small plates), the tasting menu, the outdoor patio
- Before you go: This restaurant is only open for dinner service.
Blue Nile
This Black-owned spot in Jamaica Plain serves deliciously spiced meals in sizable portions. Diners will enjoy signature dishes of Ethiopian cuisine, including doro wat, misir wat, tibs, and more. Injera is served with meals, a standard of the cuisine. Blue Nile is a fantastic dining option for vegetarians and vegans, as they will find many options. Be prepared to eat with your hands.
On TripAdvisor, guests consistently praise the vegetarian sampler platters for their bold flavors and satisfying variety. Many also highlight the warm, attentive service and the relaxed, inviting vibe that makes the experience feel both homey and special.
- Location: Jamaica Plain
- Owner: Rob Eugene, formerly Yosef Haile
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Ethiopian
- Spotlight: Honey wine, lentil sambosas, veggie combo
- Before you go: This establishment is closed on Mondays.
Comfort Kitchen
This destination restaurant in Dorchester blends global flavors with a deep commitment to community. Set in a beautifully restored historic building, Comfort Kitchen is both warm and forward-thinking. Expect bold spices, nourishing meals, and a narrative-driven approach to food that makes every bite feel intentional.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor praise Comfort Kitchen for its vibrant, inventive dishes that span continents, with particular love for the jackfruit sliders and jerk duck. The kitchen’s ability to layer flavor with purpose has earned it accolades, while the attentive service and inviting atmosphere seal the experience. One diner called the menu “genius,” another, “a celebration” — a clear sign this is more than just a meal.
- Location: Dorchester
- Chef and Owners: Kwasi Kwaa, Biplaw Rai, and Nyacko Pearl Perry
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: African Diaspora–inspired
- Spotlight: Jackfruit Sliders
- Before you go: Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings.
Little Sage
In the heart of the North End, Little Sage brings back the soul of the beloved early-2000s restaurant Sage, reintroducing Chef Tony Susi’s signature Italian touch. The menu leans into nostalgia with standout dishes like plump gnocchi, baked fazzoletti with short rib, and roasted lamb skewers layered with chickpea caponata, all elevated with a modern sensibility.
Little Sage is praised on Yelp for its stylish ambiance and polished service. Diners note the thoughtful layout, including the option to sit at the bar or in the dining room, and the immaculate upkeep of the space.
- Location: North End
- Chef: Tony Susi
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Italian
- Spotlight: Chef Tony Susi’s famed gnocchi and fazzoletti
- Before you go: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Somaek
Somaek brings a sleek, energetic edge to Boston’s Downtown dining scene. This Korean fusion hotspot has earned national attention for its bold flavors, artful presentation, and late-night energy. Whether you’re there for the kimchi carbonara or the soju cocktails, Somaek is a feast for all the senses—and one of the city’s buzziest dinner destinations.
On TripAdvisor, reviewers love Somaek for its balance of authenticity and innovation, spotlighting the high quality of the dishes and the attentive, friendly service. The lively ambiance and consistent execution have cemented it as a top choice for Korean cuisine in the city.
- Location: Downtown Boston
- Chef: Jamie Bissonnette
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Korean Fusion
- Spotlight: Bibim Guksu
- Before you go: Evening reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Veggie Galaxy
Plant-based food goes full-on diner fantasy at Veggie Galaxy, a retro-style Cambridge staple that’s been serving up inventive comfort food since 2011. It’s kitsch meets culinary craft, where you can get a meatless burger, a dairy-free shake, and a towering vegan dessert all under one roof. The vibe is casual, the mood is fun, and the food hits all the right nostalgic notes.
Diners rave about the generous portion sizes and standout flavors on TripAdvisor, calling out creative dishes like the mac and cheese bites and the banana cream pie. The warm service and upbeat energy make it feel like a throwback in all the best ways, just with better ingredients.
- Location: Cambridge (Central Square)
- Owner: Adam Penn
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Vegetarian/Vegan
- Spotlight: Vegan Banana Cream Pie
- Before you go: No reservations; expect a wait during peak hours.
Sullivan’s Castle Island
A beloved fixture since 1951, Sullivan’s Castle Island delivers classic New England comfort in a nostalgic, seaside setting. Known affectionately as “Sully’s,” this family-run spot has been dishing out fried clams, soft-serve cones, and seaside charm to generations of locals and visitors. Its legacy is built on simple pleasures done right.
Customers often leave positive comments about the food’s freshness and consistency on TripAdvisor, with the lobster roll earning standout status for its generous, no-filler approach. It’s a fan favorite that perfectly captures the essence of coastal Boston on a bun.
- Location: Castle Island, South Boston
- Owner: Sullivan family (fourth generation)
- Type Of Cuisine/Food: Classic New England seafood and American fare
- Spotlight: Lobster Roll
- Before you go: Open seasonally; check the official website for current hours and offerings.
Those who enjoy seafood, wine, and Italian cuisine will particularly enjoy Boston’s food scene. The city offers several high-quality restaurants catering to various dietary restrictions. If you’re in the Greater Boston area, highly rated restaurants worth considering include Sarma, Moëca, Oleana, Bar Vlaha, Pammy’s, Brassica Kitchen + Cafe, and the iconic Kowloon Restaurant.
