228 Best Restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts

A “gastropub meets bistro," Monument Restaurant & Tavern is quintessential Charlestown with a brownstone vibe of brick and weathered woods, 16-foot ceilings, and a 40-foot bar. Pizza is the menu's superstar, coming out piping and bubbly from the open kitchen's 900-degree oven, which is also used for wings, crab-artichoke dip, and roasted brick chicken. Hearty entrées for bigger appetites include pan-roasted day boat scallops and seared skirt steak. Their Smash Burger is a bucket list item, a messy two-hand burger topped with local Grillo's pickles, cheese, special sauce, and all the traditional toppings. The cocktail program gets crafty, with fun names like Back That Razz Up and Fancy Fizz. There's also a late night menu until midnight.

Diners who appreciate flavor and spice will adore chef-owner Asia Mei's creative kitchen endeavors, which often mix up elements of American, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, and Spanish cuisines. A lively local crowd comes for dinner and to get their hands on crave-worthy dishes (the menu does change frequently). The staff cares what you think, and this shows in the impeccable, friendly service and the fact that the chef doesn't just stay in the kitchen—she's often serving dishes herself and asking diners' opinions.

Dress nicely for a visit to Mooo...., a refined steak house that remains civilized despite the restaurant's somewhat whimsical name. Prime, dry-aged steaks are served à la carte, and, although the Japanese A5 Wagyu sirloin will set you back a few dollars, portions are as exaggerated as the prices. The menu also features a few seafood dishes and a poultry option; vegetarians and vegans are easily accommodated by request. The impressive, award-winning wine list boasts hundreds of entries, including a few very special bottles.

It may be perfect cuisine for the student metabolism: a huge variety of variously garnished thick burgers with sassy names (many of them after celebrities, like the Jayson Tatum or the Bill Burr), deliciously crispy regular and sweet-potato fries, award-winning onion rings, and toppings like an egg or mac and cheese. There's also a competent veggie burger, along with comforting dinner fare like baked meat loaf, fried chicken, and franks and beans. Soda fountain favorites include thick frappes in funky flavors (try the popular Elvis with chocolate, Reese's, and banana topped with bacon) and the nonalcoholic "raspberry lime rickey," made with fresh limes, raspberry juice, sweetener, and soda water. Tiny tables in a crowded space make eavesdropping unavoidable at this Harvard Square institution. During busy times employees sometimes hand out menus and take orders outside on the sidewalk.

Its name, Nebo, is an acronym for "North End Boston," which is the neighborhood where the first iteration of this local restaurant operated for a time. Today, it serves rustic Italian dishes from the owners' nonna in a classy, corner spot on the waterfront. Chefs make the bread, pizza dough, and pasta in-house from scratch, and meals are nothing short of hearty and rich. Wine list features all Italian vintages. Nebo also boasts a large sidewalk seating area in nice weather.

A trifecta of Celtic celebration, this Quincy Market hot spot is part Irish pub, part lounge, and part live music hall. A destination for tourists and townies alike, the menu is a mix of classic Irish dishes, like chicken curry, fish-and-chips, Irish poutine, and beef stew, alongside New England favorites, such as Samuel Adams chicken tenders and clam chowder. Ned Devine’s features a cozy, upper-level dining room, a spacious dance floor for when bands are scheduled, and three bars that usually have the game on. The cozy interior, accented with exposed brick, is the perfect place to curl up with a fresh-drawn pint and relax after a day of sightseeing. When your energy is back on track, the live music draws big crowds on the weekends, with a $10 cover charge starting at 10 pm on Friday and 9 pm on Saturday.

Although the entrance to this superb sushi restaurant may elude you, simply follow the crowds of raw-fish fans streaming into the sleek, gray, industrial space, to find edible aquatic enchantment in the form of Tokyo-style soft-shell crab, lobster tempura, and Chilean sea bass. The vibe is stylish and so are the pricey diners. While it's easy to rack up quite a bill, especially ordering endless sushi a la cart, the omakase is a splurge; at $265–$280 its six to nine courses include Wagyu with truffles and sake add-ons.

From lattes to rickies, the sheer variety of beverage selections at this casual local spot will have your mouth watering, whether you like coffee or not—try the Greek frappe, it's the owner's specialty. Nosh on egg sandwiches, bagels, and muffins in the morning, or move on to grilled cheese and deli sandwiches at lunchtime. 

Usually packed, Otto Pizza delivers on tasty, delicious classics like cheese, pepperoni, or margherita, but where it really shines is with oddball combinations—like caramelized pear, blue cheese, and arugula, or pulled pork and pineapple. Diners can enjoy sit-down service, paired with a beer or glass of wine, or get a slice at the bar or get one to go.

Perched between Central and Harvard squares, this new American trattoria was created by husband-and-wife team Chris and Pam Willis. Take a seat at the fresh-flower-covered communal table (or one of the smaller, more intimate tables) and choose your own culinary adventure by picking three dishes from the prix-fixe menu (à la carte is available only in the bar area). Delicious dishes include their signature lumache with Bolognese, lasagna bianca, and lamb tartare. The cocktail presence is strong (so are the drinks), and the natural wine list features small-batch wines from vineyards off the beaten path. Pammy's dual-opening fireplace, dramatic floral arrangements, and hand-drawn peacock mural add to its well-known charming nature that brings in foodies from all over Cambridge. Take note of the 6% fee added to all checks for kitchen administration.

To try the creations of some of the best local chefs without paying four-star-restaurant prices, stop by Parish Café, where you can get a sandwich designed by the top culinary minds in Boston. The menu is full of the city's famous handheld snacks, all with the permission of their original makers, alongside chef Brian Poe's own creations. The bar is open until 2 am daily, with food service until 1 am, a rare thing in Boston.

In this North End nook, the lobster roll—in 7 ounces, 14 ounces, and at 28 ounces, the "U.S.S. Lobstitution," the biggest lobster roll in Boston—reigns supreme. Served either hot with drawn butter and cold with mayo, the smallest rolls come on a New England-style buttered hot dog bun, while the larger ones are piled onto sub rolls to accommodate all that meat. The signature sandwiches and wraps are served on freshly baked rolls, and the salads are made fresh daily.

Fantastic coffee, paired with fresh pastries or delicious bagels, fuels a lot of people at this outpost of the local chain Pavement. Creative bagel sandwiches include Presto! Presto! (a combo of egg, sharp cheddar, avocado, and sun-dried pesto) or you can build your own with ingredients you like. There is communal seating inside, plus an outdoor patio, great for people-watching in warm weather.

Enjoy coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi access in this hip basement spot, one of several scattered about the city. Tea lovers needn't feel left out—there are plenty of excellent options, including jade oolong and chamomile medley.

Day or night, patrons pack this Vietnamese staple of the Chinatown neighborhood known for its steaming bowls of pho. A lengthy menu offers plenty of alternatives, vermicelli dishes, traditional Vietnamese preparations, and about 20 options for vegetarians. Booths and tables fill the dining area, making the most of its space, but despite the tight fit, service is exceptionally quick. Pho Pasteur's location borders the Theater District, so it's often a popular post-show spot for concert and theatergoers.

With a name that's short for Pizza and Ice Cream Company, Picco is perfect for both kids and kids at heart. This South End spot combines an upscale, trendy feel with an old-fashioned soda fountain and a changing list of homemade ice cream flavors that might include chocolate malt chip, prickly pear sorbet, and honey. When your appetite calls for more than just chilly sweets, dig into their pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. Want to imbibe with your meal? There's a long rotating list of craft beers and a hefty wine list.

For a meal on the waterfront, try Pier 6 in the Charlestown Navy Yard just steps from the USS Constitution, where you'll be treated to New England seafood coupled with outstanding harbor views. Plates are piled high with fried calamari, seared octopus, and lobster rolls, and the giant shellfish platter of local oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster will draw all eyes to your table. Whether you're upstairs on the roof deck, outside on the large patio and bar, or in the dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, there isn't a bad seat in the place. Three seasons of the year, the mahogany bar on outdoor patio is packed during the evenings for cocktails (perhaps a Pier 6 Painkiller or a Knotty Nauti) with the after-work and singles crowd. Through the night, small pleasure crafts slowly approach the moorings as their captains hop out for a cocktail and a quick bite. Spring and summer brings a weekend boat shuttle (for $4) from various spots in East Boston including Tall Ship and Reelhouse.

In a pristine white space next to the Prudential Center, beloved local chef--co-owner Jody Adams takes Mediterranean fare up a notch, with starters like Spanish octopus, local burrata, and meatballs, and entrées like whole roasted branzino and house-made pastas wowing diners. Other popular dishes include grilled lamb chops and saffron mussels. In good weather, the outdoor bar and patio is a bustling spot to drink and dine.

It's all about the fire here, with wood-fired vegetables, wood-fired pizzas, and wood-oven-roasted chicken among the highlights. There is also a small raw-bar menu, with items like oysters and scallop ceviche, and a selection of pastas and entrées, such as fettuccine Bolognese and charcoal-grilled halibut, to round out the menu. The servers offer excellent service.

For a to-go nutrient boost, the juices, wellness shots, acai bowls, protein bars, and smoothies at this minimalist subterranean spot are designed to support your wellness goals. The new line of cold brew and lattes helps with energy slumps, and the plant-based nondairy soft serve is a more indulgent treat without too much guilt. There’s also a location in nearby Fenway.

Chef Anthony Caturano pays homage to his Italian grandmother at this warm, convivial eatery by naming it after the tiny Abruzzese village where she was born and then putting a modern twist on the rustic dishes she would have cooked. An emphasis on garden-fresh ingredients means appetizers like baby gem salad with soppressata and roasted red peppers and wood-grilled squid and octopus with white beans, while "Gravy Sunday" specials translate to heaping plates of traditional dishes like homemade meatballs and gnocchi Bolognese. And, of course, you can expect friendly service, delicious food, and excellent wine selection (more than 600 wine labels and 6,000 bottles in storage) that's largely Italian.

What may look like a simple neighborhood beer bar actually has a cultlike status for Brookline-ites and beyond. Serving an impressive amount of out-of-the-ordinary and artisanal beers—with almost two dozen on tap—the bar also offers tasty sandwiches, smaller entrées, and main dishes, of which the most beloved is the mac and cheese, customizable with additions including bacon, tomato, mushrooms, peas, egg, asparagus, shrimp, hot dog, and truffle cream. The burger game is strong too, with plenty of toppings on offer.

For a more upscale Chinatown experience, look no farther than this outpost with a full cocktail menu, extensive sushi bar, and addictive Mongolian-style hot pot menu. Rich, robust broths served with a fleet of herbs, chilis, and ginger for further seasoning to taste can be ordered with vegetables, seafood, meats, and/or noodles that you cook at the table. In addition to sushi, the menu features classic Chinese dishes.

When the pizzaiolo (certified pizza maker noted by the Napoli Pizza Council) is from Naples and he works on a hand-built brick Marra Forni pizza oven, chances are he's churning out some authentic Neapolitan pizza. Toppings stay simple, with four cheese, margarita, or prosciutto, while creative combos also keep the customers coming back. Not a fan of the red sauce? Try any of their five white pizzas, including sausage and broccoli rabe and figs, arugula and goat cheese. While it's known for its piping hot pies, this lively also serves Italian classics such as chicken parm, cacciatore, and caprese ravioli, along with unique dishes like shrimp limoncello and Italian squash blossoms.

Weekend lines out the door of Redbones can only mean one thing: you're about to hit the epicenter of barbecue in Somerville. Piled high on plates since 1987, Redbones's meat-heavy menu has a dedicated following for its pulled pork and chicken, sliced brisket, and chopped burnt ends. Ribs are a triple threat, with pork in St. Louis or sweet and tangy styles, as well as Texas dry-rubbed beef. While the fried chicken doesn't get as much fan fare, it should. Sides are what you would expect, including baked beans, collards, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, dirty rice, and corn bread.

This North End institution has been doing what it does best since the Polcari family took over in 1926—creating thin-crust, brick-oven-charred pizzas with fresh toppings, excellent sauce, and just the right amount of cheese. With 12 locations, they only offer what they excel in: incredibly well-made pies, like the Margherita, which contains fresh basil leaves baked into the cheese so they don't burn; try a combo from their Old Time Favorites menu, such as the Old World Style Anchovy or the St. Anthony's, a white pizza with sausage, cheese, and peppers. Keeping with the times, there are 10 vegetarian pizzas heaped with fresh veggies. The wait can be long, the ambience boisterous, and the menu limited (there aren't any salads or dessert, but there's beer and wine). But with pizza this good, who cares?

Cheerful and welcoming, Rifrullo feels like you've stepped into a friend's farmhouse kitchen. Homemade breads, pastries, and a thoughtful menu with dishes like Turkish poached eggs or spicy granola for breakfast, and a variety of sandwiches, like a tofu banh mi, salmon burger, or grilled cheese, appeal to a variety of palates. The café also hosts monthly community dinners with a prix fixe menu (vegetarian option available) and BYOB, a fun way to meet people. But be aware, space is limited.

This wonderful authentic Peruvian restaurant is locally owned and is welcoming to families. Food, which includes traditionally prepared dishes, seafood, and ceviche, and smaller plates called piqueos, is beautifully presented.

Housed inside Davis Square's landmark renovated Worcester Lunch Car with neon aplenty, Rosebud is the quintessential diner scene of tufted booths and counter swivel stools. It has recently reopened with an Indian-cuisine twist to those old-fashioned diner dishes locals love. Customize mac and cheese with creamy chicken tikka, order up masala chai French toast, and garnish your dog with Indian vegetable chili. You’ll also find Indian-inspired dishes, including Kashmiri deviled eggs, butter chicken potpie, and a mango lassi parfait. Don't worry: You can still get a slice of good old fashioned pie.

The seasonally inspired menu at this new American tavern brings American classics to the table, featuring signatures like the R. House burger (with cheddar, bacon, special sauce, and caramelized onions on a sesame brioche), a selection of tavern pizzas, and steak frites. Dinner entrées like fish-and-chips, duck breast, and smoked brisket sandwich are so good you'll want to keep them to yourself. To complement the menu, there's an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regionals on tap, and a locally driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern handcrafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups, and infusions. Enjoy the intimate outdoor seating on the brick patio during the summer months.