25 Best Restaurants in The Seaport, South Boston, and East Boston, Boston

Stop at this artisanal grocer for cured meats and cheeses, croissants and scones, pasta salad sides, packaged crackers and jams, even a bottle of wine. You can also order gourmet sandwiches—there are a few eggy options during the breakfast hours, before the menu moves on to absolutely stunning meaty delights.

This Mexican restaurant reflects the culture of many of the people living in the neighborhood, and its eponymous cook re-creates dishes from her native Puebla. Locals love it for its authenticity and extensive selection of small plates (mmm, queso fundido) and hearty main courses (chilaquiles, mole poblano). It's definitely worth the trip from downtown, or if you're staying by Logan Airport.

People come to Boston for certain things—colleges, Irish pubs, Fenway Park—and Polish food isn't usually one of them. But, if you do land here, this authentic Polish restaurant in Southie is a must-stop. The menu is rife with an Eastern European culinary heritage in plates like pierogi, beet soup, stuffed cabbage, and kielbasa, and there are some tasty Polish beers. You'll be glad you ventured to Andrew Square.

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, mainly hot sandwiches and apps. The space, which is long and lean, also boasts a shuffleboard, but you may have to wait in line to play it. Sunday nights are especially popular.

Emphasizing oysters and local craft beers, this contemporary seafood restaurant has a boisterous energy contained only by its soaring ceilings. A neighborhood crowd comes for the excellent menu devoted to raw things, fried seafood, a variety of "rolls," and fish-based entrées. With 24 taps, beer plays a big role in the experience, enticing regulars to work their way through European-inspired American craft beers; there are also more than 50 by the bottle, ranging from ciders to sours and more.

Stepping into this family-owned East Boston pizza joint is like stepping into the 1980s, even though it first opened way back in 1903. Every table is full on a Saturday night at 7 pm, and don't be surprised to see a line that runs out the cramped front doorway. This local favorite serves well-done and crispy, traditional style pies topped with veggies, ’chovies, garlic, and meat; the only other menu items are lamb, steak and chicken tips, and grilled sausages cooked over open hot coals in the corner.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping 270-degree views of the Boston Harbor waterfront, this sophisticated and lively restaurant serves up midsized plates that are meant to be shared—two to three per person. The well-curated menu features meat and produce from the owner's 360-acre New Hampshire farm, as well as handmade pasta and sustainably sourced seafood. Diners with specialized diets can choose from many gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or vegan dishes. 

There's nothing fresher than eating fish the same day it's caught, and that's what you get at this family-owned seafood shack. Open since 1950, the local favorite serves fresh oysters, crab cakes, fried oysters and clams, steamers, and lobster. Tasty sandwiches speak of New England; fish platters come fried, grilled, or baked; and there's a whole section of the menu devoted to lobster preparations. If you forget that this is a take-out joint, look around; the no-frills, character-heavy decor will remind you.

Let your nose lead you here on a Saturday night, but expect to wait in a massive line of foodies looking to get their hands on one of four award-winning niku udon noodle dishes (cold or hot, and spicy versions of each) topped with sweet and savory beef. The restaurant itself is absolutely tiny, but its local reputation is huge. For a scratch-made quick bite that's truly unique, this is a must-stop. 

Looking to drink the five teas that were dumped into Boston Harbor more than 250 years ago? Try a tea tasting or scone platter; other menu options include sandwiches and salads, sweets and pastries, and Colonial-inspired cocktails. You don't have to pay museum admission to imbibe at Abigail's. After your meal, stop into the museum gift shop where you can buy some tea (and lots more) to take home.

Decked out in cheery colors of yellow, red, and green, this 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 feature 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.

Bon Me's moniker is a whimsical take on Vietnam's signature sandwich, the banh mi, and the versions that this local fast-casual restaurant serves are authentic to its spirit, if not with traditional ingredients. Diners can create their own bowls (salad, noodle, or rice), selecting from a variety of proteins, veggies, and sauces. The menu also boasts a number of chef creations ranging from ramen to pho. House drinks include a heady Vietnamese iced coffee and citrus ade.

Smack-dab in the middle of Southie, this is a popular hangout for the area's young professionals, and there's often a sports game on behind the bar. Frequent food and cocktail specials entice people to come and stay awhile, but the wood-fired pizza is a star of the menu, and the weekend brunch menu is always a great option.

We'd call the atmosphere here casual yet lively, convivial in a way that only a modern Greek restaurant can be. Share vegetable, seafood, and meat meze plates with your dining companions, or, if you've really got a big appetite, dig into one of the "feasts," which may include a selection of grilled meats or a whole fish. Weekend brunch is a national sport and so popular that you'll need a reservation.

This popular Boston-born restaurant splits its focus between grilled all-natural steaks and chops and hearty, Italian-inspired dishes. Diners can't get enough of Davio's signature spring rolls, stuffed with Philly cheesesteak or chicken parm. The kitchen offers special menus, including healthy eating and gluten-free. While this isn't Davio's only location in the city, it does have beautiful real estate on Boston Harbor, which the dining room makes a point to showcase through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A tropical paradise meets an urban aesthetic on the face of this South Boston food stop. Everything about it is fun, contemporary, and whimsical, including the food, like dumplings and bao buns, noodle and rice bowls, sushi and sashimi, and poke. A bar vibe that can get loud invades later on in the evenings—be sure to try the innovative cocktails, especially, of course, the scorpion bowl.

From "feast"-sized portions to classic New England fried plates to wood-fired seafood dishes, the kitchen's focus is on local waters at this contemporary Seaport spot near the harbor. The menu is curated and relatively pricy, but quality shows in the food, and there are lots of beers, ciders, and wines by the glass.

Ingredients from the Mediterranean region and local waters mix on the menu at this upscale Greek restaurant. Dig into a whole grilled fish (six options!), zucchini chips, and craft cocktails. The raw bar is notable, as are a few lamb dishes. Overall, the vibe here is elevated and fun; it's great for a night out with friends or a first date. 

If you're looking for a quiet evening out, don't bring your date to this South Boston institution. Packed every evening, whether it's the weekend when singles are mingling or on Tuesday when crowds come for the $1 oysters, the food is always tasty, especially the wood-fired pizza. Brunch is served every day of the week, as is the late-night pizza and wings menu.

Make a reservation in advance to secure a table at this popular yet small corner taqueria. The menu features trendy takes on Mexican cuisine, tacos in particular, as well as fun cocktails and tequila flights. If you're looking for a quiet meal, this spot is not for you.

Stop by this place for a casual sit-down lunch after a visit to the ICA, right across the way. You can design your own grass-fed beef burger and load it with toppings, or try a specialty burger or other type of sandwich, and pair it with an ice cream shake.

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. 

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.

Family owned and established in 1951, this beach-style dairy bar—affectionately nicknamed Sully's—serves fried seafood, hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream at Castle Island. Don't expect frills or indoor seating—there is no need since its surroundings provide sloping lawns, picnic tables, benches, and beach vistas for lunching. Fries don't automatically come as a side with sandwiches, so if you want them, make sure you order them.

Inspired by Copenhagen's Vesterbro meatpacking district, this edgy café caters to South Boston's residents on weekdays. Everything is made to order, whether you are looking at a selection of toasts, breakfast sandwiches, salads, or wraps, and there's a selection of fresh pastries to go with tea, coffee, and espresso drinks.