Boston’s dining scene has shifted from old‑school and academic to one of the most exciting in the Northeast.
Alongside classic clam shacks and red‑sauce institutions, a newer wave of chef‑driven spots, modern wine bars, and creative neighborhood restaurants has taken hold.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy places show where Boston dining is right now.
1. Contessa
Perched atop The Newbury hotel, Contessa feels like a glamorous Italian greenhouse overlooking the Public Garden.
The glass‑enclosed dining room, patterned floors, and lush greenery make it feel like a special‑occasion destination even if you’re just here for brunch.
The menu skews Northern Italian with a luxe edge—think fritto misto, crudos, house‑made pastas, and rich mains like veal Milanese or grilled steaks.
Pizza, salads, and small plates make it easy to share, and the cocktail and wine lists lean heavily into Italian spritzes, amari, and food‑friendly wines.
2. Little Whale Oyster Bar
On Newbury Street, Little Whale brings a polished but unfussy New England seafood house vibe to one of Boston’s busiest stretches.
The look is bright and nautical without being kitschy, and it works as well for a casual lunch as it does for a date night.
Expect a raw bar with oysters, clams, and crudos, plus elevated versions of seafood classics: lobster rolls, clam chowder, whole roasted or grilled fish, fish and chips, and daily specials based on what’s freshest.
Thoughtful cocktails and a coastal‑leaning wine list round it out.
3. Bar Vlaha
Bar Vlaha, in Brookline, focuses on the rustic, regional cooking of rural Greece rather than just the greatest hits.
The room is cozy and lively, with warm lighting, textured walls, and an inviting bar that makes it easy to pop in for mezze and a drink.
The menu highlights wood‑fired breads, slow‑braised meats, hearty vegetable dishes, and regional cheeses.
Think baked feta, grilled meats with bright herb sauces, rich stews, and shareable spreads with warm, fresh bread.
Greek wines, ouzo, and creative Mediterranean‑inspired cocktails tie it all together.
4. Comfort Kitchen
Set in a historic building in Dorchester, Comfort Kitchen blends global flavors with a deeply homey feel.
The space is intimate and design‑forward, with warm tones, plants, and an easygoing neighborhood energy.
The kitchen leans into dishes inspired by the African diaspora and the spice routes—bold stews, braised meats, rice dishes, and bright, layered flavors.
Menus often shift between daytime café service and more refined, shareable plates at night, but expect soulful, globally inflected comfort food either way.
5. Nightshade Noodle Bar
In nearby Lynn but absolutely worth the trip, Nightshade Noodle Bar has become one of the region’s most talked‑about restaurants.
The space is moody and intimate, with a small dining room that puts the focus firmly on what’s in the bowl and on the plate.
The food draws heavily on Vietnamese and broader Southeast Asian flavors, with tasting menus and à la carte options built around noodles, seafood, and rich, aromatic sauces.
You might see lobster noodles, charred octopus, foie gras‑accented dishes, and broths that taste like they’ve simmered forever. The cocktail program is as creative as the food, with ingredients like tropical fruits, herbs, and house infusions.
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