Boston’s comfort food scene blends New England nostalgia with neighborhood warmth—think chowder and brown bread, buttery lobster rolls, roast chicken, and Italian-American red-sauce staples.
Whether you’re holed up during a nor’easter or strolling the Back Bay, these five favorites deliver that cozy, satisfied feeling.
Union Oyster House
As one of America’s oldest restaurants, Union Oyster House serves comfort that’s practically historic: briny-on-the-nose clam chowder, buttery lobster rolls (both hot with drawn butter and chilled with mayo), and classic baked scrod with a breadcrumb crust.
The wood-paneled rooms and raw bar feel timeless, and the corn bread arrives warm and cakey.
For peak New England nostalgia, add a plate of broiled oysters or a simple roast turkey dinner with gravy and cranberry relish.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Tiffani Faison’s Fenway favorite is a love letter to Southern comfort with a Boston attitude.
The biscuits here are the stuff of legend—massive, flaky, and served with honey butter—while the trays of brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken come with soulful sides like wow-worthy mac and cheese, collard greens, and duke’s mayo potato salad.
The buttermilk fried chicken is crackly and juicy, and the “Nutter Butter” pie rounds out a meal that’s indulgent without feeling fussy.
The Friendly Toast
Part diner, part retro fever dream, The Friendly Toast is Boston’s go-to for all-day breakfast comfort and playful plates.
Expect stuffed French toast, towering Benedicts, and breakfast burritos smothered in queso.
Lunch leans nostalgic with meatloaf melts, gooey grilled cheeses, and creamy tomato soup.
It’s the kind of place where you can nurse a mug of coffee, order a stack of pancakes at 3 p.m., and leave perfectly content.
Carmelina’s
In the North End, Carmelina’s channels the best of Italian-American comfort: red-sauce warmth, big bowls of pasta, and a cozy, convivial vibe.
The rigatoni alla vodka is rich and silky, the carbonara is perfectly glossy with egg and pecorino, and the chicken parm hits that ideal crisp-cheesy balance.
Specials rotate with the seasons, but you’ll always find a satisfying braise or seafood pasta that tastes like a hug.
Highland Kitchen
A neighborhood stalwart in Somerville, Highland Kitchen does elevated comfort with rock-and-roll energy.
The buttermilk fried chicken with hot pepper vinegar is a must, as are the smoked gouda mac, coconut curry goat stew, and the burger with pimento cheese.
The menu skews Southern-accented, the cocktails are strong, and the Sunday brunch (think shrimp and grits, biscuits, and scrambles) is a local ritual.
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