17 Best Restaurants in Boston to Try Today

Embark on a culinary odyssey through the heart of Boston as we unravel the savory delights of the city’s top 17 restaurants.

From seafood shacks by the waterfront to chic eateries in bustling neighborhoods, each establishment promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates Boston’s rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors.

1. Row 34

Nestled in the vibrant Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34 stands as a beacon for seafood aficionados.

With its industrial-chic ambiance and commitment to sourcing the freshest catches from New England waters, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience.

Start your culinary journey with a platter of succulent oysters, expertly shucked and served with mignonette sauce.

Then, indulge in a classic New England lobster roll, brimming with sweet, buttery chunks of lobster meat nestled in a toasted bun.

Pair your meal with a crisp local beer or a glass of chilled white wine for the perfect seaside dining experience.

2. bartaco

Transport your taste buds to sun-drenched shores at bartaco in Seaport.

This laid-back eatery channels the flavors of the Mediterranean and Latin America, offering a menu bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors.

Start your meal with a round of their signature tacos, featuring fillings like baja fish, pork belly, and grilled cauliflower, all topped with fresh salsa and tangy crema.

Wash it down with a refreshing margarita or a handcrafted cocktail infused with tropical fruits and aromatic herbs.

With its relaxed ambiance and irresistible cuisine, bartaco is the ultimate destination for a culinary escape.

3. SPIN Boston

For a dining experience that’s as playful as it is delicious, look no further than SPIN Boston.

This unique venue combines gourmet cuisine with friendly competition, offering guests the chance to enjoy a meal while engaging in spirited ping pong matches.

Start your evening with an assortment of small plates, including crispy calamari, savory sliders, and artisanal cheese boards.

Then, challenge your friends to a game of ping pong as you sip on craft cocktails and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Whether you’re a ping pong pro or a novice player, SPIN Boston promises an evening of fun, food, and unforgettable memories.

4. South Street Diner

Since 1947, South Street Diner has been a beloved institution in the heart of Boston.

Open 24/7, this iconic diner serves up classic comfort food favorites with a side of nostalgia.

Step inside and take a seat at the counter, where you’ll find a menu packed with hearty dishes like fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, and creamy milkshakes.

Whether you’re fueling up for a day of sightseeing or satisfying a late-night craving, South Street Diner welcomes you with open arms and a menu that never disappoints.

5. o ya

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at o ya, nestled in the historic Leather District.

This upscale sushi spot elevates traditional Japanese cuisine to new heights with its innovative omakase menus and impeccable attention to detail.

Sit at the chef’s counter and watch as skilled chefs expertly prepare each dish, from delicate sashimi to intricate maki rolls.

Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive sake list or opt for a perfectly paired wine flight for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

With its elegant ambiance and masterfully crafted cuisine, o ya sets the stage for an evening of culinary decadence.

6. High Street Place Food Hall

Discover a world of culinary delights at High Street Place Food Hall, located in the bustling heart of downtown Boston.

This vibrant food hall brings together a diverse array of eateries, each offering its own unique flavors and specialties.

Start your culinary adventure with a steaming bowl of ramen from one vendor, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent dessert from another.

With options ranging from gourmet sandwiches to artisanal pastries, there’s something to please every palate at High Street Place Food Hall.

Grab a seat at one of the communal tables, soak in the bustling atmosphere, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

7. The Barking Crab

Perched along the picturesque Fort Point Channel, The Barking Crab is a quintessential Boston seafood shack with a laid-back vibe.

Here, diners can feast on fresh-off-the-boat lobster, crab, and other maritime delights while soaking in waterfront views.

Start your meal with a steaming bowl of clam chowder, followed by a seafood boil piled high with shrimp, clams, and corn on the cob.

Wash it all down with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail as you relax on the outdoor patio and watch the boats go by.

With its casual atmosphere and unbeatable seafood offerings, The Barking Crab captures the essence of New England dining.

8. LoLa 42

Experience a culinary journey like no other at LoLa 42 in the vibrant Seaport District.

This modern eatery redefines the traditional steakhouse experience with its sleek decor and globally inspired menu.

Start your meal with a selection of creative sushi rolls, featuring fresh fish and inventive flavor combinations.

Then, savor a mouthwatering steak cooked to perfection and paired with decadent sides like truffle mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.

With its chic ambiance and innovative cuisine, LoLa 42 offers a dining experience that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

9. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

For a taste of classic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, look no further than Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in the bustling Back Bay neighborhood.

Here, diners can indulge in a menu of handcrafted pasta, premium steaks, and fresh seafood, all prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Start your meal with an assortment of antipasti, including creamy burrata and thinly sliced prosciutto.

Then, move on to hearty mains like grilled branzino or tender filet mignon, paired with a glass of fine Italian wine.

With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse offers a dining experience that’s as refined as it is delicious.

10. Committee

Transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean at Committee, located in Boston’s bustling Seaport Square.

This vibrant eatery celebrates the rich flavors of Greece with a modern twist, offering a menu of mezze-style small plates and expertly crafted cocktails.

Start your meal with a selection of dips and spreads, including creamy hummus and smoky eggplant baba ganoush.

Then, move on to heartier dishes like lamb meatballs and grilled octopus, all bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

With its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality, Committee invites diners to savor the best of Greek cuisine in the heart of Boston.

11. James Hook & Co

Since 1925, James Hook & Co has been a fixture on Boston’s waterfront, serving up fresh seafood and maritime classics to locals and visitors alike.

Step inside their bustling seafood shack and take your pick from an array of mouthwatering options, including lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried seafood platters.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a bite to go, James Hook & Co promises a taste of New England’s coastal cuisine that’s second to none.

12. Bostonia Public House

Housed in a historic building dating back to 1902, Bostonia Public House combines old-world charm with contemporary flair.

This gastropub offers a menu of elevated comfort food classics, including hearty burgers, crispy fried chicken, and indulgent macaroni and cheese.

Pair your meal with a pint of locally brewed beer or a handcrafted cocktail from their extensive drink menu.

With its warm ambiance and welcoming atmosphere, Bostonia Public House is the perfect spot to gather with friends and enjoy a delicious meal in the heart of downtown Boston.

13. Vaanga Boston

Experience the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine at Vaanga Boston, located in the heart of the city.

This cozy eatery offers a menu bursting with aromatic spices and bold flavors, from fragrant curries to crispy dosas.

Start your meal with an assortment of appetizers, including crispy samosas and tangy chaat, before diving into a hearty main course.

Whether you’re a fan of vegetarian fare or crave something meaty, Vaanga Boston has something for everyone.

With its warm hospitality and authentic dishes, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings for Indian cuisine in Boston.

14. Yvonne’s

Step into the glamorous world of Yvonne’s in Downtown Crossing, where vintage decor meets modern sophistication.

This swanky supper club offers a menu of globally inspired small plates and expertly crafted cocktails, all served in a setting reminiscent of a bygone era.

Start your evening with a round of creative appetizers, such as truffle arancini or lobster sliders, before moving on to indulgent mains like braised short ribs or seared scallops.

With its plush velvet booths and dimly lit ambiance, Yvonne’s sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience that’s equal parts elegant and exciting.

15. jm Curley

Named after a notorious Boston politician, jm Curley in Downtown Crossing is a gastropub that’s as unapologetically indulgent as its namesake.

Here, diners can feast on creative comfort food classics, including truffle mac and cheese, duck confit poutine, and crispy fried chicken.

Wash it all down with a selection from their extensive drink menu, featuring craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and fine wines.

With its laid-back atmosphere and inventive cuisine, jm Curley invites guests to kick back, relax, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to leave them satisfied.

16. RUKA

Discover a fusion of flavors at RUKA, located in the heart of Downtown Crossing.

This sleek eatery blends the culinary traditions of Peru, Japan, and China, offering a menu of ceviche, sushi, and dim sum that’s as innovative as it is delicious.

Start your meal with a selection of small plates, such as crispy shrimp tempura or savory pork bao, before moving on to larger dishes like miso-glazed sea bass or Peruvian-style chicken.

With its chic ambiance and bold flavors, RUKA promises a dining experience that’s both exciting and memorable.

17. Tora Japanese

Experience the art of kaiseki cuisine at Tora Japanese, tucked away in Boston’s charming South End neighborhood.

This intimate restaurant offers a menu of meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the season’s freshest ingredients and pay homage to Japan’s culinary heritage.

Start your meal with a selection of delicate sashimi or perfectly grilled yakitori, then indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the chef’s creativity and skill.

With its serene ambiance and impeccable service, Tora Japanese offers a dining experience that’s both refined and deeply satisfying.