The 25 essential eats spots of Boston
Your go-to guide to Boston restaurants
If you follow me on Instagram, you might be familiar with my Essential Eats series where I feature different restaurants around the Boston area. You’ll usually catch me eating one of my favorite dishes on the menu and spilling all the details as to why I love the spot so much. I’m a foodie and proudly can say that I choose the restaurants I feature very carefully.
Over the years of Essential Eats, I have to admit my fascination with Boston’s growing food scene. I love how far we’ve come as a city, especially in comparison to other major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. The overall culture and foodie scene of Boston is very dynamic and up-and-coming. In just the last few years alone, the number of new restaurants that have opened up have skyrocketed. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the uptick.
The hospitality industry is one that I’ve always found very interesting. Many of my friends have worked in the sector, I’ve read books about the history of restaurants, and obviously I go out to eat a lot. It’s a crazy world.
A couple years ago, I interviewed John DaSilva on the podcast, who is the chef of Chickadee, a local favorite in Boston (check it out if you haven’t listened yet!). I’ve also touched upon the topic on a solo episode too. But I realized, I never have truly gone deeper on my rankings of restaurants in Boston, how I go about choosing my essential eats spots, and my takes on why some restaurants in the city have remained to be staples and consistent go-to’s for Bostonians, from a business perspective.
Today, I’m breaking it all down. These are the 25 Essential Eats spots in Boston based on my rankings, Bostonian voices, and strategic business planning and execution (not in any particular order). Remember to listen to the full episode of The AHA! Moment Podcast for some additional insights, as always.
Kava
This is in my top three favorites in the city. Kava offers traditional Greek cuisine that never disappoints, which is a bit of a challenge to find in Boston. They have an incredible variety of small plates, the service is impeccable, and a summer is never complete without experiencing their outdoor dining. A great spot for a date, group dinner, or casual weeknight outing. There’s a reason locals swear by this one and have since the beginning, and it’s the trifecta of consistent and quality food, service, and atmosphere. Don’t skip the zucchini chips.
SAVR
Another one that’s in my top three, SAVR is located in the St. Regis Residences in Boston’s Seaport. My favorite part about this spot is the variety of their menu and the range of options they have within their dishes (i.e. appetizer sizing versus entree). The quality of food has been pretty consistent so far too. Note: the espresso martini flight is hard to resist.
Lola 42
The third contender in my top three has to be Lola 42 in Seaport. I love that this place has a full sushi menu alongside an American spread as well. The cocktails are incredible too. But above all, what I love most about this place is the atmosphere it maintains every day of the week. The place is always packed, filled with Bostonians and visitors socializing, sipping elevated cocktails, and enjoying tasty sushi. It’s a little tucked away in Seaport location-wise, yet somehow manages to uphold its appreciated and elite status amongst Bostonians, rightfully so.
Hunter’s
Boston needs more southern food. But, even if we had more restaurants offering this, I truly believe no one can top Chef Lambo’s cooking, let’s be real. Hunter’s would still dominate. I mean, Chef Lambo is a Beat Bobby Flay champion. The fried chicken here is unbelievable, and don’t get me started on the mac and cheese. This Southie spot offers a taste of southern hospitality in a city that welcomes it nicely, and shows how much more connection a restaurant can build with its clientele when the chef is so well known and loved by the community.
Waverly
A classic Charlestown staple that assures everyone at the table is happy! There’s something here for everyone, that’s my favorite part. And also, you kind of feel like you’re entering a Hallmark movie when you step inside. It’s the most homey, welcoming atmosphere with such kind staff.
Bar Enza
This Cambridge hidden gem is the best date spot. It’s quaint, romantic, and has such incredible quality Italian food. Nobody talks about this place as much as they should be. The pasta beats anything in the North End tenfold. Do not skip the fifty layer lasagna (yes, you read that correctly) when you go here. I got it three years ago for the first time and I still can’t get over it.
Gigi
A South End-staple, Gigi is a newer spot that was initially the original Giacomo’s but purchased by MAZI Food Group (the geniuses behind Kava, Ilona, and Desnuda). Similar amazing food, just a different owner and overall vibe (this place is sexier, modernized, and an instant favorite of the Boston community ever since its opening). In my opinion, the homemade pasta is top notch. The Rigatoni alla Vodka is *chef’s kiss*.
Pauli’s
This is where you go in Boston for a sandwich, any sandwich. I cannot express my love for Pauli’s enough, especially for their lobster rolls. They are my favorite in the city. The lobster chunks are huge, aren’t drenched in butter or mayo (whichever you prefer), and are always fresh. The seating here is limited (it’s in the North End), but you can take it to go and find a seat on the Greenway to enjoy. Plus, I love any place that offers jumbo-size cookies for dessert. Pauli’s is respected by everyone and is well known for their quality fast casual service; it’s a neighborhood staple that cannot be missed!
La Padrona
This made the list not only for their delicious food (particularly their Cacio e Pepe Focaccia), but especially for their amazing service. Located in the Raffles Residences building in the heart of Back Bay, it’s no surprise that A Street Hospitality raised the bar for five star hospitality for Boston. I have always had such a wholesome and impeccable experience here from start to finish. Definitely a pricier spot for special occasions, but we all need to celebrate once in a while (or often)!
Shy Bird
Open all day, Shy Bird is my favorite work from home spot when I don’t actually want to work from home. They also have top notch chicken (hence, the name). I love the Southie location. The WiFi is great, the location offers a spacious and roomy layout for guests, and the food is always fresh. They make this list for their creativity and innovation; it truly shows in standing out to the Boston community.
Abe & Louie’s
A classic, Back Bay fancy steakhouse. Again, a great spot for celebrations of any kind. You’re going to eat well here. The overall atmosphere offers a true quintessential, historic Boston feel. Abe & Louie’s will always hold a special place in my heart, particularly for having the most unforgettable seven layer chocolate cake…
Si Cara
This Cambridge spot offers some of the best homemade pizza in the city, contrary to popular belief. I love the variety of pies they offer. You can sit down, take it to go, and even enjoy other Italian dishes too. Solid spot that is worth mentioning!
Mooo Seaport
I am going to specifically state that I have had a much better experience at the Seaport location versus the Downtown location. The steaks here are superior to many steakhouses throughout the city, the cocktails are not to be missed, and the service was truly 10/10. Ideal for a date night or special occasion, Mooo Seaport is nestled in between Seaport and Fort Point, and is a great choice for a local steakhouse option.
Mistral
I love Mistral. It’s elegant, classic, and delicious. It’s a Back Bay staple for French dining, everyone knows it and loves it. The variety here often leads me to end up wanting to order the entire menu, but I like to think that’s a good problem to have. Don’t skip the fries. Trust me.
Desnuda
Desnuda, the new kid on the block! From MAZI Food Group, they did it again. This is a Latin and Asian fusion cuisine spot in the South End. Small plates, good vibes, and strong cocktails. I love this place. I also heard that their DJ nights were super fun, just putting it out there. Get a table downstairs if you can, it’s more of a lounge vibe. I would pick a favorite dish, but you can’t go wrong here. Get it all.
Prima
Another Charlestown favorite! But this one offers classic Italian and my favorite chicken parmesan in the city. This one makes the list not only for its quaint ambiance and stellar service, but overall: you get what you pay for here. By that, I mean the portion sizes. I seriously take home probably two additional meals for myself after not finishing whatever I ordered here. It’s insane (but amazing). Check them out for brunch too, and try the french toast!
Lolita
Ahh, Lolita. A neighborhood favorite for Mexican. Both the Back Bay and Fort Point spots are lovely. Step inside for a sexy atmosphere, colorful art and design, and the aromas of fresh guacamole and salsa. I love going here with a group, it’s awesome for a birthday celebration. The service is consistently good and food never misses. A classic Boston gem!
Crazy Good Kitchen
Crazy good. This is where you go for a ridiculous burger. When you go here, you have to go all in, either with a cheeseburger or fried chicken sandwich. And remember a milkshake, they are unbelievable and have a wide range of options! This made the essential eats list because Boston doesn’t have many local burger places that deliver such quality food, and Crazy Good Kitchen changed that narrative immediately.
Loco
Go here for casual Mexican, either in Southie or Fenway. Ideal for a group but also a solid date spot. Honestly, Loco makes my list because you can never go wrong with a casual Mexican place.
Ruka
Nobody talks about Ruka, but I love their sushi. In the heart of Downtown Boston and by Coje, this spot has an under the radar vibe that is sneakily good. Go here when you want an in between of good sushi without breaking the bank at Zuma.
Toro
If you want Spanish tapas, make this your go-to spot! Toro is in the South End and has been a neighborhood favorite for years. The plates are small, but ideal if you want to try a little bit of everything. Also, their paella is amazing!
Buttermilk and Bourbon
Another place with just really good fried chicken. And biscuits (!). I love this place for their southern food; it offers a wide variety of options and it’s in an ideal location in Back Bay. Can’t go wrong here!
Coppa
On a quieter street in the South End, Coppa is a cozy spot that offers amazing pizza and pasta. It’s very homey and also great if you need to host an intimate event. It can be a challenge to get a reservation here sometimes, but plan ahead and enjoy.
The Paramount
I had to include my favorite breakfast place on this list! The Paramount is a classic spot for breakfast in Beacon Hill and Southie. They’ve been around since the 1930s and are open all day which I love. On the weekends the lines are long though, so beware and plan ahead.
25. Chubbs Taco & Tequila Bar
Probably a spot you haven’t heard of yet, but Chubbs in Dorchester is a newer under the radar restaurant that has turned into my latest obsession. They’re reasonably priced, the food is amazing (don’t skip the homemade tortilla chips and guacamole, it’s so addictive), and the cocktails are great. The atmosphere and service also deserves a huge applause here; this place is getting buzz and good vibes from the community thus far and I can’t wait to continue watching it grow!
Cheers,
Angelina