Moëca
Moëca. / Photo by Kristin Teig We love fried clams and lobster rolls as much as the next New Englander, but sometimes, we crave something a little more sophisticated. That's when we hit up this sleek dining room outside Harvard Square for rare, inventively prepared, and beautifully plated fish dishes (hello, tuna 'nduja and branzino with green-garlic pil pil). Further highlights include a stunning cocktail program, pastas at the extraordinary level of its storied sibling Giulia, and smashing desserts. Eat, drink, be merry, and avoid yet another tired clam chowder. 1 Shepard St., Cambridge, MA 02138, moecarestaurant.com.
Pammy’s
Even the name of this Italian-ish trattoria hints at warmth and familiarity: Pamela may be a friend, but Pammy is the pal you turn to for giggle-punctuated convos over lobster biscotto and pork Milanese at the flower-bedecked communal table. The friendly service here is steeped in a sense of ease, creating the perfect ambiance for you and your pals to linger over plates of Mafaldine pasta with tripe and labneh—its hint of garlic-chili oil almost as warm as the welcome. 928 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, pammyscambridge.com.
Uptown Social
Uptown Social's fish and grits, with cornmeal-battered Atlantic haddock, Anson Mills grits, braised greens, Creole cream, and chow-chow. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Decades of legacy are in the bones of this space, which previously housed Bob the Chef's and Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen. Restaurateur Nia Grace, who owned Darryl's in its final years, honors past iterations while putting a fresh spin on the iconic corner restaurant. The live music remains, but culinary director Chelven Randolph has given soul food a modern upgrade with catfish bites and caviar tartar sauce, plus irresistible egg rolls stuffed with mac 'n' cheese, collard greens, and yams. 604 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, uptownsocialboston.com.
The Red Fox
The Red Fox. / Courtesy photo Unlike the many other "speakeasies" in town, it's actually difficult to track down the hidden entrance to the Red Fox. Once you do, you'll find this basement lounge is a vibe—undeniably sexy with cherry-red seating, glossy wood paneling, dim lighting, and a satisfying Italian menu (don't miss honey-drizzled zeppole with prosciutto). Sip creative classics like a dry martini variation with flavors of garlic, black pepper, and Parmesan (really!), or a banana-flavored spin on a Boulevardier. 326 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02113, redfoxnorthend.com.
Michette
Michette's cannelés. / Photo courtesy of Michette The sticky, Swedish-inspired cardamom bun, made with lawyer-turned-baker Thomas Ferté's croissant dough, is always first to land in our bag at this tiny French bakery in Somerville (soon to expand to a larger Cambridge location). From there, we backtrack to less-sweet options: a flaky-pastry spin on spanakopita, perhaps, or an airy slab of bacon-egg-and-cheese focaccia. 164 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145, michette-bakery.com.
Mooncusser
Occasion-worthy dining in 2026 can be a high-stakes crapshoot—and nobody wants to drop a few hundred bucks on a meal that doesn't crush on every score. That's why we refer our celebrating friends to chef Carl Dooley's Park Square temple to opulent white-tablecloth dining, where the five-plus-course prix fixe never fails to dazzle with inventive seafood-focused dishes amped up with global flavors and unexpected spices. Toss in cosseting service, and any fears of a costly flop gently fade away. 304 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, mooncusserboston.com.
Eastern Edge Food Hall
Bulgogi beef bibimbap and a spicy pork bowl at Perillas at Eastern Edge. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal What's better than one new dining option in a busy neighborhood? Nearly 10 dining options under one roof. The recently opened Eastern Edge is taking Kendall by storm, showcasing local eateries in fast-casual form. Everyone in your group can choose something different: Everybody Gotta Eat's impeccably fried chicken wings (try the lemon pepper or honey Old Bay flavor); Việt Citron's bánh hỏi with impossibly crispy pork belly; or Lone Star Taco Stand's spicy beef "El Cruncho Supremo"—a welcome upgrade from the Bell. 290 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02142, easternedgefoodhall.com.
La Padrona
La Padrona. / Photo by Brian Samuels Jody Adams has a knack for delivering spectacular northern Italian cuisine in luxury hotel settings, as at her beloved and bygone Rialto. Her newer perch at the Back Bay's grand Raffles Boston hotel—with Eric Papachristos and Jon Mendez, collectively A Street Hospitality—is now the place to celebrate big business deals, birthdays, and anniversaries. Every aspect has been polished to a high gleam: the theatrically palatial décor, the exacting service, the trophy-laden wine list, and, above all, the luxurious seafood, steaks, chops, and house-made pastas. 38 Trinity Pl., Boston, MA 02116, lapadronaboston.com.
Citrus & Salt
Citrus & Salt in Boston's Seaport. / Photo by Mike Diskin Weekend mornings always feel like a party at chef Jason Santos's Mexican-inspired hot spot, where the pancakes come slathered with Mexican chocolate and toasted marshmallow, the street corn is dusted with Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and the mimosas are served with a swirl of soft-serve sorbet. Roll up with a big group, order one of everything from the "tapas" menu, and make sure your phone is charged—the pink-flower-bedecked space was made for the 'Gram. Just remember: What happens at brunch stays at brunch. 319 A St., Boston, MA 02210, citrusandsaltboston.com.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Davio's. / Courtesy photo At Davio's, you could go dizzy just craning your neck to peep at power brokers—a pro athlete here, a tech mogul there—tucking into strip steaks. To raise the stakes for your own special occasion, the northern Italian steakhouse can host soirees of 10 to 200 seated guests, or even 400 reception-style, in its private dining rooms around Greater Boston. It'll be hard not to feel like a celeb yourself as you and your pals hobnob between bites of 55-day prime aged strip steak. Multiple locations, davios.com.
Lulu Green
Lulu Green. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre Categorizing vegan restaurants as "good enough for carnivores!" is so tired. What's not? The eye-opening avocado-cilantro crema that graces Lulu Green's pastor seitan tacos. Ditto for the citrus-y nước chấm in the Vietnamese noodle bowl, and the rich roasted-carrot red wine jus that douses the mushroom "short rib"—each bite belly-filling and pairing well with the spot's creative cocktails. Plus, with a new Kendall Square location open as of late May, it's easier than ever to go green. South Boston and Cambridge, lulugreen.com.
Fallow Kin
Fallow Kin's smoked cabbage with crispy chicken skin and "New England dashi" (infused with a roasted blend of Maine seaweed, dried foraged mushrooms, and shallots). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal If ever there were a good reason to eat your veggies, it'd be Fallow Kin. A collab between the Talulla team and Tasting Counter alum Marcos Sanchez, the restaurant weaves them into everything from an earthy sunchoke gin sour to a panna cotta featuring rhubarb and fennel flavors. (There's meat, too, but vegetables play a starring role.) Whether you opt for a tasting-menu journey or an inspiring à la carte meal, be sure to head to the bar after for "zero waste" snacks, which taste as good as they make you feel. 853 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02139, fallowkin.com.
Capri
Capri. / Photo by Assembly Design Studio South Enders were already over the moon when a vacant restaurant space with one of the neighborhood's loveliest, most secluded patios finally found a new owner. But nothing could prepare them for how scene-y the spectacularly designed new build-out would be, with big green-and-white-striped umbrellas and an outdoor bar giving it an Amalfi Coast vacation feel. Terrific cocktails and Italian steakhouse fare from the team behind Charlestown's similarly gorgeous Prima complete the picture at this exciting, transportive comeback. 500 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, capriboston.com.
Darling
Darling's Gorgeous & Arrogant cocktail is similar to a strawberry margarita, with blanco tequila, acidified strawberry, a cilantro liqueur, mala, and MSG. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Need a change from the same old espresso martinis and Negronis? Experimentation is a virtue at this dimly lit, seductive spot in Central. Here, Asian flavors get the spotlight: A rare mainstay on the ever-changing menu combines shochu, matcha, and a labor-intensive red-bean amazake with whiskey for a "silky AF" clarified milk punch, topped with a cloud of taro foam. Dim sum–inspired dishes make Darling the total package, especially the spicy Sichuan-style wontons—an homage to Darling's legendary predecessor, Mary Chung. 464 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, darlingcambridge.com.
Baleia
Baleia. / Photo by Nina Gallant At 70 bucks a person, the "Explorador" tasting menu has to be one of the most fairly priced in town, not to mention a great way to, well, explore Baleia's beautiful expression of Portuguese cuisine. Spend a date night in the sunshine-yellow space, snacking on dishes like crispy sardines with chermoula, seared cod with caldo verde and smoky bits of chouriço, and tender pão de ló (olive oil cake), and you'll be wooed. 264 E. Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118, baleiaboston.com.
Taiwan Café
Taiwan Café. / Photo by Nina Gallant When someone asks for Chinatown dining recommendations, this nearly 30-year-old favorite is always on the tip of our tongues. It was among the first restaurants to introduce Boston to Taiwanese fare—gravy-smothered oyster omelets, roast-beef-stuffed scallion-pancake rolls—and the city is better for it. 34 Oxford St., Boston, MA 02111, ordertaiwancafe.com.
Carmelina’s
Carmelina's. / Photo by Nina Gallant One bite of the pistachio-ricotta-stuffed rollati, bubbly and brown from the oven and swimming in rich pistachio cream, and you'll taste how Carmelina's marches to the beat of its own drum among the many Italian restaurants in the North End. We're not surprised the Michelin inspectors took note, granting the Sicilian-comfort-food-inspired spot a recommendation in its first Boston guide. 307 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, carmelinasboston.com.
Dovetail
Dovetail. / Photo by Nina Gallant It's all about the house-made pasta at this Charlestown nook: Don't miss the delightfully chewy cavatelli with slow-cooked pork sugo. Broad Mediterranean flavors spice up the rest of the menu: yellowfin tuna tartare with ras el hanout yogurt and preserved lemon; muhammara with bagel chips. A connoisseur-level rotating beer list seals the deal. One 6th St., Boston, MA 02129, dovetailcharlestown.com.
Trade
Trade. / Photo by Nina Gallant At the crossroads of the Financial District and Fort Point, of office workers and tourists, this 15-year-old Greek restaurant—big sibling to splashy Italian destination La Padrona—holds the key to so many culinary occasions. Speedy weekday lunches of crispy short-rib gyros and lamb meatballs swimming in bright tomato sauce give way to elegantly relaxed dinners of phyllo-wrapped beef Wellington and whole roasted branzino. 540 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02210, trade-boston.com.
Woods Hill Pier 4
Wood's Hill Pier 4. / Photo by Nina Gallant Talk about farm-to-table: Woods Hill gets some ingredients from its own sibling farm in New Hampshire and others from small local producers who share the team's sustainability ethos. The dedication to the best sourcing comes through in dishes like lobster Newburg (with popovers, a throwback to Anthony's Pier 4, which used to operate on this site) and harissa-glazed leg of lamb with quinoa and pistachio yogurt. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, woodshillpier4.com.
Zurito
Zurito. / Photo by Nina Gallant Sliding onto a high stool, watching Charles Street go by out of the big front windows, feels like the quintessential Beacon Hill experience at this rollicking pintxo bar from the folks behind Somaek, Temple Records, and more. We'll take Spanish-ham-stuffed mini croissants and a glass of vermut, please. 26 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, zuritoboston.com.
Comfort Kitchen
Comfort Kitchen. / Photo by Nina Gallant Three and a half years in, and with two buzzy new siblings in Allston, Comfort Kitchen continues to weave a culinary tale of the African diaspora through global comfort food. Equal parts complex and homey, dishes like hearty goat ragu with cassava gnudi make it clear why this restaurant's been getting national attention since day one. 611 Columbia Rd., Boston, MA 02125, comfortkitchenbos.com.
Saltie Girl
Saltie Girl. / Photo by Nina Gallant This seafood-filled spot feels downright mermaid-y with its pink-and-green décor beckoning to locals and tourists at all hours. Lobster-roll lunches on the sunken Newbury Street patio? Check. Business dinners over caviar service and whole fish? Go for it. Fried-lobster-and-waffle weekend brunch? Absolutely. Throw in fancy tinned fish for good measure anytime. 279 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Tres Gatos
Tres Gatos. / Photo by Nina Gallant Where else can you browse a crate of obscure records while sipping a cocktail with Asian and Mexican flavors? Leave it to this wily little cat—at once a tapas bar, bookshop, and record store—to turn a quick meal into a daylong adventure, with pit stops for paella. 470 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, tresgatosjp.com.
311 Omakase
311 Omakase. / Photo by Armani Thao Precise technique, unusual-for-Boston ingredients (from kegani, or horsehair crab, to cod milt), and beautiful artisanal pottery take you to Japan; luxury supplemental dishes (Oma bluefin, A5 Wagyu) deliver you straight to culinary heaven. Boston has a happening omakase scene; this newly Michelin-starred restaurant is at the front of the pack. Good luck getting in. 605 Tremont St., Unit G, Boston, MA 02118, 311boston.com.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Chef and Food Network star Tiffani Faison has a knack for making the complex art of barbecue look easy. Fifteen years in, her slow-smoked pork ribs still fall off the bone; her sauce-slathered brisket still carries the perfect hint of char, and her gargantuan biscuits are still on hand to catch the juices from the brined, smoked chicken. Crisp coleslaw and other picnic-perfect sides accompany the heavy trays of meat—though we wouldn't mind if it were all delivered by the truckload. 1381 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, sweetcheeksq.com.
Little Sage
Little Sage. / Photo by Lane Caroline Photography After 30 years cooking all over Boston, chef Tony Susi has made Little Sage his North End homecoming: He grew up and ran his first restaurant here. Dodge the middling tourist spots for his short, sharp menu of house-made pastas (especially the ricotta gnocchi) and brick-oven secondi. 352 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, littlesageboston.com.
Himalayan Bistro
Boston's South Asian dining options have never been richer: We've moved beyond ubiquitous Punjabi/Mughal joints to embrace the broader region, including South Indian, Bengali, and Pakistani cuisines. That multicultural diversity was pioneered at this Indian standby in West Roxbury, which also highlights dishes from neighboring Nepal—momos (steamed dumplings), goat and lamb curries, and more—alongside the exemplary takes on tandoori meats, North Indian masalas, and a huge selection of Indian breads. 1735 Centre St., Boston, MA 02132, himalayanbistro.net.
J.J. Foley’s Café
Local pub crawlers nodded knowingly when British social media star Jason Hackett called this South End institution's pint of Guinness the best in America in a 2025 review. The fourth Foley generation (with help from the fifth) continues to gamely preserve the tradition the first Jeremiah Foley started in 1909: serving locals of every stripe—and now some tourists—with solid pub fare and drinks with warm Irish-American hospitality. Bostonians didn't need a world-famous beer geek's commentary to know that. 117 East Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118, jjfoleyscafe.com.
Yunnan Kitchen
Even with tingling lips from the longhorn peppers, we would still sing the praises of the stir-fried beef at this cozy South End spot, a rare Boston destination for southwestern Chinese cuisine from James Beard–nominated chef Yisha Siu. (Heat averse? Get the herbaceous stir-fried mint beef.) Speedy service makes it a breeze to explore the small plates with pals—as tempting as it is to hoard the sticky-rice pancakes for yourself. 1721B Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, yunnankitchensouthend.com.
Suya Joint
You might want to order Suya Joint's taushe (a creamy, spiced peanut stew) every single time—it really is that good. But don't sleep on the rest of the menu. The vibrant okra soup (served with plenty of doughy fufu for dipping); the stunning whole-fried snapper; and the namesake smoky grilled meats are all stellar. Add in crispy samosas that seem to vanish off the plate and the warm hospitality, and you have a spot that practically begs you to stay a while. 185 Dudley St., Boston, MA 02119, suyajoint.com.
Ma Maison
If you've forgotten how seductive French bistro fare can be, pay a visit to this Beacon Hill stalwart from local legend Jacky Robert, who got his culinary start in Boston in the 1970s. Ma Maison has the classic bones, with its red leather banquettes and an ever-booming patio. More important, it has the Gallic goods, too—escargot, onion soup, duck à l'orange, coq au vin, sweetbreads, steak frites, and soufflé, a.k.a. Paris on a nice-priced plate. 272 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, mamaisonboston.com.
Abuela’s Table
Grandma's spirit is alive and well at this inviting Jamaica Plain outpost, where traditional Oaxacan cuisine takes center stage. There's a rich, homemade depth of flavor in the complex moles, stews, and chile relleno en nogada (beef-stuffed poblano peppers in a velvety walnut sauce). Just be sure to save room for the churros or chocoflan—unlike at your real abuela's house, you won't have to clean your plate to get dessert. 416 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, abuelas-table.com.
Mahaniyom
Mahaniyom. / Photo by Chris McIntosh We're thrilled that Michelin recognized our Thai go-to twice—a Bib Gourmand citation and a cocktail award for co-owner Chompon Boonnak—but bummed that getting a reservation is even harder now. (Try booking lunch.) When you finally get in, fill your plate with fiery and funky flavors: kang puu, a crab curry that brings to mind a canal-side lunch in Bangkok; nang kai tod, crispy chicken-skin bites that beg to be paired with a Thai lager; and larb ped, spicy minced duck meat. 236 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445, mahaniyomboston.com.
Moona
A spread of dishes at Moona, including several dips. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal For its newly opened Central Square outpost, Moona went bigger and bolder—fortunately without losing the magic of its intimate older sibling in Inman. Now there's plenty of elbow room for celebratory feasts of hearty mezze (Brussels sprouts fatteh, spicy batata harra), made-to-share date-molasses–glazed lamb shanks, and Lebanese wines. And the future is even brighter: Daytime café plans are in the works, complete with a whole croissant program—yes, you read that right—featuring Levantine flavors. Multiple Cambridge locations, moonarestaurant.com.
Phở Hòa
There's a reason this Dorchester institution has been around for nearly 35 years: The food practically forces you to slow down and just enjoy the moment. Take the layered flavors of the seafood clay pot, which comes loaded with shrimp, scallops, squid, fried garlic, and a savory basil sauce that pairs perfectly with the sizzling rice. As for other offerings, you can basically close your eyes, point, and leave your meal choice to chance. Bùn riêu soup, phở with beef meatballs—whatever you end up with, you win. 1370 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02122, phohoarestaurant.com.
Sanbada
Boston's hottest new Korean restaurant pours its soul into the banchan—Korean side dishes—that are an afterthought at so many other spots. The sweet-and-spicy fried eggplant, in particular, has us returning to the self-service station again and again. But the main courses shine, too, especially smoky grilled seafood like the buttery belt fish. Quite the upgrade to a former sticky-floored college bar. 165 Brighton Ave., Boston, MA 02134, instagram.com/sanbada.allston.
Doña Habana
This lounge-y Roxbury beauty really does brighten the dreariest days, and that's not just the mojitos talking—though they certainly flow freely here. Mango gastrique melds with Atlantic salmon, while rum-flambéed lobster practically begs for a dip in zippy garlic mojo dipping sauce. Bring your crew for patio hangs and large-format feasts (like the massive mixed grill)—and whatever you do, order the legendary churros. 811 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118, donahabanarestaurant.com.
Bar Vlaha
Bar Vlaha's manitaria (crispy fried oyster mushrooms with maidanosalata, a parsley spread). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Boston has no shortage of high-end Greek spots. Our top honor goes to low-gloss, high-flavor Bar Vlaha in Brookline's Washington Square, which uniquely highlights the lesser-known culinary genius of Greece's nomadic, inland Vlach people. Think spit-roasted lamb instead of sea bass and freshwater eel instead of octopus, not to mention forest foods like wild mushrooms and boar. And for those who prefer familiar favorites? Not to worry—there's tzatziki and saganaki aplenty. 1653 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, barvlaha.com.
Café Polonia
Stuffed cabbage in tomato sauce at Café Polonia. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal If there are more restorative elixirs than this longtime Southie restaurant's bowls of barszcz (beet soup) or lightly sour dill-pickle soup, we haven't found them yet. You'll want to chase them with hearty traditional Polish fare: pierogi, of course, filled with potato and cheese or other delectable options; cabbage stuffed with rice and pork, smothered in tangy tomato sauce; and grilled kielbasa. Polish beer—may we suggest the roasty Warka Strong Lager?—washes it all down. 611 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127, cafepolonia.com.
Puritan Oyster Bar
The perfect seafood tower is a thing of beauty: tall, fresh, and completely over-the-top. We particularly appreciate restaurateur Will Gilson's take at Puritan Oyster Bar. A pristine assortment of briny raw oysters, fat cocktail shrimp, piquant marinated mussels, and carmine tuna tartare and crab salad, it's worth a special trip—and then a repeat visit. 1164 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, puritancambridge.com/oysterbar.
Bar Enza
One bite of Bar Enza's lobster Savannah—silky lobster meat sautéed and then baked in its shell, served with warm Portuguese pastries—and suddenly you're riding a tide straight to the past, flashing back to the days when iconic Boston chef Lydia Shire ran Locke-Ober in the early aughts. The Queen of Butter took over Bar Enza as culinary director last year, and we, her loyal subjects, are thrilled she brought this singular dish back. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138, bar-enza.com.
Posto
Posto. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre; food styling by Joy Howard. The most faithful adherent to Neapolitan-style pizza in town, Posto blasts its pies—adorned with San Marzano tomato sauce (naturally) and house-made fior di latte mozzarella—at 850-plus degrees, resulting in a char-dappled crust and appropriately floppy center. You have our permission to pretend you're in Naples and use a knife and fork. South End and Somerville, postoboston.com.
Brassica Kitchen + Café
Brassica's late-2025 move to a bigger space next door brought evolution to the J.P. favorite—but thankfully the super-crispy, super-popular fried chicken made the jump to the new menu. Use it as an excuse to try the rotating fermented hot sauces (jujube ghost, perhaps, or caramelized pineapple). 3712 Washington St., Boston, MA 02130, brassicakitchen.com.
KungFu Kitchen
KungFu Kitchen. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre; food styling by Joy Howard. One bite of KungFu Kitchen's dumplings, and it's clear why this restaurant's New York sibling got a Michelin nod. There's something ethereal about these dough pockets, from the delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to our favorite, the Shanghai pan-fried pork buns. The latter pairs a juicy filling with a cloud-like wrapper sporting an assertive golden-brown crisp on the bottom. 1353 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, instagram.com/kungfukitchen_brookline/.
The Square Deli
Is it a steak-and-cheese, or a cheesesteak? You won't feel the need to debate after one bite of this no-frills sub shop's viral sandwich: Rib-eye is shaved in-house, melding seamlessly with classic Cooper sharp American cheese. The icing on the, er, steak? The seeded roll—lightly crunchy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. Philly's got nothing on this one. 421 A Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, thesquaredelieverett.com.
Jahunger
Jahunger's noodles and more. / Courtesy photo Tingly with Sichuan peppercorn, slippery but with a distinct chew, and tangled around saucy slivers of beef, Jahunger's eponymous handpulled noodles are the embodiment of Uyghur cuisine's bold, earthy flavors. Prefer rice noodles over wheat? Meefen, a spicy stir-fried dish, is equally worth a try. 272 Brookline St., Cambridge, MA 02139, jahunger.com.
The Modern Butcher
The Modern Butcher. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre; food styling by Joy Howard. Carnivores, rejoice! The Saturday-only North Shore beef at this whole-animal butcher shop is an event—one for which you'll wait in a long line. (Trust us: It's worth it.) Top-round beef gets the sous vide treatment for at least 16 hours before it's oven-roasted, hand-sliced, and piled sky-high on a soft, toasted onion roll for beefy perfection. 36 Maple St., Danvers, MA 01923, themodernbutchershop.com.
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
Split down the middle, lightly charred, and nestled in a proper New England–style hot dog bun (is there any other kind?), Trina's dogs are the ideal vehicle for just about any topping you can imagine—and some you can't. Take one recent "dog of the day" special: The bun was wrapped in crispy mozzarella; the dog was topped with Buffalo chicken and Takis. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143, trinastarlite.com.
Pauli’s
Pauli's. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre; food styling by Joy Howard. Here's how legendary Pauli's super-size lobstah rolls are: When we stopped in to try one ourselves, a reality TV show was filming an eating challenge there. Whatever size your appetite can handle—7-ounce, 14-ounce, or the massive 28-ounce roll (dubbed the USS Lobstitution)—rest assured you'll be getting the plumpest morsels of crustacean around. Your only concern? Hot or cold—and whether you can actually finish the thing. 65 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113, paulisnorthend.com.
Mike & Patty’s
Boston is an egg-sandwich monoculture, and most mornings, that's enough. Then Mike & Patty's "Mission" breakfast burrito shows up—fluffy scrambled eggs, a hash brown that crunches, two salsas, neither of them shy, plus breakfast sausage or chorizo, if you'd like, rolled into a tortilla wide enough to require both hands—and you remember the egg sandwich isn't the only answer after all. Get the breakfast sausage. Multiple locations, mikeandpattys.com.
The Haven
Come to Boston's only Scottish pub for the Caledonian novelty of haggis, Scotch eggs, and deep-fried Mars bars; come back for the phenomenal burger, an 8-ounce puck of chuck with proper char, melty cheese, and sweet-salty bacon-onion marmalade. The pickle aioli sauce drips down your wrist by bite three; mop up the mess with the accompanying "chunky chips." 284 Amory St., Boston, MA 02130, thehavenjp.com.
Third Time Together
Ice cream flavors come and go at this all-day café with Jewish diasporic/Mediterranean flair, but are always complex and wonderful: You might find, say, a coffee custard spiced with an in-house Yemeni sweet hawaij blend or maple-and-fenugreek gelato streaked with amba, an Iraqi-Jewish mango sauce. Sweet, indeed. 399 Binney St., Cambridge, MA 02142, thirdtimetogether.co.
Levain Bakery
A Levain cookie. / Courtesy photo The benefit of a nearly ball-shaped 6-ounce cookie, aside from the fact that you can make a whole delicious meal out of it, is the texture: a little crispy-crunchy on the outside and indulgently gooey on the inside. (Bring it home and warm at 350 degrees for a few minutes for pure cookie bliss.) Back Bay and Seaport, levainbakery.com.
Yafa Bakery & Café
Yafa Bakery & Café. / Photo by Nina Gallant Digging into a box of assorted baklava from this Palestinian bakery is like opening a treasure chest, each piece an edible gem. Intricately layered little phyllo pastries, sticky with sugar syrup, come in a variety of shapes and fillings, from classic crushed pistachio (try the chocolate version) to the earthy-meets-creamy walnut and tahini. 594 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, yafabakerycafe.com.
Zuzu’s Petals
You won't see this decadent, deeply fudgy brownie all over social media, but that's only because Zuzu's Petals is a blessedly screen-free establishment. Keep your phone in your pocket and zero in on this explosion of dark chocolate—better yet, stop by on a Monday evening for free, all-you-can-eat brownies with an order of wine, while supplies last. 204 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, zuzuspetalscambridge.com.
Elephantine Bakery and Café
We're counting down the days until cooler months, when Elephantine's coveted French drinking chocolate returns for the season. Truthfully, we'd be happy to drink this super-rich elixir, tempered with a cap of thick whipped cream, even on a warm day; alas, this pretty Portsmouth export will make us wait. 332 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, elephantinebakery.com.
Grill 23 & Bar
The 43-year-old favorite has almost as many Best of Boston accolades as years it's been open. The locally owned stalwart stands apart thanks to its prime cuts, icy martinis, and white tablecloths. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Abe & Louie’s
Abe & Louie's. / Courtesy photo Jacketed servers, caviar-topped baked potatoes, and a baller wine list make this the place to impress clients and close the deal. 793 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, abeandlouies.com.
Mooo….
Mooo.... delights across three outposts, although we particularly appreciate the original on Beacon Hill for its all-day hours. A prime-brisket French dip for lunch? Don't mind if we do! Beacon Hill, Seaport, and Burlington, mooorestaurant.com.
Rare Steakhouse
The glamorous steakhouse opened in 2019 and is for winners in the literal sense, thanks to its casino locale; real-deal Wagyu and fancy-shmancy seafood towers make celebrations even more grand. One Broadway, First Floor, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com/dining-and-nightlife/dining/rare-steakhouse.
Umbria
Tuck into truffle-topped pastas and tomahawk ribeyes before heading up to the roof deck, Mia, for dancing. 250 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, umbrianorthend.com.
Prima
Prima's 32-ounce, 45-day dry-aged porterhouse is served with crispy potatoes, creamed braising greens, and black garlic parmesan butter. / Photo by Mike Diskin Prima has taken Charlestown by storm with its gorgeous décor, fresh cheeses and breads, and hefty porterhouses—the perfect place to pad your stomach before heading across the bridge to a TD Garden event. 10 City Sq., Boston, MA 02129, primaboston.com.
Vermilion
Vermilion's French onion dumplings. / Photo by Nitzan Keynan Vermilion brought star power to downtown Boston courtesy of restaurateur and chef John Fraser, who has helmed several Michelin-starred restaurants around the country; try inventive dishes like roasted canoe-cut bone marrow with oxtail ragu or a trio of tartares alongside the menu's prime cuts. 115 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, vermilion-club.com.
Capricho Colombian Steakhouse
Capricho Colombian Steakhouse. / Courtesy photo In a sea of American and Italian steakhouses (and the occasional Brazilian), Capricho is giving us a wood-fired taste of South America via toasted-coffee-buttered rib-eyes, New York strips with chimichurri, and tamarind-rum-glazed T-bones. 1627 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, caprichocolombiansteakhouse.com.
Maple & Ash
"The Eisenhower" at Maple & Ash, a 45-day dry-aged porterhouse. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Maple & Ash swept in from Chicago with fire-roasted seafood towers, meaty tasting menus, and a vampire-chic dining room—a worthy addition to our restaurant scene despite our occasional standoffishness to out-of-towners. 131 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, mapleandash.com/boston/.
Zebra Room
The Zebra Room. / Photo by Josh Jamison The "it" spot masterminds behind Yvonne's and Mariel recently debuted the Zebra Room, a subterranean steak "speakeasy" with only 10 tables, supremely comfortable lounge-like seating, and retro vibes. 4 Winter Pl., Boston, MA 02108, zebraroom.com.
Tonino
Pastas at Tonino. / Photo by Brian Samuels Photography Small space, exceptional food—yep, this is one impossible booking, unfortunately for those who would love to savor chef/co-owner Luke Fetbroth's lumache pasta, with its umami alchemy of mushroom and garlic-spiked crème fraîche. Though this 11-table J.P. boîte is usually booked solid on Resy, patience, like the hot-honey-and-ricotta pizza bianca, is a virtue. Once you snag that spot, you'll find that the vibes are as buzzy as the house spritz. 669A Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, toninojp.com.
My Girl
My Girl. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Martinis (particularly of the freezer variety) are the bevvie of choice at this grown-up lounge from the COJE Management Group crew, nestled under sibling spot Mariel and dripping in luxe, pre-Castro Havana-inspired décor. Thursday nights get the good times rolling with live-request pianist Tim Young; DJs and other entertainment ensure a party on Fridays and Saturdays. 10 Post Office Sq., Boston, MA 02108, mygirlinboston.com.
Aatma at Widowmaker
Aatma at Widowmaker. / Photo by Gene Buonaccorsi Chef Keith Sarasin's "Indian food with attitude" kitchen at Brighton's Widowmaker Brewing has been absolutely on fire since opening in late 2025. Is it the Amul-cheese-smothered, masala-spiced burger that brings the crowds? The fried idli chaat garnished with a masterful interplay of sauces, including green chutney and hibiscus yogurt? Whatever the draw, all of Sarasin's dishes pair flawlessly with Widowmaker's thirst-quenching lagers and IPAs. 190 N Beacon St., Boston, MA 02135, aatmacurryhouse.com.
Swingers
New York-based Detroit-style pizza chain Emmy Squared is featured at Boston's Swingers. / Courtesy photo The name might hint at something a bit more, ahem, adult, but this sleek new Back Bay destination is all about good, clean fun. Packing two 9-hole mini-golf courses and a retro arcade across two massive floors, it's the ultimate spot to unleash your inner kid (though actual children are restricted to Sundays). The real winner here is the value: a $49 package hooks you up with $35 toward drinks and casual American bites, a round of mini golf, and 30 minutes of free arcade play. It's an absolute steal for a night out. Just, you know…be careful what you Google. 777 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, swingers.club.
Tuscan Brands
Sorella's Maine lobster gnocchi with truffle mascarpone and sherry riduzione. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal With a nostalgic spaghetti bar in the works in an iconic Kenmore Square space, Tuscan Brands is on track for a thrilling 2027—not to discount everything founder Joe Faro has already built over the past 16 years. His Italian-food empire includes the sprawling Tuscan Kitchen in Boston's Seaport; Tuscan Market—an emporium of Italian groceries, on-site dining, and cooking classes—in Salem, New Hampshire; and a slew of other businesses, including catering arms, a hotel, and even the nearly 200-year-old Buitoni pasta brand, which he bought in 2024. Salute! Multiple locations, tuscanbrands.com.
Contessa
Contessa. / Photo by Douglas Friedman It's already hard to beat Contessa's fan-favorite Calabrian chili-spiked lobster capellini and hearty macaroni with wild-boar ragu. But what kicks them up another notch? The unbeatable 17th-floor views of the Boston skyline from this Public Garden–adjacent destination. The restaurant's own notable interior design, a gasp-worthy maximalist fever dream in elegant jewel tones by Ken Fulk, doesn't hurt. 3 Newbury St., Rooftop, Boston, MA 02116, contessaristorante.com/boston.
Nautilus Pier 4
Nautilus Pier 4's Peking-inspired duck. / Courtesy photo Even bashful diners come out of their shells at this splashy Boston outpost of a Nantucket original. After all, it's hard to be shy when you and your dining buddies are playfully bickering over who gets that last bite of mango-topped whole branzino, or having a build-a-bao moment with the Peking-inspired whole-roasted duck, which includes crispy confit leg served with warmed steamed buns, sushi rice, and tons of goodies. Go with friends who don't mind sharing, and prepare to be wowed. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, thenautilus.com.
Eastern Standard
Before the Sox hit the field at Fenway, Eastern Standard—the once-shuttered Kenmore landmark that reopened nearly three years ago in the shadow of the Green Monster—is already pleasantly raucous. No surprise there, given that restaurateur Garrett Harker is serving up ice-cold martinis with sea salt, an Old Fashioned with mole bitters, and delightfully oddball European wines. The bacon-and-Brie-topped "deluxe" burger hits it out of the park, too, regardless of whether the home team wins or loses. 775 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, easternstandardboston.com.
Mai
Mai. / Photo by Nina Gallant Shout-out to Mai owner Kevin Liu, who knows a trend when he sees one and somehow secured a LABUBU vanity plate for his sports car. The wacky little collectible creatures line the rafters of Liu's swanky Japanese-French restaurant in the Seaport, signaling that this is a spot you're going to want to photograph abundantly. (A cocktail topped with a bubble that pops in a flourish of fragrant smoke adds to the social-media friendliness.) Fortunately, the hand rolls and Wagyu steak frites are exceptional, too. See? Style and substance. 31 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, mai.boston.
Strega by Nick Varano
Twenty-three years on Hanover Street, and Nick Varano's Strega still books the only table in Boston worth a paparazzo. Mariah Carey is practically a regular. Steph Curry stopped by in March. Last December, Kenny Chesney came for lunch, and the whole dining room ended up singing "Get Along" together. After the Celtics won the 2024 title, coach Joe Mazzulla walked in, hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The Godfather plays on a loop on all the TVs. Because, of course. 379 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, stregabynickvarano.com.
Fighting Fish Thai Cuisine
The large signage for Stardust Video beckons first—or maybe that was your intended destination?—with a petite sign for this year-old Thai restaurant hidden beneath. But it's hard to miss the restaurant's standalone, bright-red building, a welcoming respite serving transportive Thai. Spicy grilled pork jowl; yam pla duk fu, a crispy cloud of fried fish flakes; and khao soi with chicken are among the must-tries. And unlike Stardust, this place is open after midnight. 241 Beacham St., Everett, MA 02149, fightingfishthaicuisine.com.
Assembly Design Studio
Capri. / Photo by Assembly Design Studio If there's a gorgeous restaurant in town (and all over your social media feed), there's a solid chance Erica and Michael Diskin's prolific South Boston–based firm designed it. In recent years, their eye-catching projects have included a sun-drenched Spanish restaurant with a huge open kitchen and a giant plant-filled skylight; a breezy, pretty-in-pink Mexican restaurant flooded with flowers; and so many sultry, stunning bars. assemblydesignstudio.com.