15 perfect restaurants in Boston, United States

Welcome to Boston, where the streets are as winding as your appetite! Brace yourselves, because we're about to embark on a culinary adventure through the 15 best restaurants in this food lover’s paradise. From cozy seafood shacks serving heavenly clam chowder to swanky spots crafting impeccable steak, Boston has a taste bud-tickling treat for everyone. So loosen your belt and prepare to indulge, because these eateries will leave you satisfied, slightly tipsy, and definitely craving more!

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1. L'Espalier

4.5 (201)

774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, USA

If you're in Boston and looking for a dining experience that will both impress and tickle your taste buds, L'Espalier is the place to be. Hidden away in a charming townhouse, this culinary gem offers a feast for the senses. From their exquisite, artistically presented dishes to their attentive staff who might just know your dessert preferences better than you do, L'Espalier ensures you leave the restaurant with a full belly and a smile on your face.

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2. Myers + Chang

4.5 (1548)

1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, USA

Tucked away in the vibrant South End neighborhood of Boston, Myers + Chang is a culinary haven that rebels against your dull dinner routine like a rebellious 90s teenager. This funky joint, with its retro-chic décor and sassy attitude, makes it hard to resist swinging by for a culinary rendezvous. Prepare to be seduced by their innovative Asian-inspired menu, where their tantalizing offerings flirt shamelessly with your taste buds, leaving them weak in the knees.

www.myersandchang.com

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3. Neptune Oyster

4.4 (3468)

63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113, USA

Welcome to the culinary haven of Boston, where seafood enthusiasts converge to worship at the temple that is Neptune Oyster. Nestled cozily in the historic North End, this unassuming gem has redefined the concept of mouth-watering oysters. Prepare to be seduced by their succulent bivalves, meticulously shucked and served with a side of wit by the charming and flirtatious staff, making you wish you could marry your plate of oysters on the spot. Pro tip: Brace yourself for a queue that would make even the most patient souls question the meaning of life, but don't worry, the reward at the end is well worth it.

www.neptuneoyster.com

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4. No. 9 Park

4.6 (565)

9 Park St Pl, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Nestled in the heart of Boston lies No. 9 Park, an enchanting culinary oasis befitting both fine diners and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Step inside this charming establishment and allow your taste buds to embark on a journey through the divine world of Italian and French cuisine, expertly crafted by the culinary wizards in their bustling kitchen. With a dash of elegance, a sprinkle of whimsy, and a drizzle of laughter, No. 9 Park promises to transport you to a blissful gastronomic wonderland that will leave you craving for more - oh, and don't forget to bring your stretchy pants!

www.no9park.com

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5. Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

4.4 (2522)

271 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar is an oasis for those seeking a feast of flavors, a splash of spirits, and an unapologetic good time. With its vibrant décor, dimly lit ambiance, and seductive Latin beats, this establishment effortlessly transports its patrons into a world where tequila flows like a mischievous river. From the moment you step foot through the doors, prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing adventure that will leave you craving more - and perhaps questioning how many tacos is too many.

www.lolitamexican.com

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6. Oleana

4.7 (1569)

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Welcome to Oleana, a culinary oasis in the heart of Boston with a vibe so hipster, the beards on the waitstaff have their own following. Step inside and prepare to be dazzled by their mesmerizing menu, a tantalizing fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors that will have your taste buds doing a conga line. Don't be surprised if you find yourself contemplating a marriage proposal to their lamb shawarma, it's just that good.

www.oleanarestaurant.com

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7. Mamma Maria

4.7 (1232)

3 N Square, Boston, MA 02113, USA

Nestled within the vibrant streets of Boston, Mamma Maria stands as a culinary colossus that commands attention. With a touch of Italian charm and goodness, this cozy gem has tourists and locals alike migrating like pasta-crazy geese. Step inside and be transported to a small Italian village, where dreams of pizza and pasta dwell – just be warned, you may leave feeling like you need to convert to a carb-worshipping cult.

www.mammamaria.com

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8. Union Oyster House

4.3 (7800)

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Union Oyster House is like a time machine ready to transport you to a gastronomic haven where the seafood gods themselves reside. This seafood temple, established way back in 1826, proudly bears the title of being America's oldest continually operating restaurant. Prepare to be awed by its rich history and charming, creaky wooden floors that have witnessed countless oyster shucking battles and chowder-cooking marathons.

www.unionoysterhouse.com

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9. Grotto

4.5 (681)

37 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Welcome to Grotto, the hidden gem of Boston where fine dining meets effortless charm. Tucked away in a picturesque alleyway, this Italian restaurant will transport you to the heart of Tuscany without the jet lag. With its cozy ambiance and delicious homemade pasta, Grotto offers a dining experience that will have you saying "mama mia!" with every bite, and not just because you accidentally burned your tongue on the mouthwatering tomato sauce.

grottorestaurant.com

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10. Island Creek Oyster Bar

4.6 (1146)

500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Welcome to Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston, where the ocean meets your taste buds and your wallet simultaneously considers getting a second mortgage. With its elegant decor that screams "next level lumberjack," this seafood haven will make you wonder why Poseidon himself didn't move inland. Take a deep breath and savor the briny delights of their delicious oysters, which are so fresh they make Ariel jealous.

islandcreekoysters.com

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11. Toro

4.5 (1884)

1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, USA

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Toro welcomes you with open arms and empty stomachs, ready to tantalize your taste buds with a flamenco dance of flavors. Known for its vibrant tapas scene, this lively joint offers a culinary experience that will make your taste buds do the flamenco. So put on your stretchy pants, grab your amigos, and get ready to devour Spanish cuisine that will have you saying, "¡Olé!"

www.toro-restaurant.com

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12. Craigie on Main

4.6 (665)

853 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Hidden amidst the charming streets of Boston, Craigie on Main is where culinary wonders and humorous anecdotes unite under one delectable roof. Sink your teeth into their legendary burger, renowned for being so irresistible that even vegetarians are rumored to develop sudden cravings. As you savor every bite, don't be surprised if the dreamy ambiance and stunning Victorian-inspired decor make you fantasize about staging your own high-society tea party with a squirrel and a top hat.

www.craigieonmain.com

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13. Tasting Counter

4.7 (378)

14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA

Welcome to Tasting Counter, where culinary wizardry takes the center stage! Nestled in the heart of Boston, this dining destination offers an experience so exquisite that even your taste buds will wear their finest attire. Prepare to embark on an epicurean adventure where delectable dishes are crafted with the precision of a mad scientist, leaving you with a dilemma: to eat or to frame these edible masterpieces as modern art?

tastingcounter.com

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14. Giulia

4.7 (663)

1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Welcome to Boston, where the energy is as contagious as a Celtics game and the history is as rich as a clam chowder. Meet Giulia, a local who's always ready to explore the city with her infectious charm and vibrant personality. You'll spot her effortlessly roaming the picturesque cobblestone streets, armed with a camera and a knack for discovering the best lobster rolls in town. Just follow Giulia's lead, and you'll find yourself immersed in the bustling markets, cozy bookstores, and lively jazz bars that make Boston the "Beantown" it is today.

www.giuliarestaurant.com

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15. Menton

4.5 (493)

354 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Menton oozes sophistication like a well-dressed penguin at a black-tie affair. With its sleek and intimate ambiance, this culinary haven offers a dining experience so precious, they practically put it in a vault. Prepare to be dazzled by their culinary wizardry as they transform local ingredients into dishes that will make your taste buds do the tango.

www.mentonboston.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Boston by plane is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport, which is located just 3 miles from downtown Boston. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest all service this airport from cities across the United States and around the world.

Car

Driving to Boston is an option if you live within a few hours of the city. However, be aware that parking in Boston can be expensive and difficult to find. If you do decide to drive, the easiest way to get into the city is via I-93 or I-90.

Train

While there are train stations in Boston, it may not be the most efficient way to get there. However, if you are coming in from other parts of Massachusetts or the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak offers service to Boston's South Station and Back Bay Station.

Boat

While Boston is located on the coast, taking a boat may not be the easiest or most efficient way to get there. However, there are ferry services from nearby islands, such as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, that dock in Boston's Long Wharf area.

Bus

A great way to get to Boston is by bus. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines both offer service to Boston from cities across the United States. The main bus station in Boston is the South Station Bus Terminal, which is located in the heart of the city.

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