Boston’s dining scene has evolved far beyond its historic reputation for baked beans and clam chowder. Today, the city offers a remarkable tapestry of culinary experiences that reflect its rich immigrant history, access to fresh New England seafood, and a fiercely independent restaurant culture. From the narrow, gas-lit streets of the North End to the innovative spaces in the Seaport District, choosing where to eat can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a lifelong local or a first-time visitor walking the Freedom Trail, the city serves up everything from unpretentious lobster rolls to meticulously plated tasting menus.
The true heart of Boston dining lies in its neighborhoods. Areas like Cambridge, Somerville, and Dorchester have become destinations in their own right, housing some of the most exciting kitchens in the country. While the city is known for its high cost of living, the restaurant scene is surprisingly diverse, offering incredible value at neighborhood bistros alongside luxurious waterfront establishments. Understanding the landscape is key to finding the meals that will define your trip or your weekend routine.
Seafood is, unsurprisingly, the backbone of the local menu. With a working harbor and proximity to the cold waters of the Atlantic, chefs here have direct access to some of the best oysters, scallops, and cod in the world. However, to define Boston solely by its seafood would be a mistake. The city has quietly become a powerhouse for handmade pasta, modern Israeli cuisine, and boundary-pushing New American fare that rivals the culinary capitals of New York and San Francisco.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and highlight the establishments that define the current Boston food landscape. We have considered not just the quality of the food, but the consistency of the service, the atmosphere, and the overall value. Whether you are looking for a romantic date night spot, a power lunch location, or a casual bite after a game at Fenway, the options below represent the absolute best the city has to offer.
We have prioritized restaurants that offer an authentic sense of place. These are not cookie-cutter chains or tourist traps; they are institutions and hidden gems that locals actually frequent. From James Beard Award winners to humble family-run counters that have been perfecting a single dish for decades, the following list represents a deep dive into Boston’s culinary soul.
Before we dive into the specific locations, it is important to note that Boston’s dining culture often requires planning. Many of the top spots are small and do not accept reservations, leading to lines that form down the block on weekends. We recommend checking each restaurant’s current operating hours and reservation policies before you go, as the landscape is constantly shifting.
Mamma Maria
| Address | 3 N Square #1, Boston, MA 02113 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM Friday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 4:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (617) 523-0077 |
There is no way to describe this restaurant as anything but outstanding! Despite the cost, it is worth a stop. Everything is flavorful and fresh, and each meal has something different to offer. The fish is carefully seasoned and cooked and the meat dishes and pasta are satiating. They do traditional meals the best. The plates are decent sized, and you truly get what you pay for. In the summer they offer outdoor seating in the square which is a wonderful opportunity on a warm evening. The wait staff are very attentive and will make great suggestions if asked. Definitely make a reservation as this is a popular spot!
Absolutely amazing dinner! After seeing the great reviews, we were lucky enough to get a reservation. We got the rabbit pasta and the lobster agnolotti which were both incredible and some of the best meals we have ever had. They give bread with pesto and olives before the meals which were really good as well. Our server was very kind and helpful and added to the experience. The dining room is very nice and the restaurant is located in a great area with amazing views of the city. Highly recommend Mamma Maria's and we will definitely be back!
Absolutely loved our experience here! Easily got bar seating on a busy Saturday night. The bartending staff were incredibly welcoming, friendly and made our night special! It was also fun to be in the hustle and bustle of the servers who staged meal delivery behind us. The food was truly amazing and worth the hype!
We went here for our anniversary dinner and had a great time. The place is super cute, the staff is very nice and attentive, and the food was excellent.
To start they bring you bread with pesto and olives. The bread is very good you can tell it is fresh. And the person served with it is quite good too.
For appetizers we had the baked oysters and the bison gnocchi. Both were highlights. The oysters were creamy, flavorful, and had a nice texture. The bison gnocchi was also quite good and the meat was very tender.
Then for dinner we had the rabbit pasta and the lobster agnolotti. The rabbit pasta wasade with house made pasta and the rabbit meat was very tender and flavorful. The sauce was balanced and the portion size was decent. The lobster agnolotti had a lot of lobster in it which was appreciated and it was also served in a delicate sauce with perfectly cooked mushrooms.
Because it was our anniversary they brought us a free blueberry pana cotta too and that was pretty good. Very fresh blueberries and a perfect texture for the pana cotta.
Overall a great experience and we would go here again.
We celebrated our wedding in October, 2025 with a luncheon at Mamma Maria, and it was truly wonderful. The atmosphere was elegant, warm, and perfect for such a special occasion. The food was excellent, the service was very attentive, and the entire experience felt thoughtful and seamless in every aspect (specially because we could create our own menu). Our family and friends had a great time, and the restaurant made the day feel even more memorable. We’re very grateful to the team at Mamma Maria for helping make our celebration so special.
The Salty Pig
| Address | 130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 536-6200 |
Casual Italian place with fun vibes. Great for groups - plenty of shareables, charcuterie and cheese boards, pizzas. The dishes all had interesting herbs and textures. I would come back to try more of the menu.
The hostess was super upbeat and clearly loves working at The Salty Pig. She is the perfect employee to set the tone for your dining experience! Our table of five received outstanding attention/service and the food was delicious. Fresh. Made to order. My husband had a pizza, he actually ate the whole thing. Our grandsons had a brisket sandwich and I had the homemade hotdog and put it over a bed of lettuce. DIVINE! Our tour guide enjoyed a turkey wrap. Next time I’ll look forward to trying their charcuterie options. All meats are made and cured in house. It smells fabulous. I highly recommend The Salty Pig.
We had such a wonderful experience at The Salty Pig. We were there with our friends. The atmosphere is fantastic — warm, lively, and truly welcoming. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful, making us feel comfortable from the moment we walked in. It’s definitely a family‑friendly place, which we really appreciated.
We ordered the Margherita pizza with prosciutto for the kids, and they absolutely loved it. For the adults, we tried two pastas — the Bucatini and the Rigatoni — and both were outstanding. The pasta was cooked perfectly, not overdone and not raw, just that ideal texture that’s hard to find. And the sauces… I honestly don’t have words. So flavorful, rich, and delicious — truly unforgettable.
For dessert, we tried the chocolate hazelnut ice cream and the chocolate torta. Both were amazing — sweet, indulgent, and the perfect finish to an already fantastic meal.
We loved everything about this place, and we will definitely visit again the next time we’re in Boston.
My colleague and I decided to share the beef cheeks and the chicken Milanese (very similar to schnitzel) and the two dishes were the best we’ve had on this trip ti boston. The beef cheeks were soft and unique. We also got the olive oil cake and it was so good too. Highly recommended, and hopefully next time I can try their pastas.
June 2026
Absolutely outstanding brick oven pizza! We ordered five different pizzas and a charcuterie board for a group of eight, and we destroyed every last slice. Crisp, delicious, and bursting with flavor. Highly recommend this place.
Boston Sail Loft
| Address | 80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (617) 227-7280 |
The food was absolutely delicious. Of course I had to try the New England Clam Chowder since this was supposed to be 1 of the 2 best places to try it in Boston. I don’t like dill and clams are not my favorite seafood yet this Chowder was delicious and I could definitely eat it again. Every bite, super hot, creamy, seasoned, delectable. I had a cup with Cajun shrimp. I was told they were going to be small but there were pretty big, super fresh, tender, seasoned very well, hot, and yummy. I don’t usually like cocktails sauce but you can tell this was fresh so I thoroughly enjoyed it. The tartar sauce was balanced and delicious as well. It was a super cool, relaxed, loud atmosphere. I sat at the bar, all the staff were friendly and the folks I sat next to as well. I love checking out new places and being in my own world soaking up everything/one around me.
Everything we ordered was delicious! We started with the Appetizer Combo Plate and chose the calamari, shrimp, and Buffalo wings. The calamari and shrimp were excellent but the Buffalo wings were the only item we felt was a bit below the rest. We also had the New England Clam Chowder, which was fantastic but the absolute star of the night was the lobster roll. It was incredibly fresh, buttery and one of the best we’ve ever had.
The three dishes were more than enough for two adults and a toddler, so the portions are very generous. We waited about an hour on the waitlist on a Sunday evening but it was absolutely worth it. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Boston!
We visited this place after hearing it’s a local favorite with a great atmosphere right by the harbor, and it definitely lived up to the hype—the restaurant was packed with locals!
Even though we were tourists and a bit unfamiliar with how things worked, Nick was exceptionally kind and helpful. Even during the busy dinner rush when it must have been exhausting, he took the time to explain everything warmly to every single table, which truly impressed us.
All the food was fantastic, but I especially recommend the seafood pasta(it is not on the picture though), the lobster roll, and the Maine Beer Company IPA Lunch!
Huge thanks to the team at Boston Sail Loft for making the first night of our trip so memorable!
Had a total summer night craving for a lobster roll, stumbled upon this place, and scored amazing parking on the first try—took that as my sign! Ended up waiting 1.5 hours, so if they take reservations, I’d highly recommend booking instead of walking in. The food was good it earned five stars. Since it’s right on the water, it was a little humid, and the inside felt a bit cluttered for my taste, but one thing I loved: their generosity with that overflowing clam chowder was unmatched!
When in Boston, getting a great lobster roll and a bowl of clam chowder is a must. This spot came highly recommended, so we decided to check it out—and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
The line can look long, but they have an efficient system where you leave your number and get a text when your table is ready. Even though the wait was quoted at 45 minutes, we were seated in about 20.
The service was friendly, and both the lobster roll and clam chowder were excellent. Definitely worth a visit—highly recommend!
Carmelina's
| Address | 307 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 742-0020 |
It was such a cool experience. My first Michelin star resturant. The line was out the door and we were the first in line despite not having a reservation they found us a spot and we went right when they opened and the service was pretty quick. The interior was pretty and the staff was nice, you get free bread and oil and it was super good. We wanted more bread after that lol. I got the chicken parm and the breading and mozerella on the chicken was incredible. It really made the dish. The gnocchi was also super good i think if i ever went back id get that. Overall recommend very authentic.
We had a reservation at this busy North End spot and were seated quickly despite the crowds, glad we snagged a window table for our family of six.
Service was a letdown. Our server seemed disengaged, likely juggling too many tables, and just generally uninterested over the course of the meal. To be fair, food did come out in a timely manner despite that.
We ordered many dishes to share, and the results were mixed:
Crazy Alfredo — the clear favorite of the night, really well done
Bread with oil and fresh aromatics — amazing, could have eaten this alone
Sunday Macaroni — just okay, our kids usually love gourmet mac and cheese and this didn't wow them
Spaghetti and meatballs — extremely bland, especially the meatballs.
Bolognese — okay.
A couple different salads: good and fun flavors.
Between the inconsistent food and lackluster service, we're honestly not sure we'd go back. The Crazy Alfredo and bread were genuinely great, but the rest didn't live up to the hype for a restaurant this busy and well-reviewed.
We finally made our first visit to Michelin Guide-recognized Carmelina’s in Boston’s North End, and after one meal, I completely understand why this place earned that distinction.
Carmelina’s delivers bold, unapologetic Italian cuisine where garlic, tomato, cream, butter, and rich slow-cooked sauces are allowed to shine. Portions are generous, flavors are layered, and nearly every plate feels like comfort food elevated through serious culinary execution.
We started with the Tuna Arrabbiata featuring seared ahi, mandoline potatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and Moroccan olive dressing. Spicy, balanced, and absolutely delicious. The Baby Eggplant with tomato sauce, parmigiano, and basil was another standout.
Mimmo’s Baked Meatballs were tender, flavorful, and deeply comforting, while the Pasta Bologna with veal, pork, beef ragù, 24-hour stock, and whipped ricotta was rich and hearty without feeling overwhelming.
I ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara made with Sulmona cured pancetta rather than traditional guanciale. Purists may debate the substitution, but the dish absolutely works. Creamy, pepper-forward, and intensely savory.
What makes Carmelina’s memorable is not simply the quality of the food, but the spirit of the place itself. Much of the food arrives in the very pans it was cooked in, reinforcing the rustic warmth and generosity that defines the restaurant.
Reservations are difficult to secure, but we were fortunate enough to walk in right as they opened. Come hungry, bring friends, and prepare to leave very full and very happy.
Carmelinas is one of the best Italian restaurants you will find in the northern. While they are small and a reservation is highly encouraged it is absolutely worth the wait time. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are big and the service is fast. Every time I am in Boston Carmelinas is my must go to.
Carmelina’s had exactly what I was looking for during a short stay in Boston: great food, a good vibe, and in the North End.
My party of 2 did not have a reservation, but showed up early (~4pm) on a week night and were able to be seated within 45 minutes. Cafe Vittoria across the street provided great spot to wait and have a cocktail before dinner.
The food was fantastic. It was rustic with great flavor and execution. I had the Lobster ravioli, which was amazing. The prosecco spritz drinks were great as well.
Service was good. They encourage you to order drinks, appetizers, and mains at once if you are ready, but it didn’t feel rushed and everything came out with good timing. I will definitely return next time we’re in town.
SAVR
| Address | 150 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 553-7287 |
6/18/26: Stopped by SAVR on June 18th around noon for lunch and had a great experience overall. The restaurant wasn't too crowded, and our party of four was able to grab seats at the bar without any wait.
I ordered a Fiddlehead and tried their monthly special, the Crab BLT sandwich. The sandwich hit the spot for a summer lunch, with plenty of crab, fresh avocado, crispy bacon, and a nice balance of flavors. The fries were also hot and well-seasoned.
Service was one of the highlights of the visit. The bartender was attentive throughout the meal, and the manager stopped by to make sure everything came out correctly. The staff was friendly and personable, even checking in with us during the World Cup match that was on while we were there.
One of the things I appreciate most about SAVR is its location. I’ve stopped in a few times when I’m in the area for a drink and a quick bite, and it’s hard to beat the waterfront setting. On a nice summer day, the views alone make it worth a visit.
While nothing completely blew me away this time, the combination of solid food, friendly service, and great atmosphere keeps bringing me back. If you're looking for a casual spot to grab lunch, watch a game, or enjoy the water views, SAVR is definitely worth checking out.
Great experience! Always walked by but finally went in and we were sat upstairs where it’s a bit quieter from the lively bar area downstairs.
The food was absolutely delicious, the seaside views, comfy seats, friendly service and clean restaurant. I would definitely recommend you try the food here or just come for drinks - great atmosphere.
No reservation required mid-day
and of course it’s pricey but worth it for a special occasion or if you just wanna splurge on an exceptional overall dining experience.
Beautiful atmosphere and absolutely must be wonderful in the summer months but visiting in December is seriously, not a miss! Go hungry and thirsty and try that delicious espresso martini sampler (flight).
I loved that they also offer yummy gin cocktails as well.
Not the most fancy but it must be mentioned that their French fries are THE BEST!
Atmosphere: dress up or casual. Fits all the feels.
Service: very pleasant
My friend and I enjoyed the back patio so much. Especially Lauren’s and PT’s service and consideration. Lauren’s drink were perfectly made and she got in time to take pictures of me and my bestie for my 29th birthday. Thank you so much to this lovely team for being so accommodating.
We had some of the BEST food here! The portions were solid with beautiful presentation! There is outside dining with a view of the water. Our waitress was so nice, even answered out questions about the area. Great food and experience - HIGHLY recommend!
Buttermilk & Bourbon - Back Bay
| Address | 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 266-1122 |
I had 24 hrs in Boston, and of course I did my research on restaurants. I decided to visit this establishment. They didn’t let me down. I started off with their Signature Honey Glazed Biscuits; they were so good. They come with pimento cheese and cinnamon butter spread. I was only able to eat like 1 and 1/4 biscuit. My main course was the skirt steak and eggs. The cheddar jalapeño grits and eggs really stood out. My adult beverage was the B&B Hurricane. They should go easy on the ice next time. Takes away from the flavor of the drink. My waitress, by the way, was on point. She kept checking in on me to see if I was good.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Buttermilk & Bourbon. The staff were welcoming, attentive and extremely helpful. Pulling our reservation forward by 30 mins was not a problem. Our server was lovely, the food came out piping hot and very flavoursome. Cocktails were very strong and the frozen strawberry margarita was not mixed well and not particularly enjoyable. Highly recommend this for nice relaxed meal. Lovely touch from server, he turned away when tip was being selected! Great visit.
This restaurant blew our socks off! For starters, the aesthetic of it is incredible. The decor alone is just so amazing. As for the food, it’s all spectacular. It seems like an incredibly expensive restaurant but to be honest the food was extremely reasonably priced. The macncheese was so good, it was like next level. The sourdough wasn’t anything super special, but the chicken. Don’t even get me started. That fried chicken was just absolutely stupendous, no notes. The buttermilk biscuits were so good, I don’t think I’ve ever had a better biscuit in my whole life. The grilled octopus was excellent, and the wagyu beef burgers were some of the best burgers we’ve ever had. For dessert we got beignets and my god they were crunchy on the outside, so soft and warm on the inside. The chocolate sauce was so rich! On top of amazing food, great aesthetic and prices, the serves were so nice and the time it took to get the food was so fast. We got the food about 10 minutes, maybe even less than that, after we ordered. This is a MUST if you are in Boston. Non-negotiable!!!
After two times of getting denied for not getting a table, I finally got to visit Buttermilk and Bourbon in Back Bay and I must say it truely did not disappoint. Everything we tried out here was so good and had southern influence blended perfectly well. We got a bunch of different dishes to try out that the waitress recommended us . The buttermilk fried chicken with Nashville hot and spicy bbq syrup was definately the star of the show as the chicken was so moist and perfectly seasoned. The louisana crawfish aranchini and pan seared red fish were also my favourite tapas to try out followed by the charred octopus. They have a decent collection of drinks too although on a slightly expensive side, but thats pretty much standard you will get around back bay. Overall I had a great experience getting dinner here with friends and would definitely come here again!!
I absolutely enjoyed eating at Buttermilk & Bourbon in Boston! The grilled salmon meal was fantastic—the flavor combination of the carrot puree, piquillo pepper relish, and andouille-potato hash was incredible. You also cannot miss their biscuits; they were outstanding. On top of the food, the service was amazing and the atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back next time I’m in town! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yvonne's
| Address | 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (617) 267-0047 |
We had the best time at Yvonne's. The vibe was set from entry to every inch of incredible decor to every specialty drink (we left our fates up to the bartenders and they made the experience magical) and every morsel of food. The crab beignets were otherwordly. The trumpet mushrooms were light and tasty. The spicy lamb pizza was delicious (from someone who doesn't like lamb) and the Grilled Viper Chop was imaginative and full of flavor. We got the half portion and had to verify with our server that it was indeed the half because the portion was so huge! My husband and I shared all the dishes which was the perfect way to experience the menu. We celebrated our anniversary, and I can't think of a more perfect location to have done it. Can't wait to go back!
What a vibe! Yvonne’s offers a speakeasy like atmosphere with incredible drinks and some great food. This is definitely a spot to get dressed up and go out with great friends!
Inside the decor is beautiful, with one area a sophisticated library, and another room an elegant dining area. Everything about Yvonne’s whispers class.
You can order your own meal or try some shareables for the table. Every time we have visited the food has been superb. The drinks are also delicious, so much so that the French 75 here inspired one of our signature drinks at our wedding!
We definitely recommend checking out Yvonne’s if you haven’t yet!
Lentz_explore
★★★★★
Visited on a work trip and absolutely loved it. The small bites are incredible—especially the lobster dumplings, which are packed with flavor and a must-order. I had the Siamese Dream and Velvet Cashmere cocktails, and both were fantastic. Pedro, the bartender, was super personable and made the experience even better. If you’re in Boston for a short visit, this is a great spot to check out, but it’s worth staying for a full meal if you can. Highly recommend!
Decided to give Yvonnes a try, since I hadn't in years and its still top notch. The ambiance was mellow with music in the background and the decor was classy with hidden humor to add character, you'll understand when you see Mr. Walken, lol. Now to the food! Everything was delicious, I would say each app dish would be good for about 3 ppl or so. My favorite dish in the past and still is after last night is the Viper chop. Crispy kimchi friend rice with pork ribs over it and a glaze of spicy sweet hot sauce, UGH, so good! We also had the Tico Tuna that melted in your mouth and the octopus was great in a curry sauce I believe. We ended it with some creme brulee. The crunchy sugar top with the velvety custard inside was amazing. The worst part was the walk back from the restaurant since we were so full 😁
Loved everything - better than expected but reviews sometimes can’t be trusted. We came for the vibe but god delicious food too, so no complaints. The duck prosciutto maybe would’ve swapped for something else - loved the toast without the prosciutto, go figure.
Tuna is a MUST.
Ostra
| Address | 1 Charles St S, Boston, MA 02116 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (617) 421-1200 |
A special visit, one to remember. 🤍
In my view, everyone who lives in Boston and likes good food should experience Ostra at least once. It’s now my new go-to restaurant locally. Very elegant setting, warm welcome, everything feels right.
The food was amazing. Every dish is well composed, both visually and in flavor. It outshines many of the dining experiences we recently had in Paris. And, yes, I sent my compliments to the chef. Thank you!
If I had to highlight just one dish, it’d be the Ricotta gnocchi with lobster, absolutely delicious… and, I don’t even order gnocchi (it was my son’s choice).
Visit, you’ll love it!
The food was excellent. Everything was delicious, and the staff were phenomenal. The fresh seafood and fish were the best. The menu is somewhat limited, so picky eaters might have a more difficult time with the menu.
The only things that could have made the restaurant better were the price of the meals and cocktails. I understand a typical Boston Back Bay cocktail is around $18-24 now, and this was no different. The cocktails were good but not excellent.
Finally what really bothered me was the noise. It was so loud that we had to shout to each other. We were seated at a four person square table with one person on each side - no more than 2 feet away from one another. This detracted from the meal significantly. The area near the bar/front entrance was quieter than the main dining room.
We would go back but only for a special occasion and ideally off hours.
May 32, 2026. Excellent. Really enjoyed every dish. Oysters were great, very fresh. Blush point oysters were new to us, very good. Grilled octopus - excellent. Salmon was well prepared.
We came here for our anniversary dinner and was treated to a wonderful dinner service. The standout dish was the deconstructed sea beam which had the bones pulled out and was reconstructed with herbs and seasoning. The crab corn soup was a special that week and also very delicious. They were accommodating with my quinoa allergy and replaced the dish with an alternative.
Beautiful atmosphere to compliment the artful dishes. Ostra does a wonderful job of providing a balance of refined with Mediterranean blend menu. The Maine oysters were a hit art our table. The skin on the hen was as crisp as a chip but the meat was melt in your mouth tender. Our son thought the kansas steak was one of the best he's had in the Boston area. The paella was not a traditional paella but the entire pan was so fresh and the chicken was perfection. The cocktails were all good enough to get second rounds at the table. The chocolate torte was the finishing touch .. Don't skip it!!
Dalia
| Address | 429 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (617) 752-0429 |
WOW WOW WOW!!
Food: sooo freaking good. i’ve never been to tapas before so not sure if this is how it normally works but we ordered 5 tapas and they wouldn’t bring the next one until we were almost done with the first so that was fantastic. every plate was so flavorful and there’s more things we’d want to go back and try. Our favorites were: Pulpa carpaccio, Churros w/ Caviar, and the banana dessert. Fantastic!! Also the espresso martinis were great!!
Service: I can’t not stress enough how fantastic our server was. His name was Josh (highly recommend requesting him if you make a reservation) and he made our meal. He explained the whole menu to us and what were things were good and what we should get based on what we prefer. He made the whole night an experience and not just a dinner meal. He was fantastic!!
Vibe: I mean the place itself is super cool and doesn’t make you feel like you’re in Southie. We sat at the Chef’s Counter which was really cool to watch everything be made. Very cool vibe.
Wow, just wow. Throughout the last 8 years we’ve lived in NYC, Boston, and Providence and this was one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. HUGE thank you to our waiter Josh for the experience and his recommendations! The food, the atmosphere, the concept, the service, everything was exquisite. We sat at the chef’s counter watching the culinary team work their magic. We ended up with nine (9!) tapas including one on the house from the incredibly nice and thoughtful co-owner, Nick. Nick came over and introduced himself and asked what we had eaten, went back to the kitchen and brought out something on the house that ended up being one of the stars of the evening. Every bite had so much flavor and personality, and each item was completely different from the one before it, but still cohesive. There are no words. We can’t wait to come back!
We ordered:
- orange wine (divine, incredibly light and crisp)
- a mango and passion fruit spirit free drink (recommended by Josh - 10/10)
- churro w/ crab and caviar (my second favorite)
- Anchoa y Mantequilla (blew our minds, thank you Nick!)
- patatas bravas (not your average patatas bravas, truly amazing, we almost ordered a second order)
- Guisantes a la Brasa (recommended by Josh, absolutely amazing and a really good shareable portion)
- dates (very uniquely prepared and flavorful)
- Tartar de Vaca (AMAZING! must-order)
- Tartar de Atún’ (fantastic flavor and spice level)
- Triple Seared Wagyu (my husbands favorite, it was a ridiculously delicious and tender cut of meat)
- Confit Cabbage (my favorite, recommended by Josh - THANK YOU JOSH!)
Thank you, thank you!
I saw this place on Instagram when I was searching for where to eat in Boston, and Dalia kept showing up on my feed, so I decided to book a table and come here.
The photos really don’t do this place justice. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been to. The decor and interior are absolutely stunning. When you make a reservation, you get a few seating options, including the bar, chef’s bar, lower seats, and high seats.
Usually, when I book a beautiful restaurant, I don’t have high expectations for the food, but God, was I wrong! Everything we ordered from the menu was delicious. Again, I went with the dishes I kept seeing people order on Instagram, and they were all so good. The burger, hot dog, Ham sandwich, Banana ice cream for dessert, and potatoes were all delicious. I wish I could have ordered the shrimp too, but we were already super full.
Will I come back here? Absolutely. Do I recommend this place? 100 percent!
From the first time I sat at the Chef's Counter with my wife and friends to celebrating my birthday there this past week, Dalia has solidified its place as the best restaurant in Boston. I can't believe we finally have a spot of this caliber here. The food is creative, experimental, and incredibly flavorful—every single detail is well thought out. The robata produces amazing flavor, the homemade bread is to die for, and that gazpacho special on one of the hottest days of the summer was incredible.
The staff are professional, thoughtful, and attentive. My wife is vegan and the kitchen was incredibly accommodating. She was able to enjoy an amazing vegan paella and countless other dishes, which just shows the creativity and food-forward vibe of the place. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and really the cherry on top of our favorite spot in town.
This culinary team is really onto something. We can't wait to get back.
We went to Dalia for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant and bar were very lively. We had a very attentive server that was so friendly and gave great recommendations. The drinks arrived quickly and were delicious! The menu was priced for a special occasion and we were blown away by the food! We tried several dishes and our favorites were the Pan Frito, the churros and the paella. It’s a great spot for groups of 4+ to try more of the menu (shared plates). The decor is amazing - can’t wait for the downstairs lounge to open. We will definitely be back!
Estella Restaurant
| Address | 49 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 855-9869 |
Estella is everything you dream of when comes to delicious food in USA. We have been travelling from Chicago to Denver, then to Boston, NYC and Phila, and some smaller places like Omaha, De Moines, Boulder, Golden... We ate fantastic food in those places, but... now we entered into Estella.
Ordered 3 different dishes which came, looked, and tasted like signature dishes!
If I was eating this meals at my home I would lick my plate how good this was. Damn, I licked it there! 😅 All 3 of us came with unanimous decision all three dishes is 100/100. Pasta with ox tail, lamb racks and steak with shrimps and mashed potato. Food is brutal! Not only food was delicious but how fast it arrived at our table. Three totally different meals. Simple amazing! Not a single error.
At the end we had to meet The Chef. Chef Jimmy who opened this restaurant has tailored his cooking in UK and he really knows the job. Now, I am back in Croatia, sometimes when I lay down I think about food we ate here and wish I could teleport myself there and enjoy in every bites once more. And try other stuff from Menu.
Chef, if you read this, we, once again, take our hats off to you amazing impeccable skills. And you are such relaxed guy, maybe that's why your food is so good.
I have to praise music in this place which was totally according our taste.
Btw. You met us on the day when USA played Vs. Bosnia and Herzegowina in World Cup. 😎
Amazing restaurant! My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary and were so pleased. Vibes were amazing, music was amazing, our waitress was amazing, and the food and drinks were beyond it! We got the S’moretini, espresso martini, blackened salmon tacos, their rasta pasta with oxtail and shrimp, and their dulce de leche lava cake. We absolutely recommend and plan to go back soon. Especially for that dessert!
Great atmosphere but the service SUCKS. Food is sub-par (at best), and they forgot about our drinks. Food came about almost 40 minutes after we ordered and there was hardly anyone in the restaurant. The eggs in the pasta were over boiled, the beets in my salad tasted like they came straight out of a can- definitely did not taste fresh at all. Super disappointing considering this was my first meal flying into Boston.
Estella is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place knows exactly what they’re doing. The owner is amazing super welcoming and clearly passionate about the experience. The atmosphere hits that perfect balance of upscale yet chill, making it ideal for a night out or a relaxed evening.
The music sets the mood just right, and the vibe is effortlessly cool. The food and drinks are always on point delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. And I have to give a special shoutout to Kenny behind the bar he’s an absolute fire bartender! Every cocktail is expertly crafted, and he really makes the whole experience memorable.
If you’re looking for great food, killer drinks, and a chill, high quality atmosphere, Estella is the spot🥂🍤🍝❤️
Wow! My husband and I went here for a date night before seeing a comedy show at the Wang Theatre. I could see parking here being an issue so I would honestly either take public transportation or Uber into this location. We just grabbed an Uber from our hotel which was nearby. It’s in downtown Boston so expecting to find a spot is pretty impossible lol. We had reservations and were seated right away. I can’t recall the name of our server, but he was fantastic. We sat at this adorable two-top with a view of the downstairs area. The place was packed, but the service and food were excellent, even with the crowd. Everything was arriving quickly, hot, and delicious. The music matched the vibe perfectly. We had two starters which were the brussels sprouts and the yuca fries and both were incredible. All the food was soooo flavorful and satisfying. My husband had the shrimp and salmon Mozambique, and I enjoyed a stuffed haddock dinner. We finished with churro waffles, which were absolutely amazing. I’d definitely return because there’s so much more I want to try.
Toro
| Address | 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 536-4300 |
Had such a great meal at Toro Boston! The bourbon n vodka cocktails were so good and paired perfectly with the food.
The smoked eggplant, corn, and yellowtail were all excellent—each dish was packed with flavor, and we honestly didn't have a single thing we didn't enjoy.
And definitely don't skip dessert. The cheese flan was absolutely mouthwatering and the perfect ending to the meal.
Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!
Coming from someone that have eaten in Madrid, Barcelona and have a clue about Spanish food, this is not exactly Spanish authenticity.
Food overall is very good, the octopus is very good. Probably the best from what we ordered
Pan con tomate is not good at all. I could say almost that it is terrible.
Tortilla española was not my fave, but my wife loved it.
The empanada was quite good also!
The brunch options are not very Spanish in my opinion. No huevos à la cazuela ? What ? Fried chicken and waffles?
Overall we liked it but it was not exactly wat we expected
Service stated great , as the places started to fill up, service climb down slightly
The pato was really good. Maybe I would make it a little less sweet, but that’s my personal opinion
Is the food worth it ? Maybe the octopus , duck.
The tortilla is clearly overpriced. Eggs and potato …
Went here for brunch and it was a great experience. Our last day in Boston and we are glad we found this place. Everything we ordered was great. Some things were better than others but everything was executed well in my opinion. Octopus, lamb empanada and duck legs were perfect. It’s expensive but it’s high quality tapas. Would recommend
Try to get a reservation here since the space isn’t very big and they can be full even during weekdays.
We got reservations for bar seating on a Tuesday, it was crowded by cozy. The staff was super attentive to us and continually checked in. The food and drinks were amazing.
For drinks we started with paradise and deserts rose. It was so unique that I asked the bartender to make me something with the Chilean liqueur and he delivered an amazing custom drink. We also tried a red wine which was in between a red and rose.
The food is tapas style, we got 5 plates for two people and I was stuffed by the time we left. We got shishito peppers, corn, patatas brava, lamb and pork. The lam was my absolute favorite.
They were out of their signature deserts, I wish I was able to try them. Maybe next time around. They did give us a night cap drink instead so that made it all better.
It is a dim light nice ambiance and queer friendly.
In the heart of the South End, Toro is serving up Spanish-style Tapas in a great atmosphere with high quality service.
We made a reservation outdoors, but because of rain they were kind enough to accommodate and moved us to an indoor table. Our waiter, Michael, was so helpful in explaining the menu and giving recommendations, as this was our first time eating Tapas.
For the uninitiated, like we were, Tapas is small, shareable plates. They have a wide variety to choose from! We ended up getting Street Corn, Grilled Shrimp, Fried Potatoes served up “Bomb Style” with Pork Belly, sauces and fried egg, Cod Croquettes, and Steak. We were pleased by every choice!
Our total with 6 orders, tax and tip was $150.
Ocean Prime
| Address | 140 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 670-1345 |
I’ve been here a couple of times through out the years and I think it slightly went down a bit in terms of service, ambience and quality.
We waited a while for someone to come, didn’t give us the right side for our daughter’s sliders and her sliders didn’t even come with cheese. Just straight meat and bun. Dry.
The bread basket was great.
We waited about 20 mins to ask for a desert menu and then they said theyd send out something for our anniversary. Which was nice.
My boyfriend and I celebrated our four-year anniversary at Ocean Prime in Seaport Boston last week, and we had an incredible experience thanks to our waiter, Stan. This was our first time dining here and from the moment we were seated, he made us feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable. He was attentive without being overbearing and never made us feel rushed, allowing us to fully enjoy our special evening.
Stan's friendly personality and excellent service truly elevated our dining experience. He was knowledgeable, professional, and made us feel like valued guests throughout the entire meal. We would absolutely recommend requesting Stan if you're dining at Ocean Prime.
The food was outstanding from start to finish. The tuna tartare was absolutely delicious and a perfect way to begin the meal. My boyfriend ordered the filet, and he said it was the best steak he has ever tasted. Our favorite dish, though, was the warm butter cake. It was served with fresh berries and the most delicious vanilla ice cream—a perfect ending to a wonderful celebration.
Thank you, Stan, for helping make our anniversary so memorable. We look forward to coming back!
Calamari was tender sweet and savory. Lobster bisque had an entire lobster claw with a slight hint of cumin. Crab cakes were amazing. Fillet was a full 10oz and cooked perfectly. Had mango sorbet for desert and it was the perfect ending to a great meal.
Had an incredible dining experience at Ocean Prime — this place truly lives up to its reputation as one of the standout upscale dining spots in Boston’s Seaport.
Located right in the heart of the Seaport District, the restaurant perfectly blends modern luxury with a lively, polished atmosphere. There’s a vibrant lounge area that feels energetic and social, alongside a more refined main dining room that’s ideal for a relaxed, upscale dinner. The whole space feels sophisticated without being over the top.
Ocean Prime is part of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group, known for its high standards in both food and hospitality—and you can absolutely feel that from the moment you walk in.
What really stood out was the service. The staff was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the entire meal. They took the time to guide us through the menu and recommended some of their best dishes, which made the experience feel curated and seamless.
We started with the West Coast oysters on the half shell—fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled. The deviled eggs were a standout twist on a classic, beautifully presented with a rich, creamy filling and elevated toppings. The crab cake was excellent—packed with lump crab, lightly crisped on the outside, and not overly heavy.
The shrimp sauté was absolutely delicious—tender shrimp in a rich, buttery sauce, topped with melted cheese that added a savory depth and made the dish feel indulgent and unique.
The highlight of the night was the halibut special. It was cooked flawlessly—perfectly crisp on the outside while staying moist and flaky inside, paired with a vibrant sauce and vegetables that complemented the fish without overpowering it.
Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated, reflecting the level of detail Ocean Prime is known for.
Overall, Ocean Prime delivers on every level: atmosphere, service, and exceptional food. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable night out in Boston, this spot is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend.
Absolutely the best meal we had in Boston in 2025! 🤤🤌 My girlfriend & I went to Ocean Prime for a special occasion in December and it did not disappoint.
The service from the staff was so kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed, talking through any dishes/specials, and making sure our special dinner went well.
The food, was on another level. The crab cake app was fresh and a nice intro, and then I got one of the specials that night - a red snapper over a risotto seasoned/made using their lobster bisque - amazing. The sides were nice as well, and they closed it out really well with a decent Crème brûlée & a 10-layer carrot cake the whole restaurant was ordering.
10/10 on all fronts, and already plan on coming back soon.
Amber Road
| Address | 100 Federal St, Boston, MA 02110 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (617) 936-3597 |
I had such a great experience here! The service was excellent from the moment we walked in, and the food was absolutely amazing. I had the Caesar salad and the steak frites, and both were absolutely delicious. The salad was fresh and flavorful, and the steak was cooked perfectly with crispy, delicious fries.
A special shoutout to Owen, the bartender, who made incredible drinks and was friendly, attentive, and fun to talk to. You can tell he really enjoys what he does. Also, the manager, Alberto, was very welcoming and made sure everything was perfect throughout our visit, which really made us feel appreciated as guests.
Overall, this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. Great food, great drinks, and an awesome team. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place!
Giselle was amazing…
Loved the vibes and the food. We were celebrating and asked to be seated under the cherry blossom tree. A great spot to visit for lunch but the dinner menu was more sophisticated and enjoyable. Thanks again for the excellent customer service!
My friend and I went to this restaurant for dinner for the first time. We wanted to go somewhere cozy and we definitely couldn't have chosen a better place. We really liked the food, the price was fair, and the service was fantastic. Gisele, our waitress, was very attentive and friendly to us.
Very recommended!!!!
Came here with friends before a show. We scoped the menu beforehand, saw pictures and thought everything seemed great, so we made reservations.
It was overpriced for child-sized portions and poor quality food. As a group of 4 adults, we were less than impressed with the meals we received:
Our friends ordered the lobster pizza with maple drizzle, which had no hint of maple and from what I saw, the pizza looked like it had been sitting for a while before they served it. The lemon chicken was dry and didn't have any lemon flavoring.
My boyfriend ordered the scallops over a risotto which he said was decent, but the portion was very small. I perhaps got it the worst by ordering the vegetable gnocchi which looked like it was the dregs of the last in a pot of soup. It was luke warm, watery and had undercooked peas. The gnocchi was bloated with liquid and gummy/mushy. I ate my entire meager portion because I saved my appetite to eat there and was still hungry afterwards. In fact, we were all still hungry afterwards.
Overall I'm so disappointed in the quality of food because in all honesty, everything else was great:
The drinks were good and the staff was very kind and friendly. The atmosphere is beautiful and the interior design of the restaurant gave it a relaxing and modern vibe, which made the food situation that much more disappointing.
We went to celebrate San valentine’s last night, everything was amazing!!! Thank you Gisele You were awesome, smiling all time, the service was awesome , everything that our server recommended starting for the specialty drinks “Bee my valentine” amazing, and the food we both ate the tenderloin suggested from the server also , delicious!!!
Amazing Experience!!
We are definitely coming back!!
Fox & The Knife
| Address | 28 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 766-8630 |
Should have taken more photos but loved everything here. The whole fish was delicious! The spaghetti was amazing and I don't normally like a red sauce.
We zat at the bar and the bartender was phenomenal. I am terrible with names and can't remember, she's pretty tall, if management is reading this give her some kudos.
Definitely recommend!
We had such an incredible experience at Fox & the Knife. The food was outstanding—so well seasoned, so flavorful, and nothing felt fussy or overworked. We sat at the chef’s counter and the service was phenomenal from start to finish.
My husband ordered a habanero mocktail that he loved, and I had the Winter Fizz, which had this perfect tart pop from the pomegranate. The focaccia came out savory, salty, and wonderfully crispy. The endive salad honestly surprised me—in the best way. You taste everything: the richness of their amazing olive oil, crunch from the nuts and herbs, the little bitter snap from the greens, and this smooth, creamy yogurt tying it all together.
The bucatini was spot-on with just the right amount of warm pepper and perfect chew. The pork Milanese was cooked beautifully—still slightly pink inside—and that mustard aioli was fire. And the desserts! My husband ordered the creamsicle and said it was incredible. I had the panna cotta, which almost ate like a savory cold cheese course. I loved it so much that I bought a bottle of their olive oil on the way out.
Such a fantastic meal and overall experience. We can’t wait to come back!
I made reservations at Fox & The Knife before our trip because I've learned that in bigger cities it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to popular restaurants. I'm glad I did because this place feels like the kind of spot that fills up quickly.
The restaurant itself is fairly small, but absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere immediately stood out to me and honestly reminded me a little of The Black Rabbit from Netflix.
For our meal, we ordered the stuffed focaccia, harissa-marinated olives, the Caesar salad, two cocktails, the Bolognese, and the cacio e pepe. Everything was flavorful and beautifully prepared. The stuffed focaccia and olives were excellent starters, and both pasta dishes were rich and satisfying. While I've had a few pasta dishes elsewhere that I would rank slightly higher, the food here was still undeniably great.
What really made Fox & The Knife stand out for me was the combination of the food and the ambiance. Sometimes a restaurant is more than just what's on the plate, and this was one of those places where the atmosphere elevated the entire meal. The attention to detail, the setting, and the overall experience made it feel like a memorable night out rather than just another dinner reservation.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend Fox & The Knife to anyone visiting Boston. Great food, beautiful space, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.
We had an absolutely fantastic dinner at this restaurant. My husband took us for a Mother’s Day dinner and it was lovely and delicious!
Don’t miss the ricotta appetizer and ravioli and just all the food was really good.
Our waiter mentioned he loved vanilla ice cream with the “chefs olive oil” and that and the chocolate cake is what we got for dessert and it was delicious.
This restaurant is worth traveling for.
Go and enjoy!!
I was so disappointed.
I really wanted to love this place and I saw the menu and it has so many great Italian dishes. Ok the host was genuine and super friendly and sat us outside. I usually like indoors but this time it was the better table. We sat comfortably at a 4 top and right on Broadway. I heard ambulances and fire engines and it was quieter than inside the place.
Our server was super friendly and knowledgeable. He did ask that we order everything at one time to help the kitchen out. Not to worry the dishes will come out on time.
So ordered two apps. The burrata and it was perfect t and juicy. Then I ordered potato chips. I love home made potato chips so much and at a fancy restaurant they are always extra salty and crunchy. Sadly these were LAY'S potatoe chips. Tragic
Then came the charcuterie and that was great prosciutto was juicy and salty. The bread was great and I'd love the apple butter.
Then my Bolognese came it was OK. I was underwhelmed. It didn't have a lot of flavor, but it was OK and my husband got the schnitzel. It was a pork milanese. It was great and panko crusted and saffron sauce and yummy. I put some in my pasta. Then I noticed the mustard greens. They sat on top of the pork and it still had the roots and DIRT attached to it. I showed them to our server on a side plate and he ran the plate into the GM. The GM was apologetic and offered to remake the plate and offered desert on the house and no charge for his meal. We both ordered different desserts. My husband's dessert came the Panna cotta delicious the way it came over about 10 minutes. Asked how it was said how was it my friends and then my husband said where is my husband's dessert? He was shook.
It was just an unpleasant dining experience.
Saltie Girl
| Address | 279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (617) 267-0691 |
We walked in for lunch on a Friday, got an outdoor table for 2 right away even though the place was busy. Our server Natalia was very attentive and friendly. Food was good but a bit on the pricey side (which is to be expected for a seafood place)- we ordered the small seafood tower, the crab carbonara and of course, the lobster roll.
Highly recommend. Worth the money. Will gladly come back.
We came here after an event in Back Bay with our twin toddlers. The atmosphere was awesome, and our waiter was super kind and attentive to the kids. The restaurant is beautiful.
It was wicked expensive tbh, but the quality was there. I would have been furious if the food was bad for that much money, but I really enjoyed it. The lobster roll (gluten free!) had a beautiful GF roll with high quality lobster meat. The gf pistachio tiramisu was to die for.
Where I have to take the star is the portions! We ordered a $32 box of fish and chips and it was extremely tiny. My three-year-olds took it down in two seconds, and we had to order more food for them. It was an adult meal, and I think any adult would have left hungry.
I also ordered the warm crab roll, a $30 appetizer. And it was super delicious, but really mere bites!
Takeaway: awesome atmosphere, kind staff, delicious food — but quite pricey, even for the area, given that portions are verrry much on the smaller side.
Considering this place is very known and hyped online, I found it lived up to its image. First of all, the bar area is where we sat at and it was such a vibe. They also had one for walk-ins next to ours which was very nice. The terrace was also packed and had a great ambiance going.
My server Courtney was the one who made my first time experience memorable. She was super knowledgeable and delivered on her service.
I started with a selection of fresh Oysters from the raw bar that my server recommended and it was absolutely fantastic:
Wellfleet (10/10)
Unicorn Pink 9/10
Channel Roc 7.5/10
Prince Caspian 10/10
Then, I went with the classic Lobster Roll (warm) with fresh butter which was very delicious. It comes with a side of freshly baked chips which was fantastic.
For dessert, I had their baked chocolate chip cookie which was very delicious.
Overall this place, despite the hype online was not overrated. It was a nice restaurant that gets a lot of recognition. Usually places that are on TikTok do not live up to the hype and are just the heat of the moment.
Very good dining experience at this Saltie Girl location right off Newbury Street on a Tuesday evening....our reservation was at 5 pm, and people started queing up before then. Our server (Andy?) was excellent, very attentive, patient and always on point.... The food was pretty good too, with the exception of the bread that accompanied the tin fish selection, which was a bit stale and didn't match the quality of the other food selections in our order. Prices were on the elevated side, but then again this is a prime dining spot right in the middle of Newbury St. We would definitely be back.
The food was delicious, I loved the oysters and we tried a few. The Halibut was perfectly done. Definitely save room for the pistachio tiramisu, a clever take on a classic dessert.
Our server was the worst I've ever experienced. When I tried to ask questions about the oysters, she pointed to the menu and said to read the descriptions. Then she was gone. For. A. Long. Time.
We were obviously the forgotten table in the middle of the room, so much so that other servers took our order and brought water, eventually. A simple dinner for two to launch our World Cup vacation lasted 2.5 hours.
To add insult to injury, when she brought our check, instead of it coming on a silver tray like everyone else we observed dining and paying, she presented the payment machine! Insulting.
The food is excellent, if slightly overpriced. No one else's service seemed bad, so I still recommend it. Reservations are an essential and plan to to stay forever in case you get our server.
Tips for Dining Out in Boston
Navigating the Boston restaurant scene is about more than just having a list of great addresses; it requires a bit of local know-how to maximize your experience. From understanding the city’s unique liquor laws to knowing when to book a table, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are five essential tips to help you eat like a local and avoid common pitfalls that often trip up visitors.
1. Master the Reservation Game
Boston is a city of planners. While many casual spots operate on a walk-in basis, the city’s high-end and mid-tier restaurants book up incredibly fast, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. If you have your heart set on a specific place, book a table one to two weeks in advance. For restaurants that do not take reservations, plan to arrive right when they open for dinner (usually 5:00 PM) or be prepared to put your name in and grab a drink at a nearby bar while you wait.
2. Understand the Liquor Licensing Nuances
Unlike some major cities where you can buy beer and wine at the grocery store, Boston has strict alcohol laws. Many smaller, family-owned restaurants are "BYOB" (Bring Your Own Bottle) because obtaining a full liquor license is prohibitively expensive. Always check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to see if they have a bar. If they are BYOB, this is a fantastic opportunity to save money on your meal by bringing your favorite wine, though a small corkage fee may apply.
3. Don’t Sleep on the Lunch Menu
If you want to experience some of Boston’s finest dining without the hefty dinner price tag, go for lunch. Many of the city’s top steakhouses and seafood destinations offer "power lunch" specials or prix-fixe menus that are significantly cheaper than their dinner counterparts. You will get the same quality of ingredients and service, often in a more relaxed and less crowded dining room.
4. Embrace the Seafood Seasonality
While you can get a lobster roll year-round, locals know that the best seafood is seasonal. Soft-shell lobster is abundant and cheapest in the late summer and early fall. If you are visiting in the winter, shift your focus to cold-water oysters (which are at their peak brininess), scallops, and hearty stews. Asking your server what is "local and fresh today" is the best way to ensure you are eating the highest quality product the harbor has to offer.
5. Step Outside the Downtown Core
The Freedom Trail and the Waterfront are beautiful, but the food in the immediate tourist radius is often overpriced and underwhelming. To taste the real Boston, you need to hop on the "T" (the subway). A ten-minute ride across the river to Cambridge, or a short trip to the South End, will dramatically increase the quality of your meal while often decreasing the wait time and the bill.
Boston’s culinary identity is one of resilience and reinvention. While the city holds tightly to its traditions—the perfect bowl of chowder, the briny oyster, the classic North End cannoli—it continues to push forward with a vibrant energy that makes it one of the most exciting food cities on the East Coast. The restaurants listed above offer a starting point, but the true joy of eating in Boston comes from wandering into a neighborhood, following the smell of garlic and butter, and discovering your own new favorite haunt.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply fueling up for a day of sightseeing, the key is to approach the city with an open mind and an empty stomach. The diversity of the menus, the expertise of the chefs, and the warmth of the hospitality ensure that every meal can be a memorable part of your Boston story.
