10 Best Dishes to Eat in Boston

April 27, 2021
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When I first moved to Boston, I made it my mission to try everything the city has to offer in the culinary department. I had never visited the city before moving, and I knew that finding the culinary beat of the city would help me understand the city's vibe. Boston is laid-back, chilly and diverse. I think in a way, the food here reflects that. Many of Boston’s iconic dishes are Seafood based, and inspired by the many cultures represented here. Food is such an integral part of experiencing a place: Rome has Cacio e Pepe, New York has Pastrami, and Beijing has Peking Duck. Boston has Boston Cream Pie, but there’s also so much more to offer. Situated in the harbor in Massachusetts Bay, there’s a rich variety of fresh Seafood dishes to offer. There’s also delicious meat pies at an Aussie joint, and the sweetest Cannoli’s you just can’t miss.

Spend any time in Boston, and you’ll find that the city has so much more to offer than clam chowder. In this list, I’ve included some of the classics, and some foods that you simply must try. What I found was this: Boston does some things really well, and if you’re in town for only a few days, here’s what you should eat:

Baked Alaska at Oleana Oleana, located in Cambridge, serves “small plat es with big flavor”. They source their ingredients locally and have a carefully curated wine list. Here, the best dish, I might argue, is dessert: Baked Alaska with Coconut Ice Cream and Passion Fruit Caramel.

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139 | (617) 661-0505

Beef 1000 Sandwich at Cutty’s High-quality ingredients and house made sauces take your lunch to the next level at this Brookline spot. Try this sandwich with slow-roasted beef, crispy shallots, thousand island dressing, sharp cheddar on brioche.

284 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445 | (617) 505-1844

Bone Marrow at Toro Top notch tapas in the South End with James Beard Award winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, this restaurant serves up small plates that will make you feel like you’re in Barcelona. Don’t forget to order the Asado de Huesos—roasted bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, and citrus salad. 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 | (617) 536-4300

Burger at Craigie on Main This French spot in Cambridge prides itself on serving French food with “refined rusticity” using seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Award-winning Chef Tony Maws is committed to excellence at his restaurant. The menu changes based on what’s fresh, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. That being said, the burger is a mainstay: it’s made with grass-fed hardwick beef, bone marrow and dried miso powder, topped with Shelburne cheddar cheese and mace ketchup. 853 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139 | (617) 497-5511

Cannoli’s at Modern Pastry Italian pastries formed into a tube with a sweet ricotta filling, with various toppings. I like to order mine dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with pistachios and finished off with a little powdered sugar. Ask any North Ender where to get a pastry, and they’ll have a very strong opinion about where you should get the delicious dessert. I’ve tried both places, and both win in my book. Try Modern Pastry across the street for the less touristy option.

257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 | (617) 523-3783

Lobster Roll at Yankee Lobster Company Head to Seaport for a traditional cold Lobster roll, or order it hot. Served on a buttered roll and packed with lobster, you’ll devour the delicious roll in no time. Come early, because there tends to be a line during peak hours at this popular spot. 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 | (617) 345-9799

Meat Pies at KO Pies in East Boston Located in a Shipyard in East Boston, KO Pies serves Australian fare in a no-frills spot with a seasonal patio. Grab the Beef Stew Pie to go, and bring it to a picnic table at Piers Park right down the street for some of the best views of the Boston Skyline. 256 Marginal St Building 16, East Boston, MA 02128 | (617) 418-5234

Neptune Johnnycake at Neptune Oyster Come early, and be prepared to wait. This raw bar in the North End always has a line around the block, and with good reason. Here you’ll find one of the best Hot Lobster Rolls in Boston, Fresh Oysters, and an infamous dish known as the Neptune Johnnycake (a pancake with smoked bluefish and caviar). Dress up, this spot is swankier than most Boston eateries.

63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113 | (617) 742-3474

Nigiri at Cafe Sushi Situated in the hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, Cafe Sushi serves classic Japanese sushi with a seasonal menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh. The decor is cool and modern, making it a great trendy spot if you’re looking for sushi in Boston. The restaurant has received much press over the years, and made it to the Northeast Best Chef James Beard Award two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019. 1105 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 | (617) 492-0434

Pappardelle with Wild Boar at Giulia Giulia serves some of the best homemade pastas, and it’s not in the Italian neighborhood of the North End. Head over to Cambridge to try this iconic dish with black trumpet, juniper and parmigiano.