Row 34
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. In a city flooded with seafood spots, Row 34 leaves the competition in its wake. That's because chef-owner Jeremy Sewall takes incredible care when showcasing the local bounty, from Duxbury oysters and Maine mussels to seasonal, highly prized Atlantic bluefin tuna. The welcoming atmosphere, sleek bar, and exciting beverage list at all four outposts make this a place you go not just for pristine fish but also an extra-special dining experience. Multiple locations, row34.com.
Sarma
You won't find white tablecloths or hushed voices at this Somerville stunner—just jubilant energy and chef Cassie Piuma's unbridled creativity turning Mediterranean(ish) plates into brilliant mash-ups. Pork shish meets spicy green-curry sauce, asparagus gets jazzed up with hazelnut chili crisp and kimchi, and that irresistible sesame fried chicken rolls by, dim sum–style. Every dish demands attention, and frankly, we want it all. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, MA 02145, sarmarestaurant.com.
Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar
Every dish feels like a love letter to comfort food at this Southie stunner, which serves up the city's most indulgent southern brunch. Executive chef Lambert Givens delivers fried-chicken Benedict on dreamy everything biscuits and soufflé-like cornbread that melts instantly in your mouth. His gumbo brimming with shrimp, crab, and andouille—which literally beat Bobby Flay on TV—shows the lunch side of the menu hits just as well. 110 Dorchester St., Boston, MA 02127, hunterssouthboston.com.
Urban Hearth
Photograph by Ken Richardson Most chefs source wild ingredients from specialty purveyors. Acclaimed chef Erin Miller sources hers from the area’s urban landscape. Her adventurous chef’s-counter tasting menus at Urban Hearth are built on hyper-local gems—wild lettuces, knotweed, walnuts—that she finds herself while foraging. It’s this direct relationship between her expeditions and exceptional locavore cuisine that makes Urban Hearth compelling. We recently joined the recent James Beard nominee on a morning trek through Cambridge to check out this connection firsthand. Continue reading here. 2263 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, urbanhearth.net.
Avana Sushi
You'll feel like you found buried treasure when you walk into this tiny, casual counter inside a hidden food court. The weekday lunch deals are the best in town: around $15 for two tasty sushi rolls, two sides, and miso soup. 42 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111, avanabostonma.com.
Wa Shin
Plan far ahead to score a prized seat at this exquisitely wrought sushiya showcasing the pedigreed talents of Sky Zheng. Bolstered by a superb sake list, Zheng deftly prepares and engagingly narrates a sensational 18-course omakase featuring Japanese imports like Hokkaido sea scallop and uni. 222 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, washinboston.com.
Neptune Oyster
This award-winning North End classic—so famous the lines wind down the block—elevates the humble lobster roll to luxury status with impeccable Maine lobster, toasted brioche, and optional caviar. We think the warm-with-butter option lets the flavors shine best, but cold-with-mayo is also delicious. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113, neptuneoyster.com.
Tasty Burger
Forget the Golden Arches: When we want a fast-food burger with flair, we turn to our own hometown hero. With thin patties, squishy buns, and not too many frills, these are the burgers for a quick lunch on the go, a late-night studying sesh, and everything in between. Multiple locations, tastyburger.com.
Rare Lounge
Rare Lounge's steakhouse burger features dry-aged beef with peppered bacon, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, on a brioche bun. It's shown here with Rare's "BDF"—"best damn fries"—with truffle, parmesan, and béarnaise. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal What better way to celebrate a big win than with a big, juicy burger? Comprising richly marbled American Wagyu, bacon-onion jam, bread-and-butter pickles, aged cheddar, and a special sauce, this is the ultimate beefy treat, with each element dialed in for the perfect umami bite. 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
NewBridge Café
This is the Platonic ideal of a classic New England steak tip: mouthwateringly tender, a bit sweet from the marinade, served in a great big pile with your starchy side of choice (and, of course, hot cherry peppers). 650 Washington Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150, newbridgecafe.com.
Moona
The date-molasses steak tips at this date-night spot—topped with little pink jewels of pomegranate seeds—nod to the traditional preparation but with a Mediterranean spin. Butternut squash, tahini, and pickled beets finish off the picture-perfect plating. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, moonarestaurant.com.
Ssaanjh
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. A lot of Indian restaurants in Boston play it safe with a similar playbook (don't worry, we still love you, tikka masala), but Ssaanjh throws the rulebook out the window, hopscotching across the subcontinent with dishes that actually surprise you—like tuna papdi chaat built around tandoor-baked ahi. The colorful St. Mary's spot nails the trifecta: vegetarian-friendly enough for your pickiest friends, inventive enough for food geeks, and photogenic enough for your most camera-happy crew. 1012 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, ssaanjh.com.
Abuela’s Table
While Boston's Mexican scene is packed with decent taquerias, this year-old Jamaica Plain joint is the only one cooking like your actual abuela—assuming she happened to be a master of mole Colorado Tlaxcalteca. The welcoming spot serves up nostalgic Mexican fare in a cozy, colorful space, from that rich chili–chocolate sauce to birria tacos dripping with melted cheese and sweet chocoflan drizzled with tequila-caramel sauce. Craving something earthy? The empanada stuffed with cuitlacoche (lovingly dubbed "Mexican truffle" on the menu) won't turn up at many other local restaurants. 414 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, abuelas-table.com.
Deuxave
At Boston's premier temple to Gallic gastronomy, the tables are sleek, the walls are silver, the tall windows and spacious patio overlook the Commonwealth Mall, and the fireplace glows. The kitchen, meanwhile, turns out luxurious highlights from the Parisian canon: caviar, duck confit, foie gras, roast chicken, and crème brûlée, bolstered by a deep, award-winning wine list and solicitous service. It's that rare American with a perfect French accent. 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115, deuxave.com.
La Padrona
La Padrona. / Photo by Brian Samuels How do you catch lightning in a bottle—twice? Just ask A Street Hospitality and chef Jody Adams, who've managed to recapture the magic that made Adams' Rialto legendary with their latest venture, La Padrona. The seasonal, region-hopping Italian approach is all here—housed in an impossibly glamorous dining room inside the Raffles Boston Hotel, from the Abruzzo-inspired burnt-wheat rigatoni studded with littleneck clams to the showstopping 40-ounce Florentine porterhouse built for sharing. Ascend that magnificent staircase and prepare for the Italian grand tour you've been craving, no passport required. 38 Trinity Pl., Boston, MA 02116, lapadronaboston.com.
Bab Al-Yemen
Skip the chairs—this is how you celebrate Arabian Peninsula dining. Stretch out on the floor amid plush cushions while savoring the region's rich, slow-cooked stews and roast lamb and chicken, all elevated by fiery chili sauces and astonishing clay-oven breads—especially the tabletop-size, pita-adjacent tanoor bread that's worth the trip alone. 468 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, babalyemenboston.com.
Mahaniyom
A pomelo salad from Mahaniyom's opening menu in 2020, with butterfly pea flower lemonade. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Like few other places in town, this Brookline hot spot has mastered the art of escapism—one bite of the crab fried rice or the surprisingly spicy pomelo shrimp salad and you're suddenly transported to a bustling Bangkok night market with friends. It's the kind of place where fun evenings begin—and rarely end early, thanks to the pandan-infused daiquiris. 236 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445, mahaniyomboston.com.
Iru
Brookline's newest Korean restaurant has Michelin pedigree—several of its international siblings have received the coveted Bib Gourmand designation. This means reservations can be hard to come by, but patience is rewarded with a thrilling omakase that showcases family recipes passed down to owner Hajime Yamazaki. Most notable are the samgyetang, a comforting ginseng chicken soup, and a breathtakingly simple soy-sauce-marinated raw shrimp. 238 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445, instagram.com/iru_boston.
McGonagle’s Pub
A spread of food at McGonagle's, including a chicken and leek pie, chicken curry, pizza, and more. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Modern Irish cuisine is having a moment in Boston, and McGonagle's is sitting on a pot of pure gold. The late 2024 arrival ditches the typical tired pub fare for dishes like Irish-Chinese spice bags, elevated pigs in a blanket with local sausage, and wood-fired pizzas that are way better than they need to be at a bustling bar. Sure, they're Guinness purists (as they should be), but these updates to traditional Irish food make this place feel essential rather than just another pub. The live music seals the deal. 267 Neponset Ave., Boston, MA 02122, mcgonagles.com.
Merengue
It's easy to see why Pedro, Papi, Rafi, and local celebs from all walks of Latin-American life frequent Merengue. They come for the vivid tropical décor, the lilting soundtrack of Caribbean dance music, and sweetly attentive servers. They stay for heaping plates of traditional Dominican mofongo, steaks, and fried whole red snapper, which have been satiating the appetites of the famous and not-so-famous alike for 30 years. 160 Blue Hill Ave., Boston, MA 02119, merenguerestaurant.com.
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar
Gustazo means "great pleasure," and the restaurant's two locations certainly fit the moniker, with excellent Cuban classics and creative Caribbean-inspired small plates complemented by cocktails that'll transport you to tropical climes. The frituras de maíz—corn fritters with brown-butter honey, goat-cheese mousse, and sunflower-seed pesto—are a perennial favorite, and for very good reason. Cambridge and Waltham, gustazo-cubancafe.com.
Comfort Kitchen
Comfort Kitchen's seared okra with masala spiced yogurt and plantain crumb. / Photo by Rita Ferreira/Comfort Kitchen African diaspora cuisine spans half the world—lucky for us, this Dorchester spot nailed the assignment. Its plantain dishes accented with fiery hot sauce hail from Ghana, jerk-roasted duck leg with pikliz points to Haiti, and that pepper stew at brunch is a love letter to West African cuisine. National acclaim means this is a tough table to book, but it's absolutely worth the effort. 611 Columbia Rd., Boston, MA 02125, comfortkitchenbos.com.
Sumiao Hunan Kitchen
While everyone argues over the top Sichuan spots, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen is doing double duty: bringing underrepresented Hunanese cuisine to the main stage while perfecting the group dining experience. When the sizzling sound of garlic on the basil-flavored eggplant dish headed to your table briefly cuts through the sound of live jazz in the dining room, you'll understand what we mean. 270 Third St., Cambridge, MA 02142, sumiaohunan.com.
Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant
There's something otherworldly about the jerk chicken at this counter-service Jamaican spot: It's hot, to be sure, but the fire doesn't mask the smoky, complex flavor. (If you can't handle the heat, it's a good excuse to try the gelato, too—rum raisin, perhaps?) A recent move to sleeker digs—we're loving the bold blue color scheme—pushes this Mattapan fave into an exciting new era. 1301 Blue Hill Ave., C, Boston, MA 02126, bmjrestaurant.com.
Hot Chix Boston
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Sure, Nashville-style hot-chicken chains are everywhere now, but this homegrown pop-up turned restaurant doesn't chicken out. The crispy, spicy sandwich—go extra hot if you dare—comes with all the right moves: remoulade, slaw, and pickles. Don't forget the creamy banana pudding for dessert. 1220 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, hotchixboston.com.
Goldilox Bagels
The friendliest little bagel shop bakes up the region's tastiest rounds, achieving that delicate balance of crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside goodness. The signature rosemary salt is a must-order, but we also recommend trying rotating specials like cheddar–green onion or cherry–chocolate chip if you're doing a dozen (which, let's be honest, you totally should). 186 Winthrop St., Medford, MA 02155, goldiloxbagels.com.
Lionheart Confections
Kate Holowchik's doughnuts are Instagram-worthy masterpieces that taste amazing and are almost too pretty to eat. For instance: malted-strawberry-crunch doughnuts and raspberry-pistachio-baklava-cinnamon twists. Find them most Sundays at Café Reynard inside Malden's Idle Hands taproom (and beyond). Multiple locations, instagram.com/lionheartconfections.
Levain Bakery
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Enormous cookies with gooey interiors are the star at this New York import. Our fave flavors? Any of the indulgent dark chocolate varieties, like the holiday-season special studded with peppermint chips or the year-round peanut-butter-chip version. But come spring, we're happy to (temporarily) ditch chocolate for the sweet-tart lemon special. Back Bay and Seaport, levainbakery.com.
Table Mercato
Sometimes, excess is the point. At Table's grab-and-go offshoot, the namesake sandwich is stacked with chicken cutlets, prosciutto, mozzarella, and more on herby focaccia—a glorious 2-pound monument to maximum indulgence. This is a fork-and-knife behemoth, so you might want to factor in a nap after this one. 441 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02109, tableboston.com/mercato.
The Square Deli
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Don't let the humble sub-shop exterior fool you—inside, naturally leavened, hand-mixed dough meets Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes and Ezzo cup-and-char pepperoni for artisanal pies that embarrass some of the city's fanciest spots. It's the real deal hiding in plain sight. 421A Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, thesquaredelieverett.com.
Legal Sea Foods
There's a reason presidents get served this chowder—Legal perfected the formula decades ago and never messed with it. Fishbone stock, barely thickened roux, generous fresh clam meat, and just enough cream and butter show why they've stayed on top for decades. Multiple locations, legalseafoods.com.
Third Time Ice Cream
Third Time's “Spicy Buds"—grapefruit sherbet spiked with marmalade and tongue-tingling timur pepper—is exactly the kind of unexpected flavor combination that separates real ice cream innovators from the vanilla masses. Oleana alum Nick Laden-Sienne's pop-ups at Tilde and Deep Cuts have us dreaming of his eventual brick-and-mortar shop. Multiple locations, thirdtimeicecream.co.
Chocolate Therapy
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Forget your shrink—this Wayland chocolatier delivers better mood medicine at a fraction of the cost. Pam and David Griffin's seasonally inspired bonbons are genius: The “Poolside" mini collection features blueberry-lemon-basil and iced coffee, while “Backyard Barbeque" truffles transform sweet corn and sweet-potato pie into edible art. Each piece proves that the best therapy comes wrapped in chocolate. 63 Andrew Ave., Wayland, MA 01778, thechocolatetherapystore.com.
L.A. Burdick
Most hot chocolate is either watery or cloying. This nearly 40-year-old chocolatier somehow nails the impossible: cult-favorite mugs that are both incredibly rich and surprisingly light. We've taste-tested every variety—from white chocolate to spicy dark (the winner)—trying to figure out their secret. Still stumped, still obsessed. Back Bay, Cambridge, and Brookline, burdickchocolate.com.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
How does a restaurant survive 40 years of Boston's fickle dining scene? Davio's discovered the secret by merging two of the city's most beloved formats—Italian and steakhouse—with the kind of over-the-top service that works equally well for closing deals, marking an anniversary, or impressing a date. Steve DiFillippo's empire now spans 11 locations across Massachusetts and beyond, including a Seaport spot with some of the city's most spectacular harbor views. Multiple locations, davios.com.
Desnuda Cocina & Bar
Photograph by Mike Diskin In a cozy, dimly lit basement, you'll hear everything from old-school hip-hop to '80s hits while snacking on dishes that blend Japanese and Latin American cuisine (don't miss the tempura fish tacos with yuzu kosho mayo). 647 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, desnudacocina.com.
New City Microcreamery
While everyone's making basic Dubai chocolate bars, New City perfects the trend by turning it into ice cream and milkshakes. Its spiced-caramel base swirled with multiple forms of chocolate and pistachio adds complexity that makes the viral treat very much worth the hype. Cambridge, Hudson, and Sudbury, newcitymicrocreamery.com.
Tilde
Tilde. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal It's all local, all day. Enjoy locally produced pastries, coffee, and tea in the mornings; in the evenings, work your way through the all-domestic wine list while attending an eclectic mix of events, from knitting circles to cake-decorating workshops. 2376 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, tildecambridge.com.
Nowon
General Lee's chicken at Nowon, with the Evil Eye cocktail (hibiscus mezcal, Cocchi Rosa, passionfruit, and wasabi). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Korean street food meets U.S. bodega culture at this mash-up reflecting the Seoul-to-New York trajectory of chef-founder Jae Lee. We're particularly big fans of the chewy Korean rice cakes with toppings inspired by chopped-cheese sandwiches, and cheeseburgers topped with kimchi special sauce. 117 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, nowonusa.com.
Cunard Tavern
Photograph by Nina Gallant The globetrotting menu at Cunard Tavern pays homage to the nearby entry port of many Boston immigrants, with creative spins on Italian, Latin, Asian, and American fare. James Beard Award–winning chef Tony Messina, who's now based in L.A. but hails from Eastie, oversees this fun fusion menu from afar, including everything from fried-mortadella steamed buns to grilled swordfish with chermoula. 24 Orleans St., Boston, MA 02128, cunardtavern.com.
Standard Italian
Photograph by Nina Gallant This Italian newcomer shares the winning formula of famous next-door sibling Eastern Standard: service trained to owner Garrett Harker's exacting hospitality standards, beverages by cocktail demigod Jackson Cannon, and a crowd-pleasing menu with enough refinement to fascinate the food nerds, including northern Italian standouts like a stunning porchetta, rabbit ragu, and lasagna Bolognese. 771 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, standarditalian.com.
Abe & Louie’s
Photograph by Nina Gallant The jacketed servers at this 60-year-old steakhouse provide white-tablecloth hospitality whether you're a tourist fresh from a Sox game or a dressed-up regular. Hefty steaks are done right, but it's the accoutrements that fuel Abe & Louie's legacy status: enormous, crispy hash browns, a 34-page wine book, and classic desserts (we love the skillet cookie) topped tableside with heaping spoonfuls of Chantilly cream. 793 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, abeandlouies.com.
Suya Joint
Photograph by Nina Gallant. Styling by Madison Trapkin. A Nubian Square go-to, Suya Joint embodies the generous spirit and homey cuisine of a Nigerian village joint. Soak up the warm hospitality while diving into rich stews—like the peanut-based taushe or pumpkin-seed-and-spinach egusi—served with starchy fufu for sopping. Fruity cocktails balance the savory, often spicy cuisine. 185 Dudley St., Boston, MA 02119, suyajoint.com.
Szechuan Mountain House
Just as illuminated koi sculptures float above its bar, Mountain House floats above Boston's new crop of excellent Sichuan spots. The New York import doesn't shy away from ingredients less familiar to American diners—blood curd, frog—but picky eaters will be enthralled by elegant preparations of dumplings, bao, and classics like double-cooked pork and fish stew. 89 Brighton Ave. Retail A, Boston, MA 02134, szechuanmountainhouse.com.
Brassica Kitchen + Café
Photograph by Nina Gallant After nearly a decade of serving up off-center French-ish fusion and cozy weekend brunch in J.P., Brassica is giving its neighbors one more reason to celebrate: This year, the team will expand into a former tavern next door, making its diversion-worthy doughnuts and unique special-occasion tasting menus available to even more hungry diners. 3710 Washington St., Boston, MA 02130, brassicakitchen.com.
Little Sage
Photograph by Nina Gallant Back in the early aughts, we constantly craved chef Tony Susi's gnocchi at Sage, which closed in 2009. Now, he and founder Jen Matarazzo have gotten the gang back together for a modern revamp. Yes, Susi's gnocchi is still as tasty as ever, but nothing feels dated here, with seasonal brick-oven dishes keeping things fresh. 352 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, littlesageboston.com.
Woods Hill Pier 4
Photograph by Nina Gallant While the Seaport drowns in out-of-town chains, this farm-to-table gem serves the real deal: daily deliveries from owner Kristin Canty's New Hampshire farm transformed by chef Charlie Foster into sublime squid ink casarecce and irresistible dry-aged duck breast. Plus, those panoramic water views don't hurt. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, woodshillpier4.com.
Singh’s Roti Shop
Peruse the bottles of house hot sauces—some ghost-pepper-infused, some reaper, all extremely spicy—while waiting for your taste of the West Indies. Heaping portions of the namesake roti are the star at this counter-service neighborhood favorite, transporting you to Trinidad via flatbread-wrapped curry goat, saltfish, oxtail, or other meats. 554 Columbia Rd., Boston, MA 02125, singhsrotishop.net.
Fuchun Ju
Photograph by Nina Gallant. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Chinatown is jam-packed with regional Chinese cuisines, but this bright Beach Street newcomer stands out by serving the hardest-to-find specialties from Jiangsu and Zhejiang—think rainbow soup dumplings, braised lion's head meatballs, and sweet-and-sour fish that deliver on their promise. Most important, it's also now Chinatown's finest purveyor of whole Peking duck, served with all the proper trimmings in a traditional Chinese treasure box. 55 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111, fuchunjuboston.com.
Kaia
Kaia. / Photo by Birch Thomas High expectations? The acclaimed team behind Bar Vlaha and Krasi absolutely crushed them with their breezy ode to the Aegean. Providing an adventurous dive into modern coastal Greek cuisine, Kaia delivers—and then some. The suave dining room, dressed in light beachy tones, suggests fine dining, but stunning whole fish and deconstructed crispy lamb-neck gyro scream festive dinner party. 370 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, kaiasouthend.com.
Extra Dirty Cocktail Club
Photograph by Brian Samuels Today's best bars sell experiences, not just drinks—and this maximalist North End speakeasy orchestrates every sip. Hidden behind velvet curtains inside the Red Fox, Extra Dirty turns cocktails into theater with multicourse tastings that make every twentysomething feel like the main character. Good luck getting reservations. 326b Commercial St., Boston, MA 02113, extradirtynorthend.com.
Imagine
A croissant at Imagine. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal The croissants at Imagine—impossibly buttery with thousands of flaky layers—are exactly what you'd expect from the carb experts behind Iggy's Bread. Grab one and hope you can score a seat by the crackling fireplace. 358 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, iggysbread.com/new-page-2-1.
Russ & Mimi’s
Russ & Mimi's muffuletta: capicola, salami, mortadella, provolone, and olive tapenade. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal This neighborhood market is a big win for Roslindale—finally, locals have a spot that nails the impossible trifecta: grab-and-go coffee for your commute, dinner ingredients that don't require three different stops, and a stellar sparkling-wine selection for impromptu celebrations. The muffuletta alone makes it worth the trip. 16 Birch St., Boston, MA 02131, russandmimis.com.
Bricco
When a cocktail sells more than 100,000 units a year at a single bar, you pay attention. North End institution Bricco’s espresso martini—with its signature foamy top, sugar-cocoa rim, and blend of vanilla, coffee, almond, and hazelnut liqueurs—has reached cult status for good reason. Sure, you can grab ready-made bottles at liquor stores, but where’s the fun in that? Here’s how to nail DePasquale Ventures head bartender Glenn Le Maitre’s recipe yourself. 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, bricco.com.
Saltie Girl
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. While other spots treat caviar like it's sacred, Saltie Girl proves luxury can be fun, whether paired simply with burrata or served as part of an elaborate spread complete with diced shallots, chives, chopped eggs, latkes, toast points, and a house-baked everything bun. Because restaurateur Kathy Sidell understands the power of a unique experience, Saltie Girl offers its own label of Kaluga caviar, as well as branded bags of sea-salt potato chips—a reminder that the best luxury doesn't take itself too seriously. 279 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Phaeng & Phiu
If chef Veo Robert's pop-up doesn't spark a citywide obsession with Laotian cuisine, we're staging an intervention. Whether he's cooking up pun mieng—a big platter of drinking food, from fried whole black bass to smoked sausage—or New England-meets-Laos grilled quahogs with jaew som (a spicy-sour sauce), fried garlic, and caviar, this is one pop-up worth chasing. Multiple locations, instagram.com/phaengandphiu.
Verveine Café & Bakery
Here's the thing about great gluten-free grub: you shouldn't be able to tell. Award-winning pastry chef Monica Glass and celebrated restaurateur Ken Oringer (of Toro and Uni fame) have cracked the code at their Central Square hot spot, where prosciutto-and-butter-topped baguettes and truffle grilled cheese on Japanese milk bread make you forget they're catering to restricted diets. And save room for dessert—those chewy ube brownies and nostalgic strawberry hand pies are what the future of inclusive dining looks like. 298 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, verveinecafe.com.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Fourteen years in, restaurateur and food-TV chef Tiffani Faison has made this Fenway barbecue joint Boston's go-to for serious smoked meats. Her pork belly and prime brisket are what dreams are made of, especially when they're riding shotgun with huge scoops of mac 'n' cheese and collard greens. Oh, and don't get us started on the gloriously gigantic biscuits—they're famous for a reason. 1381 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, sweetcheeksq.com.
Grill 23 & Bar
Hang another banner for the hometown restaurant that continues to thump the national chain competition. Grill 23's winning formula is no secret: Serve great beef (dry-aged, Wagyu, and Kobe), stockpile trophy wines, decant giant classic cocktails, and serve them in brassy, classy rooms that evoke the glory days of private clubs. They'll even help you celebrate like Red Auerbach with a postprandial cigar. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
Photograph by Nina Gallant. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Nothing says “let's party!" like towers of tasty treats. And while seafood on ice or teatime finger foods are always festive, we love how Trina's elevates the humble weenie with its TikTok-famous hot-dog tower. Delivered on two tiers of upcycled vintage beer trays (personally welded by owner and consummate hospitality pro Josh Childs), five Kayem hot dogs or vegetarian tofu pups come with fries and all the fixings for less than $40. Now that's worth celebrating. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143, trinastarlite.com.
Contessa
There are restaurants, and then there are dining experiences. Contessa falls firmly in the latter category, thanks to its perch atop the Newbury Boston hotel offering jaw-dropping views high above the Public Garden, jewel-toned interior design by Ken Fulk, and see-and-be-seen ambiance that's a true showstopper. Make reservations well in advance for a birthday, anniversary, or other important occasion, order the signature 40-ounce bistecca Fiorentina and a bottle (perhaps magnum?) of bubbly, and you'll be getting props for days. 3 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, contessaristorante.com/boston.
Citrus & Salt
The relocated Citrus & Salt is now open. / Photo by Mike Diskin Jason Santos's Baja-inspired spot nails the group dining experience like nowhere else. The Instagram-ready El Arbol del Patrón—a palm-tree stand serving four mini bottled margaritas with bendy straws—sets the tone for maximum fun. Between the pink florals, colorful sugar-skull mural, and couch-like banquettes built for sprawling, everything here screams, "bring your crew." Shareable hits like smoked-chicken taquitos, Tecate-poached shrimp cocktail, and barbecue duck carnitas tacos are a party for your taste buds, too. 319 A St., Boston, MA 02210, citrusandsaltboston.com.
Scampo
If ever there were an unstoppable force in Boston restaurants, it's chef Lydia Shire, who's been dazzling diners since the Ford administration. At Scampo, her signature lobster pizza has become the Boston food cognoscenti's preferred bread-and-lobster combo: a thin crust topped with fresh lobster meat, lobster cream, and Italian cheeses—best enjoyed on that glamorous urban patio. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, scampoboston.com.
BCB3
A spread of dishes and banchan at Somaek. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Chef Jamie Bissonnette doesn't just open restaurants—he drops entire concepts that bring energy to neighborhoods. Less than two years after parting ways from his previous Boston restaurant group, the acclaimed chef has unleashed four game-changing spots with partners Andy Cartin and Babak Bina (collectively BCB3). From homestyle Korean at Somaek to Basque pintxos at Zurito, Bissonnette's new quartet cements his status as Boston's latest restaurant impresario. Downtown and Beacon Hill, bcb3.com.
Nubian Markets
Roxbury deserves retail that reflects its rich cultural landscape—and Nubian Markets gets it. This isn't just about stocking Iraqi date syrup and Ghanaian chili sauce alongside halal meats, though it nails that part. It's the café serving crispy chicken and hoppin' John bowls and the gathering space for neighborhood groups, among other highlights. Here, shopping becomes community-building, and every aisle tells the story of the African diaspora. 2565 Washington St., Boston, MA 02119, nubianmarkets.com.
Grace by Nia
The stage at Grace by Nia. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal The gorgeous stage lighting and exquisite sound that envelop diners at this Seaport live-music venue and supper club certainly add to the atmosphere. But it would all be for naught if the performers, plates, and potables weren't worth the trip. Visionary restaurateur Nia Grace, along with top-shelf nightlife partner Big Night, create nights to remember five days a week, with jazzed-up classic cocktails and chic but soulful fare such as pan-fried Cajun-style red snapper. 60 Seaport Blvd., Third Floor, Boston, MA 02210, gracebynia.com.
Lulu Green
Finally, a vegan restaurant that doesn't make carnivores feel like they're doing penance. This South Boston café nails creative comfort food—those maple-hot-sauce-glazed boneless "wings" are texturally flawless and boldly spiced—while mixing cocktails with local spirits that keep everyone coming back. No wonder they just opened a new location in Time Out Market with another in Kendall Square on the way. South Boston and Fenway, lulugreen.com.
Mr. H
Mr. H's bar. / Photo by Josh Jamison When the Seaport turns into a culinary desert sometime after 10 p.m., Mr. H becomes the neighborhood's glittering oasis, heating up with its extensive late-night menu, including sesame noodles, soup dumplings, and sparerib bao buns from COJE Management Group chief culinary officer Tom Berry. Beneath a giant golden dragon that watches over the ornate space—think Vegas meets the Forbidden City—snag a seat at the snaking bar and hunker down into the small hours of the morning. 225 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, mrhchinese.com.
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House
Wagyu lovers meat their match (sorry, couldn't help it) at this stomach-busting, surprisingly affordable hot-pot feast. Sure, there are veggies and other proteins on the all-you-can-eat-for-90-minutes menu (which starts at $45 per person), but you're here to compare and contrast the various cuts of Japanese A5, American, and Australian Wagyu. Bring on the meat sweats. 21 Hudson St., Unit 101, Boston, MA 02111, mikiyashabu.com.
Mooncusser
Photograph by Kristin Teig Hope the Michelin inspectors can handle a little heat, because chef Carl Dooley's elevated cuisine brings the fire at Mooncusser. A global outlook inspires the Cambridge-born culinarian, with tastes like feta-apricot harissa spread enlivening freshly baked focaccia; Persian cucumber and black lime accenting a fish carpaccio; and bright, fruity chili paste standing up to richly braised Vermont lamb. The seasonal selection of five-plus dishes on the nightly prix fixe isn't all hot and spicy, but it's always invigorating and adventurous. 304 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, mooncusserboston.com.
Bernard’s
Don't judge this spot at the Street by its unassuming exterior—it's quietly the neighborhood obsession for good reason. Sure, it nails takeout classics like General Tso's chicken, lo mein, and steamed pork shumai, but it's elevated dishes, like the unforgettable sweet-tangy shrimp, that keep Newton, Brookline, J.P., and Chestnut Hill locals coming back. Bonus points for a cozy bar with an actually funny, joke-cracking bartender, if you need some entertainment while you wait. 55 Boylston St., Newton, MA 02467, bernardschestnuthill.com.
Prima
Prima's Park Room. / Assembly Designs This Italian steakhouse doesn't just host private dinners—it stages full-on productions. Beyond the stately main dining room with its glossy dark wood, local design firm Assembly Design Studio created two scene-stealing private rooms: the romantic Rose Room, bedecked in plush red velvet and pink marble, and the Park Room's garden-party fever dream of florals and pale green. Each has its own bar, and both are guaranteed to wow your guests. 10 City Sq., Boston, MA 02129, primaboston.com.
Amba
Photo by Brian Samuels Ever since we discovered Amba's roast-chicken meal deal, we've been hanging out at home a whole lot more. Here, 40 bucks gets you chef Will Gilson's succulent rose-petal-garnished whole chicken with two generous Mediterranean sides, two sauces (try the namesake amba, a sweet-and-sour pickled mango concoction), and pita with two mezze. Throw in waffled latkes, pretty pastries, and halvah shakes, and you'll have a full fridge and a happy stomach. 57-59 First St., Cambridge, MA 02141, ambacambridge.com.
My Mother’s Cutlets
News travels fast in the Instagram age: Consider the epic line down Hanover Street to celebrate the debut of restaurateur Nick Varano's newest sandwich shop, My Mother's Cutlets, this past April. The casual spot sold out of its stock of namesake cutlets that weekend, and a few months in, our social media feeds are still inundated by influencers sampling the sesame-seed-studded buns stuffed with crispy chicken, veal, and more, all nostalgic for indulgent, red-saucy Italian-American classics. 371 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, mymotherscutlets.com.