Being a coastal city, Boston takes pride in its variety of seafood options. You will find many restaurants here for getting the best seafood dishes that are unlike any other city. In addition, several other places have been feeding the population for decades.
Apart from seafood options, you will find a wealth of well-known restaurants, each known for its unique offerings and signature recipes. Whether you are a city citizen or a tourist looking for amazing food, there are so many options to explore in Boston that you can't cover them all in a day.
From barbeque dishes to tavern-style food, these iconic restaurants will present you with the best of Boston on your plate. You'll also get to enjoy the merging flavours of world cuisines like Mediterranean and Italian. So, when touring Boston, dine in these essential eateries of the city and relish the authentic taste.
Dine In These Iconic Eateries In Boston
1) Grill 23 & Bar
Image Credit: Grill 23 & Bar
Grill 23 & Bar perfectly describes Bostonians' love for steakhouses. This cherished spot in Beantown's food trail serves the city's best steaks. The relaxing ambience and warming dishes make this place the most sought-after eatery. With its 40 years of legacy, this restaurant has an old-school charm that serves as a perfect backdrop for a comforting meal. Enjoy the perfectly grilled fancy cuts and selected cocktails, and have a signature coconut cake for dessert. Also, try the tater tots and chocolate chip cookies that are known as a classic on the menu.
Location: 161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
Timings: Mon-Thu: 5–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 5–10:30 pm; Sun: 5–9 pm
Must Try: Coconut Cake, Tater Tots, Tartare, Kobe, Calamari, Chocolate Chip Cookies
Price For 2: $100 approx.
2) O Ya
Image Credit: O Ya
At O Ya, eating is more than just filling your stomach—it's an amazing experience. Since 2007, owners of this Japanese restaurant, Tim and Nancy Cushman, have made it a top place for great food. It's famous in New England for its awesome sushi and omakase, a fancy dining style. Every dish, like foie gras nigiri or bluefin tuna sashimi, is super tasty and looks fantastic. You can have a long meal called omakase with 20 delicious bites. They also add new dishes, especially during bluefin season, so there's always something exciting to try.
Location: 9 E St, Boston, MA 02111
Timings: Sun-Mon: Closed; Tue-Sat: 5–8:30 pm
Must Try: Foie Gras Nigiri, Bluefin Tuna Sashimi, Kumamoto Oysters With Watermelon Pearls, Decadent Foie Gras With, Chocolate Balsamic Kabayaki, Bluefin Toro With Wasabi Oil And Green Onion
Price For 2: $100 approx.
3) Krasi
Image Credit: Krasi
At Krasi, you'll Experience Greek flavours at their finest. Named after the Greek word for wine, it's all about good food and drinks here. Try dishes like fresh bread and souvla (that's Greek barbecue!) while sipping on Greek wine. Bring your friends for a fun night out. The place is beautifully decorated with Greek-inspired art. Led by Chef Valentine Howell and wine expert Evan Turner, Krasi promises a delicious and relaxed dining experience you won't forget.
Location: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Timings: Mon-Fri: 5–11 pm; Sat-Sun: 10 am–3 pm, 5–11 pm
Must Try: Fresh-baked bread, Souvla (Greek barbecue)
Price For 2: $100 approx.
4) Uni
Image Credit: Uni
Uni has transformed from a hidden small eatery into a bustling izakaya with 100 seats. Now, you can enjoy Japanese milk bread, ember-roasted duck breast, King crab yakitori, and wagyu dumplings alongside your favourite nigiri. Don't miss the lobster BLT roll or A5 wagyu sirloin nigiri! Uni's sake selection includes unfiltered and unpasteurized options. Plus, their late-night ramen menu is a hit. Executive Chef David Bazirgan adds his touch with tasty snacks like fried chicken bao buns.
Location: 370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Timings: Sun-Thu: 5:30–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 5:30–10 pm
Must Try: Wagyu Dumplings, Foie Gras, Tasting Menu, Ramen
Price For 2: $100 approx.
5) Rare Steakhouse
Image Credit: Rare Steakhouse
Rare Steakhouse is an exceptional waterfront steakhouse at Encore Boston Harbor. Enjoy a unique dining experience with real, certified Kobe meat—the only authentic program in New England. The locally sourced produce, dairy, freshly caught seafood, Japanese Wagyu, and domestic meat from Snake River Farms make the meal irresistible. Don't miss their loaded baked potato or the Surf & Turf for Two on Sundays. From melt-in-your-mouth, Wagyu to classic steakhouse sides, Rare promises an unforgettable night out with fiery table-side rum cake to top it off.
Location: 1 Broadway, Everett, Boston, MA 02149
Timings: Thu-Sun: 5–10 pm; Mon-Wed: Closed
Must Try: Raw Oysters, Birthday Cake, Cheesecake, Snake River Farms Steak Tartare
Price For 2: $100 approx.
6) Yvonne’s
Image Credit: Ying Shi via Google Maps
Yvonne fuses the old charm with a modern flair. The historic mahogany bar and cosy vibe remain, but the new supper club brings a fresh vibe. Sip on large-scale cocktails like the Moscow Mule in the Library Bar, this spot resembles a book lover’s dream. Along with cocktails, indulge in the Baked Oyster Savannah, Steak Tartare, and Rib Eyes to relish a delightful experience. Yvonne’s, once Locke-Ober, blends tradition with a bold new attitude. Enjoy shareable plates like a huge rib-eye with steak fries, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Location: 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Timings: Sun-Thu: 5 pm–1 am; Fri-Sat: 4 pm–2 am
Must Try: Baked Oysters Savannah, Steak Tartare, Rib-Eye With Steak Fries, Cocktails
Price For 2: $100 approx.
7) Shojo
Image Credit: Shojo
Shojo in Chinatown is where you will see the most unexpected dishes on the menu. From duck fat hand-cut fries to kimchi fried rice and the famous Shojonator burger, Shojo serves up unique flavours that will surprise and delight you. As the city's first modern Asian cocktail bar, Shojo has been a favourite among Bostonians for its inventive dishes and lively atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying classics or trying new Southeast Asian-inspired fare at their Cambridge location, Shojo will give you an unforgettable experience.
Location: 9A Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111
Timings: Sun-Mon: 11:30 am–10 pm; Tue-Thu: 11:30 am–11 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–12 am
Must Try: Chinese Chicken and Waffles, Shojo Pig Bao, Dumplings
Price For 2: $70 approx.
To get to know Boston even better, dine in these restaurants and see for yourself how many surprises are yet to be explored. These iconic eateries present the most unconventional and rare treats, giving diners an unforgettable experience.