Top 50 Restaurants in Boston

GLAMOUR, theatrics, and bright, bold flavors—welcome to Boston’s 2024 dining scene, where every table is a front-row seat to a mouthwatering show. After years of takeout and industry upheaval, restaurants are once again celebrating the full experience, which means it’s not just about great food anymore, but vibrant atmospheres and flashy touches—including flaming desserts and a smoking cocktail or two. Cuisine-wise, the show goes on this year with some red-hot trends: Omakase menus are taking center stage, dazzling diners with what feels like a million courses of pristine fish and other edible gems. Meanwhile, Boston’s enduring love affair with Italian fare continues (with no fewer than 10 standout spots on our list), serving up pizza and pasta worthy of a standing ovation. But there’s also a whole new cast of hyper-regional menus that are stealing the spotlight, taking our taste buds away to places as far-flung as central and northern Greece and Yemen.

As in years past, our Top 50 Restaurants feature showcases spots in the Greater Boston area, and while rankings are deliciously subjective—one person’s $300 tasting menu is another person’s cocktails and wings—we also considered more-concrete factors, including service quality, execution in the kitchen, and how well each restaurant lives up to its stated mission. To qualify, restaurants must offer full-service dinner and have been open for at least a year.

At the same time, we’re also excited to unveil our Top New Restaurants list, featuring 10 sizzling debuts that electrified the 2024 dining scene. From a Vietnamese rooftop bar to a popular Uyghur eatery to a luxe Italian blockbuster inside a hotel, these newcomers hint at potential future Top 50 contenders. Keep an eye on ’em—and all of these dining all-stars. We sure will.

See also: Our “Beyond the 50” addendums—where to sip on lesser-known Mexican spirits at Greater Boston bars; where to enjoy nostalgic desserts; where to find some of the area’s best suburban dining; and where to find notable sibling spots of some of the Top 50 restaurants.

It could be easily argued that Bar Vlaha is the crown jewel of Boston’s dining scene (let alone Xenia Greek Hospitality’s growing restaurant portfolio). Our top pick this year dials into the distinct regional delicacies of the nomadic Vlach people from central and northern Greece, which means the menu is loaded with slow-roasted lamb legs, charcoal-grilled freshwater fish, and all manner of savory pies and expertly prepared vegetables. Nothing’s more festive than dining family-style on astonishingly good fried mushrooms while watching meat turn on a spit in the open kitchen. The only challenge? Hard-to-snag reservations: Bar Vlaha’s tables are among the most in-demand around.

Brookline | Greek | Read more | Reservations

2. Sarma

Eleven years in, Sarma continues to reign as one of the finest Mediterranean-inspired restaurants around. Under chef Cassie Piuma’s guidance, familiar dishes are transformed into culinary marvels (think: breads and spreads, snacks and mezze, little sandwiches and skewers—each plate surprising with its inventive twist on traadition.) The vegetable preparations, in particular, are a testament to Piuma’s creativity. Despite its well-deserved popularity, Sarma is refreshingly unpretentious, with casual, fun servers matching the vibrant energy of the space—which helps explain why a weeknight reservation is as coveted as a primetime slot on the weekend.

Somerville | Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

3. O Ya

As an abundance of chic sushi spots take over the culinary scene, it’s safe to say that Boston is turning into an omakase paradise. Despite all the recent competition, O Ya is still our answer when someone asks where to celebrate a big anniversary or promotion at work. Each course is a tiny masterpiece, whether a fried Kumamoto oyster with an eye-catching topping of squid-ink foam or a skewer of Wagyu bites embellished with yuzu kosho, soy maple, and confit onion. Even humble chawanmushi, a silky egg custard, gets a luxe upgrade here with caviar, uni, and truffle. Now that’s what we call a bucket-list meal.

Leather District | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

4. Mooncusser

Say so long to menu stress—chef Carl Dooley’s contemporary seafood playground is where control freaks come to blissfully unravel and immerse themselves in an ever-changing, four-course prix-fixe menu. The only decision? Whether to indulge in the optional $65 wine pairing. From a creative take on Mexican pozole with cod cheek to marinated hiramasa in a pomegranate broth, the culinary offerings in this elegant, window-wrapped dining room are as diverse and forward-thinking as they are enticing.

Back Bay | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

5. Nightshade Noodle Bar

The prospect of 21 courses might seem daunting, but this absolutely-worth-the-drive culinary adventure north of Boston might just be the meal of a lifetime. James Beard Award–nominated chef Rachel Miller’s bold tasting menu showcases a dazzling array of flavors and techniques from Vietnam and France, in dishes like bone-marrow bánh mì with green-chili citrus butter and sea-urchin brûlée with brown butter, red-curry hollandaise, and torched cinnamon. Make no mistake: Miller’s outside-the-box cuisine is entirely original. Don’t dwell on defining it; just loosen your belt and dig in.

Lynn | Vietnamese/French | Read more | Reservations

6. Asta

Asta chef-owner Alex Crabb, a L’Espalier alum who staged at Noma back in the day, combines French and Scandinavian sensibilities in a constantly evolving, genre-defying tasting menu that’s always guaranteed to wow. Though no two meals here will ever be the same, there is a common thread: beautiful, often locally sourced bounty—from purple basil and purslane to snails and soft-shell crab—as well as a distinctly Nordic point of view (see: the personalized silverware drawers for each and every guest).

Back Bay | New American | Read more | Reservations

7. Field & Vine

Over the past couple of decades, farm-to-table dining has come full circle, from innovative to cliché to innovative once again. Field & Vine is Greater Boston’s most thrilling incarnation of the genre—a love letter to local farmers and fishermen livened up with a zing of globally inspired flavor combos. Spicy tahini, fermented sunchoke, and pea greens gussy up grilled mushrooms; nước chấm aioli, fried shallots, and peanuts garnish an herby beef tartare. It’s a scrumptious way to support all things local while taking a virtual trip around the world.

Somerville | Farm-to-table | Read more | Reservations

8. Lenox Sophia

“Duck press is back!” Lenox Sophia announced on Instagram over an image of the Nintendo Duck Hunt dog holding two unimpressed birds. Next thing we knew, we were sitting at Lenox Sophia’s tiny chef’s counter in front of a gleaming silver duck press, perhaps the most extravagant single-use kitchen gadget, for a memorable feast of all things duck, available a few weeks each year. That’s the magic of Lenox Sophia: There’s impeccable technique behind every dish. But there’s also fun, with the talented team joking behind the counter (and likely kicking butt at Duck Hunt after work).

South Boston | New American | Read more | Reservations

9. Pammy’s

Greater Boston has plenty of red-sauce Italian, but there’s something distinctive about the no-rules Italian-ish cuisine at Pammy’s. That and detail-oriented hospitality are the name of the game at this supremely cozy Cambridge favorite, where chef and co-owner Chris Willis adds tart lychee and smoked sumac to bluefin tuna, whips up vadouvan zabaione (a custardy take on French curry) to accompany octopus, and still manages to roll out the dreamiest house-made pasta. The eponymous Pam Willis leads a front-of-house team known for making diners feel right at home—especially if you score a table near the fireplace.

Cambridge | New American/Italian | Read more | Reservations

10. Comfort Kitchen

Chef-partner Kwasi Kwaa’s Comfort Kitchen stands out in Boston’s diverse African dining landscape by reimagining the entire African diaspora through an upscale comfort-food lens. While the city boasts excellent regional specialties from Somalia to Nigeria, Kwaa’s approach is boldly panoramic, weaving tales of spice routes and culinary evolution into sophisticated dishes like coffee-cacao-braised beef short ribs and monkfish coconut curry. Given that the restaurant is a star not just locally but on a national stage, you’ll need to book far in advance—luckily, the recently launched brunch service has opened up new opportunities to snag a table. We’ll take two orders of plantain pancakes with jerk butter, please.

Dorchester | Global comfort food | Read more | Reservations

11. Urban Hearth

There’s magic in the ephemera of seasonal, local dining—something chef Erin Miller demonstrates better than anyone from her tiny Cambridge kitchen. Whether you order à la carte or embark on the five-course tasting menu, surprises abound: One recent version of the menu included savory takes on both French toast (wild mushrooms, fermented plum) and crème brûlée (pumpkin, roasted Brussels sprouts, blue-cheese crunch). Those’ll probably be gone by the time you go, but not to worry—different wonders arrive with each season. Just sit back, relax, and let Miller cast her delicious spell.

Cambridge | Farm-to-table | Read more | Reservations

12. Uni

Each course in chef Tsuyoshi “Take” Takeishi’s omakase tasting experience looks like it should be guarded under glass (or, at the very least, snapped for Instagram). Bejeweled with the likes of blood orange, saffron-pickled fennel, and micro wasabi, the glistening slivers of fish are lush, velvety treasures to be savored. But what sets Uni apart in a very crowded sushi scene? The team’s equal enthusiasm for cooked dishes, little gems of Asian fusion that enhance à la carte feasts here with, for instance, sambal-aioli-slicked fried chicken in pillowy bao buns, or shishito peppers with Sapporo caramel and smoky lapsang souchong.

Back Bay | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

13. Tonino

This Centre Street gem is a distillation of the J.P. vibe: hip and chill, informal and eclectic, family- and vegetarian-friendly. That it knows and serves its area so well accounts for the ongoing scrum for seats here. Plus, pretty much everyone wants in on Tonino’s unusual take on pizza, a medium-thick Roman style growing in popularity in the United States. Then there are the mind-blowing handmade pasta dishes; the vivid salads; and the perfect bowl of littlenecks and guanciale in exquisite broth. Toss in a thoughtful list of wines and digestifs, and you have the Platonic ideal of a neighborhood Italian joint for one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods.

Jamaica Plain | Italian | Read more | Reservations

14. Brassica Kitchen + Café

Rookie Boston diners rarely stray from downtown neighborhoods like the Seaport. Veterans know there’s food-nerd glory in farther-flung corners like Jamaica Plain, where Brassica reigns both as an evening restaurant and daytime café. It’s rare to find cookery this elevated in such a laid-back setting, but sophistication and wit shine across cochef and owners Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta’s dinner menu, from the umami-bomb impact of koji risotto to the heady genre- and geography-hopping of “The Ride” tasting menu.

Jamaica Plain | New American | Read more | Reservations

15. Mahaniyom

Boston’s Thai-food scene long centered on familiar central Thai menus of satay, pad thai, and coconut-milk curries. We’ve been gratified to see its ongoing expansion at restaurants that focus on Thai street foods and the distinctive flavors of the North and Isan regions. But a stubborn gap remained: Thai restaurants that felt worthy of a date night or other special occasion. This Brookline Village hot spot has filled that void with destination-dining accoutrements, from the sexy, throbbing atmosphere and novel small-plates format to the gorgeous, meticulously crafted cocktails.

Brookline | Thai | Read more | Reservations

16. No Relation

We love the juxtaposition of whimsy (cute cat chopstick holders) and luxury (drop an extra $100 to add Osetra caviar and ikura to an already baller course of uni-topped tuna tartare) at chef Colin Lynch’s nine-seat omakase counter, a subterranean hideaway nestled inside sibling spot Shore Leave. From the cherry blossom–painted floor to delicate bites such as Japanese sea bass with pickled plum and shiso (not to mention expertly paired sakes and wines), this hidden spot is worth seeking out. And as you head for the door, we recommend taking a leisurely detour to savor a tropical nightcap at Shore Leave’s inviting bar.

South End | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

17. Talulla

Quiet luxury is having a fashion moment, and while we can’t quite stomach a $600 ballcap, we don’t mind spending big on exceptional materials, subtle design, and refined technique when it comes to dining out. That’s the essence of this tiny, white-tablecloth Huron Village indie, where chef-owner Conor Dennehy has discreetly accumulated loyal customers and a 2024 James Beard “Best Chef: Northeast” nomination for his exquisitely sourced, gorgeously plated cuisine. Order from the compact à la carte menu centered on a few jaw-dropping pasta dishes, or spring for the evening’s five-course tasting menu, with guidance through a tight, thoughtful wine list by sommelier and co-owner Danielle Ayer.

Cambridge | New American | Read more | Reservations

18. Krasi

There are restaurants for subdued candlelit suppers, and then there are those for more Bacchanalian bites. Krasi, another winner from Xenia Hospitality, stands firmly in the latter category—which makes sense, seeing as how its name is Greek for “wine.” Meals of mezze at this Greek restaurant and wine bar are basically parties over plates with your pals: Dip fresh breads into whipped-feta dip before feasting on pan-seared scallops, flank steak doused with bone-marrow butter, and daily souvlaki. The Greek-only wine list certainly helps encourage philoxenia, a Hellenic concept of hospitality that translates to “befriending a stranger.”

Back Bay | Greek | Read more | Reservations

19. Oleana

Sure, you can book weeks in advance for a special occasion, pulling up a seat in the cozy dining room to enjoy mainstays like Sultan’s Delight (sweet-meets-savory tamarind beef) and the iconic baked Alaska. But we also adore a spontaneous Oleana night: snagging a walk-in spot at the lively bar or on the romantic patio and snacking on herby mackerel conserva on toast. Then—gasp—skipping the baked Alaska in favor of some of the other fantastic desserts, like the heavenly kataif ice cream cake. Happy 9:30-on-a-random-Tuesday-night to you.

Cambridge | Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

20. Spoke Wine Bar

Too many Boston wine bars coast on indifferently curated, mass-market lists. Too few dig into obscure wine regions and small, indie producers. Even fewer focus on the red-hot natural-wine category, which requires highly knowledgeable guides to unearth the fascinating standouts and avoid the many duds. The list at this intimate Davis Square spot, however, hits all the right notes: Sitting in the warm, wood-lined space, you’ll feel like an explorer traveling the world in a glass as the friendly staffers walk you through the wide selection. The kicker is Boston’s best kitchen in the wine-bar category, which turns out a frequently changing menu of highly creative—and Insta-worthy—small plates.

Somerville | Wine bar | Read more | Reservations

21. Giulia

Chef Michael Pagliarini’s lovingly house-made pastas put this Italian restaurant on the map when it opened a dozen years ago. While those pastas—particularly the fan-favorite pappardelle with braised wild boar—certainly don’t require any extra adornment, we won’t judge if you decide to splurge on a seasonal truffle add-on for a bit more decadence. Don’t be afraid to try a truffle dessert, too, when available: We’re still dreaming about a visit at the tail-end of white-truffle season, when we indulged in white-truffle gelato with white-truffle meringue, honey olive oil cake, and—you guessed it—shaved white truffles.

Cambridge | Italian | Read more | Reservations

22. La Royal

Peruvian ranks among South America’s most alluring cuisines, applying native culinary traditions and accents from Africa, Europe, and Asia to a bounty of coastal and inland ingredients. It finds its most exciting local incarnation at this Observatory Hill spot, where owners JuanMa Calderón and Maria Rondeau have brought their initial smashing success at Somerville’s tiny Celeste to a more capacious, polished space. The handsome, lively dining room and bar find diners sipping gorgeous pisco sours while enjoying classics like fiery ceviche, Japanese-inflected tiradito, and Chinese-influenced lomo saltado.

Cambridge | Peruvian | Read more | Reservations

23. Bar Volpe

Rarely is a sequel better than the original. But in the case of Karen Akunowicz’s two excellent Southie Italian spots, we find ourselves gravitating toward the Fox & the Knife’s younger sibling, which focuses on the cuisine of southern Italy. Swing by to feel, as if by osmosis, like a longtime pastaiolo yourself. How else to explain your sudden expertise in the optimal texture of orecchiette (slightly springy, of course) singing in a rich lamb ragu? Pop by the in-house pastificio for pastas and sauces to make at home while you dream of the old country—or at least Akunowicz’s mocha cannoli.

South Boston| Italian | Read more | Reservations

24. Moëca

Most Boston seafood restaurants specialize in well-loved classic or modern New England dishes, but at this sizzling spot, sibling of longtime Italian fave Giulia, the inspiration goes global. Raw preparations, shareable small plates, astonishing pastas, and head-turning whole-fish dishes all boast eclectic origins, pretty platings, and vivid, often umami-intensified flavors. Generously spaced tables, a casual yet elegant ambiance, and a first-rate bar program complete an experience that brings rarely seen novelty and creativity to Boston’s seafood scene.

Cambridge | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

25. Bab Al-Yemen

While Yemeni cuisine may be rare in the area, Boston boasts one of the finest examples in Bab Al-Yemen. The huge round of bread—hot and fresh from the tanoor oven, somewhere between pita and naan—makes for a memorable part of the meal, as does the fiery chili sauce, sahawek. But that’s just the start of the appeal of this restaurant, which delivers with kind service, hearty portions, and fall-off-the-bone, slow-roasted lamb and chicken dishes. Book the traditional floor seating to fully immerse yourself in the experience, and don’t miss the chai-like Adeni tea, a warmly spiced hug to end the meal.

Fenway/Kenmore | Yemeni | Read more | Reservations

26. Umami Omakase

It’s all about the journey at this sparsely decorated Cambridge nook, where the simple atmosphere lets the menu shine. The 18-course tasting experience starts subtly—a warming miso soup full of tiny enoki mushrooms. Drama increases as you go on, ending triumphantly with dishes such as duck breast presented with a flourish in a mini smoke-filled cloche. Accompany the meal with a glass of sake (or three) for a head-spinningly good time.

Cambridge | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

27. Select Oyster Bar

Boston only started living up to its national reputation as a great seafood destination about 20 years ago, with the emergence of a few small, indie restaurants centered on raw bars. First among equals in this still-elite tier is this slender Back Bay standout, where pristine raw oysters from both North American coastlines nestle alongside ravishing crudos, ceviches, and tartares. Cooked dishes embrace local stalwarts like lobster, mussels, swordfish, and halibut, with occasional European flavors repped by bouillabaisse and garlic-lemon blue prawns.

Back Bay | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

28. Grill 23 & Bar

At 41, Grill 23 wears its age with grace. This rare indie steakhouse stands out amid a sea of chains, proving that maturity brings wisdom—and the chops to effortlessly balance tradition and sophistication. From its crisp white tablecloths to its aged cuts of meat that infuse every evening with a touch of elegance, the old-school cool extends beyond the dining room— when the meal ends, a curated selection of cigars awaits, perfect for extending a night on the town. But before you go, don’t forget to order a towering slice of the signature coconut cake.

Back Bay | Steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

29. Contessa

The only thing that feels swankier than sipping Contessa’s Vesper house martini is finally snagging a reservation for this often-booked-solid beauty, a rare success story for an out-of-town restaurant group in Boston. The service? Attentive without feeling overbearing. The surroundings? You’ve stumbled into a modern reboot of Roman Holiday, and you’re the star. The plates? Capellini as a stage for lobster in fiery chili-studded sauce; plump tortellini as a showcase for the beauty of sweet peas. And then there’s the five-star view: penthouse-pristine as you peep much of the city from atop the chic Newbury Boston hotel.

Back Bay | Italian | Read more | Reservations

30. Szechuan Mountain House

Notably upscale in a sea of casual Allston restaurants, this New York import’s beautifully appointed space is awash in dangling illuminated koi decorations; romantic, flowy curtains; and soaring A-frame ceilings. But it’s not all style and no substance here: The menu’s spicy, thrilling crash course in Sichuan cuisine—tingly La-Zi chicken, sizzling crispy tofu, and velvety pig-trotter soup—makes it clear why the restaurant is still drawing long lines a year in. From the first sip of honey-yuzu tea, you’ll see it’s worth the wait.

Allston | Chinese | Read more

31. Moona

Few traditions inspire convivial sharing quite like the Arabic mezze stretching around the Mediterranean from Turkey to Morocco. That’s the kaleidoscopic palette that Mohamad El-Zein paints from at his picturesque, always-packed Inman Square restaurant. It’s easy to hopscotch through bright-flavored small plates like grilled chicken kebobs, harissa-honey-glazed carrots, and a dip trio with exceptional pita. But diners also shouldn’t miss stunning larger dishes such as chicken tagine and slow-cooked lamb shank. A short, sharp list of Middle East–tilting cocktails, wine, and beer underpins some of the most consistently delicious and healthy eating in town.

Cambridge | Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

32. Toro

Put Ken Oringer’s Spanish stalwart in Boston’s restaurant hall of fame; the city wouldn’t feel quite the same without it. While you’ll never be disappointed by the hefty servings of paella, we prefer to lean into the party-like energy of the loud, crowded space and go all-in on endless small plates that burst with flavor, washed down by Spanish wines straight from the porrón. We’re delighted that some favorites have stuck around for years—dreamy gambas al ajillo, fan-favorite maíz asado—but equally happy that rotating seasonal crudos and other updates keep this spot feeling fresher than ever nearly 20 years in.

South End | Spanish | Read more | Reservations

33. La Brasa

Since it opened a decade ago, Daniel Bojorquez’s Mexican-inspired restaurant has been putting East Somerville on the culinary map. Haven’t been in a bit? The time is right for a revisit thanks to a couple of exciting new faces amping up the kitchen and bar: chef Jay Murray, the longtime executive chef at Grill 23 & Bar, and local cocktail superstar Todd Maul. A Pall Mall daiquiri with clarified lime juice and burnt-cinnamon simple syrup adds even more sparkle to wood-fired dishes such as Willamette Valley lamb belly and Iberian pork mogote.

Somerville | Mexican | Read more | Reservations

34. Grace By Nia

With the arrival of this gilded extravaganza of a nightspot in 2023, the Seaport finally got some soul. Here, dressed-to-the-nines Bostonians arrive ready to sip gloriously over-the-top cocktails while digging into perfectly rendered southern fare like fried green tomatoes and bourbon-peach spare ribs. Fabulous live jazz combos that variously embrace spoken word, soul, and Caribbean music traditions seal the deal at this shot of glamour in a neighborhood often derided for its overabundance of corporate chains.

35. Deuxave

Look to this French grande dame for proof that true luxury whispers rather than shouts (unlike you trying to order dessert over a booming playlist). Sometimes, fine dining should simply purr, as it does at Deuxave—from the sleek dining room with brick accents and firelight to the warmly attentive service. While plenty of the beautifully composed dishes here will light up your Instagram feed, you’ll find savory perfection in one of the most aesthetically understated dishes on the menu: the nine-hour French onion soup.

Back Bay | French | Read more | Reservations

36. Rare Steakhouse

Exquisite ingredients, seamless hospitality, dramatic presentations (such as the theatrical preparation of a smoky Old Fashioned)—this casino steakhouse has it all in spades. But the superstar here is the legit Kobe beef: Exported from Japan’s Hyōgo prefecture and known for its exquisite tenderness, the melt-in-your-mouth steak is almost impossible to find elsewhere in the state. Add caviar service, a seafood tower, and a pour of high-end scotch to complete the ultimate high-roller experience.

Everett | Steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

37. Prima

Red velvet, meet red sauce: This dynamic Charlestown spot is redefining what it means to run an Italian steakhouse in Boston. Mozzarella and breads are made in-house and shown off in a variety of preparations. Perfectly cooked steaks and chops come super-sized; share a hefty Brandt tomahawk with a friend or two. Gluten-free options abound—a rarity among pasta-filled Boston restaurants. And whatever you order will be served with a side of romance, particularly if you reserve a spot at the pink-marble bar or a plush red booth inside the restaurant’s so-called Rose Room.

Charlestown | Italian steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

39. SRV

Few Boston Italian restaurants dial into a region as distinctly as SRV, an ode to laid-back evenings snacking on cicchetti (small plates) along the Venetian canals. Alas, there are no canals near this bustling South End bacaro—but the marinated olives brightened with orange and chili flakes; little pork-and-beef meatballs; and plates of cured meats still promise to whisk you away on a molto bene getaway, if only for a few hours after work or on the weekend. Unique risotto and pastas (like agnolotti in broth with beet, orange, and poppyseed) cement SRV’s place among the city’s finest Italian restaurants.

South End | Italian | Read more | Reservations

40. Shōjō

Chinatown deserves its food-geek cred for high restaurant density and quality, but it mostly leaves cocktail lovers hanging. That makes this hip little nightclub-like space a treasured oasis of boozy refreshment, excelling in both tropical and Asian flavors and spirits. And few kitchens execute East-West fusion as successfully as Shōjō (which also has locations in Cambridge and at Logan), thanks to its casual menu of wings, burgers, ribs, dumplings, and fried chicken. That makes it a favored pre- and post-gaming destination for Theater District clubgoers—because nothing spells an epic night out like Japanese whiskey Old Fashioneds and “kimcheese”-smothered duck-fat fries.

Chinatown | Asian | Read more | Reservations

41. Yvonne’s

Each venue from the ever-expanding COJE Management Group drips with sexiness and see-and-be-seen vibes, but Yvonne’s, one of the group’s OG spots, really set the bar high with its debut nearly a decade ago in Boston’s historical Locke-Ober space. Looking to dress to the nines, sip cocktails, and dine amid opulent chandeliers and illuminated bookshelves punctuated by the cheekiness of a tattooed JFK portrait? This is your happy place. It’s not just the ambiance, though: Foodies will be pleased to find that the team takes the globetrotting fare as seriously as the elaborate décor. Share the massive grilled “viper” chop (pork short rib) with friends.

Downtown Crossing | New American | Read more | Reservations

42. Row 34

More than 10 years after the original Row 34 opened its doors in Fort Point, chef Jeremy Sewall and his team are still proving that their take on New England seafood is a force to be reckoned with—including at their Kendall Square location, which opened last year. The winning formula? Fish sourced daily at Fish Pier, gaggles of oysters, bold ceviches and crudos, and gussied-up takes on classics. The excitedly off-kilter beer list plays a supporting role, and a dessert of candied pecan–topped butterscotch pudding sure doesn’t hurt.

Fort Point and other locations | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

43. Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar

The hearty, abundant pleasures of Cuban cuisine now find expression at a range of Boston restaurants, from humble neighborhood spots to swish, nightclub-like settings. But no place better captures the lively spirit of the island quite like this anchor of Waltham’s Moody Street restaurant row and its newer Cambridge sibling. Gustazo combines the homey, rib-sticking roasts and stews of a Havana paladar with the party atmosphere and wide-ranging drinks menu of a Varadero beach bar. The festive vibe is particularly evident on the expansive, umbrella-sheltered patio at the Waltham location, where mambo and salsa pulse and daiquiris and mojitos flow freely.

Cambridge and Waltham | Cuban | Read more | Reservations

44. Thistle & Leek

Since Craigie Street Bistrot closed, we’ve longed to experience its magic again—which is why we absolutely jumped for joy to see alums Kate and Trevor Smith flourish with their own culinary hideaway in the suburbs. They’ve carried with them that passion for local sourcing and European inspiration, influenced too by their love of London’s modern gastropubs. The result? An eclectic menu that keeps the crowds coming for dishes such as crispy potato rosti with clam dip; pleasantly al dente saffron rigatoni with mussels, chorizo, and corn; and shawarma-spiced chicken with a squiggle of garlic yogurt. Don’t forget to take home a pint of house-made ice cream, especially the coffee stracciatella.

Newton | New American | Read more | Reservations

45. Via Cannuccia

“Don’t talk about Via Cannuccia!” beg our friends, anxious to keep this St. Mark’s gem a secret. But we can’t stay mum about a spot that so winsomely embodies a proper Italian trattoria in its modesty, freshness, and ingredient quality. The airy pizzas you’ll find on most tables are a beautiful place to start. But chef-owner Stefano Quaresimo, who grew up just outside of Rome, also plates original stunners like a delicately light eggplant Parmesan with surprising crispness from a rice-paper wrapper, presumably inspired by his wealth of Vietnamese-restaurant neighbors in Dorchester. Weekend morning lines for delectable pastries seal the deal at this ringing echo of Italy (albeit one with some decidedly global influences).

Dorchester | Italian | Reservations

46. Table

Nothing feels more like a joyful rejection of the pandemic years than laughing around a communal table with friends and strangers, feasting on enormous portions of family-style Italian food. (Germaphobes need not worry: The dishes at Table are shared only among your own party.) This is chef Jen Royle’s dinner-party world, and we’re all just living in it, digging into baskets of warm focaccia; award-winning meatballs bathed in a bright San Marzano marinara; and homey autumn risotto packed with butternut squash and pumpkin.

North End | Italian | Read more | Reservations

47. Mida

If it’s Monday, you can bet on the fact that at Mida’s South End and Newton locations, 80 bucks will get you five portions of chef Douglass Williams’s ethereal pastas, plus salad and bread, for two people. But reliable doesn’t mean boring when it comes to Mida; it means consistently crowd-pleasing, with dishes like duck wings lacquered with a Luxardo cherry glaze and clam-topped charred pizzas rounding out the offerings. While there are some menu variations across the locations—now four, with the late 2024 addition of a Fenway outpost—one thing is consistent: glammed-up interiors that make any night out feel special.

South End and other locations | Italian | Read more | Reservations

48. Mooo….

In a city filled with chain steakhouses, we keep returning to this swanky 17-year-old spot—and its flashy 2022 incarnations in the Seaport and Burlington—for meals that take us from fluffy Parker House rolls and savory Wagyu dumplings to prime sirloin au poivre and classic desserts like bananas Foster. Well-rehearsed service and a stately ambiance (with a hint of welcome levity courtesy of tiny hints of cow-themed décor) are just the béarnaise and bordelaise on top.

Beacon Hill and other locations | Steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

49. Hook + Line

The Seaport should have good seafood, and this year-old spot from restaurateur Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli stands out as a welcome addition, wowing diners with globally inspired, wood-fired fare (bone-in monkfish vindaloo; skate wing with Singapore black-pepper sauce). The team hits all of the classic New England seafood notes, too, with faithful versions of fish and chips, fried clams, and the like. Those taste extra-special in warmer seasons on the spacious waterfront patio. A next-door market chock-full of fresh fish and pantry provisions, meanwhile, ensures you’ll never have to go elsewhere for your seafood cravings.

Seaport | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

50. Puritan & Company

Local-boy-made-good Will Gilson is busy taking over Cambridge with his seemingly ever-growing restaurant empire, but this beloved Inman Square spot is where his career took off. And it’s where we keep returning for classic American cookery based on the kinds of fresh local ingredients Gilson grew up cultivating on his parents’ Groton farm. We love the robust gastropub fare—hearty pastas, roast chicken, pork chops—but it’s the little New England-y details that we always remember, because no one does Parker House rolls better than Puritan.

Cambridge | New American | Read more | Reservations

First published in the November 2024 print issue.