All-American cuisine flourished in Boston’s best restaurants for a long time—it is, after all, the birthplace of the American Revolution and a city that takes real pride in its history. But as the thriving education and technology sectors have attracted new cultures from around the globe, diversity now thrives here, too. Lobster rolls, clam chowder, and steakhouses still very much reign supreme here, but lately it feels like Boston is hitting its culinary stride. The city has moved beyond traditional New England classics, offering everything from high-brow omakase tasting counters to street-food inspired eateries and everything in between. In a city known as being a hub for big ideas, the culinary community feels like it’s expanding its horizons more than ever before. Don’t worry, you can still find the lobster rolls–but if you want a more holistic snapshot of how Bostonians are eating these days, here is our rundown of the city’s most essential restaurants.
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Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
