Boston is a city that wears its history on its sleeve, but these days, its culinary scene is anything but stuck in the past.
Sure, you can still get a bowl of clam chowder that tastes like it’s been perfected over centuries, but the dining landscape here has exploded into something way more exciting.
We’re talking world-class omakase, funky vegan diners, and global flavors that reflect the true diversity of this old New England town.
The proof is in the pudding—or should we say, in the Michelin Guide. Boston finally got its own Michelin inspection in late 2025, and the results confirmed what locals have known for years: this city is a food lover’s paradise.
From James Beard finalists to hidden neighborhood gems, these 13 spots represent the absolute best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts right now. Let’s dig in.
1. Sarma
Kicking things off in Somerville’s Winter Hill neighborhood, Sarma is the kind of place that makes you want to order one of everything on the menu. This spot just landed on USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list, and honestly, it’s about time the rest of the country caught on.
It’s the bigger, bolder sibling to the legendary Oleana, and it specializes in “meze”—those small, shareable plates that are perfect for a big group or a very hungry date.
The vibe inside is warm and bustling, with a long bar and an open kitchen that’s always humming. The menu draws inspiration from Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and beyond.
You might find lamb and beef kibbeh, fried halloumi drizzled with honey, or Brussels sprouts with date syrup that’ll convert any hater. The trick here is to go with a crew, order a ton of dishes, and pass them around the table like you’re family.
It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s undeniably one of the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts for a night out that feels like a celebration.
2. 311 Omakase
Tucked away in the South End, 311 Omakase is an experience that feels more like a secret ceremony than a dinner reservation. This intimate, 10-seat spot made history by becoming the first Boston-area restaurant to receive a Michelin star in the 2025 guide.
Chef Wei Fa Chen, originally from Fujian, China, is the wizard behind the counter, and he’s on a quest for perfection .
You’ll find the entrance in the basement of a brick row house—it’s the kind of place where you double-check the address to make sure you’re in the right spot.
Walk through the incense-scented entryway, and you’ll find a serene wood counter where Chef Chen slices fish with surgical precision, close enough to touch his extremely sharp knife (though, as the Globe notes, that’s not recommended).
His wife, Carrie Ko, narrates the experience, sharing the story behind each course. It’s intimate, it’s personal, and it’s easily the most unique dining experience among the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts. Book way in advance and come hungry for a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
3. Comfort Kitchen
Head to Dorchester’s Upham’s Corner and you’ll find Comfort Kitchen, a place that’s been racking up accolades since it opened in 2023. It landed on The New York Times’ top 50 Restaurants list that same year, and in 2024, it was a James Beard Award finalist for best new restaurant.
The building itself is historic—it was built in 1912 as a comfort station for the streetcar system—but the food is anything but old-fashioned .
The menu celebrates the flavors of the African Diaspora, connecting culinary threads from Asia to the Americas. We’re talking global comfort food with serious soul. And during warmer months, the outdoor garden oasis patio is an absolute dream.
It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a long, lazy dinner and feel like you’ve discovered something truly special. Comfort Kitchen is proof that the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts are often found in the neighborhoods where locals actually live.
4. Mahaniyom
In Brookline, Mahaniyom is serving up some of the most original and delicious Thai food in the region. This spot received a Bib Gourmand designation in the inaugural Boston Michelin Guide, which recognizes restaurants that offer both quality and value.
Co-owners Smuch Saikamthorn and Chompon “Boong” Boonnak are childhood friends from Thailand who came to Boston to study—and ended up creating a culinary destination .
The pomelo salad is a standout, and the crab curry is absolutely legendary. Boonnak’s background bartending at Shojo in Chinatown also inspired an award-winning cocktail program that’s worth a visit all on its own.
The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming, the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and leave planning your next visit. For bold, authentic flavors at a fair price, Mahaniyom is a total gem among the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
5. Veggie Galaxy
Over in Cambridge’s Central Square, Veggie Galaxy is a retro-style diner that proves plant-based eating can be just as indulgent and satisfying as the real thing.
This spot is a favorite among vegans and vegetarians, but carnivores wander in all the time and leave wondering why they don’t eat this way more often .
The menu is massive. We’re talking vegan breakfast served all day, “eggs” for omelets, “cheese” for mac and cheese, and a whole bakery case full of vegan donuts and cakes that are dangerously good. The seitan cutlet is a thing of beauty, and the vegan milkshakes are thick and creamy.
It’s a classic diner experience with a totally modern twist. For anyone looking for the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts with killer plant-based options, Veggie Galaxy is a must.
6. Sorellina
If you’re planning a special night out in Back Bay, Sorellina should be at the top of your list. This polished Italian-Mediterranean spot just landed on OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America, and it’s easy to see why.
The dining room is intimate and elegant, with dim lighting, a quieter atmosphere, and tables designed for lingering over long conversations.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect beautifully executed dishes like broiled branzino with romanesco and fennel pollen, or scallops with sweet potato and maitake mushroom.
Chef Jamie Mammano has been overseeing this spot since 1997, and the experience shows in every detail . For date night, anniversary, or just treating yourself to something gorgeous, Sorellina is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
7. Little Sage
In the North End—Boston’s famous Italian neighborhood—Little Sage is doing something a little different. This cozy spot on Hanover Street isn’t serving the typical lasagna or veal marsala you’ll find down the block.
Instead, chef and co-owner Tony Susi focuses on seasonal ingredients and housemade pasta that changes with what’s fresh .
The space is small and intimate, with a painted sage mural on the wall and an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. Think heirloom tomatoes in the summer, rich mushroom pastas in the fall, and always, always perfectly crafted noodles.
It’s a breath of fresh air in a neighborhood that can sometimes feel stuck in its ways. Little Sage proves that the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts can honor tradition while still trying new things.
8. Pagu
Pagu in Cambridge is the kind of place where you throw out all your expectations and just enjoy the ride.
The menu is a wild, wonderful mashup of Spanish and Asian influences—think black cod croquetas with Thai chile alioli, braised pork belly bao, and laksa made with invasive green crabs.
It sounds chaotic, but it works beautifully. Michelin inspectors called it both “fun and thoughtful,” which might be the perfect description .
Chef-owner Tracy Chang is a culinary force, and her creativity shines through in every dish. The space is sleek and modern, with a vibe that’s energetic and welcoming.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who loves a good meal, Pagu will keep you on your toes. It’s a total original and absolutely one of the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
9. Union Oyster House
You can’t talk about Boston dining without mentioning the classics, and Union Oyster House is as classic as it gets.
This place has been around since 1826—yes, that’s almost 200 years—making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. It’s a stone’s throw from Faneuil Hall, and walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time.
The specialty here is seafood, obviously. We’re talking oysters on the half shell, lobster, clam chowder, and all the New England classics done right.
The booths are wooden and worn-in, the servers have been there forever, and the whole place has a patina of history you just can’t fake.
Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s touristy for a reason. For a taste of old-school Boston, Union Oyster House earns its spot among the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
10. Lulu Green
Vegan dining in Boston just got a whole lot more exciting. Lulu Green, already a favorite plant-based spot, is opening its third location in Cambridge in early 2026.
They’re serving brunch, lunch, and dinner with global influences, meaning you’re just as likely to find a shawarma bowl as a vegan chick’n sandwich.
The new spot on Kendall Street will also feature a craft cocktail program by night and coffee by day, making it a destination for any time.
Weekend brunch specials are already legendary among the plant-based crowd. For fresh, creative, totally satisfying vegan food, Lulu Green is quickly becoming one of the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
11. Thistle & Leek
Over in Newton, Thistle & Leek is a cozy neighborhood spot that earned a spot in the first Boston Michelin Guide as a Recommended Restaurant . Owned by husband-and-wife team Kate and Trevor Smith, this 50-seat eatery draws inspiration from London’s modern gastropubs.
According to the Michelin Guide, “This is a kitchen that doesn’t cut corners. Breads, pastas and ice creams are all made in-house” . The menu is tight and eclectic, changing with the seasons.
Think toasted sesame focaccia topped with chèvre, fava beans, and mint, or tender lamb meatballs in a vibrant tomato-ginger curry.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a proper roast chicken and a pint and feel totally at home. Thistle & Leek is a gem and a worthy addition to any list of the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
12. My Thai Vegan Cafe
Tucked away in Chinatown, My Thai Vegan Cafe is a hidden gem that rewards those who find it.
The restaurant is on the second floor, up a staircase that might make you wonder if you’re in the right place—but trust the process . Everything here is completely vegan, and the food is incredibly affordable.
The “chicken” fingers are made with tofu and seasoned to perfection. The Thai baked goods are a nice surprise, and the fresh fruit bubble tea is the perfect way to wash it all down.
It’s a casual, no-frills spot serving seriously good food. For anyone looking for the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts with authentic Thai flavors and a 100% plant-based menu, this is your place.
13. Cactus Club Cafe
Last but not least, let’s talk about a fresh face on the scene. Cactus Club Cafe just opened its first U.S. location in Boston’s Back Bay, and it’s already turning heads . This Vancouver-based import is too new to make any “best of” lists yet, but it figures to be a top contender for 2027 .
The vibe is sleek and stylish, with a curved ceiling, sphere-shaped lighting, and bold artwork by Boston artist Giovanni DeCunto. The menu is all over the place in the best way—sushi, prime rib-eye steak, creative cocktails.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a destination . Cactus Club Cafe brings a fresh, cosmopolitan energy to Back Bay and rounds out our list as one of the most exciting new additions among the best restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts.
Conclusion
There you have it—a culinary tour of Boston that spans centuries of history and a world of flavors.
From the Michelin-starred intimacy of 311 Omakase to the retro vegan comfort of Veggie Galaxy, from the 200-year-old oyster house to the brand-new Canadian import, this city’s dining scene is more diverse and delicious than ever.
These 13 spots represent the very best of what Boston has to offer right now.
Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, book those reservations, and get ready to eat your way through one of America’s most exciting food cities. Your new favorite table is waiting.