10 Best Restaurants in Boston

Boston’s food scene mixes global dishes with local pride. From Southern comfort in Back Bay to coastal Italian in the South End, our curated list of the 10 best restaurants in Boston offers killer dining experiences. Whether you’re into sushi at a tucked-away spot or tapas at a vinyl-spinning joint, these places nail the city’s vibe. Want more dining picks? Check out our Boston Food guide for the full scoop. Ready to eat? Here are the top restaurants to try in Boston—share your picks on Instagram with #SecretBoston.

1. Buttermilk & Bourbon

Location: Back Bay

Chef Jason Santos brings Southern comfort to Back Bay, a gem from our neighborhood guide. Buttermilk & Bourbon’s menu—oyster chowder, crispy chicken biscuits—packs a punch with its neon-lit vibe and communal tables. Book reservations, especially for weekend brunch. Pro tip: Get the Honey Butter Biscuits for a real deal.

2. Uni

Location: Back Bay

Tucked off Newbury Street, Uni flips sushi with a modern edge. Chef Ken Oringer’s sashimi bar, now bigger with a slick dining room, dishes out bangers like the Enter the Dragon Makimono (spicy tuna, avocado, eel). Not a fish fan? The Wagyu Sirloin slaps. Reserve early—it fills up fast. Stroll Back Bay’s streets after.

3. Craigie Burger

Location: Cambridge

Chef Tony Maws ditched Craigie on Main for Craigie Burger, nailing comfort food with French finesse. At Time Out Market Boston, this spot serves juicy burgers with local, organic ingredients, like the House Burger with bone marrow aioli. No reservations, but show up early. Sides switch daily to keep it fresh.

4. Bar Mezzana

Location: South End

Bar Mezzana’s coastal Italian plates bring Amalfi vibes to the South End. Chef Colin Lynch’s crudo and house-made pastas (go for the lobster tagliatelle) pair with spritz-heavy cocktails. Open for dinner and weekend brunch, it’s a local go-to. Book tables ahead—they go quick.

5. Terra at Eataly

Location: Prudential Center

Terra, Eataly’s top-floor spot, cranks up Italian dining with flame-grilled meat skewers and wood-fired pizzas. Chef Dan Bazzinotti’s menu leans on seasonal picks, like grilled octopus with salsa verde. Post-meal, hit Eataly’s market for Italian goods. No reservation? Snag a bar seat for skyline views.

6. Yvonne’s

Location: Downtown Crossing

Yvonne’s mixes old-school glam with chill eats in a former library. This resto-lounge serves shareable plates like tuna crudo and lamb pitas in moody dining rooms. Its speakeasy feel vibes with craft cocktails. Book dinner reservations, or try the bar for walk-ins. Explore Downtown’s neighborhood gems after.

7. Tres Gatos

Location: Jamaica Plain

Tres Gatos, a cozy Jamaica Plain tapas spot, rocks a living-room feel with vinyls from its next-door music shop. Chef Daniel Marquez’s Spanish plates, like patatas bravas with a twist, hit home. Book reservations, especially for weekend live music nights. Bring a vinyl to spin while you eat.

8. Toro

Location: South End

Toro’s a South End hotspot, buzzing with eclectic tapas. Chef Ken Oringer’s grilled street corn and salt-cod croquettes are staples, with new plates like smoked oyster ceviche keeping it fresh. Communal tables and an open kitchen amp the energy. Reserve early—it’s always packed.

9. Deuxave

Location: Back Bay

Chef Christopher Coombs’ Deuxave delivers modern French elegance in Back Bay. Dishes like Spiced Long Island Duck Breast and Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras pair with seasonal desserts, like lavender crème brûlée. The polished vibe’s great for special nights. Reserve ahead for a table.

10. The Banks Fish House

Location: Back Bay

The Banks Fish House nails New England seafood with a global twist. Chef Robert Sisca’s raw bar, with local oysters, and dishes like miso-glazed cod draw crowds. Its airy, riverfront spot off the Charles is great for dinner or brunch. Book reservations, especially for patio season. Visit Secret Boston’s Sweet Shirts shop to rep some Boston merch.

Hit Up Boston’s Best Eats

Boston’s dining scene mixes tapas, fine French, and more. These 10 restaurants are the city’s heavy hitters, perfect for locals and visitors. Got a go-to dish? Share it on Instagram with #SecretBoston.