18 Best Restaurants in Boston

Welcome to Instagrammable America, where we scour the states for the best places to eat and drink, because if you didn’t ‘gram it, did you even try it?

Boston is known for famous dishes like Boston cream pie (which originated at Parker’s Restaurant in the Omni Parker House hotel), clam chowder, Boston franks, Boston baked beans and anything and everything lobster related. Lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, lobster salads, lobster grilled cheese… you can find it all right here in Beantown.

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While there are plenty of tried-and-true classic Boston restaurants every out-of-towner should visit once, there are also plenty of noteworthy newbies making headlines—and taking over our Instagram feed.

From North End Italian gems and Boston Seaport standouts, to must-visit spots in Beacon Hill, Fenway, the South End and Chinatown, there’s no shortage of neighborhoods to food crawl in America’s Walking City.

Behold our list of 18 best restaurants in Boston for likable food pics, curated with a little help from Boston-based TikTokers and Instastars, Rachel Eng and Maddie Gatto of @twotastebuddiez.

Best Restaurants in Boston for Foodstagrams

Krasi

Krasi is the Greek word for wine, and this restaurant definitely lives up to its namesake, featuring one of the most extensive selections of Greek wines in the US. Their menu has classic meze in addition to fresh-baked breads, imported cheeses and table-side tzatziki. The interior’s beautiful natural lighting provides the perfect setup for that “Instagrammable” shot and you can’t miss out on their dip trio of tzatziki, htipiti and taramosalata at brunch, or the Feast of the Gods at dinner (a sampling of dishes with an optional wine pairing). —Twotastebuddiez

Fox & the Knife

Ask anyone in the know about the best restaurants in Boston these days and most will wax poetic over Fox & the Knife. James Beard award-winning chef/owner Karen Akunowicz is a culinary wizard and each of her house-made pastas is more genius than the next. In particular, the Tortelli Verdi with Wild Nettles, Pepe c Cacio Lasagnette with Goat Butter and Raviolo Carbonara with Guanciale are brilliant on every level. Up next for Akunowicz: the opening of her second restaurant, Bar Volpe, in South Boston. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Committee

Not only is the vibrantly decorated Committee a no-brainer for celebrations, but their creative seasonal cocktail list and shareable plates lend themselves to beautiful table spreads to adorn your Instagram feed. The outdoor patio is ideal for al fresco summer brunches close to Boston’s Seaport, and dishes range from classic Mediterranean fare to modernized takes. Don’t miss out on the Spanakopita Grilled Cheese on sourdough, or the Greek Yogurt Pancakes with toasted almonds and fresh berries. —Twotastebuddiez

Union Oyster Bar, Boston Chowda Co & Neptune Oyster

If you come to Boston and don’t eat New England clam chowder—don’t leave until you do. You’ll find creamy chowda and oyster crackers on the menu at most restaurants in these parts, but for the best—and most Instagrammed—chowders, pay a visit to Union Oyster House (one of America’s oldest restaurants dating back to 1826), Boston Chowda Co in Faneuil Hall and Neptune Oyster. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden

Headed up by acclaimed mixologist Ran Duan, Blossom Bar offers a large selection of traditional Sichuan dishes, in addition to a thoughtfully executed beverage menu. As in, cocktails are *almost* too beautiful to drink. Our favorites include Duan’s Whip (with Pineapple Dole Whip) and Gloria, winner of the 2019 Bacardi Legacy award. Sichuan Cuisine is a style of Chinese cuisine originating from Sichuan Province in southwestern China, and Blossom Bar does not disappoint, featuring hits like Dan Dan Noodles, Chengdu Duck Stew and Sichuan Flavor Chicken. Also noteworthy: sister restaurants Baldwin Bar and Ivory Pearl. —Twotastebuddiez

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Wood Hills Pier 4

No one does farm-to-table fare quite like Wood Hills Pier 4. Head Chef Charlie Foster provides patrons with an extensive menu backed by flavor and sustainability. Wood Hills Pier 4 is part of the restaurant family of Woods Hill Table, sourcing their cuisine directly from its namesake, The Farm at Woods Hill. The fresh produce and meat elevate their beautiful, tapas-style dishes that are meant for sharing. Some highlights of their frequently rotating menu include fresh local seafood like fluke crude and east coast oysters, as well as dry-aged Woods Hill Farm Duck Breast with Crispy Confit. And don’t sleep on their drink menu, featuring hand-picked, local distillers like Bully Boy and Privateer. —Twotastebuddiez

Parish Cafe

Parish Cafe is legendary in Boston, thanks to a menu of specialty sandwiches created by B-Town’s top chefs. There’s The Eggplant Milanesa by Chef Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa, Toro and Little Donkey (thin sliced pan-fried eggplant, avocado, slow-roasted black bean spread, on a sesame torta roll). The Flour BLT by Chef Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery (applewood smoked bacon, tomato confit, bibb lettuce, basil mayo on Texas toast). And the holy grail sammie: The Zuni Roll by Chef Norma Gillaspie (sliced turkey, crispy bacon, dill havarti cheese, cranberry chipotle sauce, on a warm flour tortilla). PS, the beer list is epic if you’re looking for local ales. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Cafe Landwer

With two locations Fenway/Kenmore and Brighton, Israel’s Cafe Landwer has been a Boston staple for several years now. Their interior features a modernized take on classic diners, with elements such as vintage wall art, a retro coffee bar and traditional signage. Cafe Landwer specializes in Mediterranean/Israeli-style dishes, including their famous Landwer Shakshuka and schnitzel, plus a variety of salads and hummus bowls. They are also vegan and vegetation friendly, with several adjusted options in each category like Landwer’s Vegan Breakfast, Vegan Shakshuka and more. You simply cannot miss out on their rugelach for dessert! —Twotastebuddiez

Saltie Girl

Located smack dab in the middle of bustling Newbury Street, Saltie Girl is always packed—and always delicious. Seriously you can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu, but they’re known for their tinned seafood specialities, baskets of flawlessly fried fish and lobster delicacies. Try the Gloucester Lobster Roll (warm or cold) and the Ginger Scallion Lobster, then hop next door to keep the food coma going at Seafood Pizza by Saltie Girl. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Source

Source is a go-to date night spot in Harvard Square for those nights you’re looking to impress. Their  modern approach to a gastropub and pizza bar has earned them a locals-loved rep and owner Daniel Roughan’s attention to detail makes every aspect of the dining experience superb, right down to the unique plates each dish is served on. Prepare to be transported to Italy after one bite of Neopolitan-style pizza, straight out of the wood-fired oven, or go for brunch and enjoy Deconstructed Grilled Cheese and Hangover Pizza. —Twotastebuddiez

Lookout Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel

When it comes to gram-worthy waterfront vibes and views, look no further than The Envoy Hotel‘s Lookout Rooftop for seeping views of the city, plus microbrews and seasonal cocktails. Yes it gets crowded, but when you want a light bite and a cold drink on a hot day, there’s no beating this sky-high perch. Come wintertime the glowing fire pits are replaced by neon snow globes and an après ski-inspired menu is on hand to keep the good times flowing year-round. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Taiyaki

This New York City-based ice cream chain made it’s way to Boston’s Seaport District and took the city by storm. Taiyaki might be the most photographed dessert in Boston—just sayin’. Taiyaki takes its name from traditional Japanese cakes made from a waffle-like batter shaped into a fish and filled with red bean or custard, but they have a DIY option with a choice of soft serve flavor and various toppings. You can’t miss out on their soufflé pancakes topped with matcha cream either! —Twotastebuddiez

Yvonne’s

Yvonne’s oozes swanky super club dining vibes, thanks to twinkling chandeliers, dimly-lit interiors and a bar studded by skulls. When you’re not transfixed by the eccentric details throughout the dining room and adjacent library, turn your eye back to their large-format punch bowls and boozy tea service for two. Follow that up with the Seared Halloumi with Charred Eggplant and Grilled Viber Chop with Kimchee Fried Rice. Pro tip: Reserve one of the seven tables tucked-away in the Gallery. Reservations aren’t easy to come by, but worth it to enter through the secret bookcase door. —Kelli Acciardo, Parade

Nico Ristorante

The North End is the Little Italy of Boston and a must-visit destination for foodies who love noods—and Nonna-style Italian delights. When in this hood, Nico Ristorante should definitely be high on your Boston bucket list for their Restaurant Row notoriety and theatrical dinner presentations. PS, it’s worth point out that Nico is one of the only restaurants in the North End that offers the holy grail of pastas: a table-side Cacio e Pepe experience prepared in a parmesan wheel. —Twotastebuddiez

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Crazy Good Kitchen

Family-owned restaurant Crazy Good Kitchen is comfort food at its finest. Owner Tony capitalizes on his background as a butcher in Brazil to bring flavorful, high-quality burgers to Boston that that crazy good. The burgers, fried chicken, loaded french fries and towering milkshakes are all crave-worthy, so stop by their diner in Malden, or their newly opened full-service location on Newbury Street to indulge. —Twotastebuddiez