Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, a compact, walkable harbor city of Revolutionary-era sites, universities, museums and seafood.
Boston cooking centers on New England seafood: clam chowder, lobster rolls, oysters and fried clams. The North End adds Italian-American cooking, Chinatown dim sum and noodles, and Cambridge and the South End host chef-driven restaurants.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Boston.
New England clam chowder
Creamy chowder of clams and potatoes.
Lobster roll
Lobster meat in a split-top bun, served cold with mayo or hot with butter.
Boston cream pie
Sponge cake with custard and chocolate glaze, created at the Omni Parker House.
Cannoli
Fried pastry tubes with ricotta filling.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Regina Pizzeria
Popular Pizza restaurant in Boston.
Known for: Brick-oven pizza since 1926
11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113
Union Oyster House
Popular Seafood / New England restaurant in Boston.
Known for: America's oldest continuously operating restaurant (since 1826)
41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Row 34
Known for: Oyster bar and craft beer
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Yankee Lobster Company
Known for: Casual waterfront lobster shack
300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
The Barking Crab
Known for: Waterfront clam shack on Fort Point Channel
88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210
Select Oyster Bar
Known for: Small oyster bar off Newbury Street
50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Bakery
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Known for: Israeli-inspired cafe with pastries
70 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Chinese
Italian
Sorellina
Known for: Upscale Italian near Copley Square
1 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Mediterranean
Oleana
Known for: Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cooking
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Trade
Known for: Mediterranean small plates by South Station
540 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210
American
Pizza
Santarpio's Pizza
Known for: Neighborhood pizzeria since 1903 with grilled sausage
111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128
Spanish
Toro
Known for: Tapas by chef Ken Oringer
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Vietnamese
Pho Pasteur
Known for: Pho and Vietnamese rice dishes
682 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
Food tours & tastings in Boston
Eat your way through Boston with a guide.
Browse food experiences in BostonWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Haymarket Pushcarts
Open-air produce and fish stalls on Blackstone St, Fridays and Saturdays only.
Quincy Market Food Colonnade
Counters selling chowder, lobster rolls and pizza.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Boston Public Market
Indoor market of Massachusetts producers.
Hours: Daily, approx. 8am-8pm
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tip 18-22% at sit-down restaurants.
Many North End restaurants do not take reservations; arrive before 5:30pm.
Cannoli: both Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry are respected; locals often favor Modern.
Order chowder 'white' (New England style); red is Manhattan style.
Check cash-only policies at older spots before visiting.
Oyster happy hours (3-6pm) cut prices at many bars.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Slice of pizza $4-6, Chowder bowl $9-14, Cannoli $4-6 | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |