Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Massachusetts dining is defined by extraordinary seafood — lobster, oysters, clam chowder, and fried clams — enriched by vibrant immigrant food cultures. Boston's North End is a functioning Italian village; Chinatown has outstanding dim sum; the South End has the most acclaimed restaurant cluster in New England. Cape Cod clam shacks represent the pure soul of New England coastal eating.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Neptune Oyster
Boston's definitive oyster bar, Neptune offers an outstanding selection of raw oysters from both coasts plus a legendary hot lobster roll. The tiny restaurant fills up fast; arrive early or expect a long wait. The lobster bisque is extraordinary.
63 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Legal Sea Foods
The quintessential Massachusetts seafood institution serving chowder since 1950 with the motto 'If it isn't fresh, it isn't Legal.' Their New England clam chowder is served at every US presidential inauguration. Multiple locations across Boston and Massachusetts.
255 State St, Boston, MA 02109
Oleana
Chef Ana Sortun's acclaimed restaurant brings vibrant Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean flavors to Cambridge. The seasonal menu features extraordinary mezze, wood-fired dishes, and desserts by pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick. The garden patio is magical in summer.
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Craigie on Main
Chef Tony Maws' nose-to-tail restaurant is one of Boston's most celebrated fine dining destinations. The ever-changing menu showcases local farms with exceptional charcuterie, wood-roasted meats, and imaginative vegetable preparations.
853 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Row 34
A brewery-cum-oyster-bar celebrating New England's maritime heritage with an outstanding selection of raw oysters, cold-water seafood, and excellent craft beers. The fried clams and lobster roll are benchmarks of the genre.
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Waypoint
A bright, contemporary seafood restaurant in Harvard Square from the team behind Island Creek Oysters. Outstanding raw bar, creative seafood preparations, and excellent cocktails in a sleek setting steps from Harvard Yard.
1030 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Toro
Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette's Barcelona-inspired tapas bar is perennially one of Boston's most sought-after dining experiences. Order liberally from the menu of pintxos and small plates; the corn with aioli and grilled bread are legendary.
1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Myers + Chang
Joanne Chang and Christopher Myers' vibrant restaurant blends Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors in a lively South End setting. The pan-Asian small plates, hand-pulled noodles, and creative cocktails make it a perennial favorite.
1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Seafood
French
Steakhouse
Bakery
Cocktail Bar
Coffee
Japanese
Mediterranean
Pizza
Polish
Southern Bbq
Spanish
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Quincy Market Food Stalls
Twenty-plus food stalls in the Quincy Market colonnade offering clam chowder, lobster rolls, sandwiches, pizza, and local specialties at reasonable prices.
Haymarket Produce
Boston's legendary outdoor produce and fish market since 1830. Cash-only vendors along Blackstone Street sell the cheapest produce in Boston on Fridays and Saturdays.
North End Pastry Walk
Boston's Italian neighborhood has the finest pastry shops in New England. The cannoli rivalry between Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry is legendary. Best consumed while walking the narrow streets.
Cape Cod Clam Shacks
Seasonal roadside shacks serving whole-belly fried clams, lobster rolls, and chowder at outdoor picnic tables. Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham and Woodman's in Essex are benchmarks of the form.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Boston Public Market
Indoor year-round market featuring exclusively Massachusetts farmers, fishermen, and food producers. Outstanding local produce, seafood, artisan cheese, honey, and prepared foods.
Hours: Tue-Sun 8am-8pm
Haymarket
Boston's legendary outdoor produce and fish market since 1830. The cheapest produce in Boston — cash only, fast-paced vendors, and a genuine slice of old Boston.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, dawn to dusk
Cape Cod Farm Stands
Roadside farm stands along the historic Old King's Highway selling sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, and cranberries in season (July-October).
Hours: Daily June-October, approx. 8am to dusk
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping 18-22% is standard at sit-down restaurants; 20% is the baseline for good service
Neptune Oyster in the North End does not take reservations — arrive before 11:30am opening or expect a 45-60 minute wait
Legal Sea Foods' clam chowder has been served at every US presidential inauguration since 1981
Cape Cod clam shacks close in October; visit clam shack food at Boston's Legal Sea Foods or The Barking Crab in winter
Order lobster at its freshest from July to October after the summer molt
At North End restaurants, make reservations 1-3 weeks ahead for weekend dinners
Cambridge's Kendall Square and Inman Square have the region's most innovative restaurant scene away from Boston proper
Wellfleet oysters (Cape Cod Bay) and Island Creek oysters (Duxbury) are among the finest in the world — seek them out at any raw bar
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Clam chowder bread bowl $10-14, North end slice pizza $3-5, Quincy market meal $10-16, Cannoli $3-5 | 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. |