The Boston Hit List

We’re so excited that the Michelin guide is coming to Boston! Yes, we know Cambridge and Somerville aren’t technically in Boston, but let’s be honest, some of the best food in the area is found just across the river. We’re redefining city lines to make room for the spots we truly love. To make it up to you, we’ve also included a few of our favorite gems from the suburbs that are absolutely worth the drive. Whether you're in the mood for fresh lobster rolls, quality steak or bar pizza, this list has you covered. And if you’re ever looking to search for specific content like our top clam chowder list or top pizza list, be sure to check out our index.

Grill 23 (Back Bay) - This is probably our favorite steakhouse in the city. Actually, scratch that. It might just be our favorite restaurant in Boston. The martinis come in ice-covered glasses to keep your drink perfectly chilled. If you're lucky, the sommelier might even sneak you into the secret wine cellar for a glass of champagne. Check out our review here.

Pammy’s (Cambridge) - We could sit at Pammy’s for hours. It’s warm, cozy, and we’re obsessed with their fireplace. The tasting menu is $84 per person for three dishes, and the portions are surprisingly generous. Definitely order the gochujang bolognese. It’s one of our favorite pastas in the city. Review here.

Uni (Back Bay) - Boston does seafood well, but it isn't overflowing with great sushi spots. Uni is our number one pick when we're craving something special. It's not where you go for a casual bite, but if it's your first time, the daily tasting menu is the way to go.

Uni

Yume Ga Arukara (Seaport & Cambridge) - This is where you go when you're craving authentic udon. It's cozy, comforting, and perfect on a cold or rainy day. They have a newer location in the Seaport, but we think the Cambridge spot hits harder. Review here.

Yume Ga Arukara

SRV (South End) - Probably our favorite spot for quality homemade pastas. Save room for dessert here. You need their rotating ice cream flavors and MASSIVE tiramisu.

Eventide Oyster Co (Fenway) - Go here before or after a Red Sox game and be sure to get their brown butter lobster roll, burger, and oatmeal cookie sandwich.

Standard Italian (Fenway) - While Eastern Standard is one of Boston’s most iconic restaurants, we think their newest spot might be even better. The French onion dip with a martini is a must. We also love their Chicken Parm Sunday dinner, which comes with garlic bread, a little gem salad, and housemade spaghetti.

Sail Loft (North End) - It’s New England, so obviously you need some clam chowder while you're in town. The best one can be found at Sail Loft. It’s rich, creamy, and heavy on the dill, so skip it if that’s not your thing.

Tony & Elaine’s (North End) - While it's no secret that we aren't obsessed with the North End's Italian scene, we’re huge fans of Tony & Elaine's. It opened in 2019, but the retro vibe makes it feel like it’s been around for decades. Get the meatballs, garlic bread, bolognese, and a bottle of red. Review here.

Tony & Elaine’s

Toro (South End) - Toro is the perfect spot for a group dinner. The tapas are creative and ideal for sharing. Get the uni panini, bone marrow, and empanadas.

Hojoko (Kenmore Square) - We feel like no one talks about Hojoko enough. It’s so good, but somehow flies under the radar. It feels like a tavern when you walk in, but the menu is full of fun and casual Japanese bites that always hit the spot.

Little Donkey (Cambridge) - Definitely our favorite of Ken Oringer’s restaurants. The menu is playful, creative, and always changing. We love the lamb BLT lettuce wraps, cacio e pepe ramen, and the burger is a must.

Little Donkey

Row 34 (Cambridge & Seaport) - They have a few locations in Boston and more coming soon, but whether you order your lobster roll hot or cold, this is the best classic one in the city.

Bar Mezzana (South End) - Another phenomenal option when you’re craving pasta.

Modern Pastry (North End) - The North End pastry wars have been going on for years, and we think Modern Pastry comes out on top. Bova’s is a close second, but Mike’s? We’d skip it. Modern’s cannoli and other sweet treats are always a win. Watch our rankings here.

Prima (Charlestown) - Prima is like if a modern Italian restaurant and a classic steakhouse had a baby. The Martini Scorsese is our favorite drink, and their pastas never miss. If we’re heading to the Garden, this is our go-to spot before the game.

Prima

Puritan & Company (Cambridge) - We never have a disappointing meal at Puritan & Co. Their menu focuses on Modern American cuisine with a nod to traditional New England fare. Plus, we love that they use ingredients from local farms. We're not the biggest brunch girls, but theirs is pretty great.

Puriton & Company

Michette (Somerville) - We’re working on our top bakeries in Boston list (so stay tuned), and so far, this is our favorite. It’s only a couple of years old, but it’s everything we want in a bakery. Cute vibes, great coffee, perfect bread, and amazing pastries.

Ernesto’s (North End) - Everyone says Boston doesn't have good pizza, and while we’re not going to argue, we will say Ernesto’s is our favorite slice in the city if we’re not talking bar pizza. The slices are massive and always hit the spot.

Ernesto’s

Popup Bagels (Seaport) - We know, we know, NYC and CT have their fair share of Popup locations, but before they opened in the Seaport this year, Boston didn’t really have any amazing bagels. Review here.

Suburbs

Modern Butcher (Danvers) - The best place to get a classic North Shore Beef 3 Way. Yes, it’s only served on Saturdays, but the line is always worth it. Their other sandwiches and rotating sausage flavors are just as good.

O’Toole’s (Whitman) - South Shore bar pizza is a Massachusetts staple. We’ve tried a lot of them, and we think O’Toole’s is the best. Don’t worry, Poopsie’s is a close second.

Little Wolf (Ipswich) - Truly one of the best coffees we’ve ever had!

Sushi Sang Lee (Glocester) - An omakase that’s so worth it! We’ve never had a bad experience here. Review here.

Island Creek Oysters Raw Bar (Duxbury) - You’ve probably seen Island Creek Oysters on menus across the country, but this is where they’re actually grown. It’s such a fun place to spend the day. Snack on oysters and sushi, and don’t skip the caviar hot dog. They’re opening a raw bar restaurant in Boston this year, and we can’t wait. See our review.

Lobster Pool (Rockport) - This is such a beautiful place to sit by the water and enjoy some seafood. While we love their lobster roll and bisque, we think the lobster pie is the move.

Ledger (Salem) - We could sit at their stunning bar for hours. It’s located in an old bank and is beautiful. Come here for a cocktail and don’t leave without their popovers.

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