Boston Restaurants
To no-ones surprise, Boston has become a major hot-spot for exciting and varied dining experiences. Older restaurants continue to thrive and new restaurants seem to burst on to the scene weekly. Some of the newer dining eateries are reviewed here. Many others can be visited by category through the restaurant index on the left. With so many to check-out, Bostonman.com is on a never-ending search to find fresh restaurant options and worthwhile dining possibilities for your consideration. While we continue to expand on our recommendations list, if you hit some new spot and do not see it listed send me your review. we'd be more than happy to include your comments on this page.
NEW IN TOWN...
Sam's at Louis Sitting atop one of Boston's hippest clothiers at their new location on Fan Pier, Sam's at Louis brings together a fresh, tempting menu, a spectacular seaport view of Boston Harbor and a great casual dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Sam's has created a comfortable and very sociable environment where you immediately feel welcome and pleased you made the decision to come.
With floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views and a sizable wrap-around deck for dining and drinks, this American-French styled menu seems to have something for everyone. And, I have no doubt the outdoor deck will be a summertime hit.
There for Sam's weekend brunch, our party will personally vouch for the sizable "Jonnie's Bloody Mary's". Among the dishes tried: a delicious Paia Fish Market Tuna Sandwich with aged cheddar, cole slaw and tiger sauce and the Black Pepper Burger with Blue Cheese. Both were exceptional.
The proud faces and sincere welcome by owners Esti and Drew Parsons, and the wide smile and quick nod from busy Chef Ken Rogers set a cheery tone for a truly delightful afternoon.
Sam's is open 7-days a week, Mon - Thurs 11:30 – 10PM, Fri - Sat till 11PM, and Sunday's till 9PM. Lunch and Weekend brunch is served from 11:30 - 4PM.
Sam's offers free 2hr validated parking in the commerical parking lot in front of the store.
Sam's at Louis, 60 Northern Ave, Boston617-295-0191
Vapiano: Two and a half years after announcing plans to open a Boston location, the German-born Italian chain Vapiano makes its Boston debut in the heart of the Theater District, where it offers freshly made pastas,(Bolognese, chicken alfredo, pesto) salads, pizzas from smoked gouda to roasted eggplant for lunch and dinner; cafeteria-style service and affordable prices(entrees top out at $11.95). An easy casual air, it also strikes a stylish note thanks to a high-ceilinged, upscale-chic setting with an open kitchen, glassed-in herb garden, two outdoor patios and an intimate bar and lounge. Great spot for pre-theatre eats.
Vapiano,191 Stuart St.; 857-445-0236
Noche The newest underground date spot and late nite lair in the South End, is now open.. Rising from the ashes of the old Icarus space, Noche is the kind of upscale, 100-seat den that feels more South Beach than South End. You and your date will want to sink down into one of the plush booths for orders of Churrasco Skewers and Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli, in between snatches of witty dialogue and a few Chin Chins (Dewar's, champagne, pear nectar). Then you'll throw your evening into fifth gear with a Peanut Butter Martini (nothing says nightcap like Kahlua and tequila... mixed with creamy peanut butter). On a recent visit The steamed Prince Edward mussels in a sweet miso sauce were succulent and plentiful.The sweet glazed BBQ short ribsd are outstanding. For our main course, the peppercorn Parmesan Boursin stuffed chicken breat were utterly delicious. We enjoyed iour experience so, we returned for a late nite snack -Kobe sliders and and suffed Jalapeno. Did I mention that the serivce is tops. The "make you feel you're family" attention is not found in too many restaurants. This is definitely gooing to be one of the South End's most popular destinations. Late hours, Great food and and creative drinks. There's also a new private dining room, which seats 12 and houses a massive, futuristic 60-inch flat-screen TV that doubles as a mirror. A lot of money and care went into revamping this undeground space from the nightlife gurus behind The Federal and The Tap,, and it shows. Hours Sun -Tues 4 -1am,Wed-Sat 4 -2am. Valet parking available
Noche, 3 Appleton St. Boston 617 482 0117
The Gallows The long-awaited, elegantly rustic gastropub is now open in the South End.Named, rather morbidly, after the 17th century Washington St pub, this watering hole/comfort foodery located in the former Sage serves up favorites like smoke roasted pork w/ fried green tomatoes and boiled New England corned beef w/ a horseradish vinaigrette, alongside cask ale and a solid beer selection (Whales Tale and 24oz Natural Light in cans), .
You'll want to come here after work , sinking into one of the plush black leather booths to nosh on Foie Gras Poutine, or a half-dozen Island Creek Selects, which are hand-harvested by the IC oyster farmers for their richer, more buttery flavor. For drinks, there's quite a variety: Belgian Delirium Tremens on draft, or White Grasshopper cocktails, served with bendy straws in antique glass milk jugs from the 1930s.The owners (a collective brain trust from the Biltmore, East Coast Grill and Erbaluce) actually bought a barn in Vermont, tore it down, took all of its cypress wood and used it to line the inside of this place.
In the Fort Point area....
Menton Barbara Lynch's newest entry is now a reality. Consider this 60-seat Frenchie your new go-to when you're looking to celebrate a big night, like when a huge deal goes through, or you're entertaining your boss's boss. The vibe is upscale-meets-more-upscale, with a living-room-y lounge that feels like you're hanging out in someone's penthouse. Plates entail Whole Roasted Squab and Terrene de Foie Gras, and the format is strictly four courses and seven courses. So if you're a three-course person, you might want to pair up...
Menton, 354 Congress St., Boston617-737-0099
Evoo Moved from Somerville to new digs in Kendall square in Cambridge is the eclectic Evoo that has already built a steady following for its penchant for matching loaclly grown ingredients with very creative dishes.. On a recent visit, we enjoyed the cornmeal crusted fried oysters with a goat cheese fondue and apple bacon salsa. This was from the starter section of the menu. The dinner menu is divided into starters, mains and desserts. Everything is home made, and you start salivating just reading the Wide variety avialble .So many salads to choose from we opted for the smoked confit of Pete and Jen's rabbit (I'd never had rabbit before) port soaked cherries and toasted pecans,o shaved Vermont cheddar in a rosemary vinagreette.We never got out of the starter mold, when I spotted Verrill Farms strawberry gaspacho.with toasted almonds cucumber, red nion and cilantro We definitely will return to give the mains a shot, and a stab at the home=made dessert menu. Full wine and beverage avaiable. If you're tired of the same old, same old, wake up your palate to the combinations of flavors with fresh ingredients that you'll find at EVOO.Now open for lunch and dinner.
P.S. Attached to EVOO is Evoo's already established sister restaurant ZA for lower-priced lighter fare
P.P.S Bergamot, a “progressive American” named after the citrus fruit used in Earl Grey tea, will be taking over the old EVOO space in Somerville. The power team behind the restaurant, chef/co-owner Keith Pooler (Harvest, Scampo) and GM/co-owner Servio Garcia (Craigie on Main),.
Evoo & Za, 350 Third St, Cambridge
617 661 3866
French cuisine comes to Brighton at the new "Chez Jacky"
Jacky Robert and Loic LeGarrec, the two Frenchmen who brought us Petit Robert Bistro, now have added another venue to their expanding empire--Chez Jacky, a family-style French bistro, lin Brighton's former Zocalo space .The restaurant offers a similar menu but separates the entrees and the sides, creating options for less-expensive, shared meals; the cozy dining room features cream-colored walls, exposed brick and terra-cotta tiles, while the wood bar has become a hot destination for tippling artisan beers and more than a dozen wines by the glass.
1414 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton; 617-274-868
Flour3 Now open in Central Square Cambridge
The third location of Joanne Chang's popular bakery/cafe is bringing breakfast and baked goodies to its new venue. Decked out ewwith brown & beige walls, chalkboard menus, and a giant 14 seat communal talbe,the 46 seat cafe offers a smilar menu to its other locations which include curried tuna w/carrots,apples, and golden raisins; a goat fheese-topped roasted lamgw/tomato chutney;and roasted red peppers & caramelized onion-smothered grilled chicken w/arugula and brie. The baked goods, andthere's lots to choose from offer dark caramel sticky buns paked w.'toasted pecans; an apple spice cake filled w'nuts and raisins;and a brown sugar/pecan/cinnamon-swirled old fashioned sour cream coffee cake. Deliciousness abounds.
190 Massachusetts Ave, at Albany; Central Square; 617.225.2525
Sagra (Dedham) The Italian Sagra near Legacy Place in Dedham. their second location not only has its Somerville sibling’s menu, but also features a wider selection of seafood including a raw bar and an expanded beverage program; no matter where you sit – the sun porch, the main dining room with the signature Sagra black-and-red decor, the 20-plus-seat horseshoe bar or the private dining rooms upstairs – the air is hospitable; N.B. Sagra Dedham has a $10 two-course lunch prix fixe from 11 AM–5 PM.
Alma Nove, A new waterfront house of Italian-Mediterranean grandeur in Hewitts Cove in Hingham
Brought to you by Chef Paul Wahlberg (older brother of Donnie and Mark), Alma is your new go-to along the Hingham Shipyard, with killer floor-to-ceiling views of the cove inside and a highly loungeable 40-seat patio outside. So say you've spent a lazy day along the beaches of the South Shore and realize it's not so much a Clam Box night as a Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and Wood Grilled Spanish Prawns night. You'll want to glide up here, tie up your luxury schooner and warm up next to the exposed fire pit with a few beers...
New and Outside of Boston....
Blue Ginger Noodle Bar Now open for lunch only! Celebrated chef Ming Tsai launches a mini-restaurant, Blue Ginger Noodle Bar, inside the lounge at Blue Ginger. The newcomer will offer the toque's take on classic ramen and stir-fried noodles, with three types of stir-fries and three types of ramen noodle soups all served with "pickled salad" for $12. The Noodel Bar at Blue Ginger is open Mon-Fri from 11:30 - 2PM.
Blue Ginger 583 Washington Street, Wellesley781 283 5790Legal Sea Foods "C" Bar, Dedham at Legacy Place Once again Legal Sea Foods has created another exciting casual dining experience with their "C" Bar restaurant. Located at Legacy Place in Dedham (just off Rte. 128, on Rte. 1), Legal's C Bar is a snazzy, new, contempory dining stop. A "while your shopping" or point of destination, the C Bar offers a limited, but outstanding selection of scrumptious fare with prices ranging from $10 -$30. A wine selection (more than 25 by the glass) and cocktail beverages (custom cocktails at last count: 47) is not to be believed. Once you've re-gained your strength back you have a great opportunity to shop at the many shops at Legacy Place. Reservations are available so if you can, you might want to call ahead.
Legal Sea Foods C Bar, 950 Providence Highway Dedham 781-234- 6500
Bistro du Midi Finally got around to visiting one of the Hub's newest eateries and have to report that it was an outstanding experience. Formally Excelsior and Biba before that, the newest incarnation on Boylston Street is inviting and comfortqble. A more casual bar area on the first level and a more formal dining room on the second.with a glowing fireplace and a view over the Public Garden. The food is influenced by the Midi region in Souther France's Provence...and executed nicely by chef Robert Sisca, formerly of Le Bernadin in Manhattan. You won't find as tasty and well prepared sea food dishes as those at this Bistro. I'd recommend the marinated bay scallops to start and for your main course, you won't go wrong with either the pan-roasted cod or the grilled sea bass. Seafood is their specialty The menu is varied enough to offer a wide choice of meat dishes as well And for dessert, a choice of either chocolate or Grand Marnier souffle or froaen almond and orange cake was a perfect closing. Yo u don't have to travel to the South of France to experience great Seafood dishes., they're right in our own backyard.! The service is attentive and non-intrusive. The wait staff is knowledable and are there to give full explanations of the various items on the extensive menu. I can't wait to return to give some of the other dishes a try. Make this one a must on your restaurant circuit.
Bistro du Midi, 272 Boylston Street, Boston
617 426-7878
Buddachen Buddachen, an Asian-fusion arrival in Brookline's former Jae’s space (and involving some of its partners), serves a midpriced menu of Chinese, Thai and sushi in a warm, welcoming setting with wood window shades, gold wallpaper accents and a giant Buddha; there’s also a bar area, which doubles as a more casual destination for lunch, plus a private dining room. Open for lunch and dinner. Special bento box lunches includes soup, rice, salad with your choice of chicken or meat .
Jerry Remy's Sports Bar Rising from the real-estate ashes of the old WBCN headquarters, Jerry Remy's is your new 325-seat sports mega-bar where stepping inside feels like you've just materialized within a Vegas sportsbook.
Only instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, legalized gambling and live feeds of Carrot Top, you now have a new go-to for killer burgers, barbecue courtesy of a monstrous Texas smoker pumping out plenty of St. Louis Style Ribs and Texas Style Beef Brisket, and 20 taps of cold domestic and microbrew beers to wash it all down—a stone's throw away from the backside of right field.
And because baseball wouldn't be baseball without the breeze on your face and the sun on your back, the 45-seat outdoor patio and the collapsible floor-to-ceiling bay windows in the front and back of the house will be open come the warm weather, allowing you to hear the roar of the park itself when Pedroia smacks one into the gap
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Hearkening back to a bye-gone era of Boston dining, Stoddard's serves a distinctive dinner menu of updated American classic dishes. Equally impressive is Stoddard's extensive and well-developed drink menu. Trust me, it will require some time to explore all of your options. Boasting of 55+ mixed cocktails you won't lack for libation selections to quench your thirst.
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
48 Temple Place
Boston, MA
(617) 426-0048
Taberna de Haro
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Muy beuno. Muy beuno.While Taberna de Haro has been serving their inspiring Spanish tapas since 1998, I've just made my first visit and let me just say right off the bat- Taberna de Haro is one of those "off the radar" gems we all go in search of and if you haven't been, you need to put on your coat and get there. This place is the real deal! A great place to meet family and old friends (or as we did, make new ones), whether it's for a quick stop or an extended stay, Taberna de Haro's authentic Spanish warmth is one you won't soon forget.
Taberna de Haro does not take reservations -but an FYI, they do accept en-route calls to reduce your table wait time.
Taberna de Haro999 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA
(617) 277-8272
www.tabernaboston.com
Woodward
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Calling it "New England centric", Chef Mark Goldberg's menu creatively links a wide and diverse selection of regional ingredients and brings wonderfully inventive dishes to the table...dish after dish. Woodward offers a shared dish concept. A "wandering-fork" practitioners’ dream come true!
Found at the junction of State, Washington, and Court Streets, at the recently opened Ames Hotel, Woodward serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Reservations for dinner are strongly advised.
Woodward1 Court Street
Boston, MA
(617) 979-8200
Market
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Open just weeks...Market, at the W Hotel Boston, can immediately take its place at the head table of Boston's best-in-class restaurants. Guided by the creative vision of internationally renowned chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market delivers on its pledge to provide "...cuisine to suit every taste", with a fresh, imaginative and diverse dinner menu that is innovative, layered, visually entrancing and positively; palette pleasing.
All that said, Market is a restaurant where a quickly mystified diner, like myself, mixes easily with the most sophisticated epicurean. Appetizer favorites included a delectable Arctic Char Sashimi, a Foie Gras Brulee and a table pleasing Crisp Clams w/Basil and Salt. Counted among the plate clearing entrees were the Stripped Bass w/Nut and Seed Crust, and Grilled Lamb Chops w/Smoke Chili Glaze. For a side dish, you must consider ordering the Roasted Cauliflower w/pistachios or the Truffle Mash Potatoes...Yum!
To cap-off our experience, we were bowled over with heaven sent desserts such as the Creme Fraiche Cheesecake w/Glazed Figs and Concord Grapes and the Market's decadent Warm Chocolate Cake.
Located in the heart of Boston's Theater District at the aforementioned W Hotel, Market's interiors carry through the hip urban vibe of the hotel with a decor scheme crossing from metal edgy to Zen reflection. Market is a moderately expensive dining experience. However, if you can make a reason or excuse, it will be well worth the visit. Reservations are recommended. Market is also open for breakfast and lunch.
Market100 Stuart Street (on the corner of Stuart and Tremont Ave.)
Boston, MA
(617) 310-6790
Fairly New:
Post 390
Executive chef Eric Brennan cranks out moderately priced American classics from two shining exposed kitchens at Post 390, a saucy urban tavern in the Back Bay from the Himmel Hospitality Group (Grill 23, Harvest, Bidstro du Midi). The bi-level space features black glazed columns, wood-slatted walls, a four-sided fireplace, a bar downstairs, private dining and views of bustling Copley Square all around.
406 Stuart St, 617-399-0015
Ginger Park (formerly Banq)
NYC expat chef Patricia Yeo has brought her Southeast Asian street food to the South End at Ginger Park, which takes over the space formerly occupied by Banq to offer a midpriced menu of small plates accompanied by wine and sake; the expansive, elegant setting has stayed the same – including the undulating wood ceiling sculpture – except for the bar, where the back wall has been removed to offer a view of the bustling cityscape.
1475 Washington St. Boston
Coppa: 263 Shawmut Ave. (the former "Dish"). Italian menu (wood-grilled pizzas, small plates of pasta and wine bar) from Ken Oringer and his partner Jamie Bissonette, one of the newest eateries in the South End.
Tupelo: Southern-style food fans will like this casual neighborhood-friendly Inman Square eatery. Fried oysters, beef daubes and hot cornbread.
1193 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
il Casale Cucina Italiana and Bar
With the same chef/owner team that runs Dante in Cambridge, this de Magistris production graciously bestows delicate housemade pastas and exceptional Italian style food. It's become one of the hot suburban destinations.
50 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Ten Tables Cambridge
The second location for the popular and also tiny Jamaica Plain eatery now occupies the former home of Craigie bistro. Chef David Punch is in charge of the seasonal serious menu that is a gourmet delight.
5 Craigie Cir, Cambridge, MA 02138
Sensing
Located in the Fairmont Battery Wharf, a luxury hotel/condo complex adjacent to the North End and overlooking Boston Harbor, the restaurant is now open, marking the end of years of work on a concept that has been stalled by a hotel flag change and other issues. Modeled after his Sensing in Paris, which opened in 2006, Three star Michelin Chef Guy Martin’s new venture has a similar Contemporary French menu but also leaves room for his “cuisine without borders." The first Sensing restaurant opened in Paris in 2006 near the Jardin du Luxembourg. With 80 seats plus a 40-seat terrace overlooking Boston Harbor, the Boston location is Guy Martin's first restaurant in the US.