Where to Eat in Greater Boston for May 2026

New and exciting restaurants to check out, plus good reasons to visit older spots.

By Rachel Leah Blumenthal· 5/1/2026, 6:00 a.m.

A wooden table displays a plate of sushi rolls with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce packets, accompanied by red chopsticks. Next to it is a round plate of oysters on ice, each topped with black caviar, garnished with a lemon wedge and small containers of sauce. A soft pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt rests on branded paper nearby.

The outdoor Island Creek Raw Bar in the Seaport has reopened for the season. / Photo by Emily Hagen

Spring is here, whether the forecast agrees or not, and seasonal outdoor spots are reopening: caviar-topped hot dogs and oysters on a sunny patio? Don’t mind if we do! There are tons of exciting indoor openings, too, as well as expansions of local groups and out-of-towners. We’re back with our monthly where-to-eat guide, sharing some of Greater Boston’s newest restaurants, as well as a few good reasons to revisit older spots. On this month’s list: a spirit-free cocktail bar in Jamaica Plain; paella in South Boston; Italian tavern fare with skyline views in East Boston; a secretive steakhouse downtown; and so much more. (Check out last month’s guide here.)

Jump to:

New restaurants to try this month: Recent (or imminent) openings you’ve got to check out.
Older restaurants doing new things: Expansions and other changes—time for a (re)visit.
Seasonal outdoor spots (re)opening: Happy spring! Eat and drink alfresco.

New Restaurants to Try This Month

Recent (or imminent) openings to check out.

A slice of layered chocolate mousse cake with a red jelly top, garnished with two dollops of whipped cream, served on a gray plate with a dark rim. Next to the plate is a glass of amber-colored drink garnished with thinly sliced apple fanned out and secured with a small metal pick. The setting is on a marble countertop with a neutral background.

Dessert and a Gilded Orchard cocktail at Monarch, made with Elijah Craig bourbon, Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, calvados miso butter, and Amaro Nardini. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Alice & Monarch (Kendall Square)

Two delights in one at this new sibling to Harvard Square’s farm-to-table pizzeria/gastropub Source: The ground floor, Alice, is a “modern Italian taverna” for feasting on pizza, pasta, salumi, and more with friends. Downstairs is Monarch, essentially a dessert speakeasy with intriguing, high-concept cocktails.

Opening May 8. 238 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, 857-856-5055, aliceandmonarch.com.

A dining area with a long wooden table surrounded by pink upholstered chairs featuring black zebra patterns. The walls have large botanical murals in muted tones, and three ornate crystal chandeliers hang from the dark ceiling. The floor has a geometric patterned tile, and there are two small wall sconces with warm lighting on the mural wall. A large mirror with floral details is visible on the right side.

Bambola. / Photo by Armani Thao

Bambola and the Girl Next Door (Seaport)

The nightlife team behind the Flamingo and Blondie’s is back with an Italian restaurant/cocktail bar duo. Indulgent pastas, party-ready cocktails, maximalist vibes. You get the idea.

225 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, bambolabos.com.

Beyond Proof (Jamaica Plain)

For those craving the vibe of a cocktail bar but without the alcohol, restaurateur Krista Kranyak has replaced her long-running Ten Tables with a zero-proof bar. Complex concoctions without spirits star; mezze and other Mediterranean bites accompany.

597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, beyondproofboston.com.

A large pan of seafood paella featuring shrimp, mussels, clams, and rice garnished with herbs. The pan has a brass handle and is set on a table with a patterned chair in the background.

Dalia’s Valencia paella, with shellfish, chorizo, and chicken. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Dalia (South Boston)

This newcomer from Broadway Restaurant Group (and cousin to Prima and Capri) may be the most gorgeous opening of the year—and there’s substance alongside the style. Stop in to enjoy wood-fired tapas, paella, and other Spanish delights from the open kitchen.

429 W. Broadway, South Boston, daliaboston.com.

Six oysters served on a bed of seaweed and garnished with small green leaves, presented on a dark marble surface. Each oyster contains small dollops of a creamy topping and a black garnish, possibly caviar.

Oysters at Foxglove Terrace. / Photo by Biplaw Rai

Foxglove Terrace (Allston)

Add this to your rooftop faves: The Comfort Kitchen and Ama at the Atlas team is now serving intriguing cocktails and globally inspired small plates featuring local seafood atop Allston’s new Atlas hotel. (Ama is on the ground floor.) Bonus for nightlife lovers: There’s bottle service and space for dancing.

40 Western Ave., 16th floor (Atlas Hotel), Allston, Boston, foxgloveterrace.com.

A wooden table set with a variety of dishes and drinks. There is a large platter of fresh oysters on ice with lemon wedges and dipping sauces, a plate of grilled chicken wings, a sandwich on a seeded bun, a bowl of pasta with black squid ink noodles and greens, a bowl of scrambled eggs topped with avocado slices and herbs, and a small bowl of salad. Two colorful cocktails are also present: one bright pink with a lime wheel garnish and another orange cocktail in a coupe glass with a mint leaf garnish. The setting appears to be outdoors with natural light.

A spread of food on the patio at La Tavernetta. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

La Tavernetta (East Boston)

Sunshine, spritzes, and southern-Italian snacks on the Eastie waterfront? This Mida sibling has the skyline views and a casual, tavern-inspired menu to match.

45 Lewis St., East Boston, latavernettaeastie.com.

Golden-brown pot pie with a flaky crust garnished with chopped herbs, served in a blue and white patterned bowl on a white cloth. A spoon lifting a portion of the filling, which includes sliced potatoes and a rich, savory sauce.

Mother’s East Tavern. / Photo by Sue Chester

Mother’s East Tavern (South Boston)

Husband-and-wife duo Laura Fryer (Bestia) and Alec Barber (Cure), along with chef and partner David Quinlan (Bavel), put their collective fine-dining and hospitality chops to work on a tavern menu that nods to English and Irish pub traditions, but with a distinctly global spin. Take the Scotch egg, for instance, made with lamb rendang, spiced labneh, and pickled celery.

Opening May 2. 289 Dorchester St., South Boston, instagram.com/motherseasttavern.

A black brick building with "NOVO MARKET PLACE" signage and multiple storefronts, including one with a large colorful mural advertising "MOLLY TEA" featuring pink flowers and graffiti-style text. A leafless tree and a vintage-style streetlamp are in front of the building, with a parked car and a person walking on the sidewalk nearby. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.

Novo Marketplace. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Novo Marketplace (Allston)

More than a dozen restaurants in one: Boston’s newest food hall debuts on May 1, filling 20,000 square feet with global flavors. Vendors include Zhengxin Chicken Steak, featuring spicy fried chicken cutlets; Molly Tea, a China-based tea shop; Tasya’s Kitchen, an Indonesian restaurant expanding from New Hampshire; and Fluffy Fluffy, specializing in souffle pancakes.

“Soft opening” on May 1; some vendors will open later. (Tasya’s Kitchen, for example, is slated to open May 25.) 122 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston, novomarketplace.com.

Paku Katsuya (Downtown Crossing)

Steps from the Common, indulge in katsu sets—fried tiger prawns, chicken or pork cutlets, or even cheese-stuffed pork if you’re feeling fancy, with all-you-can-eat fixings (rice, miso soup, etc.) Try a refreshing lemon tea or matcha lattes, too.

145 Tremont St., Downtown Crossing, instagram.com/pakukatsuya.

Roger’s Fish Co. (East Boston)

Nothing says “You’re in Boston now” like a post-flight double-clam chowder: Former Legal Sea Foods CEO Roger Berkowitz is back in the biz with his first post-Legal restaurant, a modern seafood shack welcoming Logan travelers.

1 Harborside Dr. (Logan Airport), East Boston, rogersfishco.com.

A sandwich cut in half on a metal tray lined with paper. The sandwich contains sliced meat, shredded red onions, and thin slices of orange vegetables, all inside a soft, crusty white bread roll. Each half is secured with a bamboo skewer. The tray is placed on a gray table with blurred background elements including glasses and plates.

Rosa y Marigold features seven sánguches, Peruvian sandwiches, on its lunch menu. This is pan con chicharrón, deep-fried pork with sweet potato and salsa criolla, traditionally enjoyed on Sundays but always available here. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Rosa y Marigold (Back Bay)

We’re excited that this long-awaited Celeste and La Royal sibling is finally here. The joyous celebration of classic and modern Peruvian, from ceviche to sánguches, is worth the wait.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, rosaymarigold.com.

Sando Table (Downtown)

Add this to your workday lunch list: Sando Table is now open in the Financial District with fast-casual Japanese-style sandwiches on fluffy shokupan (milk bread). Wash it down with a matcha or hojicha latte.

71 Broad St., Downtown Boston, instagram.com/sandotable.boston.

A white, shallow bowl contains a serving of creamy grits topped with crispy fried fish pieces, sautéed greens, and a dollop of chunky green relish or salsa, garnished with fresh green herbs. The dish is set on a wooden table with a brick wall background.

Uptown Social’s fish and grits, with cornmeal-battered Atlantic haddock, Anson Mills grits, braised greens, Creole cream, and chow-chow. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Uptown Social (South End/Roxbury)

There’s so much history in the walls of this iconic space, home to Bob the Chef’s and later Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen. Uptown Social owner Nia Grace—who also owned Darryl’s in its later years—is honoring the past and looking to the future with this next evolution, full of soul food and live music.

604 Columbus Ave., South End/Roxbury, Boston, instagram.com/uptownsocialboston.

A warmly lit, cozy restaurant interior with red patterned walls and carpet. The seating includes red upholstered chairs and banquettes around marble-topped tables set with glassware and napkins. The walls are decorated with framed abstract and figurative paintings, wall sconces with lampshades, and a zebra head sculpture. The ceiling features a geometric wooden design with hanging spherical paper lanterns.

The Zebra Room. / Photo by Josh Jamison

The Zebra Room (Downtown Crossing)

Out: Giant white-tablecloth steakhouses. In: Intimate, hidden steakhouses with lounge-y seating and an exclusive air. Nestled beneath sibling spot Yvonne’s, the Zebra Room—from the design-forward restaurant and nightlife group COJE—dares to be different.

4 Winter Pl. (enter through Yvonne’s), Downtown Crossing, Boston, zebraroom.com.

Older Restaurants Doing New Things

Expansions and other changes—time for a (re)visit.

Grilled whole fish served on a white oval plate with two lemon wedges and fresh parsley, accompanied by three small white bowls containing green seasoning, a light yellow sauce, and capers, each with a spoon, on a separate white plate.

Avra Estiatorio’s whole fish, grilled and served with ladolemono. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Avra Estiatorio (Back Bay)

We’ll be spending our summer eating charcoal-grilled seafood, bright with a lemony dressing, at this glamorous Greek chain, which already draws fancy crowds in New York City, Beverly Hills, and beyond. Find it on the upper level of the Lyrik development.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, theavragroup.com.

Charles River Speedway (Brighton)

Some changes at Brighton’s cozy collection of food, drinks, and retail: The tea and espresso bar formerly known as Rite has moved into a bigger space and rebranded as Linger, a matcha-filled all-day café (with whiskey nights!). And stay tuned for the late spring opening of Dos Manos Kitchen, a pupusa pop-up that’s putting down roots.

525 Western Ave., Brighton, Boston, charlesriverspeedway.com.

Overhead view of crullers lined up on a white surface, each with a light brown glaze.

Maple crullers at Daily Provisions. / Photo by Peter Garritano

Daily Provisions (Seaport)

Cruller alert: Massachusetts is about to get its second location of this New York-based all-day chain, part of the renowned Union Square Hospitality Group. The welcoming spot specializes in light-as-air crullers (try the Lumberjack, a breakfast sandwich built on one), cold brew (get it by the growler), roast chicken dinners (designed to be takeout-friendly), and more. Also in the works in the same Seaport development? Daily Provisions’ full-service Italian sibling, Ci Siamo.

Opening May 13; the first 100 customers get a free cruller. 200 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, dailyprovisions.co.

Janz Kitchen (Malden)

This Filipino-style Ilocos empanada business sent social media into a frenzy earlier this year when Janz Van sold the crispy orange delights out of her apartment. The problem? Malden doesn’t have zoning for residential kitchens. The solution? Van will start vending from Townline Luxury Lanes this month. Dine in (and go bowling) on Tuesdays; pre-order for Friday and Saturday pickup.

665 Broadway, Malden, townlineluxurylanes.com.

Two large grilled steaks with bones, placed on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by fresh green herbs on a marble surface with a dark, blurred background.

“The Eisenhower” at Maple & Ash, a 45-day dry-aged porterhouse. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Maple & Ash (Seaport)

It’s not every day we get a swanky Chicago export: We can’t wait to try the absolutely decadent fire-roasted seafood towers and luxurious dry-aged steaks at this Midwest mini chain. The (literal) cherry on top? Ice cream sundae service.

131 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, 617-362-8881, mapleandash.com/boston.

A brown bowl containing a meal with grilled salmon fillet, white rice topped with pink and orange flower-shaped garnishes, a rolled omelette, sautéed green beans with ground meat, seaweed salad with cucumber slices, and a portion of stir-fried vegetables. The bowl is placed on a rough stone surface outdoors.

Nagomi Bento (Bow Market location). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Nagomi Bento (Cambridge)

A Bow Market takeout spot focused on bento boxes—er, bowls—has expanded to Cambridge. It’s pretty much everything you could want for a meal, packed neatly together: salmon, perhaps, or a variety of other proteins, plus rice, various salads, tamagoyaki, and cute flower-shaped bites of carrot and burdock root. There’s onigiri, too.

1670 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, nagomibento.com.

New City Microcreamery (Chestnut Hill)

This Hudson-based chain of ice cream shops—which has been known to make a great Dubai chocolate shake—celebrates the grand opening of its fifth location on May 13, right by Boston College, taking over the longtime White Mountain Creamery space. New City uses a liquid nitrogen process to freeze its creative, ever-changing flavors, from pineapple upside-down cake to baklava.

19 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, newcitymicrocreamery.com.

A plate with a cheeseburger cut in half, French fries, and a pickle spear. Next to the plate is a glass of beer with a foamy head. A green cloth napkin holds a fork and knife on the wooden table. The background features a tufted brown leather bench.

Rocco’s Sports & Rec. / Photo courtesy of the Garret Group

Rocco’s Sports & Rec. (Seaport)

Eat lobster clubhouses and batting helmet sundaes; watch sports. This New York export—a sports bar with membership options and liquor lockers for regulars—comes from the same group behind the delightful Borrachito nearby.

250 B St., Seaport District, Boston, gotoroccos.com.

A modern café counter with a glass display case, wooden countertop, and a sign on the front reading "Third Time Together" in large black letters. The counter has a striped design in pink, purple, and blue near the bottom. Behind the counter, there are kitchen shelves, utensils, and equipment, with some pastries placed on the counter. The setting has a warm, inviting atmosphere with wooden and metal elements.

Third Time Together. / Photo by Siena Griffin

Third Time Together (Kendall Square)

Come for the ice cream in mind-bendingly creative flavors; stay for the Levantine-inspired comfort food, including the moussaka Crunchwrap Supreme. Kendall Square needed this.

399 Binney St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, thirdtimetogether.co.

Seasonal Outdoor Spots (Re)opening

Happy spring! Eat and drink alfresco.

A sesame seed bun cheeseburger with two beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sauce, served with a side of waffle fries in a paper-lined tray. A pickleball paddle and ball are visible in the background on a white table.

A burger and waffle fries at Ballers. / Courtesy photo

Ballers (Seaport)

The pickleball craze continues, and now there’s padel, too. Try both at Ballers, an Andre Agassi-backed Philly export with more locations on the way across the United States. A food truck adds fuel to your game with smashburgers, Caesar wraps, root beer floats, and more.

25 Pier 4 Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, ballers-us.com.

Outdoor urban event with a large crowd of people socializing on a blue and green floor area surrounded by modern glass buildings. Several food or drink stalls are set up, and people are sitting on stools around barrel tables. String lights are hung overhead, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Cisco Brewers Seaport. / Photo by Chase McCann

Cisco Brewers Seaport (Seaport)

Back for its 9th season, the expansive Cisco beer garden is full of craft brews and cocktails; snacks like smashburgers, poke bowls, and dumplings; and daily live music. Plus, leashed dogs are allowed (except after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), and there are themed “beach shacks” available for group bookings. Feels like summer!

Open April through October. 100 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, ciscobrewers.com/seaport.

Signage reading Island Creek Raw Bar features a mermaid holding up an oyster. The sign is situated in front of a turf-lined outdoor dining area.

Island Creek Raw Bar Seaport. / Photo by Emily Hagen

Island Creek Raw Bar (Seaport)

Caviar-topped hot dogs, crispy chili fried lobster, frozen cocktails, and oysters aplenty: Duxbury-based Island Creek Oysters has brought back its seasonal Seaport alfresco dining destination. Live music Sunday afternoons and a Wednesday night cornhole league jazz things up further.

99 Autumn Ln., Seaport District, Boston, islandcreekoysters.com.

At sunset, lots of people gather at an outdoor dining, drinking, and live-entertainment venue with wooden Adirondack chairs, a stage, multiple bars, and some turf.

Park City. / Photo by Mike Diskin

Park City (South Boston)

It’s season number two for this giant outdoor venue from the team behind Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar and Fat Baby. There’s a busy events calendar—live music, fitness classes, and more—alongside comfort food (from brisket egg rolls to bacon-wrapped hot dogs) and fun cocktails. Bring everyone: There are snacks for kids and dogs, too.

383 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, parkcitysouthie.com.

A version of this guide first appeared in the print edition of the May 2026 issue with the headline “The Hot List.”