In the digital age of dining, there are few mysteries: Social media documents every inch of every restaurant; online reviews describe every dish. But there are still the occasional secrets to be found out, and we asked some of this year’s Top 50 Restaurants to spill the details. Read on if you want to be in the know about off-menu items, best walk-in times, and why you should head to Brookline’s Mahaniyom for your next special occasion.

Sarma

The secret: Yep, you can really get a seat.

Chef/owner Cassie Piuma lets us in on a trio of secrets from the No. 1 restaurant on this year’s list. Perhaps most importantly for this nearly-impossible-to-reserve hot spot: “8:30 p.m. is the magic time” to score a walk-in bar seat, says Piuma. And while sitting at that bar, you might feel like sipping on one of the restaurant’s drinks from the early days, the fan-favorite cardamom-and-ginger Elettaria. “Our cocktails have come a long way, but if you want an Elettaria, we’ll make one upon request.” Finally, ever wonder just how Piuma and the team get Sarma’s vegetables to taste so irresistible, so…meaty? It’s thanks to Sugar Bob’s smoked maple syrup from Vermont, she says, imparting a bacon-like flavor.

249 Pearl St., Somerville, 617-764-4464, sarmarestaurant.com.

Bar Vlaha

The secret: You can take home a whole loaf of bread.

The Greek restaurant pays homage to the rustic cooking of the nomadic Vlach people, from charcoal-grilled meats to freshwater fish dishes. The best way to start a meal? A slice or two of horiatiko psomi, village-style sourdough baked fresh in-house, slathered with sheep milk butter and sea salt. The best way to end a meal? Taking home a whole loaf for later. The restaurant’s top secret is that whole to-go loaves are available daily, says Xenia Greek Hospitality culinary director Brendan Pelley. Secret’s out.

1653 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-906-8556, barvlaha.com.

Urban Hearth

The secret: You can open any wine bottle, if you commit to two glasses.

At this locavore favorite, light-drinking oenophiles aren’t tied to the by-the-glass selection. The restaurant will open “just about any bottle on our extended list” as long as you commit to two glasses, says chef/owner Erin Miller. “It’s a wonderfully curated wine list.” Bonus secret: When you reserve, ask for table 6 or 7 for a cozy corner (or to annoy a teen within earshot).

2263 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge, 617-682-7295, urbanhearth.net.

Brassica Kitchen + Café

The secret: There’s a fancy Big Mac, iykyk.

This funky JP restaurant—which recently moved into a bigger, swankier space next door—is hard to define; think: a little Italian, a little Japanese, but with French roots, plus a big focus on fermentation and upcycling. Easier to define? How delicious the off-menu burger is. “It’s, like, 20 years of trying to create a Big Mac from scratch,” says co-chef and co-owner Jeremy Kean, “using gorgeous wagyu and other ingredients as fine as we can use.” There are only about 10 a night, usually claimed by in-the-know regulars, so get there early if you want one. “We never advertise it; it’s never on the menu. If you know, you know.”

3712 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston, 617-477-4519, brassicakitchen.com. 

Mahaniyom

The secret: Tequila!

Beyond serving some of the best Thai food in town, this lively Brookline restaurant is known for its hospitality (and—bonus secret—a super-cool black-light-responsive bathroom mural). “We are really welcoming to our guests,” says co-owner Chompon “Boong” Boonnak, “so our secret is that if you’re celebrating anything with us, we like to bring [you] shots. A shot of tequila is my favorite.”

236 Washington St., Brookline, 617-487-5986, mahaniyomboston.com.

Lê Madeline

The secret: Soup is always available.

This Quincy favorite for modern Vietnamese is a recent reinvention of Pho Linh, which was more of a traditional Vietnamese noodle shop. Favorites from the old menu—a wide variety of phở and rice plates—are still the focus at lunch, while Lê Madeline’s new-school approach takes center stage at night. But, says executive chef and cofounder Peter Nguyen, you can always request the soups and rice plates at dinner, too, even though they’re not listed on the menu. (“It’s a perfect season for soup,” he adds.) One more thing: You can add bone marrow to any of the soups, “which is a great combination.”

409 Hancock St., Quincy, lemadeline.com.

Baleia

The secret: An under-the-radar tasting menu.

South End Italian gem SRV is known for its “Arsenale” tasting menu—one of the most reasonably priced in town at $67/person—but fewer people know that its trendy younger sibling Baleia, serving Portuguese-inspired dishes, has a tasting menu, too. Try the “Explorador” ($70/person) for “sort of a chef’s tasting or chef’s whim” that includes surprises beyond what’s on the à la carte menu, says executive chef Andrew Hebert.

264 E. Berkeley St., South End, Boston, baleiaboston.com.

Grill 23 & Bar

The secret: DIY steak dinner at home.

Want luxurious beef in the privacy of your own home? You can pick up uncooked steaks from Grill 23, says executive chef Ryan Marcoux, and show off your kitchen skills to your date. The restaurant includes flavored beef butter with your order. For the less culinarily inclined, here’s another secret: The venerable steakhouse serves “a fabulous burger” only at the bar, says Marcoux. A perfect pairing for Grill 23’s TikTok-famous, ultra-icy martini.

161 Berkeley St., Back Bay, Boston, grill23.com.

Puritan & Company

The secret: A mini food crawl.

Take advantage of the proximity of two Cambridge Street Hospitality spots, says the group’s director of operations, Jared Sadoian: Puritan & Company’s cozy little seafood sibling is right next door. “Come into Puritan Oyster Bar for half-off oysters from 5 to 6 p.m. [available daily] before sitting down for dinner in Puritan & Company’s dining room.”

1164-1166 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge, 617-615-6195, puritancambridge.com.

Moona

The secret: This space has history.

This romantic Eastern Mediterranean restaurant will launch a bigger spinoff elsewhere in Cambridge late this year, but the petite original Inman Square location lives in a restaurant space with historic bones. “In the early 1950s, the original Legal Sea Foods fish market was open in the building next door [to where we are],” says Moona owner Mohamad El Zein, “and its commissary was in the building that we’re currently in.” Legal founder George Berkowitz owned both buildings, later selling the one that currently houses Moona to the owners of Rosie’s Bakery, which operated in that space for nearly 40 years before closing in 2015. Next, Rosie’s owners Judy Rosenberg and Eliot Winograd rented the space to the Bronwyn team—who briefly opened a Balkan-inspired sandwich shop, Playska—and finally to Moona, which opened in 2016.

243 Hampshire St., Inman Square, Cambridge, 617-945-7448, moonarestaurant.com.

Saltie Girl

The secret: They sell a lotta lobsta.

It takes a lot of lobster to keep seafood fans fed on Saltie Girl’s popular lobster rolls—hot with butter, cold with mayo, and a fried, spicy collab with sauce brand Fly by Jing reminiscent of the restaurant’s off-menu award-winning fried roll we fell in love with last year. Saltie Girl goes through 1,500 pounds of lobster meat a week, says owner Kathy Sidell. “That translates to 5,000 lobster rolls that we sell a week.”

279 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, Boston, 617-267-0691, saltiegirl.com.

Abe & Louie’s

Another lobster-y secret: Get the lobster stuffed with lobster mac and cheese.

Not in the mood for steak at this neighborhood-favorite steakhouse? Shellfish fans have been going off-menu lately and ordering a decadent stuffed lobster—with a filling of lobster mac and cheese, says chef Mark Marciano.

793 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston, 617-536-6300, abeandlouies.com.

Pagu

The secret: Noodles!

Pagu’s spicy hand-pulled biang biang noodles are on the secret menu if you ask for them, says chef and owner Tracy Chang. “This was a popular dish we put on the [regular] menu during COVID, but they were in such high demand that we would have had to close shop and just do hand-pulled noodles to keep up with the demand.” (Want to make them at home? Pagu offers classes. “We’ve had kids as young as five learn to jump rope with noodles, and grannies pulling noodles as long as three feet,” says Chang.)

310 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, gopagu.com.

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Related

• The Top 50 Restaurants in Boston
• Where to Find Boston’s Most Scrumptious Secret Menu Items
• The Top 10 New Restaurants in Greater Boston

Our November 2025 issue is out now, featuring our annual Top 50 Restaurants list. This collection of top-tier special-occasion restaurants sticks close to Boston, but there’s so much to discover elsewhere in New England, too—so we wanted to share some of our beyond-Boston favorites with you. From Providence to Portland and beyond, here are five worth-the-drive restaurants we hope you’ll check out.

Black Trumpet

Nearly 20 years in, Portsmouth chef-owner Evan Mallett’s passion for local foodways shines in dishes like quail aji adobo with local farro and bok choy. The eclectic wine list roams from Vermont’s wild-fermented La Garagista to farther-flung finds.

29 Ceres St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 603-431-0887, blacktrumpetbistro.com.

See also: Must-Visit Restaurants in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Gift Horse

A touch of South Korean soul put this raw bar, sibling to Providence must-try Oberlin, on the map after its 2023 opening. Whatever changes come with the arrival of a new chef late in 2025, expect inventive small plates, with easy-drinking sips to match.

272 Westminster St., Providence, Rhode Island, 401-383-3813, gifthorsepvd.com.

See also: Must-Visit Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

Lune

Cape Cod eateries don’t usually serve BLT tarts with bacon foam, but Lune isn’t your typical Cape Cod spot. This James Beard semifinalist centers around an open kitchen, showcasing hyperlocal bounty through tasting menus and wine bar–style à la carte nights.

587 MA-28, Dennis Port, Massachusetts, 508-237-6597, lunecapecod.com.

See also: Must-Visit Restaurants on Cape Cod

The Shipwright’s Daughter

This acclaimed “tide-to-table” restaurant centers everything on doing right, from ingredient sourcing to labor practices, creating delectable dishes like five-spiced yellowfin tuna and “sea-scargot” with slipper limpets that happen to be both ethical and delicious.

20 E. Main St., Mystic, Connecticut, 860-536-7605, shipwrightsdaughter.com.

See also: New England Travel Awards: 30 Escapes for Right Now

Twelve

Colin Wyatt’s croissant lobster roll may have gone viral on social, but the Eleven Madison Park alum’s Portland restaurant offers so much more. It’s where fine-dining experience meets breathtaking presentation—think almost-too-pretty-to-eat swordfish dotted with purple shiso leaves.

115 Thames St., Portland, Maine, 207-910-7400, twelvemaine.com.

See also: Must-Visit Restaurants in Portland, Maine

A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.

On newsstands now: our November 2025 issue, featuring our annual Top 50 Restaurants list. That lists sticks pretty close to Boston, but we didn’t want to let some of our current favorites farther outside of the city go unrecognized. Here are five suburban standouts we’re loving these days, serving locavore French, sushi with dry-aged fish, cozy gastropub fare, and more.

Bernadette

Salem isn’t just for Halloween—it’s for Daniel Boulud–trained chefs doing French magic. Year-old Bernadette should top your Witch City must-try list thanks to Aaron Chambers (who climbed the ranks in Boulud’s empire) putting a fresh French spin on farm-to-table fare, with très délicieux results.

65 Washington St., Salem, bernadettesalem.com.

Mida

Boston’s best arancini can also be found in the suburbs. The Newton outpost of chef Douglass Williams’s popular Italian restaurant group delivers expertly made pastas and lightly charred thin-crust pizzas for the ultimate carb fest.
Bonus: Weekday lunch means garlic-buttered chicken Parm sandwiches.

Northern Spy

Savor the culinary revolution at Paul Revere’s former copper mill site, where chef Marc Sheehan is leading the charge. This food history buff oversees an extremely New England-y menu, from baked stuffed scrod to seafood pot pie. Don’t be afraid to veer beyond the classics into dishes like Plimoth Grist Mill polenta with mushroom-and-leek stroganoff.

4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton, 781-989-1850, northernspycanton.com.

Thistle & Leek

London called—and Newton Centre answered with the perfect gastropub. This modern British-inspired hideaway beckons with seasonal small plates, Old World wines, and house-made ice creams—a truly great trifecta. Start with focaccia; try whatever pasta they’re serving; and watch for fan favorites like shawarma-spiced chicken or lamb meatballs.

105 Union St., Newton, 857-404-0260, thistleandleek.com.

XOXO Sushi

You’ve heard of dry-aged steaks; how about dry-aged fish? The technique is a highlight at this trendy spot, resulting in new levels of tenderness and pure fish flavors. The non-sushi options are worthy of your attention, too, including robatayaki (charcoal-grilled dishes)—savory-sweet chicken thighs with brown-sugar soy, for example.

1154 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-505-3378, xoxosushi.com.

A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.

Our November 2025 issue is out now—and with it, our annual Top 50 Restaurants list. Researching the list means a lot of late nights—and a lot of morning headaches that require a hearty brunch as the cure. Here are five recent standouts where we like to upgrade our weekend with everything from full Irish breakfasts to Parks and Recreation-themed creations to afternoon tea. (For more top brunch picks, consult our periodically updated guide here.)

China Pearl

Dumplings, rice-noodle rolls, egg custard tarts—oh, how we’d missed you. Closed since the early days of COVID, this dim sum mainstay finally reopened in 2025 with a fresh, modern renovation. While the gold-accented space feels sleek and new, the carts packed with dim sum staples are as good as they’ve always been.

9 Tyler St., Chinatown, Boston, 617-426-4338, chinapearlrestaurants.com.

Coquette

Looking for an excuse to get dressy? Gorgeously dripping in shades of pink and floral décor, Coquette is your excuse. The coastal Mediterranean spot offers a pastry-laden afternoon tea tower for two alongside dishes such as Tuscan kale scramble and spicy eggs in purgatory. Drinks like the martini made with house pineapple vermouth go down even easier on Saturdays, when there’s live jazz.

450 Summer St. (Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport), 617-419-8140, Seaport District, coquetteboston.com.

Grana

This chandelier-bedecked Langham hotel dining room buzzes with power brokers during the week, but weekends belong to brunch in a former bank’s high-ceilinged grandeur. Cannoli-inspired pancakes and big milkshakes meet old-school luxury—think lobster quiche and caviar-topped burrata.

250 Franklin St. (The Langham, Boston), 617-956-8765, Downtown Boston, granaboston.com.

McGonagle’s

Unlike the boisterous dinner service, brunch at this highly acclaimed modern-Irish spot overseen by chef Aidan McGee—who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants overseas—is a relaxed affair. Roll in for a hearty full Irish breakfast, and don’t forget the Guinness; staffers here are absolutely obsessed with pouring the perfect pint.

367 Neponset Ave., Dorchester, Boston, 617-514-4689, mcgonagles.com.

Moonshine 152

Rotating Jell-O shots and a Ron Swanson–inspired pulled-pork-and-scallion-pancake quesadilla are just two reasons to hit up this over-the-top Southie brunch—and did we mention the award-winning fried chicken? Overly hospitable staff, come-as-you-are vibes, and always-fun specials sweeten the deal at chef-owner Asia Mei’s beloved neighborhood gathering spot.

152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617-752-4191, moonshine152.com.

A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.

We’re delighted that our November 2025 issue is out now, and with it the return of our annual Top 50 Restaurants list. While that list centers around special-occasion dinner spots, we enjoy daytime snacking just as much. As such, we wanted to share some of our current favorite bakery-cafés in and near Boston. We hope your sweet tooth will thanks us.

Imagine

Best of Boston winner, 2025 (Best New Bakery-Café)

The baking masters behind Iggy’s Bread have built a serene shrine to buttery perfection. Here, flaky folds of dough become ethereal croissants in a Santa Fe–inspired space. The fireplace only adds to the coziness.

358 Huron Ave., Huron Village, Cambridge, iggysbread.com.

La Saison Bakery

Best of Boston winner, 2021 (Best Croissants), 2022 (Best Bakery), and 2023 (Best Slice of Cake)

Cambridge’s sourdough obsession started here, and the chocolate cake alone justifies the constant lines. La Saison’s roomier late-2024 Charlestown expansion—complete with kids’ toys and a communal table—broadens the reach of those inimitable loaves. Don’t miss the brown-butter chocolate chip cookies.

407 Concord Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-0009; 221 Main St., Charlestown, Boston, 617-337-5087; lasaison-bakery.com.

Madhouse Café

Best of Boston winner, 2023 (Best New Café) and 2024 (Best Coffee Shop)

Sweet tahini lattes, soft za’atar bread, even motorcycle repairs—this Roxbury coffeehouse doesn’t believe in boring. Connected to a busy bike repair shop, the lively space offers entertainment beyond ample greenery and eye-catching décor. The petite menu is well-thought-out, from locally sourced coffee to sunshine-y lemon cake.

24 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, 617-620-1501, madhousecafe.com.

Nine Winters

Gochujang in a sticky bun? It might just be our favorite treat of the year. The gently spicy creation anchors this former Korean-American pop-up’s permanent Cambridge location. Adding to the allure: coffee and tea concoctions that drink like cocktails, such as the “Inyeon”—orange ginger beer, cold brew, and gochugaru spun sugar.

292 Concord Ave., Huron Village, Cambridge, ninewinters.com.

Yafa Bakery & Café

Best of Boston winner, 2023 (Best New Bakery) and 2024 (Best Bakery)

The hospitable staff hands out free samples of chai karak and baklava like they’re running for mayor—a smart strategy when crowds are waiting at this Palestinian bakery. Fresh savory breads lead to beautiful sweets where pistachios, dates, and chocolate steal the show.

594 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617-616-5310, yafabakerycafe.com.

A version of this piece was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue as an addendum to the Top 50 Restaurants list.

S

pecial occasions have gotten a lot more relaxed around here. Don’t get us wrong—Greater Boston still has those grand spots with white tablecloths, and you’ll see a few on this list. But these days, most of us are celebrating in noisy restaurants that pulse with energy—restaurants where jeans-wearing servers deliver caviar and seafood towers to barstool diners, while club beats set the mood.

That spirit runs through this year’s Top 50 Restaurants—places that genuinely feel special-occasion-worthy (regardless of tablecloth status), whether you’re commemorating a milestone or just had an amazing day at work. The criteria are pretty simple: full-service dinner, open at least a year. After that, it’s purely subjective, and we’re excited to share this year’s picks: restaurants offering dramatic omakase, several spins on New England seafood, rustic Italian, and bold Thai. (Yes, traditionalists, we’ve got your quiet corners and crisp linens covered, too.)

Also: Top 10 new restaurants; five delectable Boston-area bakeries and cafés; five can’t-miss Boston brunches; five favorite restaurants in the suburbs of Boston; and five road trip-worthy restaurants beyond Boston.

2. Uni

While other omakase spots stick to tradition, Uni is out here making cocktails with fish sauce. Whether you’re settled into the quiet garden-level sushi counter where it all began or the larger main-level dining room, you’re in for a spectacular feast that goes far beyond sushi. Uni more than holds its own among Boston’s flourishing omakase restaurants, but chef David Bazirgan’s fusion-forward cooked dishes take the experience to the next level, from meltingly tender carrots with finger lime and goji berry to the famous Wagyu beef dumplings spiked with tingly mala oil. The sake list is stellar, but don’t miss the cocktails featuring savory ingredients like green curry and bell pepper.

Back Bay | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

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3. Mooncusser

Carl Dooley might actually be a wizard—how else do you explain grilled swordfish adobo with pickled peppers and nectarine? His gift for creating culinary magic out of surprising ingredients draws crowds to this upstairs nook for special occasions, where a seasonal, seafood-focused, five-course prix fixe showcases his top-tier talent. Downstairs at Moon Bar offers a different but equally compelling experience: spicy small plates and eclectic cocktails that deliver Dooley’s creativity minus the fine-dining price tag and multicourse commitment.

Back Bay | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

When a hyper-regional Greek restaurant becomes one of the hottest tables in town, you know Boston dining has come of age. From the team behind hip Aegean newcomer Kaia, Bar Vlaha stands as a soulful ode to the nomadic Vlach people of Central and Northern Greece and their open-flame cooking. It’s as competitive a reservation as all the beloved Italian and seafood joints around town, and for good reason: rustic breads, spit-roasted lamb legs, and freshwater-fish dishes create dinner parties to remember, with modern cocktails providing the fuel (Hpnotiq meets the piney liqueur mastiha and lime sorbet in one stunner).

Brookline | Greek | Read more | Reservations

5. Comfort Kitchen

Nearly three years of nonstop acclaim could go to a restaurant’s head, but Comfort Kitchen keeps using its platform to tell the deeper stories. The Dorchester hot spot—formerly a historical comfort station—remains focused on culinary tales that traverse decades and thousands of miles. Brown-butter okra with masala-spiced yogurt; goat ragu with cassava gnudi; and coconut-based fish chowder all share a table, linked by flavors of the African diaspora. Each menu looks at that concept from a different angle: currently, a multiracial, intersectional exploration of what it means to be American. Food is the greatest connector, and Comfort Kitchen wields it expertly.

Dorchester | Global comfort food | Read more | Reservations

6. Urban Hearth

It takes serious culinary confidence to put knotweed on a menu, but chef Erin Miller has been making the unexpected irresistible for years. Her intimate space showcases a connection to the region’s seasonal bounty, some of which she forages herself. When you’re served tandoori-roasted carrot brochette with ramp toum and knotweed granita, resist the urge to Google the ingredients—instead, surrender to Miller’s artistic plating and flawless technical execution. For the full experience, book the five-course tasting menu at the chef’s counter.

Cambridge | Farm-to-table | Read more | Reservations

7. La Padrona

Restaurateurs Jody Adams, Jon Mendez, and Eric Papachristos took one look at modern Boston dining and found it lacking one thing: Golden Age Italian cinema glamour. Up a grand staircase lies their breathtaking answer—a dining room at its most opulent. With luck, you’ll snag one of the half-circle “Hollywood” booths to see and be seen while diving into executive chef Amarilys Colón’s brilliant pastas and dramatic entrées like the 40-ounce bistecca alla fiorentina. Adams oversees it all, delivering a return to form from her beloved Rialto days—regional Italian cuisine, glammed up.

Back Bay | Italian | Read more | Watch more | Reservations

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8. O Ya

Eighteen years into its reign, O Ya still makes grown adults weep over sushi—and we’re not talking about the bill. When friends demand the ultimate omakase blowout, this Leather District legend remains the first name on every sushi lover’s lips. Set in a converted firehouse, the restaurant literally cranks the heat with dishes like torched goldeneye snapper doused in umeboshi vinaigrette, all part of a nightly 20-course menu that changes on the chef’s whim. How do owners Tim and Nancy Cushman manage to keep diners breathless night after night? It doesn’t hurt when your plates feature banana-pepper-mousse-topped hamachi and absolutely sinful Wagyu.

Leather District | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

9. Field and Vine

If Martha Stewart designed a rustic barn and let Yotam Ottolenghi loose in the kitchen, you’d get this Union Square standout. Chef Andrew Brady rotates through the seasons with a cornucopia of local produce—peak summer tomatoes, corn, sweet peppers, and stone fruits—alongside seafood like oysters, fluke, green crab, and monkfish, with the occasional nod to land animals, all plated for easy sharing. A thoughtful, modestly priced beverage program and swoony desserts complete this paragon of New England farm-to-table dining.

Somerville | Farm-to-table | Read more | Reservations

10. Brassica Kitchen + Café

Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta prove that James Beard semifinalists can still have punk-rock souls. The co-chefs’ Forest Hills standout delivers fine-dining finesse with rebellious energy, and their recent move to bigger digs next door isn’t changing the team’s love of fermentation or the staff’s knowledgeable, affable air. The koji risotto alone is worth the trip, alongside the deservedly popular brunch and a nightly multicourse tasting menu that’s somehow still a steal at $115. The new space brings a pizza oven, and we’re dying to see what these two do with it.

Jamaica Plain | New American | Read more | Reservations

11. Nightshade Noodle Bar

Rachel Miller’s uni brûlée involves torching sea urchin with cinnamon, which should tell you everything. What reads as a Vietnamese- and French-inspired tasting menu on paper becomes a journey through seafood from near and far, prepared in ways you’d never expect. This is mostly a blind tasting, with each dish more surprising than the last, unfolding in a darkly glamorous dining room punctuated by tropical plants. If you consider yourself a daring food enthusiast, this is a bucket-list destination. 

Lynn | Vietnamese/French | Read more | Reservations

12. Lenox Sophia

Some chefs need massive kitchens to show off, but Shi Mei just needs 16 seats in Southie. This slip of a space dazzles with clever influences (like echoes of Indonesian rendang in grass-fed beef), umami amplification (thanks to months-long fermentation), and occasional avant-garde flourishes (like impossibly airy milk curd in a Caprese salad) on the compact mulitcourse tasting menu. Food geeks vie for reservations at the coveted four-seat counter for a ringside kitchen view, while oenophiles take advantage of BYOB, enjoying special bottles without the typical 300 percent markup.

South Boston | New American | Read more | Reservations

This Brookline Thai standout has cracked the code to making everyone leave feeling happy: deliver region-hopping small plates in an effortlessly casual, lively space (including the blacklight-mural-decorated restroom). Whether you’re wooing a first date, entertaining out-of-town guests, or courting a potential client, everyone leaves full of crispy chicken skin and crab curry, and maybe a bit tipsy on Thai tea–infused Sazeracs. While the food speaks for itself, why not go for the one-two punch by following up dinner with a stop at Mahaniyom’s nearby sibling bar, Merai, for “Thai nachos” and a nightcap?

Brookline | Thai | Read more | Reservations 

14. Somaek

Jamie Bissonnette teaming up with his Korean mother-in-law sounds like a recipe for success—and it is. Their collaboration, Somaek—named for the Korean combo drink of soju plus beer—has become one of the biggest attention-grabbers of 2025. Sure, Bissonnette’s culinary rep helps lure crowds, but the draw transcends celebrity. What he and consulting chef Soon Han are serving is truly special, including homestyle dishes like kkaennip-jeon, beef-and-tofu-stuffed sesame leaves you’re unlikely to see elsewhere, plus dozens of intricately prepared banchan that speak to deep tradition. With respect to Boston’s old guard of Korean restaurants—which we also love!—this is an exciting peek into the future.

Downtown | Korean | Read more | Reservations

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15. Asta

Alex Crabb is the kind of inventive chef who sees onion and thinks “flan.” The chef-owner’s seasonal tasting menus, going strong for 13 years, lure diners with luxe trimmings—French flourishes from his L’Espalier days, Scandinavian savoir from staging at Noma—but now is the perfect moment to see how a master chef balances seasoned plates brightened by herbs and foraged rose petals with the deeper wisdom of being truly, er, seasoned. Only Crabb could dream up such harmonious surprises, somehow still finding ways to delight after all these years.

Back Bay | New American | Read more | Reservations

16. Spoke

You’ll get a better wine education here than at any nearby lecture hall—and have way more fun doing it. This pint-size Davis Square space feels trendy and modern as studious staff walk you through the well-curated international list, which leans into small producers and natural winemakers. Pair your pour with dynamic small plates from mad-scientist chef duo Paul Butler and Kelcey Rusch, whose creativity bursts beyond the bounds of their tiny kitchen. Think enoki cakes with sausage spice and pineapple sauce, or those ever-popular sunchoke doughnuts with XO gouda that they can probably never take off the menu.

Somerville | Wine bar | Read more | Reservations

17. Pammy’s

Chris Willis makes a Bolognese so iconic you’ll want to order it six times—but resist the urge. Yes, the choose-three-dishes menu format allows you to carbo-load entirely on the gochujang-spiked lumache at this New-American-but-kinda-Italian-inspired restaurant, and we certainly won’t judge. But you’d miss out on other creative wonders, like 48-hour beef tongue with avocado, buttermilk, and sesame leaf. With namesake Pam Willis as your consummate host inside this lovingly designed space, start with one Bolognese and let the journey from Italy to who-knows-where begin.

Cambridge | New American/Italian | Read more | Reservations

18. Krasi

The name says it all: Krasi means “wine” in Greek, and this spot lives up to the promise. The extensive bottle list and made-to-share mezze make it perfect for celebratory group outings—try a bold, complex xinomavro from northern Greece while dipping crisp cucumbers into fresh tzatziki prepared tableside, spreading honey butter across hot bread oozing with halloumi, and sampling meats and cheeses sourced from Corfu to Macedonia. End with an otherworldly nightcap downstairs at Hecate, the dark and mysterious sibling cocktail bar.

Back Bay | Greek | Read more | Reservations

19. Oleana

A quarter-century later, Ana Sortun still treats her menu like a love letter to the Levant—and keeps finding new things to say. Her Cambridge landmark stays fresh with an oft-changing menu that maps a well-loved trip across the region: broccolini with baba ghanouj, cut with zippy pomegranate vinaigrette; earthy lamb buoyed by lemon-spiked cacık; a behemoth lemon chicken with crisp, za’atar-coated skin. The packed itinerary of plates begs for slow and chatty evenings, ideally on the seasonal romantic patio. Your last stop should include at least two desserts: Getting everyone’s favorite Baked Alaska is practically compulsory, but don’t ignore the rest.

Cambridge | Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

20. No Relation

Some of the best sushi in Boston comes with a Johnny Cash soundtrack and smiling-cat sake cups. At this hidden, nine-seat omakase alcove, chef Colin Lynch’s expert team slices and seasons fish to perfection, but the 17-course experience is far from stuffy. Delightful details turn this top-tier sushi journey into a rollicking adventure—and it helps that you enter through sibling tropical bar Shore Leave. The eclectic soundtrack sets the mood while you choose your ochoko and study the magnetic world-map backdrop showing the sources of tonight’s fish. Want to make it really feel like a party? Splurge for the caviar supplement. 

South End | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

21. Moëca

In a seafood-saturated town, Moëca doesn’t just stand out—it’s total escapism, serving up globetrotting fare that will have you booking your next trip mid-meal. A yellowfin tuna dish beckons to Thailand with chili, peanut, and mint, while Spanish mackerel with green-tomato tapenade and pine nuts whispers of the Mediterranean. This isn’t your typical New England fish house—it’s fusion at its best, the kind of unique approach that sets the standard for what modern seafood restaurants should aspire to become.

Cambridge | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

22. Talulla

Talulla’s consistently executed, finely wrought menu could earn the restaurant all sorts of future awards—and has already earned chef Conor Dennehy, who operates the restaurant with his wife, Danielle Ayer, a James Beard Award nomination. At this charmingly wee, unpretentious Observatory Hill room, he continues to serve some of the most inventive New American cuisine in the region. We especially appreciate his penchant for bolder flavors, as in his ricotta-parsnip ravioli with kimchi and fried garlic, or his gourmand’s version of mapo tofu.

Cambridge | New American | Read more | Reservations

23. Lê Madeline

Crawfish noodles meet New England influences in chef Peter Nguyen’s edible autobiography, where Vietnamese tradition mixes deliciously with influences from everywhere the Dorchester native (and Houston restaurant alum) has been. His lusciously garlicky Việt-Cajun crawfish noodles, shrimp and banana-leaf-wrapped grits with pork floss, and an ever-evolving Vietnamese-inspired lobster roll currently slathered in calamansi ginger aioli and tobiko tell the story. Sunshine-yellow décor and cocktails infused with flavors like lychee and pandan complete the package at this vibrant south-of-Boston winner.

Quincy | Vietnamese | Read more | Reservations

24. La Royal

The open flames at La Royal aren’t just for show—they’re firing up the boldest Peruvian food around. Watch as one cook deftly juggles multiple cast-iron pans, turning out serving after serving of the classic Peruvian-Chinese (chifa) stir-fry tallarín saltado. Then comes the tart citrus of ceviches (we love the hearty blue cod) and the bracing herbal flavor of Andean elixirs in several cocktails. Every dish here is bold, matched by hospitality that’s lovingly born from owners Maria Rondeau and JuanMa Calderón’s legendary dinner parties (and their first restaurants, Celeste and Esmeralda). Up next? A big Back Bay project, Rosa y Marigold, opening soon.

Cambridge | Peruvian | Read more | Reservations

25. Tonino

Twenty-six in-demand seats and a pan pizza that explains the crowds—this is the type of place that captures the vibe of its neighborhood perfectly. The candlelit space is packed nightly with diners enraptured by Roman-inspired fare, led by that focaccia-adjacent pan pizza. The rest of the menu makes for glorious sharing—beautiful salads and bowls of clams in piquant broth alongside pastas like a deep-flavored rigatoni amatriciana. A short, sharp beverage program rounds out a perfectly cozy, date-friendly night out.

Jamaica Plain | Italian | Read more | Watch more | Reservations

26. Wa Shin

Minimalist omakase-only experiences are flooding the city, but Sky Zheng’s approach to Boston’s sushi scene is purely his own. His samplings of exotic local and Japanese seafood are presented with Buddhist temple solemnity. The affable Zheng is also a great storyteller and enthusiastic hype man for the 18 courses he slings nightly with dazzling precision knifework. The intimacy of his 10-seat counter creates an unusually convivial and fun evening despite the formal tranquility of the room.

Bay Village | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

27. Giulia

Chef Michael Pagliarini handrolls pasta every morning, which helps explain why getting a table here—particularly at the big table in back, where the luscious regional-Italian pasta dishes take shape each day—can feel harder than getting into an Ivy. Every inch of the pastas’ reputation here is earned, but Giulia also delivers a warm, rustic brick-and-wood trattoria atmosphere and luxurious small bites like chicken-liver crostini, sexed-up antipasti, and big, bold secondi like Tuscan-style lamb sausage with white beans. Plan ahead you must, but go you should.

Cambridge | Italian| Read more | Reservations

28. Baleia

This sunset-sleek dining room and seafood-focused menu transport diners straight to the Iberian coastline. Take the crisp-skinned, flaky whole-roasted branzino: charred lemon and umami-rich XO sauce made with anchovy and presunto let the fish’s natural flavors shine—a less-is-more philosophy that runs throughout the menu. It’s exactly this kind of restraint that has the latest from the Coda Restaurant Group (SRV, Gufo) snagging national attention.     

South End | Portuguese | Read more | Watch more | Reservations

29. Umami Omakase

When Hokkaido uni and Kaluga caviar arrive as just an early bite in your 18-course omakase journey, you know Umami isn’t playing around. The restaurant masters something most high-end spots fumble: being celebratory without taking itself seriously. Between that opening indulgence and your rare A5 Miyazaki Wagyu topped with Italian black truffles, friendly staff conversations drive home that this is as much about fun as it is about excellence. You’ll probably encounter a few unfamiliar fish along the way, but that’s the whole point—unpretentious luxury served with a smile and a slice of yuzu cheesecake.

Cambridge | Japanese | Read more | Reservations

30. Szechuan Mountain House

Boston’s Sichuan scene was missing something until Mountain House showed up from Queens with blood-red chili sauces and serious heat. First-timers will be wowed by the serene dining room, though chatty crowds keep the ambiance lively. The big draw here is the smack and savor of real-deal Sichuan cuisine, like punchy, mala-intense dumplings and arrays of boneless beef ribs for wrapping in bao with hoisin, cucumber, and scallion.

Allston | Chinese | Read more

31. Grill 23 & Bar

All it took was one dirty martini to put a 42-year-old steakhouse on the cutting edge of cool again. Served in an icy glass, Grill 23’s dirty martini has become the perfect social media catnip for twentysomethings. Come for that photogenic after-work drink, then plan a full dinner here for your next special occasion: Dry-aged steaks, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, and truffle-oil tots await, not to mention a 124-page drink list for when you’re ready to venture beyond that martini.

Back Bay | Steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

32. Toro

Two decades of serving tapas, and Toro still feels like the South End’s best-kept secret that everyone knows. Sure, a few things have changed since 2005—the (thankful) addition of reservations, a larger patio to handle the enthusiastic hordes—but what remains constant is the boisterous energy of this neighborhood stalwart, where newcomers and lifelong South Enders alike toast over glasses of sherry, fancy Spanish hams, heaping pans of paella, and caviar-topped tortilla Española. 

South End | Spanish | Read more | Reservations

33. Bab Al-Yemen

At Boston’s only Yemeni restaurant, the razzle-dazzle isn’t about party tricks—it’s about time and care, showing that special-occasion meals can feel like a birthday dinner at home that Mom spent the whole day preparing. That devotion shows in dishes like fahsah, slow-simmered lamb stew, paired with tanoor-oven-baked flatbread for sopping up rich tomato-and-onion sauce. The icing on the cake? Since you already feel like family, stay as long as you want—even on bustling nights, the waitstaff won’t rush you out the door.

Fenway/Kenmore | Yemeni | Read more | Reservations

34. Saigon Babylon

The climb to Saigon Babylon is worth it—and not just for the views. Five floors above Central Square, the duo behind Vietnamese spots Cicada and the Eaves have opened their most ambitious project yet. Vincenzo Le and his wife, Duong Huynh, know how to create a vibe, and here they’ve outdone themselves, from the vintage furniture refurbished by Le himself to the modern Vietnamese cuisine: squab with turmeric rice and lemongrass Wagyu carpaccio. Wash it down with a gin-based cocktail featuring salted lime and tingly pepper.

Cambridge | Vietnamese | Read more | Reservations

35. Row 34

While many restaurant chains dilute their magic with each new location, Row 34 just keeps getting stronger. The newest outpost in Kenmore Square—taking over the space once occupied by Row’s former sibling Island Creek Oyster Bar (talk about full circle)—continues delivering a primer in New England seafood. The formula remains flawless: classics like clam chowder balanced against must-order seasonal creations.

Fort Point and other locations | Seafood | Read more | Watch more | Reservations

36. Bar Volpe

Scene-stealing pastas like the handmade culurgiones, plump goat-cheese-stuffed dumplings, are just the warmup at chef-restaurateur Karen Akunowicz’s southern Italian spot. The spotlight hits A-list entrées next, like a Sardinian paella studded with spicy ’nduja. Even the rotisserie chicken here—easily a forgettable dish elsewhere—is award-worthy, enhanced with black truffles. With stars in your eyes, toast with Negroni flights and porcini-infused Old Fashioneds.

South Boston | Italian | Read more | Reservations

37. Puritan & Company

Thankfully, this Puritan leans into culinary indulgence, not buckled hats and self-deprivation. From hometown hero Will Gilson, the Inman Square favorite brings New England history and local ingredients into the modern era—with some global flair. Apologies to baked scrod, but we much prefer Atlantic cod with grits and prized Jimmy Nardello peppers, Gilson’s spin on the regional classic. Top it off by slathering fresh Parker House rolls with cultured butter for the full experience.

Cambridge | New American | Read more | Reservations

39. Prima

Caviar everywhere isn’t always a good sign, but Prima makes excess feel essential. Here, fresh mozzarella arrives fried and topped with caviar. You can add caviar to any crudo dish, of course. How about the oyster-vodka martini? Also topped with caviar, naturally. The rest of the dishes at this gorgeously decorated spot are standouts, too: Don’t miss the spicy handstretched pici and the huge steaks.

Charlestown | Italian steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

40. Mistral

In an era of small plates, Mistral serves up a duck on white tablecloths and doesn’t apologize. Nearly 30 years in, the restaurant remains timeless with warm, crusty bread, top-flight service, and French-Mediterranean entrées that are simultaneously elegant and hefty. The signature grilled thin-crust pizza appears on most tables, from business-casual regulars to tourist groups. That universal appeal explains why Columbus Hospitality Group launched their restaurant empire here—and why this remains la crème de la crème.

South End | French-Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

41. Moona

The buzz at this Inman Square spot got so loud, owner Mohamad El-Zein had no choice but to find a bigger space. He and executive chef Scott Ryan venture far beyond Levantine cuisine’s greatest hits at this hive of mezze set to expand into a larger Cambridge space later this year. Sure, there are the expected savory pitas with bright dips of eggplants and legumes and spiced lamb, fish, and kofta. But Moona also delivers novel accents like mushrooms and grilled squid, anchored by generous platters of grilled chicken thighs and whole branzino.

Cambridge | Eastern Mediterranean | Read more | Reservations

42. Via Cannuccia

Stefano Quaresima’s handcrafted pasta doesn’t just taste like Rome—it tastes like his Roman childhood. Every flake of croissant, every strand of noodle at this trattoria carries those sweet memories, whether you’re lingering over morning pastries and espresso or diving into evening plates of paccheri paired with Italian wine. Still, Quaresima isn’t afraid to add local and seasonal twists: His “revised clam chowder pizza” featuring pancetta and fried clams makes the point perfectly.

Dorchester | Italian | Reservations

43. Jahunger

Boston’s tiny Uyghur food scene went into overdrive when Jahunger showed up with fresh-made noodles and something to prove. The chili-slicked twists of handpulled strands and plump, lamb-stuffed dumplings at this bustling restaurant—the second location of a Providence hot spot—deliver a win for representation and for taste buds, especially if you like spicy Sichuan peppercorn. Despite the casual ambiance, this feels like a special night out: Bring hungry friends to linger over half a dozen noodle plates and sweet honey layer cake.

Cambridge | Uyghur | Read more | Watch more

44. Saltie Girl

If a place can make you rethink fried calamari—fried calamari!—imagine what else it’s got up its sleeve. Here, the classic gets chorizo bits and yuzu aioli, while lobster rolls, raw preparations, and globally inspired creations all get the same elevated treatment. Chef Matthew Gaudet (of gone-but-not-forgotten West Bridge) took over this year, and his arrival has parent company Sidell Hospitality promising “several more concepts.” Bring it on, please.

Back Bay | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

45. Abe & Louie’s

When everything else feels reinvented, Abe & Louie’s remains gloriously old-school. From the charred crust on the supremely tender rib-eye cap to the rolling trays and jacketed staff, this 60-year-old Boylston Street mainstay delivers classic steakhouse theater without irony. The power-lunchers and business-dinner crowd know what they’re getting: perfectly executed beef paired with comforting sides like creamed spinach, served in dark-wood-and-leather digs that feel timeless.

Back Bay | Steakhouse | Read more | Reservations

46. Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar

This energetic Cuban restaurant delivers on its name—Spanish for “great pleasure”—and then some, celebrating Caribbean cuisine with hearty roasted meats and a mushroom-based ropa vieja that vegetarians can devour without compromising on taste. Both colorful, date-night-chic locations deliver with drinks that transport you straight to Havana (think fresh guava, smoky rum, and tobacco notes), but nothing beats a warm evening on the Waltham patio, where salsa beats complete the island fantasy.

Cambridge and Waltham | Cuban | Read more | Reservations

47. Yvonne’s

Yvonne’s isn’t a restaurant—it’s a party that happens to serve really good food. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, COJE Management Group’s home for gilded nights out continues to attract the most dressed-to-impress, well-behaved crowd (tequila-heavy La Vita cocktail notwithstanding). You’ll rub elbows amid cheeky, stylized portraits of JFK and other luminaries as chandeliers drip gold light. COJE chief culinary officer Tom Berry pleases big groups with ease thanks to a worldwide web of plates and two-plus-person feasts, with standouts like a 32-ounce prime rib gussied up with grilled corn chimichurri leading the soiree-fare favorites.

Downtown Crossing | New American | Read more | Reservations

48. Pagu

Pagu chef-owner Tracy Chang is always up to something—cofounding community-service initiatives, collaborating with internationally renowned chefs—but cool projects aside, a restaurant needs to deliver on flavor. Pagu’s eclectic mix of Spanish and Japanese cuisines very much does. Bring a group and share DIY tuna-collar hand rolls, soft bao stuffed with braised pork belly or fried oysters, spicy knife-cut noodles, and whatever version of the irresistible miso black cod currently graces the menu.

Cambridge | Japanese and Spanish | Read more | Reservations

49. Table

Jen Royle may not be dishing up the fanciest Italian in town, but she’s definitely serving the most fun—and the most filling. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” one server announced to the two long communal tables as strangers settled in for six courses of hearty Italian comfort. The chef-owner’s approach is pure Nonna—if Nonna’s staff wore T-shirts reading “Come hungry, be friendly” and served baskets of focaccia (spread it with the roasted garlic), creamy stracciatella with tomatoes and melon, and other heartwarming dishes. Royle is known for being outspoken, but her food speaks loudest.

North End | Italian | Read more | Reservations

50. Seamark Seafood & Cocktails

Leave it to Michael Schlow—the chef behind dearly departed Radius and Via Matta—to show Encore’s out-of-towners and staycationers what Boston seafood is really about. His deluxe seafood tower—which includes tuna tartare and ceviche—sets the stage for elegant entrées that live up to Schlow’s reputation. Don’t miss the restaurant’s nautical  “speakeasy,” Old Wives’ Tale, where stunningly intricate cocktails—like a cachaça-and-passion-fruit drink presented with a mermaid sculpture and scattered seashells—serve up a winning time.

Everett | Seafood | Read more | Reservations

First published in the November 2025 print issue.