Boston’s position as New England’s most exciting dining city (sorry, Portland) was recently underscored by the arrival of the Michelin Guide. But with just one star awarded locally, it’s clear that even the big dogs don’t always get it right. Over recent years, the city has seen a wave of new restaurant openings from rising-star chefs and seasoned vets who are bringing Beantown more than just the classics—they’re expanding our global options and finding innovative ways to celebrate the local ingredients that put New England on the map in the first place.
This list looks beyond hype and stars to focus on where we think you should actually be eating right now. Some tried and true, some brand new, our picks are shaped by the global Time Out criteria—taking into account food, atmosphere, service and value (you can read more about how we review places here). We’ve covered everything from polished, special-occasion dining rooms to casual neighborhood spots worth planning a night around, with prices that range from weeknight-friendly to full-on splurge. Our recommendations span from the South End and Jamaica Plain to Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline—and reflect the chefs, cultures and communities shaping how Boston eats today. Whether you’re after a bar seat and a great plate of pasta, or a knockout seafood dinner, these are the reservations that matter—no matter how hard they are to snag.
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