Best Restaurants in Boston
As we finally settle into some warm weather here in Boston, all of the patios are open and the city starts to come to life. I love trying new restaurants and going out to eat so here are some of my favorite local spots. Fair warning I’m partial to Italian food, I love seafood, and tacos make me happy.
My number 1 pick. I have been going here for ages now and it’s still my favorite. SRV stands for the serene republic of Venice and the restaurant pays homage to traditional Venetian food with a modern twist, specializing in cicchetti (small bites), pastas made from freshly milled flour, and made to order risotto. Just yes to all of this. The wine list is all Italian and I always find something I love. I think the first time I tried a skin contact wine was here! The cocktails are always inventive, beautiful and oh so easy to enjoy.
The cicchetti is a perfect way to experience something new in a little cute bite. I often say oh lets just go to the bar for drinks and cicchetti and then just end up having such a good time, and always ordering more. The menu changes seasonally so I usually try to order whatever is newest on each section of the menu. If it’s your first time and you don’t know what to get, go for the arsenale option. You get to try a variety of what's on the menu along with some off menu treats - you don’t have to think about what to order and just enjoy. The only call out I have is if the risotto isn’t on the arsenale - order one. Last but not least is dessert. My go-tos are the tiramisu (it's consistently great) and I LOVE the gelato - they always have new flavors. I've never been disappointed in a dessert here so if they have something that seems interesting it's more than likely amazing. Ok I’ll stop. Oh wait I didn’t even mention how good their brunch is. Just go.
Always sit at the bar. The vibe at the bar is great. Even if it's nice out I always prefer the bar and they usually have the large windows open so you get the best of both worlds. My drink of choice is usually wine at Bar Mez - right now it's a rosé (Domaine de la Patience) but they have a great list by the glass and bottle. The bartenders are seriously fun and so talented - a couple of my favorite cocktails are the cobble hill, the basil gimlet or taking sips of my boyfriend's myriad Negroni or amaro orders.
For food there are so many ways to go. The crudos are great but I usually go for the pane e spuntino to start. Get the rosemary and onion focaccia (don’t think twice) and order the eggplant, the artichoke tapenade, whipped feta and some prosciutto. Now that can be a meal right there and I love that for us. Add the snap pea salad they have on the menu now (July 2022) it is so refreshing and light and you are satisfied. However, this is an Italian restaurant and you must order some pasta. Whether it is on the same night or you come back is up to you. Look for the bucatini all’Amatriciana even if it's not on the menu they will usually do it (as long as there is guanciale in house!) and it's incredible.
You’ve spent the day wandering the city and it's 3pm and you're peckish. Enter Black Lamb. There's always a throwback playlist on that puts you in a good mood. They do $1 oysters everyday until 5pm. So get some oysters, the smoked whitefish pate, the tuna poke and a spicy margarita. Add some fries if you end up ordering a couple more margaritas (which you will because they are amazing). Trust me it's not just adding some jalapeño into a regular marg. Also an added perk if you are going to frequent Bar Mezzana, Black Lamb, Shore Leave or No Relation - they have a loyalty program where you can earn points for every dollar you spend.
Ok I know it's technically a chain and we are in Boston not Mexico but I still really enjoy Bartaco in Seaport. I like their house margarita (which is rare for me), their guacamole is fresh and bright, the salsas are chunky and so flavorful. The tacos I love are the Baja fish, chicken verde, chili-lime shrimp. The duck birria, green papaya salad, and the plantains are also more than likely in my order. Its a fun yet relaxed vibe and you can call ahead to get on the waitlist for a table which is a plus as they don’t take reservations.
If you weren’t looking you might walk right past this gem on Gloucester street. My favorites besides oysters are the crab salad and the daily ceviche. The bar is pretty big and the wine list is solid. The food is top notch and the vibe is inviting and almost cozy.
The bar showcases the fresh oysters being shucked and I love the wine and beer list. I’ve gone there alone for a Sancerre, some oysters and fries (the skinny ones!) with malt vinegar aioli and it was heaven. If they have the lobster tacos on the menu, get them. I like the lobster roll and the chowder as well but it's a great place to pop in for a drink and app and pop out.
A South End favorite. The music is always lively and creates the atmosphere. The bar is small but if you can get a seat sit there or outside if it's nice. I usually get a wine here - if you’re into orange wine I recently had an orange by the bottle that was so interesting and looked more like a red. Of course I forget the name but if you ask and find it let me know! For food: get the kolokithakia (zucchini chips) , the horiatiki (tomatoe, cucumber, feta salad), grilled octopus, loukaniko (grilled Greek sausage). If you’re getting an entree I love the mousaka.
A couple quick Cambridge/Somerville favorites:
I could go on and on (I recently tried and loved Faccia Brutta) and I am already thinking of some favorites I left out but I digress. If you want a part 2 let me know!
What are some of your favorite spots? Tell me in the comments below!
As always thank you for reading,
Rachel x