Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (2024)

No trip to Boston is complete without eating at some of the most well known restaurants. If you want to see more than just the top 10,visit our full list here.

1

Sarma Restaurant

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (1)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (2)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (3)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (4)

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$$$$expensive

Small plates restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant

Sarma Restaurant offers a modern Mediterranean menu with dishes inspired by the Middle East. This restaurant is great for vegetarians as they source produce from Siena Farms, the Sudbury acreage owned by the chef and her husband.

Such an amazing experience. Truly one of a kind dishes. We ordered the mushroom pasta, the tomato feta pasta, the pumpkin fritters and the lentil nachos. They were small plate style and all were fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area!!

Grace G — Google review

Overall a great restaurant, but calling it the best in Boston is maybe a bit of a stretch (and to be honest reveals that the food scene in Boston is incredibly weak). Most of the dishes were just decent--often too heavy on the spices--and some were just bad. The calamari in particular was not very soft and the lettuce under it had far too much mayo.

Deniz S — Google review

This was certainly an experience to say the least. This place had high praise online and in person, it translates well. This place is popular, relatively large inside, with the awesome things you’d want in your mouth. Mostly one-way streets with hard enough parking so be prepared and patient especially during busy hours/ days. There was a wait but luckily being a party of one, I got through a little faster, but that place was packed. Fun atmosphere, fun décor, and energetic. I got to sit at the bar and was greeted almost immediately and was given a low down on how things work and was given recommendations. I grabbed a beer and several plates of things that sounded delicious, but of course I couldn’t order everything on the menu. Also, if you don’t know, the menu is always changing so there is always something new to try. I am not from the area so like anything else, if I love the place, I will always come back to it if able. Good beer, delicious food and an area placed before the bar with a chef where you can view the food being made at hand. It’s slightly pricey, but I believe is worth the cost.

M N — Google review

I like this place. It has nice small portions of food. Everything looks cute. You have to make a reservation if you want to have a table otherwise, the only option will be to be seated at the bar. The place is small by itself too. My friend and I ordered several dishes to share and everything tasted great. My favorite was dessert. We ordered donuts and picked two toppings, OMG those donuts were delicious! I highly recommend this place, they serve food in a very beautiful way and their drinks look great. The only problem is parking. There is no parking. You need to drive around and search for a parking space, other than that everything is great!

Marina O — Google review

This place was on my list for so long, happy I tried the food.The place itself is beautiful, open and it makes you feel part of the whole experience. I was there only for the food and walk out with my tongue feeling a million sensation, honestly I was upset I didn’t have room for more .Chefs need to go here, couples and anyone that want to try good food.The server was fantastic and she knows her craft very well , bravo. I admire her ink work as well, snake 🐍 on her left hand I think.I would easily recommend this place to anyone that want to eat, try and be open minded to the great combo of flavors.Hope to visit soon and try that Ribeye and another 15 things or so.Best luck to you , keep cooking, inspiring, and having fun with great food.

Juan P — Google review

Flavour packed dishes that are unique and delicious. Drinks were very well made. The cauliflower fatteh was very good with the cilantro mint sauce. And also tried the feta cheese gnocchi which came with pistachio cilantro sauce. Good place to hang out with friends and share dishes in the small plate style service.

Rashmi P — Google review

Excellent food across the board with caring service. Quite expensive but you do get the value from each penny. The Malawach and lamb Hummus were the top options by far. But everything overall was delicious.

Yuval Z — Google review

The menu is extensive but delicious! Every dish we ordered was on point. Hot when it needed to be, cold when it needed to be and nothing in between. Flavors were defined and there was no lack of seasoning. co*cktails were good albeit pricey.Only negatives would be that no one explained the dishes when they delivered it, so we were left to question what everything was. And the noise level was quite high, had to yell across the table to one another.Overall absolutely delicious, and would come back again when in town. Bring your friends!

Tony L — Google review

We came with high expectations because we loved every dish we ordered at their sister restaurant Oleana. However, we left disappointed.We ordered 6 dishes based on our waitress’ recommendations but we found half of those dishes so heavily spiced that it was challenging to taste the flavors of the food ingredients themselves.Besides the food, their service was excellent and the ambience was warm and relaxed.

Natalie H — Google review

Best Greek food my wife and I have tried in a while. It's served tapas style, which means small servings, so it can be a bit pricey, but the taste and presentation make up for it. I say get two and a half dishes per head. The staff members are knowledgeable about the menu. Let them know about your preferences and ask for recommendations!They also serve an off menu sesame fried chicken with remoulade sauce that's cooked to perfection. You will have to time your arrival fairly early to even get a shot at ordering this as it's served in limited quantities.The only thing was the food did take a little while to arrive - about a 30-minute wait for the last 2 dishes. Overall, it was a good experience and I can't wait to be back.

Aaron G — Google review

My bf and I were very excited to celebrate our anniversary dinner here since we’ve heard great things about Sarma, and our experience didn’t disappoint our expectations! First, Sarma sends a reminder via text a few hours and minutes before your reservation. They also recommend streets for parking, which we followed and didn’t have any issues finding a spot (~7 mins walk). We got seated right away for our reservation and our waiter was very kind and attentive. We got two rounds of drinks each, which were all very good - Different faces, different places was my favorite. Then we got the cornbread, special fried chicken, lamb sliders, & bbq duck. All were excellent! The cornbread had a nice spicy kick! Let me tell you that the duck was very tender and I love how there was little to no fat. We left the place very full and happy. Although it is timed dining (1 hr & 45 mins for 2 ppl), we didn’t feel rushed at all. Highly recommend dining here with a reservation or you can walk in for spots at the bar! Can’t wait to go back and try some of the desserts.

Chelsea D — Google review

This is my second time at this restaurant. I had gone their 1.5 year back when they had their tasting menu and had loved it. We wanted to go back again but found out they don’t server tasting menus any longer. However lot of items seemed familiar and we went ahead. There’s nothing on the menu that I don’t like. Best restaurant so far in Massachusetts.Things to try:CornbreadBarbecue duckFrittersIn any case, try everything and you will like it all.

Shriti J — Google review

Delightful! We came here WITHOUT a reservation on a Sunday which I don’t recommend but it worked out for us (2 people). The cornbread was UNBELIEVABLE. Please order that. We also got the artichokes, avocado and eggplant tacos. All brilliant. I also had the beet co*cktail which was like a bright but tasty salad. 10/10 will be back

Melanie F — Google review

Delicious everything. Small plates and medium plates. Lots of tasty and unique offerings on menu as well as some off menu passed dishes. The fried chicken with tahini is light and crisp and full of flavour. co*cktails are excellent. You have to go regularly and often to try all the tasty things on the menu.

Leah K — Google review

Possibly the best restaurant in all of Massachusetts! We are moving out of Boston and it was an easy choice to pick Sarma for our final outing. Each small plate is overloaded with flavors that will blow your mind. It's difficult to order even a mediocre dish at Sarma! Highly recommend! Book well in advance or arrive a bit before their dinner hours to grab a walk in spot!

Jordan F — Google review

My expectations were very high and while some of the dishes were delicious, they weren’t all a hit and overall the food was a little too salty for me. An extensive menu with lots to choose from - the highlight by far was the cornbread… so perfectly cheesy and gooey and both sweet and savory. Fried chicken was also delicious (not on menu but tell your server and they’ll make sure it gets to your table when it’s being walked around). Everything else was just ok - very strong flavors and spices to the point where it was sometimes overpowering. Note that hummus (SO salty) doesn’t come with any dipping vehicle so get the gyro bread! If I were to come again I’d want to be in a group of 4 so that we can try more dishes, but I will say it’s a bit pricy for what you get.

Audra W — Google review

I just have to say, this place is outstanding. Staff is very kind and delighted, very smiling 😅. Food is very good, plates usually say on the menu small plates, but they are very generous. For a normal couple 3 plates maximum 4 is enough. Don’t go away without try the cornbread, and if you get lucky the chef’s fry Chicken special is unbelievable. Highly recommend this place.

Julian P — Google review

Absolutely a restaurant worth trying and one of the more creative restaurants in Boston. I’m taking off one star because not every plate hit the mark, but the service and ambiance most certainly did!We started with the avocado muhammara and pita bread, which was definitely good but very rich with the addition of crispy pistachios in oil, onions, and burrata on top. The sweet potato ceviche was also an interesting take on a fish-less ceviche with bright notes of lime juice and spice. I didn’t think the fried sesame chicken “special” was worth the hype…just ok!While every dish was a flavor bomb, the dishes that really stood out were the sword fish with a base of corn polenta and other toppings, the tempura squid with a red mezze spread as a base, and the fennel salad with a base of marinated soft eggplant chunks.Overall, in addition to not all dishes hitting “excellent” status, I found that the meal sat somewhat heavy in the stomach due to liberal use of oil and deep frying, which could have been reduced a bit more for my taste. Dessert menu was also very heavy when I was craving something light and refreshing. Overall though, it’s worth a try and I would come back!

Anna C — Google review

Every element seems perfected. The co*cktails, number of menu items, the insane amount of ingredients in every dish. This place gives your luxury at value. Don’t have any dish recommendations because everything is amazing. Dougie the bartender manages to churn out flawless co*cktails and still hold great conversation.

Calvin I — Google review

we went for the first time and had such an amazing time, the food was insanely good, the harissa duck and the Al pastor octopus are must gets, everything was so creative and executed well. Also the service staff was amazing!! We were seated near the wait stand and they must have heard me mention it was my birthday and they brought out desserts and a candle at the end of the meal, thank you for making it such a special evening !

Madalena B — Google review

We had a nice dinner here with my colleagues. We had a large party menu with ten different dishes plus dessert. The food was generally tasty, but it was too spicy for some people. I particularly enjoyed the barbecue duck, the roasted beets, the Brussels sprouts, and the pumpkin fritters. While the restaurant was quite crowded, the atmosphere was a lot of fun. However, the service was a bit slow, and the waiter forgot to bring my drink multiple times. I also thought they made us order too much food, which ended up being a bit too expensive.

Arik B — Google review

So good. I don’t live here so have just gone twice, but both trips it was my favorite place I ate in the Boston area. The menu varies but highlights included: lamb crunch rolls with butternut squash, yams with chickpea chermoula, gyro bread with hummus, little dessert doughnuts with turmeric tea. But both times we ordered not knowing what to expect and had maybe 4/5 bangers and one dish that we liked OK so it’s hard to go wrong.

Max D — Google review

Flavorful, well-executed small plates. Menu has a lot of creativity, variety, and thought put into it.Shrimp Croquettes was the excellent standout dish, there was a sauce that tasted similar to Indian butter chicken and lemongrass flavor in the shrimp. Avocado Muhammara was just okay. The fennel anise salad is one of the most refreshing dishes I’ve ever tried.

JC M — Google review

Fantastic food, the venison wrapped dates and the cornbread were probably my favorites, even the beer had a nice unique twist. Seven layer hummus and crabcake melt were pretty decent too. And decently priced as well.

Chockalingam — Google review

Sarma has been on the food bucket list for the past 4.5 years and we finally made it! We were lucky to nab a reservation for 5:45pm a month in advance (many calendar reminders later...). The restaurant started out with a lot of empty reserved tables (though the bar was full with walk-ins from the beginning) that quickly filled up as the evening progressed. The ambience is lovely, the menu is a delight (I really appreciate the glossary on the side), and the service was great.We were recommended to order around 5 dishes for 2 people, and ended up getting 7. While it was a lot of food and we had to pack up about 1 dish's worth of food to-go, I don't regret trying a lot of items! I'll summarize my top picks from what we tried.Delicious, would definitely get again- The beef carpaccio ($23) was a delight. There were crunchy deep fried noodles, delicious sauces, fresh salad mix, all on top of tender beef. And, unexpectedly, a perfectly soft boiled egg/deep fried egg. When I showed this dish to my Turkish friend, he said "Oh yes, these are Turkish breakfast items." What an inventive and delicious way to reimagine breakfast as a carpaccio!- The garlic shrimp lamejun ($22) was so delicious! I think there may have been some spiced shrimp paste as the "meat" layer on the flatbread in addition to the tender grilled shrimp on top, and both were delicious. I loved all of the sauces, vegetables, and flavors here. Would definitely get again!- The black sea cornbread ($17) came highly recommended by our waitress and friends and it didn't disappoint! It has an almost rice-cake like glutinous texture with the perfect combination of feta, honey, and buttery flavors. It smells like heaven and it tastes so good. I will be trying to recreate this at home.Good, may get again- The fried mussels ($17) were quite good. My favorite part was actually the papaya salad on the side -- it was deliciously flavored, crunchy, and fresh. The mussels were tender and juicy inside of the breading, and interspersed with deep fried vegetables. The green curry tarator sauce didn't really stand out, though.- The brussels sprout bravas ($14) with chorizo ($2) had a really nice smoky paprika flavor but the sprouts themselves were not that special/got drowned in the sauce. I would've preferred crispier sprouts.- The sesame fried chicken with tahini sauce ($15 for 4 pieces) that comes out every so often from the kitchen was good, but didn't have strong flavors. The chicken was boneless and very tender, and the breading was crispy though a bit greasy.Wouldn't get again- The cheese saganaki grits ($16) were very interesting. I saw "okra gumbo" in the description and couldn't pass it up, but the gumbo component was minimal and drowned out by the cheese. I did like the grits, but I think there was too much cheese relative to the more tasty parts of the dish (grits, okra gumbo), and there was also a lot of acidic flavor from the tomatoes.Our waitress also kindly brought us some orange creamsicle ice cream and a candle for our anniversary. The ice cream tastes just like an orange creamsicle. We were too stuffed to try any desserts, but maybe next time we will plan our meal out better!I'd definitely love to return to Sarma to try more of their foods. I really appreciated how a lot of the dishes balanced out any heaviness with fresh salads (which were perfectly seasoned in their own rights). I was worried about having ordered too many rich/creamy things, but I needn't have worried! Everything was delicious, fresh, and distinct. The food also came out really quickly, so finishing within the 1 hour and 45 minute time limit is totally doable. Our total came out to around $165 including tax and tip, which was much less than we were expecting to pay (to be fair, we didn't get drinks or dessert), and we ended up stuffed with leftovers. Looking forward to my next visit!

Gloria H — Google review

Plates are small but very rich and filling. The flavors are unique blend and definitely worth going to. It's a sister restaurant to oleana. All the dishes were amazing and would definitely visit again

Ravi ( — Google review

2

Toro

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (7)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (8)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (9)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (10)

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$$$$affordable

Spanish restaurant

A Spanish tapas bar with a rustic atmosphere, Toro is popular with South End locals. The kitchen serves up Barcelona-inspired small plates and co*cktails, while the beverage program features well-made classics and an eclectic wine list. There are high top tables available for occupants after 6pm, making it a great spot to enjoy drinks in the summer.

I live in DC and I am constantly searching for a good Spanish restaurant - Toro was way out of my expectation! The dishes were of tapas side and were perfect for sharing. My favorite was the maize asado, the most delicious corn I have ever had. Our server was also very patient and passionate about the menu. Overall Toro well deserved a five star!

Yuntian L — Google review

Good food and flavors in a lively atmosphere. Food is reasonably priced for tapas and has some good flavors with a few twists and usual favorites. Service was attentive and friendly. It is a small place so you can be close to other diners and it does get fairly loud so not a good place for a quiet conversation at dinner. Overall we enjoyed our experience and the meal.

Bryan D — Google review

This was our first time and it was great! My husband saw this place on a show and was dying to try it. We made a reservation at the bar for 5:15 (they open at 5:00..place was full by 5:20)The bartender was attentive, knowledgeable, and pleasant - not over bearing but there when we needed them.The food….the menu was a little overwhelming for me. We ordered a total of 6 small plates. The flavors were amazing.The only reason I gave it a 4 star for atmosphere was my own preference - it was a tad to dark for me (very dimmed lighting)I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back and try more amazing plates.

Colleen D — Google review

One location not to miss when you visit Boston. Advanced bookings is highly recommended as there is a long wait for available tables. We had the grilled octopus, grilled peppers, oysters, bone marrow and mussels. The IPA on tap is very good and of course try both the seafood and vegetarian paellas.

Sze T — Google review

Our group enjoyed our meal so much. Tapa style dishes are all well designed with savoring flavor and artistic look. The bone marrow goes awesome with the bread. Lambs were tender and juicy, shrimps were tangy and fresh, and the fish tastes so good with aroma from the olive oil. Highly recommend to any group who would like to try various selections of tapas.

Yuxian D — Google review

The food is SUPER delicious! !! If you also love Spanish flavours, this is something that you couldn’t miss! And the service is SUPER good!! The server is SUPER friendly and energetic. They initiatively offer something that can make your experience better. They check if you need anything all the time. There is always people helping even they are full house! The only drawback is that they are toooooo popular for a reason and make a reservation at least two weeks in advance to secure your place.

Coraline G — Google review

Visiting Boston and came as here was recommended by local. It’s a great place to visit. Food is great, had the best bone marrow, and the foie gras is definitely recommendable. service is busy but good, atmosphere is great.The only thing is it was freezing and we both got sick. The backyard outdoor patio is still freezing though there are Mr heaters near the wall outlets. The heat wasn’t strong enough at all to cover the area. Would only go again if got in door seating in winter.

Hui H — Google review

Toro’s food and ambience were such a treat. Ready for this pandemic to end so I can go back. The street corn makes you happy inside, the flank steak tender and flavorful, shish*to peppers yummy, Brussels’ sprouts cooked perfectly, and the shrimp, which I only eat at restaurants, was worth it. We had the bone marrow which I didn’t care for. Too jelly for me.

Diana R — Google review

We had five dishes and the check came out to about $70. Not bad. The food was delicious. I highly recommend everything I ate. Also there was a little surcharge of 3% for service attendants. It was the best service we got ever! They were absolutely caring. My water was filled all the time. When my fork fell tot he ground, I didn’t have a chance to pick it up. Someone already picked it up and said will bring a new one. Excellent service!

V B — Google review

Heard about this restaurant from a friend! Great place for having conversations over a light meal and some drinks.Food overall was delicious. Portion size are small particularly because it's a Spanish tapa style meant to be shared amongst the table.Atmosphere was beautiful. I highly recommend getting a seat outdoors for the summer. It's much roomier and comfortable. You can definitely also go in the winter but it'll be really cold!It's a bit on the pricier side but it's a nice treat.

Ida L — Google review

Great food and service. Were able to cater to shrimp allergies with the paella (not too many restaurants do that, so it is appreciated!)Service was great. Everyone was very attentive and checked on us frequently. Water was refilled very quickly.Minus one star as it was a loud atmosphere but not a bad thing. Depends on the person.

Gen H — Google review

Take me back to Espana! Fantastic tapas and attentive waitstaff at this Spanish restaurant in the South End. The tomato pizza was good. The octopus, empanadas and potatoes were flavorful and very good. The beef sliders were very good! All tapas were cooked to perfection! The churros and chocolate sauce were excellent! The bird in/on the fire drink had a kick to it and was really good! We will return to this restaurant! Amazing food and atmosphere at this Spanish restaurant!

C H — Google review

I am impressed with Toro. It has become one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Food was exceptional and good drinks selection. We had goat cheese, tuna tartare, duck and braised wagyu (all delicious). I will definitely go back.

Isabela O — Google review

A little crowded, food is really good! Some things are a lot more memorable than others. Paella, to me was worth it just because I love a good paella so much and more often than not they’re VERY disappointing. Uni sandwich was pretty mid but I also don’t love Uni so take with a grain of salt. Pan con tomate was also fire.

Harris M — Google review

Came here to celebrate our anniversary (they have an unofficial “anniversary corner” in the front by the window where another couple was also celebrating their anniversary). I had been here before so we decided to skip the paella this time in favor of ordering more tapas. We had the white anchovies to start, the cod croquettes, the garlic shrimp, the duck drummettes and the steak. Solid wine and co*cktail selection too.

Max P — Google review

Fantastic place for tapas. Great service and ambiance. The portions for the tapas are a little smaller than expected and pricey are the main things I can dock this restaurant for. The charcuterie board, bacalao, beef cheeks, and anchovies were great. Don’t forget the paella.

Silas C — Google review

Even the rain did not dampen the experience we had at Toro! Exceptional service was still regardless of the skies opening up, the dedicated staff did not skip a bit. The food? Fresh and flavorful is an understatement (only due to my limited vocabulary). I mean Phoebe, Bonnie, the back end runners bringing the food did were impeccable with their delivery. Our guest we hosted declared Fridays as “Toro Fridays”. Thank you for such a joyful and unpretentious joint! Clearly THE food is your focus.

Spoons F — Google review

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Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (13)

3

o ya

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (14)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (15)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (16)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (17)

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$$$$very expensive

Japanese restaurant

O Ya is an upscale sushi restaurant in Downtown Crossing that has been highly praised by publications such as the New York Times. The menu features a nightly chef's choice of sushi and cooked dishes, making it a splurge-worthy experience for those who are willing to indulge.

We were fortunate enough to make rsvp for this year's NYE @ O Ya. This restaurant is small, inviting, minimal in decor and presented very creative sashimi, nigiri and cold/hot plates.Service was friendly, they were very knowledgeable in where the fish was sourced from, very great sake menu and timing was great too. I am a fan of enjoying fish as the highlight of the bite itself, at O ya, their creativeness of the dishes sometimes took away from the fish itself but that was in no way a negative, just different. I would highly recommend O ya to anyone as you will definitely enjoy yourself!

Adria C — Google review

O Ya was a place I've been trying to get to for 3-4 years. On an episode of the youtube series Hot Ones where celebs eat progressively hotter wings Salma Hayek proclaimed O Ya as her favorite restaurant. When I heard it was a restaurant in Boston I knew I had to try it. Each piece was creatively constructed and layered with complimentary flavors. Pictured here is the entire 20 course omakase plus 1 extra (the umi toast). If you look at the image of the menu and zoom in there are additional items you can add to your courses. I asked the waiter if I went with just one what does he suggest and he said the umi toast and I'm happy he did. The umi toast was a crispy tangent that I really appreciated. There is a steep price tag to eat here, but you will be here for 2-2.5 hours so I think of it more like an edible art show. I had an amazing time here and I hope you do as well.

Vahid R — Google review

A fascinating tasting menu, takes you on a trip through a lot of varied flavors. Each course is its own adventure.The fried clam with squid ink foam in particular was a delight.

Luke Z — Google review

As one of the longest standing omakase place in Boston, O Ya certainly delivered.We had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday dinner here, and I was satisfied with the overall experience. However, getting a reservation for the omakase required a lot of effort. Not only did we have to make the reservation two months in advance, but also some of the time slots were sold out in less than 10 seconds.The omakase experience comprised 20 unique dishes from delicate sushi and sashimi to foie gras and A5 wagyu steak. While the quality of the fish may not have been the best I’ve tried, the toppings were certainly innovative. Toppings like the pomegranate, thai basil, and apple added a refreshing after taste, whereas ramp oil, scallion oil, and squid ink bubbles elevated the butteriness of the respective sushi. Some of the standout dishes include the foie gras with yuzu, spring mackerel with ramp oil, A5 wagyu steak, and the bluefin chutoro.Service was also top notch, and the katsu sando was served gratis as our server almost forgot about it. The whole experience took a little longer than 3.5 hours as we added two extra dishes, but it didn’t feel too long. Nevertheless, I would recommend reserving an earliest possible time slot as we barely made it home by midnight.

Jea K — Google review

Undeniably, one of the best food and drinks nights we've enjoyed in a long time. The 20 course omakaze menu (plus the additional 5 supplemental choices), the beverage pairing, Hillary - our server's service, was all excellent.Cannot wait to do it all over again.Thank you so much for an amazing night!

Zubin D — Google review

Great, knowledgeable server added to the experience. Better not to arrive too hungry, you get one bite of food every 8 minutes on average (we had 22 items in just over 3 hours). - In fact, the people sitting next to us mentioned they were here for the experience but were planning to get another dinner afterwards! Dishes ranged from interesting to delicious to just OK. Not fish forward, but the sauces were all complex and every dish had a wide variety of textures. I sometimes found myself wishing i could try the main ingredients without all the distractions, but I think the complex sauces are their specialty.

Mike C — Google review

Amazing from start to finish. In addition to the omakase, they offer additional options to round out the meal. We added another three but would have been fine with the base omakase option. Wine and sake pairing were well done. Waiters were attentive. Our new favorite restaurant in Boston!

Anthony M — Google review

O Ya in Boston near South Station is a very intimate Japanese restaurant that serves omakase small plates for $250 per person. More if you want to add alcohol. I got a la carte of three items and paid around $60 and left very hungry. The salad is gorgeous. Looks fantastic in the photos. Miniature pansies and microgreens. Yellows, pinks, reds, greens, and purples. Do not be deceived, that salad was the smallest salad I ever had in my life. It was in a dipping sauce bowl -- one where you normally put soy sauce in. Less than an ounce of flowers and lettuce. Sneeze, and the salad may flutter away. The onsen egg was perfectly made. I will say that I got inspired to make my own onsen eggs at home. Quite easy and cost 30 cents to make. The food and service were outstanding. i just found the restaurant overpriced for what it was.

Kelly C — Google review

An amazing experience in the heart of Boston. The service was enjoyable and lively, the food was divine, and the drinks kept flowing.

Genwyn — Google review

Absolutely phenomenal. This placed was tucked into an alley that felt equal parts industrial and refined. The ambiance was great, and didn't feel pretentious at all. The food was the best food we ate on our tour through New York and Boston. Each course felt like a whole journey of flavors, and they all worked together nicely. I'm a fairly picky eater, and nothing here disappointed. Can't wait to make the trip back to Boston just to eat here!!

Stephanie W — Google review

This was an amazing experience! We went here for our first anniversary and it was great being able to pay for everything including tip (except any extra dishes or beverages) with the reservation. The servers knew the menu and recommendations inside and out, had all sorts of accommodations if needed, and were very friendly. O ya does have a bit more of a casual vibe with a lax dress code. It was very approachable and delicious and perfect for a special occasion.

Kathryn G — Google review

One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to in my life. O ya offers an exceptional rotating menu with fresh fish and items from across the globe. The sake complimented every meal perfectly and the food was simply amazing. My uncle who doesn’t even like fish loved this omakase.

Sebastien C — Google review

O YA is an exceptional restaurant that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, and the food is absolutely outstanding. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are perfectly balanced, making each bite a tantalizing experience for your taste buds.But what really sets O YA apart is the outstanding service provided by their servers, and in particular, the amazing server Jessica. Jessica is a true professional, and her knowledge of the menu and the sake is truly impressive. She is attentive, friendly, and goes out of her way to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. She is a true asset to the restaurant, and we highly recommend that you request her as your server when you dine at O YA.Overall, we highly recommend O YA for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Boston. The food, ambiance, and service are all outstanding, and the restaurant is truly a gem in the heart of the city.

Ava F — Google review

Believe the hype. You know a place is going to be insane when there's a three month wait and when you come in, they more or less tell YOU what you're having. And they never disappoint. Hands down the best sushi spot in Boston and all of New England. From the freshness of ingredients to the meticulously combined flavors and gorgeous presentations, and the wine pairings to boot! This spot is a real treat.

Jesse K — Google review

It was good, but if you are looking for a true omakase experience...this isn't it. I chose counter space seating assuming that that meant the sushi chef will present us with the pieces of the night. Like other omakase.To my confusion and dismay, the chef creates the sushi and then the waiter comes and takes it to the back for quality control/toppings and then they bring it out and present it again. It was a weird roundabout way of presenting a piece that I already saw created and then presented to me as if I haven't already seen it ???Also the uniqueness of each piece was great, it was bold but by the near-end it was too much. My tongue was getting assaulted by too much flavor, I honestly never thought that would happen. I was relieved after the last piece and so so glad for the mochi donuts.Will I come back again? No...probably not, but it's a good one off experience.

Gijay S — Google review

Not worth the hype. Probably better idea to book a flight to NYC for good Omakase.Good service.Food is very heavy on seasoning. Feels very Americanized - all you taste is the sauce and seasoning but not the food itself. The chef tried too hard on the seasoning I finished roughly 8 glasses of drinks. There are too many repetitive items on the menu: I don't need black truffle/salmon/Maine Uni >3 times in one meal.

JJ C — Google review

4

Neptune Oyster

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$$$$expensive

Seafood restaurant

At Neptune Oyster, you can enjoy some of the city's freshest seafood in a cozy oyster bar with high-end amenities. The restaurant is known for its lobster rolls, which are popular and usually worth the wait. You can also order other dishes such as smoked salmon plates or oysters Rockefeller.

Hands down to the best raw oysters. I love their little menu showing different types of oysters. I wished this place was bigger. Came here at 7pm, no wait-list accepted. Came here again early in the morning 30 minutes before it opens there was already a long line, put my name down for the wait-list, 1.5hours wait, but it' was worth the wait.

Momo — Google review

I haven't been to Neptune in many years and it's pretty much how I remember it. It's quite good - standard upscale-y northeastern seafood restaurant with a solid raw bar and good entrees. It's very similar to Eventide and similar kinds of restaurants in a lot of ways, including the cult following. I do think it's worth 5 stars on food alone but definitely overhyped a lot. Your meal will likely be very good but certainly won't be life changing, and I definitely wouldn't wait longer than an hour. The inside is cramped and if you're in a party of 2, you're likely going to be seated with another party of 2 at a 4 person table. Definitely not date night atmosphere. Last time we stopped by for weekday lunch at about noon and waited 35 minutes for 2 people. The johnnycakes that everyone raves about are good but sort of jarring. They taste exactly like how they sound - smoked fish and caviar on top of (very good) sweet pancakes. If it doesn't sound good to you in your head, I would avoid getting them. Also this isn't a big deal but our oysters came in the middle of the meal instead of first. Just thought that was a little weird - I would have preferred the raw bar stuff first.

Eric D — Google review

Let me start this off by saying this is a food review and not an indictment on the service or atmosphere. The wait was an hour, and I totally understood that. Place was small and very intimate and was very modern inside. The hostess and waitress were awesome and gave us recommendations. Now onto the food, I’m sure it was good and made well. But all the food had no flavor and was just bland. From the fish and chips to lobster roll. In my opinion most definitely not worth the hour wait. Expected more! Head over to Quincy market if you want something with flavor and better.

Torwah N — Google review

Easily and I mean easily the best seafood in Boston. The scallop crudo was out of this world, and the soft shell crabs that had been pan fried were next level. Lobster roll was excellent, but the flavors of dishes that allowed for complex flavors was absolutely extraordinary. They open at 11am but there will be a line around the block so get there at 10:30am. Only 37 seats total, so wait early and then you won’t wait longer hungry. Absolute must.

Josh B — Google review

I know I’m an outlier, but I was underwhelmed by Neptune Oyster. We waited a little under a half hour in line to get in. Once it was our turn we were seated at the counter. The space is very small but charming. There are a few tables and 15 or so counter seats.We ordered a lobster roll, oysters, shrimp co*cktail, and crab claws. I wasn’t impressed by either the shrimp or the crab, but my friend said the oysters were excellent (not sure myself because I’m allergic).The lobster roll ($38) was generous in amount but the lobster was tough. The bun feel apart. And the fries that came with it were subpar.The server who monitored the line and sat us was very friendly, it the server at the counter was anything but. She never once smiled or said more than was needed. At one point I asked for more water and she just kinda glowered at me as she filled my cup, never saying a word.Bottom line: it’s fine but it doesn’t live up to the hype. It certainly isn’t worth waiting in line for an hour to get in. Row 34 has better shrimp, fries, and lobster rolls. I don’t recommend it.

X X — Google review

Stood in line for and hour and fifteen minutes but it was honestly worth the wait. Best seafood I’ve had in Boston til date. Crab salad was delicious, so was the lobster roll and shrimp co*cktail. I’d definitely come back but on a less busy day. Would recommend coming in groups of 2 as they are seated faster than larger groups.

T L — Google review

I was really really really pleased to decide to visit here. I had to wait for some time but it was totally worth of it. The oysters are very fresh, juicy and delicious. And the foods which I ordered are yummy too and went well with my drink. Surely the service was very satisfactory. My family had a great time in here. I'll definitely try again next time.

Jongchan ( — Google review

Neptune oyster is wonderful. Staff are friendly and courteous, committed to giving diners a great experience. The razor clam appetizer was amazing as was the hot buttered lobster roll. Also had a few things from the raw bar (oyster and scallops) which are great to try based on your preference. Wine selection was good as well. The only downside is the wait, about an hour and 15 minutes on a Friday evening. You just have to stand outside in line and commit. Definitely worth it though! Inside is pretty squished together so I wouldn’t say it’s great for large groups at busy times.

Lena O — Google review

Tiny bar, no reservations, but worth the wait. Every dish I've had here has been exceptional: the oysters with house mignonette, the fried Ipswich clams (so juicy!), the johnnycake with creme fraiche and caviar, the crispy salted french fries, and of course, the main reason people come here, the lobster roll. Theirs is hot and buttered, and with caviar, the best one in the whole city. Love it. Friendly, fast moving staff and plates as well.

Mackers — Google review

Just wow. It really lives up to the hype. I got the lobster roll there and I nearly shed a tear it was so good. I 10/10 recommend this place. I visited Boston on a business trip and I spoke with locals who said this was the place to go. You have to wait in line as the place is small, but it is so worth the wait. The oysters, warm butter lobster roll, and salad were delicious. I also think my server was very kind.

Jenna O — Google review

Quintessential oyster place in Boston, our second visit here and still amazing. The one downside is the wait time, expect to wait 1-2 hours if you don't show up early. Best option is to be at the restaurant by 10 AM (they open at 11). The oysters are extremely fresh, very flavourful and amazing. This is a must try for seafood lovers in Boston. Will definitely come again!

Abhishek B — Google review

The Legendary Neptunes did not disappoint. Fresh raw bar and their lobster rolls are fantastic. Piles of buttered lobster chunks on their roll, generous portion of their crispy fries. Ordered a few dozen of their raw oyster selection. The line and wait time was long but definitely worth the wait. Try to get there before opening to get a place in line. On busier days, expect a 1-3 hour wait time as space inside is very limited. We shared a table with another group and had a fantastic time.

Arvin B — Google review

You need to know we almost came back for a second visit :oThe oyster selection from the raw bar had good variety from the east coast - briny, sweet and all that. Majority being medium size. We ranked all the east coast ones and had a few 8s, 9s and 10/10s. Pricing was also very fair, all under $4ea at the time. Side note, the co*cktail sauce and mignonette tasted amazing.We tried the warm lobster roll instead of the cold and it was exactly as imagined.. savoury, buttered lobster exploding out the warm toasted bun with minimal seasonings. Good balance between claw vs tail/other meat. Delicious fries as a side (which we prefer over chips from other places).Advice: ask your server their favs on the oyster menu and it’ll likely be your favs too (same happened at other restaurants).Expect a line, but it moves quickly and this place is well worth the wait.Seems ridiculous to visit the same restaurant twice in one weekend trip to Boston but we had such a great experience that we seriously considered it. A must dining experience for anyone visiting the city.

Andre C — Google review

So good! The oysters -- different varieties of them -- were fantastic, as were the scallops, the clam chowder, and the lobster roll. This was a real treat. Everything was so fresh and prepared nicely (super flavorful without too much seasoning, and cooked but not overcooked, rubbery, etc.). And though it was quite expensive (for us, anyway), it was not completely unreasonable and it was worth it for the overall experience. Definitely worth the wait!

Michael B — Google review

In a word - outstanding. I waited in line for about 30 minutes and it was worth waiting much longer!They have outstanding selection of local oysters that you can only find in this region. And they were perfectly shucked. I mean PERFECTLY shucked. (Rare, even for good oyster places) The selection of local oysters was augmented by oysters from the northeast and Canada.The food was incredible. Such a thoughtful menu of classics along side stuff that seafood purists will love (example: anchovy co*cktail) I had the sea bass and it was out of this world. Cooked in butter wine sauce with pork belly and Al dente fresh vegetable. Yum.The wine list is just as good. Hard to find stuff from Burgundy. I would come here just for the wine.This is my new favorite place in Boston. Just be prepared for a wait. It will be worth it.

David M — Google review

I had lunch here with my friend today. The long line outside seems promising. Got in after an hour and 15 minutes. High hopes. Oysters are decent. Fresh enough. I had a lobster roll and my friend had a fried oyster burgers. Both are jaw-droppingly terrible. My friend’s burger is tough and dry. My lobster roll has absolutely no flavours. I thought I had COVID and lost my palate. But I could taste the fries. The fries are great and definitely the highlight of my meal. The urchin toast is equally bad. Urchin all melted on the toast with no texture and flavours. This joint is definitely over-hyped and overpriced. Doesn’t deserve the hour long line up.

Trekker T — Google review

We got the 3 things I think were absolutely essential to try here: oysters, lobster roll, and johnnycakes.The oysters were amazing. I liked the ones with medium salt and a clear finish. We ordered one of the funkier ones and I didn’t like it quite as much.The lobster roll was 10 dollars more than Pauli’s next door but I’d say it was worth it. Slightly fresher lobster meat and the bread was highly elevated. The fries were a good addition too.The Johnny cakes though… wow. Extreme flavor bomb from the first bite. To be honest I’ve never heard of one before but the caviar, pate, and the syrup just made for such a wonderful flavor.I highly highly recommend ordering that. The best thing I had in Boston during my time here absolutely.Regarding getting into this restaurant, lining up at 10:30 is the move. I don’t think waiting here for 1.5 hours is worth it.

Sameet S — Google review

❗️believe the hype❗️All of the reviews and hype about this restaurant is well deserved. Waited in line for 1 solid hour.I was looking for a lobster roll, clam chowder, and oysters while in Boston, and it did not disappoint. Some of the BEST clam chowder and lobster roll I’ve ever had. Simple and clean tasting.I took a star off for service only because the hostess seemed stressed. Maybe she was having a bad day, but her vibe was not welcoming, she did not even say hi, smile, or acknowledge existence of people—just aloof and saw us all as numbers. I get that it’s insanely busy every day and the stress of crowd control is a lot (I’m a triage nurse) but no one was heckling her or even acting impatient. Everyone knows there is a long wait and they willingly stand in the line. She could have a great time hyping people up and boosting morale of the crowds. I thought the rest of the staff would be the same, but they were SO NICE and enthusiastic.That is my only critique.

Darcy S — Google review

Waited an hour to get in, and the inside is quite small and crowded so a lot of the tables are shared.The clam chowder was good, but the lobster roll (warm with butter) made the wait worth it. Scallops were good too, but for my taste the pancetta was a bit overwhelming.There was a line up when we left just after 9pm (they close at 10pm)

Jennifer T — Google review

Not worth the wait! The clam chowder was lackluster, with not on an iota of the salt pork and thyme soup base they claimed to make the chowder with. It was purely water that I could taste. I kid you not there was literally 4 pieces of malformed potato and some bits of clam in my plate (not much of a bowl really). I commend the waitress for her honesty, confiding to me that even she did not like the chowder at the restaurant. She instead recommended me to visit the Sail Loft Restaurant that's just a five-minute walk away at the harbor, for a hearty and "thick" clam chowder, especially during a cold, windy and rainy day like the day I visited. This place is more of a ritzy, tourist-oriented restaurant. I only decided to visit it because all the local food magazines recommended it, but I would concede that maybe it was perhaps just for the oysters.

Erasmo M — Google review

We were visiting from LA and came here for the oysters. They had a great selection, and all were delicious. On top of a whole bunch of oysters, we also got the Scallop Crudo and a few raw clams, which were also fantastic.The wait of course is a different story. We got there at 10:30 AM on a Sunday (they open at 11:00 AM) and there were already about 12 people ahead of us. We were able to get seated right as they opened since they have room for about 35-40 people in there, but if you miss that first seating it might be a while. I would suggest anyone that wants to try it to do what we did. The 30 minute wait before opening wasn't too bad at all and absolutely worth it.

Artin T — Google review

The lobster roll was so fresh and plentiful (definitely big enough to split if you are getting other food). My husband throughly enjoyed the oysters. The fries were nice and cut in house. I would skip the chowder. It was flavorful but the broth was too thin for me and not many clams or potatoes. We would still definitely recommend coming in for the oysters and lobster roll! *Note that seating is very limited*

Katelin M — Google review

My boyfriend and I got oysters, lobster roll, and calamari. First thing, it’s pricey, but If you want fresh and good quality seafood, this is the right place. The oysters all have a different taste, if you’re into the taste of ocean, I recommend trying these out. The lobster roll was very worth the price, the meat was fat, the brioche bun was buttered and slightly toasted. Lastly, the calamari, one of the best calamari I’ve had ever had, it was crispy but very flavorful. This place was filling and flavorful, recommend trying this in Boston!

Joanna_ L — Google review

Wow. Impressed with their lobster roll. Ive never had a lobster roll that was overflowing with big juicy chunks of lobster! A must go when in Boston. Oysters were also fresh. There’s no reservations so go early. We were lucky that there was no line up. Very limited space as well so just be aware.

Aileen L — Google review

I stop here every time I’m in Boston. There’s always a wait but it’s worth it. The hot lobster roll is incredible and the atmosphere in the restaurant is great. You know the seafood is fresh when more items on the menu are listed as “market price” than not. Do yourself a favor and make the stop!

Krysten H — Google review

Must try lobster roll and oysters!It's a small restaurant so wait is a must and they do not take reservations. I came to dine as a single person so I waited 5 minutes before I was seated on a weekday dinner time.I ordered 3 fresh oysters and a warm lobster roll with salad. The oysters were super fresh and the taste description for each oyster fit perfectly described what I tasted for each. The lobster roll was filled with warm lobster bits. It was not overwhelmed with butter and was lightly boiled to give the tenderness. The roll was lightly buttered to give the crisp. It was the perfect lobster roll that I wanted.Service can be a bit slow but understandable as it's a popular place.

Flora L — Google review

We wait for almost one hour on a cold and rainy day. I was desperate to leave, but the waiting was worth it!! The ambient vibe, flavors, services, and everything else were fantastic! This is a must if you are visiting Boston for a few days

Karina B — Google review

With a four-hour wait, we missed Neptune Oyster on our previous visit to Boston - but it turns out the trick to getting seated right away is coming at 4 p.m. on a dark, rainy, cold December Sunday! The lobster roll is indeed as delicious as you've heard, and the price is reasonable for the amount of fresh, flavorful filling.

Alyssa, W — Google review

5

Pammy's

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$$$$expensive

New American restaurant

Pammy's is a hidden gem in the heart of Harvard Square. It features delicious New American cuisine with an Italian flair, and the perfect Atmosphere for date night or casual gathering with friends. The dining room features plants and vintage pieces sourced from around the Northeast, and the Chef makes everything from the sausage to XO sauce in-house.

Easily the best food I've had in Boston. 5/5 for the food and lovely waiter. If you wanted confirmation from a review, go ahead and book that reservation.From the lobster, to the pasta, to the meat, everything was well presented and tasted phenomenal. At the price of $65 for the prix fixe menu, I honestly think this place could get away with charging more given the prices of other restaurants in the greater Boston area.However, the only issue that I had with this place was the wait time. We got a reservation at 9:30 two weeks in advance. We arrived at 9:25 and had to wait until 9:55 to get seated... Worse was that there was a bigger group of patrons that came in and instantly got seated 🤔. The staff apologized and they were super kind which for me made up for it. I just had to mention it in the review though.

Mohamed G — Google review

4 days in Boston and Pammy’s is the best!Beautiful restaurant, attentive service, delicious foods and creative co*cktails also pretty presentation.You can pick 3 dishes with one set price. Some dishes are like appetizer portion and some are larger format. You can order the way you want depends on how hungry you are.

Jon S — Google review

The ambience was lovely and the service was nice. Everyone was very attentive and kind. The food was flavorful and delicious. I enjoyed the farm to table/community table dining style. I did think the pricing was a bit high for the preset + kitchen fee + tax, for the amount of food that was given. However, enjoyed the option to choose whatever you wanted on the preset menu.Would highly recommend the yellow tuna and duck!

Mia-Fei L — Google review

Loved the ambience of this place and the unique menu style - you choose 3 dishes for a price of $69 so if you’re really hungry you can get 3 of the larger dishes or if you’re not you can get the smaller dishes but everyone pays $69 before dessert. I got the mushroom bruschetta which was the best bruschetta I’ve ever had - the flavor was phenomenal likely due to the truffles that were added to it. I didn’t say that I wanted the truffles and I wouldn’t have gotten them but I do think they helped bring out the flavor but I didn’t feel good about having to pay an extra $25 for something I didn’t ask for. I also got the tagliatelle which was a unique flavor profile - I’ve never had anything like it before; it was almost like a mole dish. Lastly I got the partridge per the waiter’s recommendation and I didn’t like this one - it was fried bone so you had to eat with your hands and there wasn’t any real flavor to the dish in my opinion. I didn’t get dessert since none of the dishes struck a cord with me. Giving this place 5 stars instead of 4 since the flavors were unique and the ambience and menu style was as well

Jainif M — Google review

Pammy's had been on my to-visit list for years so finally decided to stop by for a date night, and it was an excellent experience. The food was incredible - I was especially impressed with the squid and tripe pasta dishes but everything was excellent. The chicken breast quite literally tasted like chicken thigh, and our server Michelle told us that it was because the breast is cooked sous vide in lactic acid, which is changes the structure of the muscle fibers - pretty cool if you ask me.Speaking of Michelle, she was great - super attentive but not overbearing, and very warm and personable. Our experience was excellent overall. The only slight downside is that there's not much room in the restaurant, so it might not be the most intimate setting if you're looking for a date night kind of place but that's just grasping at straws. I really look forward to my next visit.

Eric D — Google review

Great overall experience, the food is amazing!!! Celebrated a 30th birthday and loved it! The only thing I would say is servers could have spent a little more time during their interactions. Although the place was busy service was definitely not compromised.

Jordan M — Google review

A great meal but not outstanding… perhaps we came in with too high of expectations but found many of the dishes technically delicious, just not particularly memorable. The mains were our favorite (duck was a highlight, the coppa was also great) while the pasta fell a little short in terms of depth/complexity of flavors. A pricy meal ($79/pp + 6% kitchen appreciation fee + drinks + tips easily puts you over $100/pp), so while the ambiance is great for a special occasion, it probably won’t be a frequent repeat for me.

Audra W — Google review

Pammy’s is the quintessential Cambridge restaurant. Following places like Craigie on Maine, Alden & Harlow and Bondir it is an extremely delicious dining experience in a beautiful art deco’ setting. Attention to every detail is meticulously achieved by the team at Pammy’s. co*cktails with Rob at the bar are extremely elaborate and wonderful at the same time. Highly recommended!!!

Greg B — Google review

Overall the food and service were fine, but honestly the greens salad I ordered was far too small. There's no particularly expensive ingredient in there (just some greens and fruit and dressing) so it should have been a reasonably sized bowl. Disappointing.

Chingsung C — Google review

Great atmosphere and a nicely decorated place. Stopped in the bar for some drinks and apps and everything was delicious. I heard great things about this places and it was amazing! Would recommend coming here if you are in boston

Emily N — Google review

FoodTheir sour dough was perfectly done and the waitress said the secret is they make the flour in-house. I ordered mackerel, duck breast and pork ribs. The grilled mackerel sitting on top of a light broth, that was perfect. The duck breast was served in small cubes and I didn’t like the flavour as much. My husband, on the other hand, ordered the lumache twice as he was addicted to it.Everything elseOur waitress was wonderful. She was very friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and attentive.

Xin Z — Google review

I'm in the Boston area every 3 months, and pammy's is a must stop for me. I have had so many phenomenal dishes here. They are always expanding my palate! Whether it is unexpected flavor combinations or a new protein such as squab or uni, they manage to win me over. The drink menu is marvelous, and I could spend months trying all of their fanciful libations!I usually come early as I don't make reservations and sit at the bar solo and have never had to wait. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Thanks, Pammy's!

Tiffany S — Google review

By far the best fusion restaurant I’ve had in Boston. Every dish is a unique and creative combination of many ingredients, rich in flavor and texture.

Chae L — Google review

I recently dined at Pammy's and I must say, it was an incredible experience! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere. The menu was creative and offered a variety of options that catered to all dietary needs.But the standout dish for me was the bone marrow. It was cooked to perfection and had a rich, buttery flavor that was simply unforgettable. The presentation was also impressive, with the bone marrow served on a bed of salt ready to be added to the pesto pasta.The service was impeccable, with our server being knowledgeable about the menu and offering great recommendations. The drinks were also delicious and perfectly paired with our meals.Overall, I highly recommend Pammy's to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch and I cannot wait to return. Five stars all around!

Benjamin T — Google review

The service and atmosphere is really nice. The food were very well made. The only slight unfortunate thing was the ribs that we got. There are two pieces and one of them is pure fat. We couldn’t even eat it. Think we got unlucky with the piece.The seafood here is what I would recommend as it is made just right and flavored very well. The cod and shrimp were exquisite.

Cindy — Google review

We came to celebrate my friend’s birthday. One of the party ran a bit late. The hostess refused to sit us at the dining room even though rest of us arrived on time 🙄. I requested for birthday celebration and confirmed with the restaurant beforehand. However, restaurant did nothing and we had to request it on the spot. The food is good but all pasta dishes are overly salted. The 6% kitchen appreciation fee is ridiculous. I won’t come back here again given the ridiculous price and mediocre service.

Chia C — Google review

Pammy’s is serving a truly spectacular meal. The $79 choose your own pre-fixe is a great value for the food you’re getting. The gochujang lumache was my favorite dish because of how unique the flavors were, but they were all excellent.

Alexis N — Google review

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SRV

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$$$$expensive

Italian restaurant

Serenissima Republic of Venice, or SRV for short, transports diners to Italy with dishes made from house-milled flour. The casual-chic wine bar with a rear patio is a hot spot for trendy groups in the South End. With small bites and creative culinary experiences, SRV is worth the trip for all spring and summer long.

Went here for brunch on a beautifully sunny Sunday morning, and WOW! The food was amazing and the place itself had a great vibe. Would highly recommend!

Andrew H — Google review

Wanted to come here for a while and finally made it, well worth the wait.Loved the food!Unfortunately ate most of the dishes before taking a photo but everything was really good!The duck cappellacci are delicious, the ambiance is beautiful and I’m so happy I tried this place.

Mina K — Google review

I can’t say enough about this restaurant and I’m so glad that I was able to get a reservation here! Definitely don’t sleep on this restaurant and enjoy their rotating menu. We had two different pasta dishes and both were absolutely incredible. The waiter was just as good as the food as he was very descriptive and excited about the menu. Lastly, we got a rose sorbetto at the end, which I am so glad we did not miss out on. We would definitely down here again in the future!!

Stephanie S — Google review

SRV is one of the best restaurants in Boston. The space is beautiful especially when the front doors are open. The service is always exceptional. But the real reason to go there is the food. On my last visit I really enjoyed squash blossoms, fried quail, and corn torta. Every time I go I'm reminded that I don't go often enough.

X X — Google review

Our dinner at SRV was delicious. The stand out dish was the clams, but the squid ink risotto was also very unique and tasty. The cicchetti dishes are quite small but also nice flavor-packed bites.

Alexis N — Google review

If I could give SRV 1 million stars I would.I brought family/clients for dinner and the staff went above and BEYOND with (my) allergies and other flavor requests. A HUGE shout out to Sam and our other servers who were absolutely STELLAR in their menu suggestions and wine reccomendations.I also reccomend going to the bar for a post dinner co*cktail, ESPECIALLY the Espresso Martinis!I've always been an SRV fan, and you should be too!!!

Christina ? — Google review

Impeccable! Don't miss this magical food art exhibition. Be amazed by the level of chef. and services. If I needed to choose a restaurant to celebrate anything I would choose this place without hesitation. Will undoubtedly come back a second time!!!

D1y4 — Google review

SRV is an exceptional Italian restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, and the food is simply outstanding. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are perfectly balanced, making each bite a true delight for your taste buds.What truly sets SRV apart is the exceptional service provided by their staff. From the moment you walk through the door, you are greeted with a warm smile and a friendly welcome. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and the wines, and they go out of their way to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect.The pasta dishes at SRV are truly exceptional, and they are made fresh in-house every day. They offer a wide variety of pasta dishes, each one more delicious than the last. The wine list at SRV is also outstanding, featuring a wide variety of Italian wines that are perfectly paired with the food.Overall, we highly recommend SRV for anyone looking for an exceptional Italian dining experience in Boston. The food, service, and ambiance are all outstanding, and the restaurant is truly a gem in the city. You won't be disappointed!

Ava F — Google review

I had a phenomenal experience at SRV. I have Celiac Disease and have to adhere to a strict gluten free diet. The team at SRV went above and beyond to accommodate me from clarifying my needs to carefully outlining the gluten free options on the menu and reiterating with every dish what was safe. We had the chefs tasting menu and every bite was divine. Can't wait to go back!

Celina C — Google review

Nice and elegant. Delicious authentic Italian food. Nice selection of Italian wines and deserts. One thing I value in restaurant business is the right volume of music they play. Was not very loud, just the right level to enjoy it while having a dinner with family or friends. Definitely a recommended place from me for anyone who looks for a stylish and cozy place to dine in.

R.I. M — Google review

Great placeSize of the portions is a bit odd.The waitress said she was going to leave us alone so me and my friends could catch up and then she continued to stop by every 5 minOverall lovely dinner

S P — Google review

Phenomenal contemporary Italian restaurant with impeccable food and service.My friend and I took a visit here about a month ago to enjoy innovative Venetian dishes. Known for their cicchetti, SRV seemed like a perfect place to try a good variety of small plates. We were intrigued by some of their cicchetti and decided to try six, and each cicchetto was light and not overly flavorful. Our favorites were the pistachio meringue and the baked mussels, and both were certainly great introductions to our meal.Out of the appetizers, we loved the porchetta which was extremely tender and flavorful. Fried sprouts gave it a nice contrasting texture, and its seasoning and the purée made an interesting flavor profile. While the lobster risotto wasn’t as impressive as the other plates, spinach corzetti was fantastic. The portions were quite big, so I would recommend getting one entrée if you’re sharing a lot of cicchetti.SRV changes its menus quite frequently, so some of these descriptions may become irrelevant soon. Nevertheless, they seem to excel in creating sophisticated flavors. Overall, our experience at SRV was beyond our expectations, and I would highly recommend trying as much cicchetti if possible.

Jea K — Google review

Nice place and good service but limited menu. Price is on the average high end. The pasta plates didn’t meet the expectations… flavor was good but the risotto was over cooked ($45) and the other pasta (angel hair) was definitely not the correct kinda of pasta to use and it was also over cooked. Thanks to our server… we got some extra desert. Bottom line …. I came here 10 years ago … and nothing has changed too much. The cucine is not “original” from Venice and the actual Italian alternatives in Boston are now better than SRV.

Marco U — Google review

I attended a wedding here and the service was sincerely excellent. The staff were all attentive, friendly and smart. The food was delicious and unique. We enjoyed several pasta dishes, pork loin, cod and everything was plated gorgeously and accompanied by tasteful sauces. The co*cktails and drinks were amazing too! What a lovely wedding!

Tom G — Google review

We had an interesting experience at SRV we tried the testing manu because it sounded great and the waiter said it was delicious. The testing in our opinion was not great. The food was extremely eclectic definitely not for everyone. I would recommend you order off the menu.

Jacqueline K — Google review

Service is excellent: informative and friendly. The food is decent but there are misses. I'll list the items in the order we ate them.The prosciutto and focaccia was good but that's hard to mess up.The meatballs were tiny (think IKEA) and pretty dry. Also not particularly soft.The arancini were entirely bland and fell apart as we picked them up.The snap peas were excellent with the Parmesan providing some savory to the snap peas' sweetness. This was our favorite.The salsify crab was probably the most avant garde thing we ordered that night. The crab was succulent but I wish it had a little less lemon. The chunks were so big that every time you ate one, it overwhelmed everything else in the bite.The gnocchi was melt in the mouth and the included sausage was good.The sunchoke risotto was earthy and had a good amount of mustard greens that tasted delightful.

Henry S — Google review

Came for an office dinner and had a great experience. As the only vegan in my group I expected a few small options but I was provided the whole experience of 7 courses that everyone else got. Everything was delicious too. Hope they add some of the items to the regular menu so more vegans can have a great dining experience here because clearly they can make good vegan food

Lucia T — Google review

Really great food. The atmosphere/decor is okay but I wouldn’t call it cozy, a bit more fancy than I was expecting which is totally okay. Service was a little slow but it was very busy so of course that’s understandable too. The tiramisu is so good and it’s HUGE, hand next to it for comparison haha!

Rachel I — Google review

Couldn't ask for a better spot to photograph a wedding. Amazing food, incredible staff and the perfect intimate setting for a wedding. I've always felt so welcomed walking through the doors and if you're considering SRV for your wedding day, you won't find a better spot in the city.

Shawn P — Google review

Wife and I took the route of the Arsenale menu so everything was off menu and picked by the kitchen. So I can’t speak to their menu but the off menu pairing were perfect. We had several expensive meals during our stay in Boston to compare the food against.The food complimented each pairing very well, the timing of the meal was very quick but not too fast or too slow. Each course (8 total) complimented the previous. Against other restaurants it was cheaper and had exceptionally better flavors.The atmosphere was great and it was clear the team works very well together often covering each others tables to ensure that every patron was taken care of. Also a note there is a tip for the kitchen staff on the bill (I’m fine with that but fair warning to those who prefer tip sharing). Only negative for the atmosphere is the view was a bit lackluster, if it was on top of a building it would hands down be 5s across the board.I cannot recommend or state enough that SRV wins my choice for best bang for your buck in Boston.

Chase B — Google review

Food was fresh and beautiful, but honestly tasted a bit better the last few times I was there. However, my server Danny was phenomenal. Incredibly accommodating for my son's nut allergies. Chef made him a delicious snap pea side with his scrumptious pasta and meatballs. Tasting menu was the perfect portions as well.

Gabriela D — Google review

We had high expectations for SRV, but our experience didn't quite meet them. Opting for the tasting menu turned out to be a misstep. The portions were surprisingly small, more akin to amuse-bouches, and one of the two 'main' dishes—a mix of fusili noodles and beef hash—was notably underwhelming.Observing other diners, it seemed that choices from the standard menu were more appealing. The ambiance of SRV is a plus, with its pleasant, casual vibe and an inviting outdoor seating area. A unique touch is the complimentary 'carbonated' tap water.The key takeaway would be to skip the tasting menu at SRV and maybe explore the regular menu for a potentially better experience. If you want a fantastic tasting menu instead, spend a bit more and try Zuma.

Oscar R — Google review

7

Mooncusser

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (46)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (47)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (48)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (49)

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$$$$expensive

Seafood restaurant

The seafood restaurant Mooncusser features a la carte and tasting menus with globally inspired dishes, as well as a casual lounge on the ground floor. Top Chef Star Carl Dooley is now in the kitchen, turning out globally inspired four-course prixe fixe menus. When you're ready for a bit more upscale dining, head upstairs to the intimate third-floor dining room of Mooncusser Fish House.

Wow – one of the best meals I've had in Boston! My fiancee and I had dinner at Mooncusser the other night to celebrate a special occasion, and we were extraordinarily impressed. The dining room is intimate, elegant, and offers good views. Both the food and co*cktails were delicious and creative. The ever-changing menu focuses on seafood, but there was a non-seafood option at every course. (In fact, the highlight of the meal was a tamarind braised duck leg.) The staff were also friendly, professional, and accommodating of all food restrictions. We can't wait to return!

Chris G — Google review

I was super excited to try. Beginning and end was good. Food in between was mediocre and salty. Main was disappointing. Service was even more disappointing. Our waitress did not once check on us or asked how the food was. We needed more water but she didn’t seem to care. This was a shock since I read so many good reviews about the friendly staff. Dessert was great. I like the ambience too but overall 3/5.

Rachel S — Google review

A friend told us that this is the best seafood place in Boston, so we decided to try it. The food was absolutely wonderful! The wine pairing was interesting as well. Would definitely come back

Hiba O — Google review

We're delighted to be back dining with Chef Dooley and this crew. We have enjoyed all of our dinners so far and cannot wait for more! Chef always presents dishes that are imaginative and delicious. He's often had me and others eating things we normally wouldn't eat just because of how he creates his dishes. A wonderful night out, a great food experience. Highly recommend you check this place out ... Frequently :-)

Tara R — Google review

Best restaurant in Boston. Carl Dooley is amaster. Go with another person and get each dish (you’ll know what I mean you get there) and the wine pairing. Incredible creativity and depth of flavor. Wonderful friendly staff. Well worth the splurge!

Ted C — Google review

Best tasting menu in Boston. We went there for my birthday, we couldn’t have been more satisfied with the delicious food and beverages. Highly recommend! Staff was professional and friendly.

Angelika S — Google review

Definitely in the vicinity of 1 Michelin star. The service and atmosphere are relaxed and attentive, but not stuffy. The food is very good, with a few standouts: the snapper appetizer, scallops main, and desserts were excellent. The pasta main was a disappointment: too al dente and spicy, and in general, we found most dishes to be on the spicy side. So, I would say 5/5 hospitality, 4/5 food. Dinner took about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, and they were happy to accommodate our needs on that. Service was very attentive but not particularly warm; no mention of the occasion we were celebrating or any special treats from the chef or anything like that. Overall, a great option for a special occasion.

Maxim P — Google review

A truly wonderful experience. The staff were all friendly and extremely knowledgeable.The food was out of this world! So yummy. Well balanced, great high end food that was not overly fussy. It was all just yummy and great. The pairing wines were outstanding.I can’t recommend this place enough!

Jeremy — Google review

Quick SummaryDecent prix fixe meal spot with great service and ambiance. Expect the dinner to take the full 3 hoursFood- 4 starsThe prix fixe meal included 4 courses (the first course consists of 3 appetizers that are shared amongst your table). We had the mahi mahi ceviche, tuna and heirloom melon carpaccio, and house-made sesame sourdough. The ceviche and sourdough were just okay. The carpaccio was fantasticFor the second course, I chose the scallops instead of the peppers. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the sauce was pretty good as well.The third course, I chose the lamb chops, but I regret not choosing the red snapper. The lamb chops were pretty standard, but I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce (it was a tad too salty and needed some brightness). The red snapper was fantastic though (very flaky and delicious).For the dessert, I had the black sesame and chocolate cremeaux which was a solid dessert to end the nightService- 5 starsOur servers were fantastic. Very attentive without being overbearing.Bottom LineThe food was a hit or miss with the carpaccio, scallops and red snapper as the main highlights. Service and ambiance were great. It's a solid restaurant but missed on the hype of being in the "Best of Boston" category.

Richard F — Google review

Everything was so well done and absolutely delicious. Beautifully presented with unique dinnerware for quite a few dishes. Staff is friendly & professional. Usually this level of food correlates with a stuffy environment but that is not the case here. Love that it's on a higher floor.

Michaela S — Google review

Truly phenomenal! Brilliantly creative dishes, amazing service, and inspired wine pairings. Is now our favorite restaurant in Boston. will be back for every menu change. can't wait to see what's next.

Peter A — Google review

Best tasting menu I’ve had in Boston.Came here about a month ago to try their seasonal tasting menu. Everything on the menu seemed like a concoction of contemporary cuisines with creative ingredients. I was excited to finally give them a try, and overall, it was a transformative experience.The course started with spring vichyssoise which struck my tastebuds with a good mount of acidity. Tuna crudo was headily fragrant with basil, and sliced artichoke added a contrasting texture that I enjoyed. Yet, my favorite from the appetizers was the local cod croquette. Its custard-like batter immediately melted in my mouth, and its combination with green garlic aioli and thinly-sliced asparagus was simply divine.Decorated with a crown of almonds and snap peas, sherry glazed unagi was undoubtedly the most memorable dish of the meal. Unagi was not only tender, but its slightly smoky flavor paired really well with the creamy ajo blanco.Both the steamed black bass and the roasted veal loin were great, but the latter clearly pulled ahead as a winner. Lamb was extremely tender, and its unconventional toppings were also elements of surprise. While apricot harissa gave it a sweet profile, Berber and spring onions enhanced the savoriness of the steak. I wasn’t expecting such perfection from a seafood restaurant, but the lamb loin was possibly the best I’ve had in my life.Before the desserts, they also served us with a complimentary sorbet to cleanse our palates. The dessert portion of the meal wasn’t as impressive, but it was still much better than the ones served at other high-end restaurants in the city. While the tasting menu at Mooncusser wasn’t cheap, it felt like a bargain given the high quality and creative elements of the dishes. Would definitely be back to try their other seasonal tasting menus.

Jea K — Google review

Food was definitely michelin 1-star quality, dynamic and displayed a great variety of flavors and textures. The wine pairing was especially good.Service was full of personality, but could be more attentive.

Tony Z — Google review

Great food. Amazing experience. Thank you.A great tasting menu with lots of delicious dishes. Superb professional service.Wonderful atmosphere.And there was a delicious non-menu item they have is to taste - passion fruit coconut sorbet.

Joe K — Google review

8

Uni

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (51)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (52)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (53)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (54)

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$$$$very expensive

Sushi restaurant

Located in the hip Merchant's Row neighborhood of downtown Boston, Uni offers an interesting and unique variety of sushi dishes. Executives and owners Ken Oringer and Tony Messina have both been awarded Best Chef: Northeast accolades, as well as nods from other publications. The restaurant has a sleek and moody Japanese-style izakaya look with dark wood accents.

Our server Josh offered us a modified tasting menu. The food was really phenomenal. We sat at the counter which was fun as the chef talked to us a lot and enhanced our experience. Great energy in the place!

Marijo S — Google review

The ambience is dark and intimate. Definitely a spot to go for a date night with your significant other. The interior is a bit dated but overall still a comfortable environment. The tables and seats are tightly packed.Service was great on my visit. Very attentive and caring for my overall experience of the food and drinks.The food was delicious. Well prepared and beautiful presentation. The presentation alone wasn't it, the food actually had great flavor. Sadly, this is on the higher end of the price tag so be prepared to shell out $100+ a person if you order a drink, an app, and 2 dishes.I do recommend experiencing the bar, atmosphere and food for a date. Definitely not a daily place to visit. Unless you make a pretty comfortable living lol

Eric E — Google review

Food was unique and delicious, but it wasn't as good as some other places in the area for the same price. We were seated at a table for 4 on the lower floor and it was pretty chilly down there. Another couple actually asked to be moved upstairs because it was too cold. The service was excellent.

Sara C — Google review

Located inside the Eliot Hotel, Uni serves a delightful experience with high quality sushi and Japanese fusion dishes.Recently came for dinner, and despite our reservation, we got seated at the bar seats. It still had nice and intimate atmosphere, but had we known the popularity of the place, we would’ve booked at an earlier time.We started with the eros oysters and a hint of sweetness from its garnish gave it a refreshing finish. Sushi came after with some hits and misses. Hokkaido uni pieces were not worth their hefty price tag, but I enjoyed Chutoro and other pieces. Sea bream, hamachi, and sawara were beyond our expectations, and we ended up getting another round of those before moving on to the entrées. Foie gras came later on a separate dish, and this was undoubtedly the best dish of the meal. The buttery chunk of foie gras combined with sweet candied hazelnut was simply divine.For our entrée, we got some wagyu dumplings, black cod special, and the crab garlic noodles. Black cod was one of the most popular dishes of the night, and we managed to snatch the last one available. Its buttery texture was exquisite and certainly justified its popularity. Wagyu dumplings were a tad spicy, but slight hint of herbs, vinegar, cheese, and nice chunks of wagyu beef made a mindblowing orchestration of flavors in my mouth. Spicy tuna tataki with foie gras and the crab garlic noodles were also really good, not our palate was already spoiled by other dishes to enjoy them.Definitely the best non-omakase Japanese food experience I had in Boston, and I highly recommend trying them out.

Jea K — Google review

Such a great sushi experience! We sat at the sushi counter and were able to take in a completely subversive experience! The food, staff, and general vibe were top notch, will highly recommend to anyone who enjoys modern sushi! The uni spoon is absolutely a must!

Heather L — Google review

Wowww loved sitting outside. My date had the Emotional Detachment which was robust and balanced, full flavored of love. I had the salted Nonalcoholic co*cktail and I ordered a second one I was so in love with it. Everything we had was special. The pasta and mushroom dish was my favorite. I love foie gras, had it with the spicy tuna, it did not disappoint. Brussels 10/10. Veggie roll. 💯 Tofu was nice too. David our server was sweet.

Ross T — Google review

Nice place and tasty food, but a bit pricy from my point of view. If you don’t mind that, you can have a really good time and enjoy some interesting tastes.The service is flawless and the food is pretty good.Go for tuna if possible 🐟

Max — Google review

The unagi nigiri was the highlight of my meal. The sashimi scallop was good but wasn't so good that I would order it again. One guest ordered nigiri that had pepper jelly which was too overpowering. I understand the ambition of the kitchen but it failed to wow me on the level of n/naka in Los Angeles. The ambience is nice but the music was too loud. The best part of the experience was the staff. Our server was excellent. I would give the food three stars overall. The service deserves five stars.

Stacey Q — Google review

I loved eating at Uni! The vibe was really cool and the seating outside was wonderful. The food was a 8.5/10, super creative while still being delicious. They had some basic dishes like the Brussel sprouts but hit the mark great. For the more creative dishes like the crab fried rice they managed to combine a bunch of flavors that you wouldnt think taste good together. They made it work though! The pineapple and crab with the rice was great, the cherry, lemon, and hamachi were a great combo. And the scorpionfish had a similar thing going on too. The fried chicken bao buns were something I had never seen done but they did it great. Dessert was served creatively, as you can see with the white chocolate mousse, however, i wouldnt get the mochi again. 8.8/10

Adam A — Google review

Start to finish one of our favorite experiences in a while! Jen was great! She was fun and had fantastic recommendations! Really made us feel welcomed! Was nervous about seating and space at sushi bar but we had more than enough room. We really enjoyed our time tonight! Thanks for great food, drinks, and service!

Jenna B — Google review

First time in Boston, and shockingly the food here has been really bad. But Uni is an exception. Amazing food. Loved it. I wouldn't call it a traditional sushi restaurant, but they do have sashimi and nigiri. The miso eggplant was amazing along with the fried chicken bao bun.

Rajeev S — Google review

I’ve already made another reservation! It took us a minute to order since we had to look up some of the ingredients, but everything we did end up ordering was incredible. We ordered the chutoro (medium fatty tuna) again because it was so good.

Fariba S — Google review

Highly recommend Dungeness crab fried rice! Unagi was delicious. Maine uni spoon was packed with umami, but texture were all similar. Brussel sprouts were good, but my least favorite out of all Chef Ken Oringer's restaurants. Drinks were Ma. Pfeiffer and Pocketful of Sunshine (tasty, had to get two).

Jace D — Google review

The bar was a little tight for seating, but otherwise what a MAGICAL experience! Holy cow! Cannot possibly recommend enough the Madai - sea bream, the toro fatty tuna with aged soy and caviar, and the barracuda with blueberry and pomegranate. Also, we went out on a limb a bit with the fried chicken Bao buns and WOW - I haven’t had fried chicken that well-prepared in ages! It came out hot, crispy and even, and the Thai basil added lovely flavor in every bite. Thanks for a wonderful dinner.

Ya'el C — Google review

Fastest $600 spent in my life. We ordered several dishes for an experience that we expected to be extraordinary. The service was much too fast, we didn't even have time to taste the dishes. In addition, they brought the starters after the sushi.... The service was not up to the price. No refilling of wine or water. The costs ??? Much too high for the quality/quantity. Almost every dish was super spicy but it wasn't even listed on the menu. The atmosphere, blah. In short, I unfortunately do not recommend. Very disappointed for the price...

Mathilde R — Google review

Hits every single time. Each bite was delicious, complex, and flavorful. Not cheap, but always a very special and memorable meal. Bonus: they have coat check and bag check!

Meera L — Google review

Came here for my birthday, and they accommodated me here last minute thankfully. They put together a custom tasting and pairing menu for me. The food was delicious and the service was absolutely above and beyond. I left fully satisfied and would definitely come back!

Nathaniel K — Google review

The food here was incredible. Elegant without being stuffy. The service staff was knowledgeable and very helpful in picking out items to try. The place is expensive, but if you have the money to treat yourself, I’d highly recommend you visit.

Joel Z — Google review

9

Celeste

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (57)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (58)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (59)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (60)

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$$$$affordable

Peruvian restaurant

Celeste is a small, modern Peruvian restaurant in Union Square. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is fun and energetic.

I had a wonderful dinner here with delicious food. Everything we ate was prepared carefully and thoughtfully and was absolutely delicious. The margs were fine. The service was very attentive and helpful. The restaurant is tiny but charming. I have a nut allergy and the staff were pretty good about it, but definitely double check things as there are nuts in some of the sauces and on a lot of menu items.

Christine — Google review

We came here to celebrate Valentine’s Day and had the best meal!! The scallop and squid ink pasta was by far the standout dish. The ambiance was really casual and fun, the co*cktails were delicious, and we love everything we tried. Highly recommend a reservation in advance. Five out of five stars and would definitely return!

Alexandra R — Google review

Great cozy atmosphere, authentic Peruvian flavors, delicious co*cktails. Ordered the tuna ceviche, lomo saltado, and mutton stew. Plus martini and pisco. The lomo saltado was so juicy and fragrant. Only downside is the portions are smaller than other Peruvian restaurants I’ve tried. But hey there is a premium since this is a fancy date night joint 😉

Sophia Z — Google review

Ceviche was amazing!The rest of the food was great, too! The Staff were pretty friendly and I found a really nice message in the bathroom, instead of mirror, they had a message saying: you look great, don’t worry!😄 I didn’t have my cellphone with me to take a picture, I’ll do that next time!The tables in the outdoor seating area were super close to each other, but this turned out to be a wonderful experience and I found a new friend, so thank you Celeste for that!I give it 4 star because of the drink! I did not like the drink and it didn’t pair well with the seafood. I later learned they have some spicy drink options (not on the menu)!I definitely will be back and will try one of those next time!

Wise G — Google review

Great choice for Peruvian cuisine in Union Square.Having garnered attention as a James Beard award semifinalist for new restaurants five years ago, my expectations were set high for my long-anticipated visit.From the appetizers, I had the Mixed Seafood Ceviche and the Cause de Tuna Tartare. The Ceviche was served with generous portions of the blue cod, shrimp, and squid, and I especially enjoyed the vibrant and punchy juice, which struck a good balance without overwhelming the palate. The sweet potatoes added a delightful sweetness, while the toasted corn kernels offered a satisfying textural contrast. The Causa de Tuna Tartare was a soft and indulgent treat. Sandwiched between layers of mashed potato, the dish was a flavorful combination of acidity from both the potatoes and the tuna.For the main course, the Sudado de Pescado O Berenjena offered a more subdued yet equally impressive flavor profile. This Peruvian-Chinese style steamed fish was immersed in a delicate fish broth, enriched with Chinese vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms. The dish's subtle spice kick and umami were a welcome divergence from the more robustly seasoned appetizers.Among the Peruvian restaurants in the neighborhood, Celeste is definitely the best option without a doubt. Whether you're in the mood for a refined seafood and wine evening or a hearty Peruvian feast, I highly recommend giving them a try.

Jea K — Google review

Amazing, unassuming Peruvian restaurant, once voted Restaurant of the Year on Eater. For appetizers, of course, you have to have one of the ceviche selections. We got the Ceviche Mixed Seafood (blue cod, shrimp, and squid), which is topped with some sweet potato and other bites to add texture. They are very generous with their ceviche! We also got the Yuquitas Rellenas de Verduras (fried yucca with spinach, mushroom, and pepper filling), a very nice small dish. I had had yucca fries before, which I might prefer, but this was really good to try as well.For main dishes, we got the Scallops Con Pasta A La Huancaina (seared scallops with squid ink fettuccine and huancaina), an incredible pasta dish, rich with garlic, butter and herby goodness. The second item was the Carapulcra (Incan stew with potato, chicken, pork, peanuts and Porto). A hearty stew and rice dish, great for balancing out the earlier pasta dish. And finally, for dessert, a Dulce de Leche. I did not really expect much out of a caramel dessert, but it was fantastic! It is almost like a tiramisu, with hints of burnt and salted caramel flavours, topped with a mix of berries.Great customer service, you won’t be disappointed!

Christy C — Google review

Great dinner spot in Union Square, Somerville. I love Peruvian cuisine, and the menu has a good array of meat and seafood dishes (one vegetarian dish).Though it was pricey, several dishes are worth having again. The ceviches, causas, lamb stew, and shrimp & scampi were highlights. The yucca was a bit soft, but balanced by the sides.The atmosphere has a mix of outdoor seating and indoor diner aura. Overall, loved my time here and hope to come again soon !

Nakul K — Google review

Celeste is my favorite Peruvian restaurant in the greater Boston area, and possibly my favorite seafood restaurant in Boston as well.Deep but concise menu. A pristine mixed ceviche anchors the offering, and its easy to pair it with one of the colorful causas as a starting pair. Afterwards, the seafood risotto is simply top tier, and you definitely should get it with the fried fish option.It’s a breezy and lively spot as well, and service is prompt and attentive. The outdoor seating during decent weather makes for a tranquil but fun evening.Overall, Boston is lucky to have Celeste.

Dmitriy R — Google review

This super small, but very charming spot in Sommerville is one of the top destinations in Boston!Came here for a birthday dinner and can attest that everything was very delicious, the staff was extremely nice and attentive and the hype for ceviche and the pisco sours is real - you just have to try them!What we ordered was:- ceviche mixto (great citrusy flavor and generous portions),- pupusas with shrimp (good, but not extraordinary)- pasta with scallops and huancaina (cheesy sauce) - that one was just WOW, it's veeeeeeery cheesy and garlicky (possibly the most garlicky dish I've ever eaten), but absolutely delicious- carapulcra (the Peruvian stew with peanuts and chicken) - it's nutty, and pretty good, but not something you could not replicate at home - this was our least favorite personally- lucuma mousse - as a dessert this one was great, with a unique nutty flavorWe ended up not getting the veggie ceviche, bus supposedly it's a very good option as well for those not eating meet!Overall - a fantastic experience! Can't wait to try out their other Cambridge restaurant!

Marek M — Google review

Exceptional service and food. This place easily deserves 5 stars. The mixed food ceviche was so flavorful and probably one of the best things I've eaten and the pupusa was a pleasant surprise. The restaurant inside is small but beautiful decorated, not loud at all. Very relaxing vibe and I appreciate that the tables are not too close together. Will definitely come back.

Noelle L — Google review

It’s a tiny place with limited seating, so ensure to make reservations in advance. We went for our anniversary dinner. Menu was limited but good. We ordered fried yucca, tuna tartare and steamed fish. Fried yucca and tuna tartare were interesting flavors. Steamed fish was enough for 2 people with extra order of rice. It was cold inside since the doors kept opening hence 4 stars.

Shriti J — Google review

I wanted to find a nice date night spot for my girlfriend and I and while searching Celeste looked like a great spot. Once we arrived, we had a reservation and we're seated immediately. The space is very small so we were pretty close to everyone in the restaurant and had to talk kinda loudly in order to hear each other. We ended up splitting a few things: mixed ceviche, papusa with prawn, and the incan style chicken stew, as well as a tamarind sour to drink. Everything was delicious, particularly the ceviche, though we were surprised we didn't get any chips to eat it with but maybe that's our misunderstanding. It was also a little annoying to have to clean the shell off the entire prawn for the papusa but maybe that's not normal 🤷‍♂️. Besides that, everything was great and I highly recommend giving this place a try if you're looking for something different but delicious.

Daniel E — Google review

The food here is very good, but the service and professionalism needs a little improving. We had a 7pm reservation and weren’t seated until 7:45pm, however the waiter did comp our appetizer which was appreciated. We ordered the mixed seafood ceviche, scallops, and seafood risotto. Our favorite was the scallops and the pisco sour co*cktails (10/10!). Unfortunately, we found that overall this restaurant isn’t worth the trek from Boston.

Ari W — Google review

This charming little Peruvian restaurant pleasantly surprised us. We decided to try out dishes from the menu without knowing what to expect, and genuinely enjoyed them. To top it off, the dessert was the perfect way to conclude the meal.ceviche de shrimp y mango with maracuya infusion is my favorite from here.

Divya K — Google review

UPs- Wide variety of innovative fusion taste. Fun atmosphere. Friendly service.DOWNs- the $$$ are not quite matched by the rather ordinary ingredients, picnic-style patio tables and dish-wares.OVERALL- must warn you most dishes here have powerful spicy bite, not what one would typically except from Peruvian dishes. I enjoyed what I had & will try more next time.

D W — Google review

10

Grill 23 & Bar

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (63)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (64)

Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (65)Map of Boston — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info (66)

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$$$$very expensive

Steak house

Grill 23 & Bar is a steakhouse in the heart of Boston that has been serving up classic dishes and an extensive wine list for over three decades. The restaurant has a classic look with wood paneling and leather banquettes, and specializes in steakhouse favorites such as dry-aged prime beef.

Finally got the team's schedules to meet up in Boston and picked this place for our team dinner after many months of virtual meet. Great atmosphere, lovely staff, and on top of that tasty meal. Ordered the COD and was little skeptical on how the layer of pistachio would taste as I never had COD with pistachio. Taste was surprisingly good. I enjoyed my dinner. Others orders steaks and lobster dishes. All enjoyed and gave thumbs up to the food.If you are in Boston next, I would recommend you visit. Don't miss out a chance to treat your taste buds to an excellent experience.

Dia A — Google review

It's an experience. We came from a recommendation of a friend who told us he had the best steak in is life here. Turn it to be pretty accurate and everything we tasted was excellent. The service is really a notched over the rest. Glad we stopped by.

Jimmy R — Google review

Came in tonight for dine out Boston and service and quality were still very on point. Our server Tim was very attentive and competent. Very spacious here but always a bit loud because of the high ceilings and large parties around. But despite how busy they are, service never lacks.We got the seafood chowder (halibut), steak, creamed spinach, grill 23 tots with truffle oil. For dessert we got the chocolate cake and sweet Creamsicle (both were very big portions). Both were very good and perfect finish to end of the meal

Wendy C — Google review

Fantastic restaurant with a great staff. My wife and I went over restaurant week and loved it so we went back the next week. The manager remembered us from the week prior as soon as we arrived.Both of the meals we had were fantastic and the different teams of waitstaff were super helpful and professional. Truly a 5 star experience.The desert attached is by far the best desert I have ever eaten and whomever created the Key Lime desert needs a raise.Can’t wait to go back great food and people.

Mike F — Google review

Honestly the best steaks we have had along with the mushrooms and carrots were melt in your mouth delicious. Our server was very friendly, attentive, informative, and nice to talk to. While it was a very expensive, I would say it was well worth every penny.

Nicholas K — Google review

My partner and myself came in during pride. And we chose this place. We thought it'd be nice, and relaxing vs. The Café 4 minutes away. We were both looking for delicious food. And new experiences. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Service at the bar gave the best experience. Thank you to both staff at the bar. Zach and Tray. Thanks for a great experience.

Michelle R — Google review

Best steakhouse in boston. Had the salmon last time and that was equally amazing! Love this for a family night (we’re all adults) or business dinner. Get the cookies for dessert and load up on sides!

Chandler M — Google review

What an amazing restaurant with great food and co*cktails. My husband loved the Death & Taxes. The Rye Paper Plane co*cktail was delicious, too.It is so beautiful downstairs.The service was excellent, as well. We will definitely be back.

Lilianna — Google review

Let’s start by saying this place has the BEST Porterhouse Steak (medium-rare) I’ve had in my life!! Also, make sure to order the Steak Tartare, it’s incredible.Overall the service was wonderful and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this establishment.

Dimitri K — Google review

Having just landed in Boston (1st time) and checked into our Hotel, my wife and I went for a walk in search of a meal we would enjoy and which might make Boston proud. Walking down the sidewalk we spied a Food & Wine Magazine award highlighted on the window of a restaurant. With no other reference, we stopped into Grill 23 & Bar completely at random. The quality of food and service were absolutely outstanding! My wife went with swordfish. I went with whole stuffed lobster. We had shared sides of asparagus and mushrooms. The mushrooms weren't simply the typical buttoncap style, rather a scrumptious chef mix. The stuffed lobster was outstanding and my wife was very pleased with the swordfish! Upon another visit to Boston, I'd certainly dine here again.

Clinton A — Google review

Good steak but had better. Shared a porterhouse between 2 people, the string wasn't fully removed from the strip side which made it very tough and hard to chew. I was recommended of their dessert but there wasn't anything special, rather it was quite generic and overpriced.

Jessie Y — Google review

The steak tasted perfect and the sides matched. We split one of the larger 100 day aged steaks and it was more than enough for us both. Would definitely come back again. And the staff were beyond nice and recommend where we should go next.

Austin — Google review

Very classic steak house and great food. We were lucky enough to have a private room for a bachelor party and everything was excellent. We had a set menu but everyone was able to select an appetizer, an entree and dessert. Side dishes were previously selected and served family style. We also had an open bar the entire time. The waitstaff were all stars the entire time.

John S — Google review

Had a great time tonight at Grill 23 & Bar. The restaurant is beautiful inside and has that really cool "old school" steakhouse feel to it. The food was solid, and the service was nice as well. I would definitely return.

Anthony R — Google review

Grill 23 is simply the best! Their 100 day aged ribeye and dry aged prime NY are my favorites but their drinks, appetizers and even desserts are superb as well. The famous coconut cake is a must try. They should consider offering the pineapple sorbet with roasted coconut as a separate dessert. It’s too good for a garnish next to the coconut cake.

Kimberly D — Google review

The holidays are always a good time to go to Grill 23. Food was top notch (filet cooked exactly correct) big salad, and the seafood tower.Drinks were spot on, service is always excellent. Make your reservations early-I had to make a Saturday night reservation in December a month in advance.

S W — Google review

Update; 2nd visit. Just as good as the first, if not better. Trust the wait staff. Trust the somms. They know of what they speak. Food once again solid. Completely bullet proof experience whether you are a 1 top or a party of 14. These people know and understand hospitality very very well. Period. End of story.I had a great experience at this iconic Boston steak house. You might think that after 40 years, G23 might be mailing it in. Nope. They are still bringing their A+ game.G23 understands sincere hospitality, food, and wine, and I know that’s hard to believe with a place with so many tables. Tim understood the menu, the preparation, and the dishes really well and made some fine recommendations. Tori (sommelier) has an excellent working knowledge of the *very deep* wine list and did what a top drawer somm should do: guide her customers to a bottle that they will like and away from ones that they might not like without upselling or relying on a lot of condescension or meaningless, flowery language (mission accomplished!). She is one of the best somms I have ever met. Food: excellent. Things that are seemingly easy, but are really not so easy when it comes right down to it (like caviar service or sautéed spinach) were spot on the money. In fact, the caviar service was better than I’ve seen in some Michelin 3 star establishments. (NB: Caviar service is not just opening a tin of caviar and throwing it on a plate with some eggs, onions, capers, and crème fraiche). Along the lines of attention to little details, the salt and vinegar chips served with the tartare were excellent: not greasy, not too salty, not too vinegary. To Pastry Chef Valerie Nin: your creme brûlée is what you would find if you looked up creme brûlée in the dictionary. It is honestly one of the most refined examples of the dish I have ever had. Is CB simple? In concept yes, but in execution, CB is not simple at all. The milk and cookies were exceptional. You might think ‘Cookies and milk? Come on, I want some fancy schmancy dessert for my money.’ But these are perfect in their own whimsical way: warm and gooey and delish. Simple in concept? Yes. Executed perfectly? Yes. And finally, to the kitchen: I have no idea how many people are in the back of the house but given the number in the front, the number of seats, and the number of covers that they did on a Saturday night, the kitchen did an amazing job. There was at least one very large (20+) party that I could see and plenty of other butts in seats elsewhere, and yet the kitchen didn’t miss a beat with any my courses, even when I threw a few (unintentional) monkey wrenches into the works. Large parties (and my antics) can very often cause trouble for a kitchen, but not here, not in the middle of a very busy Saturday night service. This was a display of impressive cooking and impressive management.Overall, this was a really memorable experience. You say you have a special occasion to celebrate? Bring it. Large groups? Bring it. Solo? Bring it. Kids? Bring it.A+.

Charles L — Google review

Went out with friends and had a great time. I had the scallops, which in my opinion were not worth the price tag, but the beef tartare was very good. Service was super, at one point a friend shattered a wine glass and they gave us new covers and replaced our food in case it had glass. A great place for events, just make sure to get a meat and not the scallops!

Will — Google review

Top notch meat quality, one of the best steakhouse in Boston. Spacious and classic steakhouse decoration. Good to special occasion dining

Jay G — Google review

Great little restaurant in Boston. The servings in true American style were massive! The Calamari as an appetiser fed the whole table of about 12!The dessert was also fantastic, the steak was nice also.

George — Google review

It's a great place to eat steak. Simple menu with excellent ingredients. You choose your steak and your side and enjoy the amazing meal. Choose your wine or drink to accompany the meal or ask the server, and they will give you a good suggestion. The place itself feels on the older side, so it is not a modern place if you care for that type of atmosphere.

rleorod — Google review

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