The thing I look forward to most when visiting new places is trying as many local restaurants as I can! I like to call myself a self-proclaimed foodie, and after spending the past two years in Boston as a student, I’ve been able to explore quite a bit of the city’s food scene. With that said, here’s a roundup of my five favorite places to eat in Boston!
- Ciao Roma
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Pretty much any restaurant in the North End is a safe bet, but Ciao Roma is one of my favorites.
It’s the perfect spot for a girls’ night out, and you can snap some cute photos with the viral neon pick sign outside. I always get the Fusilli alla Vodka topped with homemade ricotta… It’s so good. Plus, it’s just a block away from Modern Pastry, my favorite place for a post-dinner sweet treat in the North End.Â
- Matsunori
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Any time my parents are in Boston, Matsunori is a must. I’m a big sushi fan, and this place has never let me down.
They specialize in hand rolls, which you can see being made right in front of you if you sit at the counter, and everything is so unbelievably fresh. It’s a small spot that doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait. But trust me, if you’re a fan of sushi, Matsunori is absolutely worth it!Â
- Futago Udon
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Futago Udon is one of my go-to spots when I need a warm, comforting bowl of noodles. The broth is rich, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and it’s the ultimate cozy meal for those cold Boston days. The portions are very generous, so I usually take some leftovers back for a bite to eat later, and it’s pretty much impossible to leave this place without feeling full and satisfied.
- Piattini
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Another Italian place on my list that deserved a spot is Piattini, right on Newbury Street. A must-order is the Melanzana Affumicata: crispy eggplant with a smoky truffle red sauce. It’s so incredible. The atmosphere is so cozy, making it a perfect place for a nice dinner with friends or family, and you can enjoy a stroll down Newbury after your meal!
- Lolita
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Lolita is also on Newbury Street, and it’s amazing. It’s a Mexican restaurant with all your favorite classic dishes, but my favorite part is definitely the decor and vibe. The dimly lit gothic lounge creates such a unique and fun atmosphere, which is the perfect spot for a night out with friends. And don’t forget to order the churros for dessert!
- Honorable Mention: Pagu
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In the spirit of keeping my list to Boston-only spots, it didn’t feel right to include Pagu. But since it’s right across the river in Cambridge and it’s so good, I just had to mention it.
Pagu is a Japanese-inspired tapas restaurant with a creative menu. The small plates are so beautiful and packed with bold and unique flavors. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but my favorites were the Tempura String Beans and Patatas Bravas.Â
That’s all for my list of my top five spots to eat in Boston! I hope this roundup gives you some yummy ideas for your next food-filled adventure around the city.
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