Restaurants
Seaport
Boston's Seaport District has transformed into a vibrant waterfront neighborhood. High scale restaurants, bars, and hotels line the harbor, while the iconic Institute of Contemporary Art offers stunning water views. Visitors can relax on the Harborwalk, stroll through Fan Pier, or catch a summer concert on the Lawn on D.
Lolita Fort Point
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine $$$
Top 3 favorite places in Boston. The food and atmosphere are always amazing and you can’t go wrong here.
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bartaco
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine. $$
Another favorite. Bartaco has a virtual waitlist you can join and you order through your phone at the table.
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Committee
@juliaschaefer
Mediterranean Cuisine. $$$
Amazing food! Normally very busy so be sure to make a reservation.
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Boqueria Seaport
@juliaschaefer
Spanish Tapas. $$
Perfect place for sharing plates.
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LoLa 42
@juliaschaefer
Asian Cuisine $$$
While I’m not a fan of sushi, those I was with said it was unbelievable.
Good cocktails as well.
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Cisco Brewers Seaport
@juliaschaefer
Beer Garden. $$
A local favorite on a beautiful day. This outdoor beer garden has a great selection of beer and cocktails along with food trucks.
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The Smoke Shop BBQ - Seaport
@juliaschaefer
BBQ $$
These plates come with so much food and is a great place to split a meal.
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Tuscan Kitchen Seaport
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$$
Beautiful space and the food is good but more on the expensive side.
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Tony C’s Seaport
@juliaschaefer
Sports Bar $$
Great place to watch a sports game! The food is okay if you want bar food.
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Pink Taco
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine. $$
They serve creative tacos alongside classic options, all on colorful pink corn tortillas. The atmosphere is fun and casual with a rock and roll vibe, perfect for enjoying a delicious and shareable meal with friends. They also have a large tequila selection and signature cocktails for a complete fiesta.
They’ve also been promoting a lot of happy hour deals.
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LoLa Burger
@juliaschaefer
American Cuisine. $$
If you’re ever in need for a burger and fries add this place to your list.
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Scorpion Boston
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine and nightclub $$
They serve Mexican-inspired dishes with a creative twist, alongside classic options like fajitas, tacos, and burritos. They also have a large tequila selection, craft cocktails, and shareable Scorpion Bar bowls for drinks.
They have a taco Tuesday special but we were not impressed.
The place has a casual and vibrant atmosphere with rock and roll music. There's a patio for outdoor seating during summer.
On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it transforms into a nightclub with DJs after 9 pm. On weekdays, the kitchen closes at 10 pm, but the bar stays open till later.
They have private event space for booking and offer valet parking
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North End
Boston's North End is a charming, history-rich neighborhood known as "Little Italy." Narrow, winding streets lined with family-run Italian restaurants, bakeries, and cafes offer a taste of Italy alongside historic sites like the Freedom Trail's Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.
Quattro
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
Another one of my favorite spots. Make sure you make a reservation but the food is delicious. Pasta dishes are so good and It’s one of the few nice sit down restaurants in this area with brick oven pizzas.
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Bricco
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$$
Great for a date night. Two floors, great food and drinks, make sure you make a reservation.
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Carmelina's
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$$
Carmelina's is a great choice for a delicious and heartwarming Italian meal in a welcoming environment. The open kitchen adds to the experience, and the chance for open-air dining in summer is a nice touch. Be sure to make reservations if you plan to go on a weekend.
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Cantina Italiana
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
This homey restaurant holds the title of the oldest restaurant in the North End, established in 1931
Cantina Italiana is a great choice for an experience steeped in Boston's Italian heritage. The combination of classic dishes, a warm atmosphere, and generous portions makes it a popular spot. Be sure to make reservations if you're planning to go on a busy night.
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Trattoria Il Panino
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
A good option for a casual and possibly lively Italian dining experience, particularly if you're looking for fresh pasta and a place to enjoy the North End atmosphere.
We’ve always enjoyed the food here but make sure you make a reservation because it gets busy.
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Caffe Vittoria
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cafe $$
Established in 1929, it's known as Boston's oldest Italian cafe and a cornerstone of the North End, the city's historic Italian neighborhood. The cafe is adorned with vintage espresso machines, creating a museum-like atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts.
Coffee and Drinks:
It’s renowned for its authentic Italian espresso drinks. Try their signature cappuccino, made with two shots of strong espresso, creamy milk foam, and a dusting of cocoa. They also offer a wide selection of Italian sodas, teas, hot chocolate, and even grappa, a strong Italian brandy.
Also try their pistachio or espresso martinits, you won’t regret it.
While coffee is the star, they all offer a delightful selection of Italian pastries and desserts.
Indulge in cannolis, tiramisu, biscotti, gelato, and rum cake, all perfect for pairing with your coffee.
Be aware that they are CASH-ONLY so plan accordingly.
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Florentine Cafe
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
A menu featuring house-made pastas and regional specialties, they and a warm atmosphere that blends classic details and fresh breezes. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, dinner, or a night out with a view.
Try the chicken parm!
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The Red Fox
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine and Cocktail Bar $$$
The Red Fox is a stylish and intimate Italian-American restaurant and lounge with a focus on handmade pasta and a cocktail menu reminiscent of classic martinis. Great spot for a date night but it is definitely expensive for the portion sizes.
What we ordered:
Drinks
Spritz: prosecco, club soda, seasonal porthole infusion
Bananavardier: bourbon, banana, campari, vermouth
Apps
Meatballs with red sauce and basil
- came with three, I wish there were more
Meals
ORECCHIETTE w/pistachio pesto
- probably the best pesto sauce I’ve ever had and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente
RIGATONI Alla Vodka
- also delicious and would recommend
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Wicked Craft Co.
@juliaschaefer
New American Cuisine $$$
LOVE this place. Fun cocktails, good food, and the decoration and atmosphere is great.
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Caffè Paradiso
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cafe $$
A traditional Italian coffeehouse loved by locals. They offer classic espresso drinks, house-made gelato, fresh pastries, and savory options like pizza and sandwiches. The atmosphere is perfect for socializing, with soccer games often playing.
Get the pistachio martini!
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Umbria Steakhouse
@juliaschaefer
Italian Steakhouse $$$$
Came here during restaurant week for a deal on a 3 course meal. Food was very good but it is very pricey.
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Massimino's
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
The restaurant boasts a private wine cellar perfect for special occasions, and outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal under the sky.
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Lucia Ristorante
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$
This restaurant has two floors and we were lucky enough to eat upstairs. The espresso martinis were great and the food portions were big.
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South End
Boston's South End is a charming mix of historic elegance and modern energy. Grand Victorian brownstones flank tree-lined streets, housing trendy restaurants with global flavors, cozy cafes, and a thriving arts scene.
Picco
@juliaschaefer
Pizziera $$
My favorite spot in the city to get pizza. Also try their baked Mac and cheese and ice cream.
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Barcelona Wine Bar
@juliaschaefer
Wine Bar and Spanish Tapas $$
Great place to share meals and grab a drink.
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Yellow Door Taqueria
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine $$$
Best nachos in the city. The food and cocktails are great. Tacos are on the expensive side.
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Southie
”Southie” is a popular spot for young professionals, transforming its daytime charm of waterfront trails and historic sites into a lively nighttime scene with trendy gastropubs and energetic bars.
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine $$
$3 Taco Tuesday is a must. Loco turns into more of just a bar on the weekends so if you’re looking for a quiet dinner I wouldn’t recommend.
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Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
@juliaschaefer
American Cuisine $$
Known as a popular bar spot on the weekends, Lincoln has great pizzas and cocktails. They have outdoor seating in the summer.
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Capo Restaurant & Supper Club
@juliaschaefer
Italian Cuisine $$$
They serve classic Italian dishes alongside house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs, and the reclaimed wood decor creates a rustic ambience. With a spacious patio and a menu featuring vegan and gluten-free options, Capo caters to a diverse crowd seeking a delicious and inviting Italian dining experience.
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Publico Street Bistro & Garden
@juliaschaefer
American Cuisine $$
PubliCo tends to me less crowded then some of the other Southie restaurants and bars. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere indoors, or the inviting open-air garden with its retractable roof.
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Fat Baby
@juliaschaefer
Asian Cuisine $$
A fun, funky pan-Asian eatery with a trendy vibe. Tucked away behind blue doors, it offers delicious maki rolls, creative takes on Asian classics, and a wide selection of cocktails. The murals and copper bar add to the cool atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a night out enjoying good food and drinks.
Try the orange chicken dish!
And they do $1 bao buns on Tuesday’s!
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Stats Bar & Grille
@juliaschaefer
Sport Bar $$
With a contemporary, bi-level space packed with TVs, it's perfect for catching the game with friends. Their menu offers a wide variety of bar food with a twist, alongside brunch options on weekends. Whether you're grabbing a beer after work or enjoying a night out, Stats offers a lively atmosphere and a menu to satisfy your cravings.
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Hunter's Kitchen and Bar
@juliaschaefer
Southern Comfort $$
Hunter’s brings Southern comfort food to the heart of the city. A cozy cabin lodge with reclaimed wood, fireplaces, and warm hospitality. Chef Lambert Givens whips up soul-satisfying dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and chicken & waffles. They also have a wide selection of beers, whiskeys, and creative cocktails, with live music most nights to complete the welcoming atmosphere
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Back Bay
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Cambridge
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The Painted Burro - Harvard Square
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine $$
My favorite spot in Harvard Square. The decor is vibrant and inviting, and contains two floors along with outdoor seating. They’re cocktails and food are delicious.
Get the nachos!
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Felipe's Taqueria
@juliaschaefer
Mexican Cuisine $$
They sure know how to make a strong margarita. Head up to their rooftop deck on a nice day!
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Dorchester / Quincy
Lucy's American Tavern
@juliaschaefer
American Cuisine $$
Great place to watch a sports game. Great cocktails and food
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Charlestown
Prima Italian Steakhouse
@juliaschaefer
Italian Steakhouse $$$
Prima is a good option if you're looking for a modern take on Italian food in a lively setting. The decor and food were very nice and I recommend making a reservation because it’s a very popular place.
Pictured here:
-Bread Plate: fresh ricotta, potato focaccia, and sesame semolina baguette (for $10 it’s expensive)
-Meatballs: roasted tomato ragu, pecorino, parsley (comes with 3)
-Chicken Parm: tomato ragu, mozzarella, side of your choice of pasta (rigatoni was cooked perfectly al dente)
- Chicken Scarpariello:
While we didn’t try it, I recommend getting the Tiramisu Espresso Martini. It looked amazing but we were so full.
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