Conde Nast Traveler: 33 Best Restaurants in Boston for Every Taste and Occasion
By Todd Plummer and Shannon McMahon
Boston has always worn its all-American history proudly, and for decades, that extended to its dining rooms. We thought that lobster rolls, clam chowder, and old-school steakhouses told this city’s American story. But as time has worn on, Bostonians have searched for deeper flavors and more diverse perspectives. Despite what you might think you know about Boston’s role in history, this is a city that rests on a foundation of diversity—whether it’s the communities of immigrants who have moved here in search of freedom, the students who come from around the world to attend our leading universities, or the global industries that transact business here. These days, dining in Boston has moved beyond traditional New England classics, offering everything from high-brow omakase experiences to street-food inspired eateries and everything in between. Rest assured, the lobster rolls are still here—but if you want a real taste of the best restaurants that Boston has to offer, these are the ones to have on your radar.
Kaia — South End
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The most inexplicable magic of Kaia, Boston’s newest coastal Greek hotspot, is that stepping inside invokes a kind of time travel. Its interiors—pale pinks balanced by stone and brick—instantly warp diners to a beach cove on the Aegean at sunset in the heat of summer. The buzzy atmosphere of the always-packed dining room exudes two-martini Saturday night vibes, even on the most staid weekday evening. But most of all, modern Greek offerings meld the ancient with the avant-garde, with culinary director Brendan Pelley and executive chef Felipe Gonçalves serving as maestros of mezze and fish (raw, whale-grilled, you name it). Take the standout cod cheeks with smoked avgolemono, a traditional soup celebrated here as an aerated sauce. Other dishes feature fermented sauces, months in the making, and pickled produce that was foraged during seasons past, perched atop fresh-caught fish. While Boston puzzlingly doesn’t have a Michelin Guide, Kaia’s cuisine aims for the stars. —Nathan Tavares
