Boston Common Magazine
Site menu
  • People
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Real Estate
  • Style & Beauty
  • Video
  • Guides
  • Digital Edition
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising Info
  • Sign Up Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Youtube
Newsletter

Search Our Site

Food & Drink, Community,

The 17 Best Boston Restaurants You Must Try In 2022

By: Lindsay Garbacik By: Lindsay Garbacik | July 28, 2022 | Food & Drink, Community,

bostonskyline-credit-buzbuzzer-getty-images.jpg

Living in Boston means there are always bustling streets, new restaurant openings and a hot happening to experience. Now is the perfect time to explore a restaurant you haven’t tried before or revisit a favorite. Get adventurous! We’ve rounded up the 17 very best restaurants in Boston that you must try in 2022.

See Also: The 11 Most Sought-After Reservations In Boston

Abe & Louie’s

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abe & Louie's (@abeandlouies)

793 Boylston Street / Website

The Cuisine: Steakhouse

The Atmosphere: Moody lights, black marble statement walls, and romantic white linen-set tables.

Why You Need To Dine Here: This classy steakhouse has been a Boston staple for years amongst locals and tourists alike. They’re best known for their award-winning wine selection, which features over 200 unique bottles of wine.

Pro Tip: Come by on a sunny day for al fresco dining on the restaurant’s front patio.

Buttermilk & Bourbon

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Buttermilk & Bourbon (@buttermilkbourbon)

160 Commonwealth Avenue / Website

The Cuisine: Southern, New Orleans-inspired cuisine

The Atmosphere: Quirky yet classy decor. Patterns cover the walls and ceilings, great for an eyecatching outfit-of-the-day snap.

Why You Need To Dine Here: A stellar lineup of Southern comfort food, fresh local seafood, and bourbon-based cocktails

Pro Tip: Swing by the front patio for al fresco dining and Bacardi hurricanes on tap.

Contessa

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Contessa Boston (@contessa_boston)

3 Newbury Street (Rooftop) / Website

The Cuisine: Italian

The Atmosphere: Set atop The Newbury Boston, the interior is whimsically nostalgic and designed by Ken Fulk.

Why You Need To Dine Here: From acclaimed chef and restauranteur Mario Carbone, the elegant space is designed like a conservatory, so it’s always filled with warm, natural light. It’s a perfect spot for a classy lunch with the ladies, an extravagant dinner, or an elegant private party.

Pro Tip: Reservations become available 30 days in advance.

Coquette

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coquette (@coquetteboston)

450 Summer Street / Website

The Cuisine: French

The Atmosphere: With an ethereal, Renaissance-inspired ceiling mural and gorgeous framed portraits lining the walls, this spot is a selfie-lover’s dream.

Why You Need To Dine Here: Chic vibes, memorable interior design, and a high-class menu filled with French delicacies, seafood, and a raw bar.

Pro Tip: Wear a cute ‘fit and bring your camera!

Davio’s

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Davio's (@daviosrestaurant)

Multiple Locations / Website

The Cuisine: Italian steakhouse

The Atmosphere: Open layout with views of the kitchen and white linen dressed tables

Why You Need To Dine Here: Quality, Northern Italian cuisine available for elegant dine-in or tasty takeout

Pro Tip: Follow the restaurant’s social media to find out about exclusive prix fixe menus and tasting events.

Grill 23 & Bar

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grill 23 & Bar (@grill23andbar)

161 Berkeley Street / Website

The Cuisine: Steakhouse

The Atmosphere: Moody and classic

Why You Need To Dine Here: A lengthy, enviable wine list and premium proteins set this spot apart.

Pro Tip: The elegant second floor is available to be rented out for private parties.

Legal Sea Foods - Harborside

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Legal Sea Foods (@legalseafoods)

270 Northern Avenue / Website

The Cuisine: Seafood

The Atmosphere: Coastal-inspired interior with bright whites and gorgeous wood tones

Why You Need To Dine Here: Fresh, high quality seafood and an everchanging menu of new creations

Lolita

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lolita (@lolitateqbars)

253 Summer Street / Website

The Cuisine: Mexican

The Atmosphere: Dark, moody interior with pops of red and gorgeous Gothic stained glass windows

Why You Need To Dine Here: Come for brunch, lunch or dinner for delicious Mexican cuisine and tequila. There’s three types of guacamole, a lengthy shareable appetizer menu, and a refreshing selection of cocktails.

Mariel

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mariel (@marielofficial)

10 Post Office Square / Website

The Cuisine: Cuban

The Atmosphere: Grand and opulent with high ceilings, chic columns, and massive chandeliers

Why You Need To Dine Here: The restaurant boasts impressive and creative plating, delicious cocktails, and authentic Cuban cuisine.

Pro Tip: Order the DTO (daiquiri time out)

Mistral

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mistral (@mistralrestaurant)

223 Columbus Avenue / Website

The Cuisine: French Mediterranean

The Atmosphere: Elegant with white linens and classic place settings

Why You Need To Dine Here: Beautifully plated dishes that gracefully combine French and Mediterranean flavors

Pro Tip: A great location for a sophisticated, chic outfit snap

Mooo… Seaport

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mooo Seaport (@moooseaport)

49 Melcher Street / Website

The Cuisine: Steakhouse

The Atmosphere: Dark, moody, elegant interior with many decorative liquor bottles

Why You Need To Dine Here: Come for any meal of the day for quality meats and quintessential high-end steakhouse vibes.

Pro Tip: Reserve the library for an elegant private event.

Mother Juice

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mother Juice (@motherjuice)

Multiple Locations / Website

The Cuisine: Plant-based juices, salads and bowls

The Atmosphere: Cute and colorful with lots of verdant plants and pastel patterns.

Why You Need To Dine Here: All produce is sourced from New England farms and the restaurant aims to make sustainable, plant-based eating fun, delicious and easy.

Pro Tip: Try the MOJU smoothie kits.

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OAK Long Bar + Kitchen (@oaklbk)

138 St. James Avenue / Website

The Cuisine: Farm-to-table classics

The Atmosphere: Rich, patterned ceilings and sparkling grand chandeliers.

Why You Need To Dine Here: Luxurious bar offerings, three private dining rooms, and menus for every meal of the day

Pro Tip: Known for its fabulous hotel bar.

Rare Steakhouse

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rare Steakhouse (@raresteakhouseencore)

1 Broadway, Everett / Website

The Cuisine: Steakhouse

The Atmosphere: Waterfront views and an elegant interior

Why You Need To Dine Here: The high-end steakhouse serves true Kobe beef and true Wagyu beef, a distinction few steakhouses can confirm. Sommeliers are knowledgeable and the liquor menu is expansive.

Pro Tip: The dress code is “resort elegant”

Ristorante Limoncello

190 North Street / Website

The Cuisine: Italian

The Atmosphere: Classic brick exterior and a cozy, cute interior.

Why You Need To Dine Here: This family-run restaurant was funded by the owner’s winning lottery ticket, and you can feel (and taste) the passion behind the restaurant.

Serafina Seaport

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Serafina Back Bay (@serafinabackbay)

11 Fan Pier Blvd. / Website

The Cuisine: Italian

The Atmosphere: Painted murals, pops of color and beige banquettes.

Why You Need To Dine Here: A quality neighborhood pizzeria with tasty pastas and a streetside patio.

Stephanie’s On Newbury

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stephanie's On Newbury (@stephaniesonnew)

190 Newbury Street / Website

The Cuisine: American comfort food

The Atmosphere: Casual vibes, eyecatching lighting, and fun patterned details.

Why You Need To Dine Here: A fabulous stop (and location) after a busy day of shopping on Exeter Street. The cafe feels relaxed but still included in the hustle and bustle of the city.



Tags: restaurants boston restaurants luxury new restaurant boston neighborhood restaurants french restaurant mexican restaurant legendary restaurant group web-og Lindsay Garbacik Apple News luxury dining

Photography by: BuzBuzz / Getty Images

MLUX Watch Banner