The best food halls in Boston

Is Quincy Market usually packed with tourists? Yes. Is it a great option if you’re in the area and need a quick bite? Also yes! Walk through the long, central corridor and you’ll see plenty of chains – yes, you can get your Starbucks fix – but there’s also options for chowder, lobster rolls and even sushi. There’s outposts of Regina Pizzeria, Wicked Lobsta, and plenty of seating that’s especially welcome in the chill of winter.

Boston’s newest food hall opened early in 2022 after a two year delay, and it’s worth the wait. Offering about 20,000 square feet of dining and drinking sandwiched between two buildings in the Financial District, High Street is popular with weekday workers seeking a quick, delicious lunch, and weekend wanderers looking for the same (plus a glass of wine or beer). Heavy on local offerings, standouts include slices from Tiffani Faison’s Tenderoni’s, bagels from Mamaleh and sushi from Fuji.

The Public Market features more than 30 New England-based artisans and food producers. Locals shop for fresh produce, meats, fish, and more. Lots of prepared foods are available, great for an easy meal. Pastrami sandwiches, savory crepes, banh mi, popovers, and noodles are just a few of the dining options in the market. Finish up with apple cider donuts or gelato, and pick up some fresh produce on your way out.

Harvard’s Smith Campus Center is an oasis of comfy chairs, coffee, and good food for students. Fortunately it’s also open to the public. While there are just a handful of vendors, the options and seating areas (as well as the calming, plant-filled “living walls”) make this one of the best fast-casual options in all of Cambridge. Choose from banh mi from Bon Me, sweet treats from Blackbird Doughnuts, Greek sandwiches from Saloniki and more to eat as you contemplate getting that masters.

Tucked neatly (and conveniently) into the ever expanding Boston Garden complex, Hub Hall is a lifesaver for a quick bite before a game or concert, or if you’re just in the area and want to try something new, with options from local chefs and beyond. Anchored by Momosan Ramen, a full service Japanese restaurant from Iron Chef Morimoto, the bustling hall also offers counter service spots from local favorites like The Smoke Shop BBQ, Apizza (slices from Douglas Williams of Mida), Greco, Mike’s Pastry and many more options that will tempt you even when it’s not gameday.

ead to Union Square for a selection of unique, independent food vendors from the area. You’ll find everything from South Shore pizza to North Shore roast beef, South American comfort foods and more. Grab a fresh beer from Remnant Brewing (or a glass of wine from Rebel Rebel), and take a seat in the central courtyard.

Eataly has every kind of artisanal Italian (and more) food and food adjacent product you could possibly imagine. Pick up groceries from the many purveyors serving fresh seafood, pasta and more or grab a few of your favorites and settle in for a snack or nice lunch. You can pick up cheese, coffee and much more, or enjoy one of a dozen Italian eateries, including heavenly gelato. There’s also several full-service restaurants offering fresh Italian favorites. Finish up with a coffee at the street-level Caffé Lavazza.