The 30 best restaurants in Boston right now

What is it? One of Brookline’s hardest reservations, and for good reason. Bar Vlaha is a deeply personal, hearth-driven restaurant focused on the rustic foods of the Vlach people—an inland community of nomadic shepherds whose traditions stretch back centuries in Greece. The menu leans old-world and elemental, built around live fire and thoughtful sourcing, with a spread that moves easily from house-baked breads and creamy spreads to slow-cooked meats and boldly seasoned vegetables. It’s not your standard Greek restaurant, nor does it try to be; this is regional cooking with a strong sense of place and purpose.

Why we love it: The room fills quickly with the intoxicating aromas of charcoal-grilled and spit-roasted meats you won’t find at your neighborhood souvlaki spot. Depending on the night, that might mean wild boar shank, grilled rainbow trout, or the occasional special like venison or elk. A lively bar anchors the space, pouring standout wines and creative cocktails infused with Greek-leaning ingredients like pineapple liqueur, fig- and ginger-infused tsipouro, and pine pollen. It’s a place that feels celebratory without being flashy, grounded in tradition but very much alive.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the daily specials—they’re often where the kitchen gets most expressive. And if you can snag a bar seat, do it: it’s the best way to soak up the energy while easing into the menu with a drink or two before committing to a full spread.

Address: 1653 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–11pm; Sat, Sun 10am–3pm and 5–11pm

Expect to pay: This isn’t cheap pub grub, but it’s worth it for the craftsmanship and hospitality. Expect $14–$40 per plate, with a typical night out landing in the $60–$100+ per person range with drinks.

What is it? Foodie friend groups pretty much always want to book Sarma, and for good reason. Ten years in, this Somerville favorite still feels restless in the best way, with shareable new creations appearing on the menu frequently. The cooking draws from Mediterranean flavors and meze traditions, delivered as vibrant small plates designed for passing, debating, and ordering one more round. A deep bench of vegetarian options makes Sarma especially appealing to mixed tables, but nothing here feels like an afterthought.

Why we love it: Sarma has a reputation for booking out, but it’s also refreshingly democratic: bar seats are held for walk-ins, and they’re some of the best spots in the house. Even if you have to wait, anticipation is part of the fun. Chef-owner Cassie Piuma’s long-running collaboration with co-owner Ana Sortun, which began at Greater Boston’s grande dame of meze, Oleana, shows in the confidence of the menu and the sense of play running through it. This is food that takes flavor seriously without taking itself too seriously.

Time Out tip: Start with the warm gyro bread and don’t skip the “schmear,” whether that’s seven-layer hummus or avocado muhummara. From there, let the table roam: cauliflower romanesco with red-hot tahini and blue-cheese yogurt, Persian beef brik handpies, and the sesame-fried chicken if it happens to be making the rounds. Cocktails are worth attention, too, often built around ingredients like prickly pear, Moroccan bitters, or chai yogurt. If you’re walking in, aim for an early or late bar seat and stay flexible — it pays off here.

Address: 249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $100 per person will get you a spread of small plates along with an entree. 

What is it? One of Boston’s spendiest restaurants, o ya is an experience to savor—not only because it’ll cost you close to $300 just to get in the door, but because it’s designed to slow time. This is high-stakes omakase in a hushed, intimate setting, where dinner feels less like a meal and more like a carefully staged performance.

Why we love it: The Cushmans’ crown-jewel tasting menu helped set a new bar for special-occasion dining in Boston when it opened more than 15 years ago, and it still holds its power. With reverence for Japanese tradition and no-holds-barred imagination, the roughly 20-course parade is a marvel of flavor and presentation—precise, luxurious, and occasionally jaw-dropping. It’s not trying to be accessible, and that’s kind of the point: this is where you go when you want to be wowed on purpose.

Time Out tip: Don’t treat this like a “dinner reservation”—treat it like a night out. Eat lightly beforehand, plan on a long sit, and if you’re celebrating something, tell them. The experience is already dialed in, but it hits harder when you give it the time and attention it’s asking for.

Address: 9 E St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: A lot. Prepaid reservations are $295 per person. There is a beverage-pairing option for an $160, or you can order by the glass. Tack on a little more for tax, and admin and service fees. 

What is it? Not your everyday Thai restaurant, Brookline's Mahaniyom is modeled after a style of bar in the owners’ native Thailand, where street food, drinking, and socializing blur together. The menu is intentionally tighter than what you’ll find at most Thai spots around Boston. Rather than covering every popular Thai dish, Mahaniyom zeroes in on plates that feel considered and confidently executed, served in a space that’s lively without being chaotic.

Why we love it: Though the menu may look small at first glance, nearly every dish lands with impact. Flavors are bold, layered, and unapologetic, rewarding diners who are willing to order adventurously. The bar program is just as strong, with dazzling cocktails that marry Thai and Asian flavors to classic techniques — the signature Mahaniyom Sazerac, made with Thai tea–infused rye, is reason enough to linger. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the chalkboard specials — they’re often the most exciting part of the meal. If oysters are on offer, especially dressed with chili jam and crispy shallots, order them. And come with friends if you can: sharing makes it easier to sample across the menu without overthinking it.

Address: 236 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 11:30am–2, 4–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–2, 4–11pm; Sun noon–2pm, 4–10pm

Expect to pay: Small plates give you the chance to basically pay as you wish—especially if you're with friends and are able to share. You could reasonably get away with $31 to $50 for an app, tapas and a drink. Not so bad for a "best restaurant," huh? 

What is it? Chic and soulful in the heart of Dorchester, 2024 James Beard Foundation nominee Comfort Kitchen is one of the most delightfully run dining rooms in the city. Set inside a historic building with a quaint patio, the restaurant balances polish with warmth, offering a dining experience that’s celebratory without feeling formal.

Why we love it: The menu shines a deliberate light on ingredients and traditions central to BIPOC communities, without turning the meal into a lecture. Dinner and drinks are bold, expressive, and deeply satisfying, while the setting keeps things approachable and neighborhood-driven. 

Time Out tip: Go hungry and order widely. Standouts include brown-butter–seared okra with masala-spiced yogurt and plantain chips, jerk-roasted duck confit served with rice, beans, and Haitian pikliz, and cocktails that are as thoughtful as the food. Don’t skip the Baobab Cocktail — a punchy, free-spirited mix of baobab, ginger, orange, and Nepali Tea Traders white tea. If the weather cooperates, snag a table on the patio to make the most of the setting.

Address: 611 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA 02125

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 4:30–10pm; Sat 10am–3pm, 4:30–10pm; Sun 10am–3pm, 4:30–8pm

Expect to pay: Around $50 to $100, with higher bills, of course containing a cocktail or two. 

What is it? The Boston area’s grande dame of Eastern Mediterranean cooking, Oleana has been a Cambridge fixture since opening in 2001 under the guidance of chef Ana Sortun. Long before vegetable-forward menus became fashionable, Oleana was already setting the tone, drawing on Middle Eastern flavors and spice traditions with a confidence that helped define the city’s dining scene.

Why we love it: The meze menu remains the heart of the experience, offering perfectly spiced plates that work for nearly every kind of diner. Whether you’re craving feta kataifi, Vermont quail kebabs, or one of the many vegetarian-friendly dishes that have earned Oleana its devoted following, the kitchen delivers flavor without intimidation. The restaurant also boasts one of the most coveted outdoor dining setups in the region: a lush, transportive garden that turns dinner into a destination all its own when the weather cooperates.

Time Out tip: Leave room for dessert—non-negotiable. Executive pastry chef and co-owner Maura Kilpatrick is a star in her own right, and her sweets are as essential as the savory menu. Homemade ice creams rotate regularly, pistachio and cardamom baklava hits the right balance of richness and restraint, and the Baked Alaska remains a showstopper worthy of sharing. If you’re dining in the garden, book well ahead and plan to linger.

Address: 134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: A typical meal runs $75–$100 per person, depending on how deep you go into the meze and drinks. Add dessert (you should) or a bottle of wine, and that number climbs—but it’s money well spent.

What is it? A quietly magnetic restaurant serving Italian-inspired New American cooking, Pammy’s sits comfortably between Central and Harvard squares, drawing a steady crowd of locals, regulars, and people who know exactly what they’re doing. The space feels intimate and stylish without trying too hard, anchored by a marble bar that’s become one of the most desirable seats in the neighborhood.

Why we love it: Pammy’s rewards curiosity. The menu reads Italian at first glance, but dishes pull freely from Asian and African pantries, weaving unexpected flavors into crudo, vegetable-forward plates, handmade pastas, and thoughtfully cooked proteins. Everything arrives composed and beautiful. There’s a confidence here—quiet, assured, and consistent—that makes the restaurant feel special night after night, whether you’re settling in for a full meal or just grazing.

Time Out tip: Skip the formalities and aim for the bar. Snagging a seat at the marble counter lets you order à la carte and ease into the menu with a spritz or two, rather than committing to the dining room’s required $88 prix-fixe. It’s the most relaxed way to experience Pammy’s—and often the most fun.

Address: 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: Reservations in the dining room are for Pammy’s $88 Choose-Your-Own-Adventure prix-fixe menu. At the bar, ordering à la carte keeps things more flexible; either way, expect $90–$120 per person once drinks are in the mix.

What is it? Chef-owner Will Gilson’s charming Inman Square staple, Puritan & Co. highlights locally sourced, seasonal ingredients through an elevated New England lens. The menu leans classic without feeling dated, built around fresh seafood, high-quality meats, decadent pastas, and farm-fresh vegetables and herbs pulled from around the region. Plates are polished but never fussy, balancing comfort and refinement in a way that feels distinctly rooted in place.

Why we love it: A meal at Puritan & Co. feels like a guided tour through the flavors and techniques that have shaped New England cooking for generations. Fish and meat are cured and smoked in-house whenever possible, while butter and cheeses are whipped with fresh herbs and sea salts for extra depth. The dining room reinforces that sense of history, outfitted with antique chairs, beautiful vintage flatware, and a striking 1920 Glenwood oven that now serves as the host stand — the same range on which Gilson first learned to cook. It’s thoughtful without being nostalgic and confident without showing off.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the Parker House rolls, served steaming with yogurt and sea salt–whipped cultured butter — they set the tone for the rest of the meal. From there, look to the Berkshire pork chop with polenta and maple jus, or whatever seasonal seafood is shining. If you’re drinking, the Somerville Sling, with pineapple and fresh mint, is a house favorite, and the wine list is deep and expertly curated — worth leaning on the staff for guidance.

Address: 1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun 10:30am–2pm, 5–9pm

Expect to pay: $80–$100 will get you the Parker House rolls, a starter, entree and a drink. 

What is it? An eclectic collective founded by classically trained chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta, Brassica Kitchen + Café serves inspired takes on global bistro cuisine accented by house-made hot sauces. The restaurant recently expanded into the former Dogwood Café space next door, gaining a larger, more open layout with increased seating, a more contemporary look, an expansive bar, and a brick oven now turning out a rotating lineup of pizzas. They've expanded their hours, too. 

Why we love it: This James Beard–nominated restaurant feels right at home in funky, punky Jamaica Plain. The menu pulls from around the world and lands squarely on flavor, balancing comfort and creativity without getting precious. The move into the larger space gives the room more energy while keeping the same laid-back, neighborhood-first feel.

Time Out tip: Don’t fill up on the made-from-scratch fried chicken, as tempting as it is. The menu is packed with standouts, including a decadent pork belly topped with melted marshmallow (trust us, it’s to-die); rich B.K. mussels swimming in a Thai-style broth; and the essential Brassica donut for dessert. If you spot a curious bright green cocktail floating around the room, it’s the Meguro, made with spirulina, rye whiskey, lime, ginger, and vanilla—and worth ordering if that sounds like your thing.

Address: 3710 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5–11pm; Fri 5–11pm; Sat 10am–3pm, 5–11pm; Sun 10–3:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $80 per person will get you three small plates and a drink. You could also opt to pay $95 for "The Run," Brassica's worth-it version of a chef's tasting, but that doesn't include drinks. These prices do not reflect the mandatory 23% gratuity tax charged to every bill. 

What is it? A modern-day Boston classic, Myers + Chang serves a playful, deeply craveable mix of Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes from James Beard Award–winning chef-owner Joanne Chang. Opened long before pan-Asian small plates became commonplace, the restaurant still feels lively and relevant, drawing a steady mix of regulars, first-timers, and industry folks who know exactly what they’re doing.

Why we love it: The room is snug and convivial, ideal for a fun night out that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The menu hits that rare sweet spot between comfort and excitement, delivering bold flavors without fuss or flash. It’s also one of the city’s best examples of a restaurant aging gracefully—still busy, still reliable, and still capable of surprising you if you let it.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the “Great Date Night” menu, offered Monday through Thursday starting at 4pm. It’s a well-priced, shareable spread designed for two that makes it easy to dig in without overthinking the order. Expect a wait during peak hours—it’s part of the deal here.

Address: 1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4–9pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am–10pm; Sun 11:30am–9pm

Expect to pay: You can put together a satisfying meal for $50–$75 per person, especially if you’re sharing plates and keeping drinks modest.

What is it? Three stories above the Theater District is this Bay Village spot serving nightly four-course tasting menus by Top Chef alum Carl Dooley.

Why go? One of the more elegant dining experiences in Boston, the food itself its anything but staid. Spicy, vibrant global flavors imbue the seasonal, progressive meal, which typically starts with a parade of raw dishes. A summer menu might see yellowfin tuna sashimi with pickled cherries and ponzu, glazed local fluke with saffron and corn, fior di latte gelato and more.

We love: Mooncusser's more casual ground-level sibling, Moon Bar, offers Dooley's food a la carte along with inspired season cocktails.

Address: 304 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm

Expect to pay: $120 for the tasting menu. A wine-pairing option adds $65, or you can order a glass separately. 

What is it? An intimate, meat-forward offshoot of Woods Hill Pier 4, located just next door in the Seaport. The Block pares things back to focus on charcuterie, butcher cuts, and small plates, with a cozier, moodier setting built for lingering over excellent meat and wine.

Why go? When you’re craving protein, you can’t get much better than the farm-raised meats here. It’s everything you want from a steakhouse without the stuffy vibe. The back dining room sets the tone, with a glass-enclosed meat cooler where whole cuts hang in full view and a butcher counter on display behind glass, reinforcing how seriously this place takes its meats. Out front, views of the pier and the ICA building add a dose of drama and sex appeal.

We love: The charcuterie board—especially with the foie gras terrine—along with the expertly cooked short rib, everything a slab of meat should be: deeply flavorful, tender, and restrained in the best way. Farm-to-plate cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal accompaniments make it easy to build a meal around sharing. On the drink front, a biodynamic Pinot Noir or a classic Cabernet from the wine list pairs especially well with rich cuts, while the cocktail lineup—from the smoky mezcal-driven Oaxacan Clay to vibrant gin-and-chartreuse spins—adds a boozy zip. 

Address: 300 Pier 4 Blvd. Retail Space #3, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Charcuterie and small plates keep things flexible, but once you add a main and a glass or two of wine, dinner for one typically lands in the $75–$110 range.

What is it? For all its dynamism, Ken Oringer's Spanish tapas restaurant remains unchanged in one respect, nearly two decades after opening: Toro is a consistently fun and delicious South End dining experience. 

Why go? The cozy, industrial eatery is as jam-packed as ever—but the hidden backyard patio feels like one of the South End's best kept secrets.

We love: Day-one staples like the quince-glazed smoked duck drumsticks, gambas al ajillo (griddled garlicky shrimp) and maíz asado (zesty, saucy grilled corn) are still Boston's best Barcelona-style bites. Order a glass of Spanish vermouth from the impressive selection and pick your pintxos.

Address: 1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: $75 to $100, depending on how many plates you want to try.  

What is it? NYC Michelin-starred chef George Mendes doing modern Portuguese cuisine on the 17th floor of the luxurious Raffles hotel.

Why go? With a name that means “love” in Portuguese, Amar is devoted to classic dishes Mendes grew up eating, with a few twists.

We love: The desserts are sublime, including the made-to-order pão de ló sponge cake, an Iberian egg-yolk sponge cake with smoked cinnamon ice cream. We also love the pekin duck with vibrant sauce poured tableside.

Address: 40 Trinity Pl, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Daily 5:30–10pm

Expect to pay: Easily $75 to $100 per person. You can get away with less if you order a couple of the least-expensive small plates. 

What is it? A convivial, chic Greek wine bar highlighting off-the-beaten-path meze and fire-grilled souvla, with an unmatched selection of wine worth discovering.

Why go? Krasi lives up to its name (it means "wine") with more than 180 natural, organic bottles from Greece—along with tasting notes that consistently surprise and delight. The cuisine also goes beyond the usual with creative twists on traditional dishes and celebratory spreads you'll want to share. 

We love: House-made breads (the halloumi-stuffed tiropita rolls are a must), zesty charcuterie and spreads like tzaziki mixed tableside, along with a glass of orange wine and a plate of grilled octopus.

Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–11pm, Sat, Sun 10am–3pm, 5–11pm

Expect to pay: On a recent dinner, my husband and I spent a little less than $100 each on a starter, entree and one drink each. 

What is it? Boston’s first Venetian-styleosteria and wine bar, SRVbalances its focus between modern interpretations ofcicchetti (small bites), spectacular pastas and risotto and veg-forward plates.

Why go? Located near the corner of Columbus and Mass. Ave., it's a popular option for pre-showcrowds and also boasts one of the South End's best outdoor patios.

We love: Thefixed-price Arsenale menu, which lets the kitchen guide your table's meal. Ordering itbrings out seasonal, shareable stunners one after another without you even having to look at the menu.

Address: 569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5–9pm; Thu–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: More than $100 per person

What is it? With a global perspective on the day’s freshest catch, Moëca is a seafood restaurant in a school of its own.

Why go? This Cambridge spot is teeming with homegrown talent as the latest from the team behind nearby Italian gem, Giulia. The menu is apt to change nightly with hyper-seasonal seafood, vegetable and pasta dishes. Think: crudo adorned with summer herbs and stone fruit, smoked trout potato flatbread and udon noodles with curried mussels.

We love: Don't skip dessert by award-winning pastry chef Renae Connolly. Homemade gelato is a must-order. 

Address: 1 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–10pm

Expect to pay: Around $65 to $75 per person for a starter, entree and drink. 

What it is: A stylish Beacon Hill pintxo bar from BCB3 Hospitality, Zurito channels the casual, snack-driven bars of Spain’s Basque region. Tucked just off Charles Street, the intimate space pairs an energetic front bar with a darker, more traditional dining room, all centered around Spanish tapas designed for sharing, grazing, and lingering. It’s a place built for movement rather than formality, where the night unfolds one bite at a time.

Why we love it: Zurito stands out for its commitment to true pintxo-bar rhythm: small bites ordered instinctively, thoughtfully paired drinks, and a room that encourages conversation and spontaneous decision-making. The award-winning wine list runs deep, with a smart range of Spanish whites, rosés, and reds that feel tailor-made for the menu. Everything works together—the pacing, the pours, the energy—making it easy to settle in and stay longer than planned.

Time Out tip: Start light and build slowly. The croissant de ibérico stuffed with acorn-fed jamón and the classic pan con tomate are ideal openers, followed by anchovy-forward pintxos and richer plates like squid-ink orzo or griddled seafood. Sit at the bar if you can for the full experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for wine recommendations—the list rewards curiosity.

Address: 26 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri 5–11pm; Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: Most pintxos land in the low-to-mid teens, with larger plates climbing higher; dinner for one with a few bites and drinks typically runs $75–$100, depending on how deep you go into the wine list.

What is it? Inside a luxuriously updated Back Bay townhouse, this petite raw bar and restaurant from chef-partner Michael Serpa excels at occasion-worthy seafood.

Why go? Formerly chef of the North End's iconic Neptune Oyster, Serpa takes cues from across the Mediterranean to enhance local catch. He also picks the wines that complement the experience.

We love: The chef's deft takes on crudo (try the silky Faroe Islands salmon with pistachio oil and togarashi), and the "taverna style" whole-roasted sea bream for the table. Bonus points for the wine list, which usually includes orange wines and a seafood-friendly sparkling rosé. 

Address: 50 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11:30am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–10:30pm

Expect to pay: You could spend a couple $100 if you splurge on some of the oyster bar towers, but one could reasonably get a good meal for around $75.

What is it: A two-time James Beard Award semifinalist in the far reaches of the Seaport that puts a creative Mediterranean spin on large and small plates, and pastas made with ingredients sourced from New England. 

Why we love it: For its dynamic and seasonally inspired menu, which expertly blends fresh, local ingredients with exciting Mediterranean flavors evident in their rotating mezze, diverse small plates and pastas, and satisfying large plates. The culinary creativity extends to Chickadee's equally inventive cocktail program, featuring fresh and unique ingredients. Knowledgeable servers are ready and eager to guide diners through their extensive options.

Time Out tip: For those who appreciate food textures, the squid ink fusilli mentioned earlier is a must-try. The chewy texture of the flavorful sopressata combined with the crunch of dehydrated olive bread crumbs creates a truly revelatory experience.

Address: 21 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $75 per person

What is it? Authentic and bright Peruvian fare in the heart of Union Square.

Why go? Many spots go for social dining these days, but hip, lively, no-reservations Celeste truly shines as dish after dish of seafood-y, pepper-y, potato-y pleasure comes from the open kitchen.

We love: Fruity shrimp ceviche, beefy lomo saltado, and inventive drinks from the bar stocked with mezcal and pisco.

Address: 21 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: About $55 to $60 for an appetizer and entree. 

What is it? Tucked away from the bustle of Union Square, Field & Vine is kind of like Somerville’s own secret garden. A New American interpretation of farm-sourced fare from chef Andrew Brady and his wine maven wife, Sara Markey, the duo is also behind Camberville spots Junebug and Dear Annie.

Why go? The Scandinavian-esque interior of light wood and foliage is cool and comfortable enough to be a neighborhood go-to that's also occasion-worthy. At the center of this spot, marked by a dramatic web of gnarled vines overhead, there’s an open kitchen that gives guests a front row seat to all of the culinary action.

We love: Chef Brady's liberal use of herbs and rich sauces elevate vegetables to their ultimate form. It's veg-forward but not vegetarian: Seafood and meat are complemented by earthy ingredients.

Address: 9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–8:45pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $60 to $80 for a spread of mid-priced plates. 

What is it? Shojo remixed the formula of a successful Chinatown restaurant when it debuted in 2012, complete with hip-hop beats and anime art. Boston's first Asian-fusion small-plates and cocktail bar (really!), it's expanded with a Central Square location as well.

Why go? Second-gen Chinatown restarateur Brian Moy knows craveable flavors, in creative cocktails as well as shareable signature dishes like Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs (hoisin-Thai barbecue with peanuts and lime) and “Shadowless” duck-fat fries (drenched in mapo tofu and kimcheese).

We love: The Shojonator, part-burger, part-bao (served in a house-steamed sesame bun) that's topped with bacon, fried shallots and kimcheese.

Address: 9A Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111; 425 Massachusetts Ave Unit 4B, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon 5–9pm; Tue, Wed 11am–9pm; Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–midnight; Sun, Mon 11:30am–9pm; Tue, Wed 11:30am–11pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am–midnight

Expect to pay: About $50 for a starter or bao bun, and a large plate of rice, dumplings or noodles

What is it? Born from an Asian BBQ pop-up by Chefs Kim Vo and Lukas Dow, Judy's Bay officially landed a brick-and-mortar home in Cambridge in November 2021. Today, the cozy New England izakaya masterfully blends local seafood with the vibrant flavors of Japan and East Asia. Think of it as a charming seaside tavern, but with serious culinary skills.

Why we love it: Judy's Bay is an approachable yet subtly stylish space that's perfect for an intimate dinner with friends or a partner. An exposed-brick fireplace anchors the room, casting a warm glow on chilly evenings that illuminates simple wood tables, vibrant seat cushions, and playful Japanese prints featuring sea creatures. The menu is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced seafood married with Japanese and East Asian flavors. Standouts include Maine mussels steeped in gochujang butter, the zesty spicy squid salad, or the monkfish katsu. The in-house pounded kinako mochi is an absolute must-try for dessert. While wine is off the menu, the curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, sake flights, beer, cider, and Japanese-inspired cocktails and mocktails ensures there's a libation for everyone.

Time Out tip: If you're a party of six or fewer, make sure to request the fireside booth! It's especially perfect during the colder months for a truly cozy and intimate meal beside the crackling, exposed-brick fireplace.

Address: 279a Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Dinner here runs into the mid-range to higher side for izakaya-style small plates — most people spend around $50–$75 per person on a selection of small dishes and a drink, with sake flights or cocktails adding to the bill.

What is it? An intimate restaurant in Davis Square with a menu of small plates showcasing local and seasonal ingredients with simple yet inventive preparations.

Why go: Co-chefs Paul Butler and Kelcey Rusch collaborate to create things we wouldn't even dream of, like savory sunchoke donuts dusted with powdered leeks; and griddled chickpea tempeh with maple-vinegar (think: vegan-friendly chicken tenders with honey mustard). 

We love: The diverse and thoughtful wine list and balanced and nuanced cocktails that complement the dining experience at Spoke.

Address: 89 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: More than $100 per person

What is it? A wine bar in Downtown Crossing with a minimal menu of seafood delicacies and fun-to-eat options like watermelon gazpacho, fancy toasts and inspired salads. Tinned fish and charcuterie set the stage for unique wines.

Why go? Small producers, especially female winemakers, are the stars of this menu, from Boston hospitality veteran Haley Fortier (Nathalie).

We love: If you’re not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you.  

Address: 45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 3–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat noon–midnight

Expect to pay: About $65 to $75 per person a few plates and a glass of wine. 

What is it? An impressively stylish and dimly lit subterranean sushi spot helmed by Chef Kenta Katagai, who cheerfully crafts nigiri and rolls using the Edomae style—a technique involving curing, marinating, or lightly torching fish to enhance both its flavor and safety. Each roll arrives thoughtfully prepared with a brush of soy sauce and a precisely placed dab of wasabi between the fish and rice.

Why we love it: The Edomae-style rolls are so approachable that even those who typically shy away from sushi will likely find something to love. The attentive, almost overstaffed dining room ensures a personalized experience akin to that of much pricier omakase restaurants, even though it isn't strictly omakase. The waitstaff is enthusiastic about guiding you through the menu, from classic nigiri to innovative rolls, helping you curate a delicious meal tailored to your tastes. Sushi @ Temple Records also boasts a noteworthy drink program featuring a selection of rare Japanese whiskies, beers, gins, curated wines, and excellent sake and shochu.

Time Out tip: Craving a cocktail with your sushi? Guests of Sushi @ Temple Records can conveniently order drinks from Temple Records, the bar and listening lounge situated just upstairs.

Address: 11 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $75 to $100 per person for a nice selection of plates and a drink or two. 

What is it? Talulla is a cozy, intimate restaurant in Cambridge, run by husband-and-wife team Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer. The menu changes daily and features beautifully prepared and presented plates that highlight fresh, local meats, fish, vegetables, grains, and cheeses.

Why we love it: Talulla offers a beautiful date-night experience, with 12 white-tablecloth-draped tables and a hospitable staff that makes you feel right at home. Chef Dennehy, a 2024 James Beard Award nominee, emphasizes fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients on a daily-changing menu that can be ordered à la carte or via a five-course tasting experience. Sommelier Danielle Ayer thoughtfully curates the wine list, organized by flavor profile, and offers a unique selection of aperitif-style cocktails, perfectly complementing the cuisine.

Time Out tip: Talulla operates a no-tipping policy. Instead, a 23% administrative fee is added to all checks, which helps support staff salaries.

Address: 377 Walden St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5–9:30pm

Expect to pay: The five-course tasting menu is $95 per person, with an option to add a wine pairing at an extremely reasonable $65. If dining à la carte, starters range from $16-$21, pastas from $26-$30, and main courses from $33-$45.

What is it? One of Cambridge's top restaurant groups, chef Will Gilson added this sliver of a seafood spot next door to his flagship Puritan & Co. in early 2023.

Why go? Casual enough for an after-work drink yet sophistocated enough to impress a work colleague or picky in-law, Puritan Oyster Bar is a choose-your-own-adventure experience of easy-going seafood snacks and feast-worthy dishes.

We love: The ice-cold freezer martini and a tower of shellfish. 

Address: 1164 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: $50–$100 per person for a full meal, but you can cut that in half with half-price oysters every day from 5 to 6pm. 

What is it? Brainchild of Roxbury-born restaurateur Nia Grace of Darryl's Bar & Kitchen, this clubstaurant is a collaboration with nightlife empresarios Big Night Entertainment (of Big Night Live and the Grand fame).

Why go? Featuring live music Wednesday through Sunday, flashy cocktails and a delicious menu of reimagined Southern comfort food, it makes for a special night out with friends or a date. 

We love: "Sweet heat" chicken wings tossed in gochujang-honey syrup, oxtail grits, and the carrot-cake chicken and waffle. Espresso martini lovers, don't miss the Black Gold.

Address: 60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 7–11pm; Fri, Sat 7pm–midnight; Sun 11am–3:30pm, 6–10pm

Expect to pay: $65–$100 should be plenty for an appetizer, side and entree; expect to pay on the higher end, of course, if you get a drink.