Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Boston Restaurant Recommendations

Purple Star emoji 37 items
I’ve been a Boston city girl for 25 years and have explored the dining scene in every neighborhood. From cozy neighborhood gems to standout classics, the city offers every type of cuisine you can imagine, and these are my personal recommendations … t...
Map
Sections
8
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beacon Hill

Top restaurants in Beacon Hill that I love…you should check them out.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A cozy, upscale spot in historic Beacon Hill with a vintage, classic vibe. When I was there, I had the braised short rib …it was so tender and flavorful. The cocktails are creative, and the service is always great. Perfect for a special night out or ...
1928 Beacon Hill
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A cozy Beacon Hill classic with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Great comfort food and the burger is a favorite
75 Chestnut

Charlestown

I recommend these Charlestown spots for brunch, dinner, or a fun night out.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A rustic spot with a warm vibe. I had the wood-fired pizza when I was there …it was amazing, perfectly crispy and flavorful. They’re also known for their lemon-rosemary chicken wings and weekend brunch. A great place for casual dinners or brunch with...
Monument Charlestown Restaurant & Tavern
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Great spot in Charlestown for wood-fired pizza and an excellent craft beer selection. The pizzas are creative and delicious, and the rotating beers make it a fun place to try something new.
Brewer's Fork
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of my favorite spots in Charlestown. It has a cozy neighborhood feel but the food and cocktails are elevated and consistently good. The menu leans New American with great seafood options, creative small plates, and delicious brunch. It’s a great ...
Waverly Kitchen & Bar Charlestown
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A great option in Charlestown for brunch, lunch, or dinner on the days they’re open. They have a lively, inviting atmosphere and plenty of shareable appetizers, making it perfect for groups.
Tradesman Coffee Shop & Pizza Bar
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A lively spot to bowl, play games, enjoy cocktails, and grab a bite to eat. With music and a great outdoor area in spring and summer, it’s perfect for groups, date nights, or a fun outing.
Urban Wild
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Warren Tavern in Charlestown has been around since 1780 and is one of Massachusetts’ oldest pubs. Patriots like Paul Revere and George Washington once stopped here, and today it’s still a cozy spot for a beer, classic pub food, or a casual bite with ...
Warren Tavern

Back Bay

My favorite Back Bay spots for stylish dining and classic Boston eats.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A fun French bistro in Back Bay with a lively vibe and stylish feel. I always get the steak frites when I go …it’s classic French and one of their standout dishes. The atmosphere feels vibrant and a little Parisian, great for date night or dinner wit...
Rochambeau
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
It’s such a beautiful Italian restaurant in Back Bay with a rooftop‑style vibe overlooking the city and Public Garden. I always enjoy the northern Italian classics …the pastas, antipasto and wine list. It’s perfect for a special dinner or date night...
Contessa Boston
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Chic Greek meze and wine bar in Back Bay with great vibes, thoughtful small plates inspired by Greece, and an amazing wine list I always enjoy.
Krasi
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A classic spot for brunch or a special meal. I especially love their crab cocktail …fresh and flavorful. The restaurant has a polished, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for brunch with friends or a refined lunch or dinner.
Abe & Louie's
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
An oldie but goodie — a classic spot you really can’t go wrong with. The food is consistently great, the atmosphere is polished yet comfortable, and it’s perfect for a reliable dinner with friends, family or a date night.
The Capital Grille
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A fun spot for creative Mexican food and great tequila‑forward cocktails. The vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for a lively dinner with friends, date night, or a festive night out
Lolita Back Bay
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
The Oak Long Bar in Back Bay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza is a classic, elegant spot with timeless cocktails, refined small plates, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect for date nights, a special evening out, or drinks with friends.
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

North End

Favorite North End spots for amazing Italian food and classic Boston vibes.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of my favorite Italian spots for years ….it’s a true classic. I always get the clams vongole when I go …perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Cozy, timeless, and always reliable for a great Italian meal.
Antico Forno
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A cozy Italian restaurant with classic dishes done really well. The pasta and seafood are standout, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for date nights or small gatherings.
Isabella Restaurant
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of those cozy Italian spots I love. The pasta and classic dishes are comforting and flavorful, and it’s perfect for friends, family, or a casual date night. I especially enjoy how welcoming and homey it feels every time I go..
Tony & Elaine's
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Red Fox in the North End is a speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails and Italian-inspired small plates. Its intimate, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night, drinks with friends, or a relaxed evening out in the city.
The Red Fox

South End

My go-to South End spots for great food, drinks and atmosphere.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A mix of rustic comfort food with American, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. Great spot for brunch!
The Beehive
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A longtime South End favorite serving authentic Spanish tapas. Cozy, lively atmosphere with lots of delicious small plates to share. A great spot to relax, order a few dishes, and enjoy a fun meal with friends.
Estragon Tapas
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
I love this South End Greek restaurant for its cozy, modern vibe and delicious Mediterranean small plates. Their horiatiki salad with salty imported feta and crispy zucchini chips with tzatziki are standout appetizers I always order, and everything f...
KAVA neo-taverna
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A lively, casual spot for inventive Asian-inspired small plates and bold cocktails. The fun atmosphere makes it perfect for friends, date nights, or group outings, and the shareable dishes are always a hit.
Myers+Chang
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A charming neighborhood spot known for its brunch and casual lunch options. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s a great place for friends, families, or a relaxed weekend meal.
Franklin Cafe
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
a vibrant Spanish-style wine bar with delicious tapas and a great selection of wines. Perfect for friends, date nights, or group outings, the lively atmosphere and shareable plates make it a fun spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Barcelona Wine Bar
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Mistral in the South End is one of Boston’s long-standing favorites ….consistently great food, a polished and elegant atmosphere, and a timeless vibe. They even offer Sunday brunch, which makes it a go-to spot for a special meal with friends, family,...
Mistral

Seaport

Some of the best Seaport restaurants I’d recommend for any occasion.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of my favorite seafood spots in Boston. I always get the shrimp and oysters …fresh and flavorful …and their fish entrées are also excellent. I love that they have options for non-seafood lovers too, like chicken and steak. The vibe is lively and ...
Row 34 - Seaport | Boston
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of the best steak spots in Boston. The steaks are perfectly cooked. They have private rooms if you need to host an event, and I actually celebrated my 50th birthday here …the food and service were outstanding. A go-to for special occasions, steak...
Eddie Merlot's
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Nautilus in the Seaport is one of my favorite go-to spots …globally inspired small plates, amazing seafood, and creative cocktails in a lively, modern atmosphere. Perfect for friends, date night, or a special night out.
Nautilus Pier 4
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Woods Hill Pier 4 in the Seaport offers stunning harbor views and a fresh, farm-to-table menu with seasonal seafood and small plates. It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, a date night, or a special outing.
Woods Hill Pier 4

Downtown Boston

Must-visit restaurants in downtown Boston that I keep coming back to.
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
A stunning Downtown Boston spot with an incredible atmosphere. Known for craft cocktails and delicious Mediterranean-inspired shareable plates. Perfect for date night or a fun night out with friends.
Yvonne's
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
One of my favorite spots in Downtown Boston. Beautiful inside with a lively atmosphere, great cocktails, and delicious Cuban-inspired cuisine. Perfect for a girls’ night out or a fun date night. Parking can be tough, so it’s easiest to take an Uber.
Mariel
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Jiangnan Boston in the downtown area is a standout for authentic Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and thoughtful presentations. It’s a great spot for dinner with friends, a date night meal, or exploring something delicious in the heart of the city.
JiangNan Boston
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Red Fox in the North End is a speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails and Italian-inspired small plates. Its intimate, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night, drinks with friends.
The Wig Shop
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
The Langham in Boston is an elegant hotel with a refined bar and a polished brunch experience ….perfect for cocktails, a weekend brunch, or a stylish outing with friends, family, or a date night.
The Langham, Boston | Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Boston MA
 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
Great spot to try different wines!
Henry Haley - wine bar

West End

 
Julie Kelliher profile picture
My go-to spot before a game or concert at the Garden. The vibe is lively and welcoming, and they make an excellent Pisco Sour ….perfect for drinks and a casual bite with friends
WARD 8