Boston is a great place for foodies. There are so many food options that it can be overwhelming. My rule for visiting new places is to eat local as much as possible. Food is part of the experience of a new city, it holds the local culture through culinary styles. The tastes and textures of foods in Boston are going to be very different from that of Tennessee, or Arizona. While in Boston these were the best local restaurants that I tried out and loved.
Boston Breakfast
Friendly Toast
The Friendly Toast is a local restaurant in Boston that is serving up some great dishes in a fun and laid back atmosphere. They have options for any dietary preference you have, making it a great spot for friends to gather. With a few locations in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts there are ample opportunities to get in on some of the creative dishes. Check the Friendly Toast website to find the closest location.
Kane’s Donuts
This establishment has been around for quite some time. Kane’s Donuts is a family owned business that is pumping out some amazing donuts and breakfast sandwiches just waiting for you. Good luck trying to figure out what you’ll choose as they have a great selection of both yeast and cake donuts. I highly recommend any donut that includes their homemade black raspberry jelly, it will have you making all the yummy sounds. I had the King Pancakes which were incredibly rich in flavor. The chocolate chip, banana, and peanut butter combination was absolute perfection. Every bite was full of each flavor, and left me wanting more.
Mike and Patty’s
If you’re in the mood for a breakfast sandwich Mike and Patty’s has you covered. Serving up the best sandwiches, this is the place to go for a quick and easy breakfast. Each bite of the sandwich has all the ingredients in it, perfectly portioned across the bread. The chipotle mayo in the “fancy” sandwich was the little kick that boosted this delectable sandwich into the next level. This is more of a grab and go type of place with a very limited standing bar eating area. Don’t be discouraged by the line outside, it’s most likely because there’s nowhere to stand inside while you wait, which won’t take long. They do have a vegan option. You can also order online to avoid the wait, check Mike and Patty’s website to find one close to you. Don’t miss out on a great local restaurant in Boston because of a line, that just means it’s really good.
Cafe Bonjour
This petite cafe is nestled into what once was a singer sewing machine factory. The long narrow dining room is cozy. Cafe Bonjour takes you back in time with black and white pictures along the wood paneled walls that depict its history. Watch as the staff work in close quarters to create the breakfast of your dreams. Offering gluten free, vegan/vegetarian, paleo, keto friendly, and plant based options, everyone can enjoy a meal at Cafe Bonjour.
The Bonjour French Toast is delightfully filling with fresh fruit and whipped cream. The toast is the perfect amount of bounce paired with the snap of a strawberry, and silky whipped cream. With a full menu to choose from, you can’t go wrong here. Feel as though you’re sitting in a French cafe as you sip your espresso in this lovely local restaurant.
Pressed Cafe
A casual local restaurant in Boston where everyone feels welcome. Pressed Cafe is a great place to pop in and fuel up for the day, or hang back and chat with a friend. Serving an all day breakfast menu and lunch favorites, this is a great place to stop for quick exceptional service. Order at the counter and pick a seat while you wait. Need to get some work done? Go ahead and plugin to an outlet at the bar seating. They have menu items such as shakshuka, vegan spicy bbq kabab panini’s, and acai bowls.
Lunch/Dinner in Boston
Antico Forno
In the North End (aka “Little Italy”) area, there are an abundance of authentic Italian local restaurants. As the name Antico Forno implies, most of the food is cooked in an old brick oven. Pure Italian ambiance surrounds you as you devour a pizza pie. The brick walls make you feel as if you’re in an Italian cottage. The classic Italian spices are perfect in every dish.
The Smoke Shop BBQ
Let the scent of meats smoking lead the way into this casual sit down bbq joint. This is one of the most unique bbq restaurants I have ever been to, the flavors are unlike any other bbq. The flavors dance around on your tongue with a bit of sweet, a hit of acidity, and a hint of heat to round it all out. Their gold medal sauce is a great addition to any of the meats. The potato salad has a unique orange color coming from the apple cider mayo that’s a refreshing new take on a mundane dish. Chef Andy Husbands has been all over the country competing in bbq competitions and winning so he must be doing something right. Finish your meal off with caramelized banana pudding , a rich and filling dessert with a thick creamy pudding, and a mountain of whipped cream on top. The Smoke Shop BBQ is a great local restaurant in Boston for a casual but filling meal.
The Barking Crab
Don’t let looks deceive you. The Barking Crab may seem like a lobster trap washed ashore, but the food is worth going for. With outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, and fishing gear hanging all around, you know you’re in the right place. An order of crab cakes is a must, followed by a lobster roll. This is one of many local restaurants in Boston serving up fresh seafood, but The Barking Crab is one of few that also has ambiance. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor to watch boats float by.
Tony C’s Sports Bar and Grill
With a harbor view and outdoor seating this is a popular local restaurant in Boston to hang out in the evening for a meal. Looking out over the pier as boats pass by, you can enjoy a delicious meal from Tony C’s menu spanning everything from salad and sandwiches, to fish tacos and pasta.
Boston Sail Loft
This locally owned restaurant will make you think you’ve just walked onto a boat full of friends. The bar spans the length of the restaurant making it a great place to congregate with friends for the evening. Boston Sail Loft works on a first come first serve basis with indoor and outdoor dining and harbor views. Start off with the nachos before you get some of their famous New England Clam Chowder that they ship all over the U. S.
Best Dessert in Boston
Mike’s Pastry
Mike’s Pastry is a staple in the Boston area. Operating since 1946 when Mike started serving up his famous cannoli. The original location is on Hanover Street in the North End right in the heart of the “little Italy” area of Boston. After you have an authentic Italian meal from one of the many Italian restaurants in the area, hop over to Mike’s Pastry for the best cannoli you’ll ever have. With over 20 flavors to choose from among the many other pastries they serve, you may have a hard time deciding what to get. There’s nowhere to sit inside the bakery but if you’re like me, you won’t want to wait to get to a table before digging into these incredible cannoli. If you can’t make it to the bakery have the bakery come to you by ordering through a delivery service. There’s no need to miss out on the best cannoli in town.
Hood Milk Bottle
Hood has been around since 1846 when Harvey P. Hood decided to give his clients a better quality dairy product. The Hood milk company has been pledging to use sustainable methods to produce the highest quality in dairy products since its inception. Get a taste of Hood ice cream from the iconic 40 foot tall Hood Milk Bottle in Boston. A great place to grab a treat as you walk along the harbor for an evening stroll.
Flour Bakery
Get a sweet treat from Flour Bakery whether you’re there for breakfast, a snack, lunch or afternoon dessert pick me up, they have what you want. Serving sandwiches, salads and pastries galore, you’re sure to find what you’re craving here. Get a delectable chocolate chip cookie, a homemade poptart, warm muffins, cinnamon rolls, or cakes.
End of the Road
While this is just a small sampling of the many local restaurants available in Boston, I hope it gives you a starting point for your next visit. Don’t forget to get some of the foods Boston is known for, like a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or a bowl of Clam Chowder from Faneuil Hall’s food court. Visit the little Italy area for some amazing authentic Italian food. Head over to China town where the options are abundant. You definitely won’t go hungry on a Boston trip. If you need ideas on the Best Places to Visit in Boston I have so many suggestions waiting for you on my other Boston post. Subscribe and follow us on social media to get the latest news on the best food near you.
