So many of my memories revolve around food. Whether it’s family dinners every night growing up, late night deliveries as we struggled through finals period, or weekend brunches in town with my girlfriends, food is such an important and joyous part of my life. Living in Boston these past four years has given me the opportunity to try all sorts of restaurants, and I’m excited to share with you my roundup of my favorite Boston eats!
A quick guide on how to navigate this list: I’ve organized the restaurants into different categories, and only included (for the most part) budget friendly options and quick eats, because I believe that you don’t have to be fancy or spend a lot of money in order to have a good meal. 🙂 Simply scroll to the section you’re feeling depending on your mood, and enjoy!
Healthy Eats
Life Alive
Location: Central Square
What to get: Adventurer bowl and Love Alive smoothie. According to the workers there the Adventurer bowl is their most popular option, so you can’t go wrong with that! For berry lovers, the Love Alive smoothie is a must.
Jugos
Location: Back Bay (right next to the station)
Jugos has so many healthy and delicious options that I can never pick just one. While a bit on the pricey side for the portion size, the bowls and juices here are so good and always leave you feeling clean and refreshed.
Clover Food Lab
Locations: Multiple
This place is just so cool. They’re constantly experimenting with their menu and making creations that are simply delicious. For breakfast, you must try the overnight oats with peanut butter and banana. For lunch, definitely get the chickpea fritter. This place single handedly got me addicted to falafels.
Brunch
Cafe Luna
Location: Cambridge, between Central and Kendall
What to get: Everything on the freaking menu. Seriously, this place is hands down the best brunch spot in Boston. I wish I came here more often so that I could try more things on the menu!
Rosebud
Location: Somerville
This historic diner is listed in the National Register of Historic Places! Once a bus, it has since been converted to a bustling hotspot, but still retains its original iconic sign outside. Although they’re known for their pies, their classic brunch options are hard to pass up.
Zinnekin’s
Location: Harvard Square
What to get: Belgian waffles! Nothing like waffles for breakfast à la Leslie Knope. Choose a waffle, some toppings, and voilà.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Locations: Multiple
What to get: My favorites include the grilled roast chicken sandwich and banana bread. Their sandwiches are HUGE so I usually just get half and it will fill me up. The banana bread is so good that I even modified the recipe and made it myself.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Locations: Multiple
If anything, come here for the instaworthy floors! This place is a Boston classic. While the food isn’t what I’d consider mindblowing, their pastries are absolutely beautiful.
Comfort Food
Pho Pasteur
Location: Chinatown
My go-to pho spot in Boston. Their chicken noodle soup is perfect for a cold, rainy day, and the beef noodle soups are equally as yummy!
Santouka
Locations: Harvard Square and Back Bay
The most popular ramen spot in town. Lines go out the door and wait times can be an upwards of an hour! But it’s definitely worth it. Just make sure to go during an off peak time. My go-to items on the menu are the shoyu ramen and salmon rice bowl.
Carmelina’s
Location: North End
If you’re craving Italian food, the North End is the place to be. While you have hundreds of options for Italian in the North End, check out this Sicilian-inspired restaurant for creative variations on classic pasta recipes.
Bonchon
Location: Harvard Square
On those days when you’re just craving Korean fried chicken, head on over to Bonchon in Harvard Square. I’m not even a big fried chicken fan and I loved this place. Is it the most amazing Korean food I’ve ever had? No, but it’s pretty darn perfect on those days when you’re feeling down and need something to cheer you up.
Dessert
Mike’s Pastry
Locations: North End and Harvard Square
What to get: Mike’s Pastry is famous for their cannolis, so if you ever find yourself in the North End, definitely get yourself one for an afternoon snack. However, I love their cupcakes, especially the peanut butter and Oreo ones! The Harvard Square location also has much shorter lines if you want to avoid the crowd.
JP Licks
Locations: Multiple
What to get: The Cookies ‘n’ Cake Batter ice cream is an all time favorite.
Thinking Cup
Locations: Boston Common, North End, Back Bay
This cafe is an awesome place to study or get some work done. They’re known for their Stumptown coffee, but I come here for their macarons which are so addicting. I especially love the rose, lavender, pistachio, and vanilla flavors.
Georgetown Cupcake
Location: Newbury Street
What to get: ALL THE CUPCAKES. I’m obsessed with cupcakes so take me Georgetown Cupcake and I’m in foodie heaven. Don’t forget to check out their seasonal and monthly specials!
Toscanini’s
Location: Kendall Square
What to get: Their iconic B3 flavor — brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies. SO. GOOD. Many Bostonians would argue that this is the best ice cream in the city!
What are your favorite places to eat in Boston? Let me know in the comments below!
