Boston’s restaurant scene is studded with local gems of all varieties, from popular watering holes that unassumingly make some of the best clam chowder in the city, to tucked away stalls crafting surprisingly delicious stuffed waffles in Chinatown. We have been giving food tours in Boston, Massachusetts since 2011 and have discovered some of the city’s best bites during that time! We are local experts on Boston’s food scene who love showing visitors and locals alike some of the best-kept culinary secrets in the city. And, we’re here to share them with you, neighborhood by neighborhood in two parts. We can’t believe we’re spilling the beans AGAIN *wink*. We’re back with part two!
If this list inspires you, join us for a Boston walking tour to visit some of these awesome establishments and taste some of Boston’s best bites all together in one curated experience!
Chinatown Boston
Soup Dumplings – Taiwan Cafe
When we think of comfort food, things like mac and cheese come to mind but we would argue that these soup dumplings are one of the most comforting and heartwarming things to eat in Boston. Taiwan Cafe is reportedly one of the first restaurants to serve soup dumplings in Boston’s Chinatown. They are steamed to absolute perfection and filled with delicious hot broth and pork
Ube Crepe Cake – Bao Bao Bakery
This is one of our favorite desserts in the city that we go back for time and time again, and it’s found in a neighborhood that is not necessarily known for its sweet treats – Chinatown. The ube crepe cake at Bao Bao Bakery is like a heavenly cloud in your mouth. It’s made vibrant from the ube, a purple yam native to Southeast Asia, that also offers a sweet yet earthy flavor to the layers of crepes and creamy filling. It will definitely captivate your senses!
Egg Puff Waffle – Egg Puff Lady
This is truly a hidden gem that we are so glad that we’ve discovered! In the very back of a tiny, unassuming food hall in Chinatown, is the Egg Puff Lady making waffles on repeat with her two electric burners. But these are not just any waffles, egg puff waffles are much lighter and spongier than the waffles we know. They are crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside and just slightly sweet. Each puff is filled with your chosen filling from salted egg yolk to red bean paste and more. This is a must!
Ribs (Wu Tang Tiger-Style) – Shojo
One of our most favorite plates of ribs doesn’t come from a barbeque joint, surprisingly enough! It can be found in Chinantown! The Wu Tang Tiger-Style Ribs from Shojo hit all of the flavor profiles in your mouth and leave you wanting more. These hoisin and Thai barbeque sauce slathered ribs are topped with lime and peanuts bringing an Asian twist to pork ribs and you NEED to try them!
Dim Sum – China Pearl
The best Dim Sum in Boston is hands down, at China Pearl! This is one of the neighborhood’s oldest and most beloved restaurants that recently got a huge aesthetic makeover, however the food is just as traditional and delicious as ever. They are one of the only places in the city to still offer cart service for an immersive experience of dumplings and buns being wheeled all around you!
Scallion Pancake Sandwich – Double Chin
This sandwich is like no other, and it comes down to the bread – or lack thereof! This sandwich is held together by a scallion pancake and the most perfect one at that. Inside it’s packed with char siu pork, crunchy cucumber and house slaw and a honey hoisin sauce. If you have never experienced a scallion pancake sandwich, now is the time!
South End Boston
Bao Buns – Myers + Chang
We absolutely adore a pillowy bao bun filled with savory flavors and sticky sauce and some of our most favorites are found at Myers + Chang! The crispy Korean fried chicken bao is covered in gochujang glaze and paired with picked cucumber for the perfect sweet, spicy, savory combo, while the pork belly bao is coated in brandied hoisin sauce and paired with pickled daikon.
Churros – Burro Bar
We didn’t crave churros until we were introduced to the Burro Churros. So, if you haven’t met, let us introduce you. These airy, fried pastries are made with brown butter adding a nutty layer to the batter and then coated generously in cinnamon-sugar and served with a spicy dark chocolate sauce. There is always room for Burro Churros!
Grilled Cheese – Formaggio Kitchen
There is something special about getting a grilled cheese sandwich from a shop that literally specializes in cheese. Because, it’s all about the cheese! Formaggio Kitchen’s Cheese Monger’s Grilled Cheese contains four different melty and delicious cheeses, creating the perfect harmony between local slices of bread. Go ahead, play with your food, the cheese-pulls from this place are epic!
Souffle Pancakes – Bootleg Special
Everything about Bootleg Special is unexpected and that is why it truly is a hidden gem in Boston that we adore. They’re known for their Louisiana-inspired seafood boils but if you can make it in for brunch, you will undoubtedly be hooked on their Souffle Pancakes. They take the pancakes we know and love to a whole other stratosphere. We love the Matcha Coconut Souffle Pancakes that are pillowy and soft and offer the perfect balance of sweet and earthy flavors.
Mofongo – Vejigantes
We love that the South End represents so many different cultures and cuisines with the restaurants that it’s home to. We especially love heading over to Villa Victoria for some authentic Puerto Rican food at Vejigantes. Their traditional Plantain Mofongo is so comforting it makes us feel like we’re a guest in someone’s home. It’s perfect when doused or dipped in the accompanying chicken broth and for an extra kick of spice add some of their homemade pineapple garlic sauce.
Sticky Bun – Flour Bakery
We know this sticky bun doesn’t need a shout out, as it’s widely known as one of the best in Boston, however, if for some insane reason, you have never heard of the sticky bun at Flour Bakery, we’re here to change your life. This soft and buttery brioche pastry is studded with dark caramel-soaked pecans. They sell out fast so be sure to get there early! There are multiple Flour Bakeries in the city so there’s multiple chances to secure one.
Bagel – Brick Street Bagels
We are SO happy that this spot opened up in the South End and are not surprised one bit that it has already gone viral. There is something untouchable about a bagel done right. And the best part? You don’t have to head to New York to have one. Brickstreet Bagels started as an at-home project and now has a little home in the South End. They make fresh bagels daily and you have to get them quickly before they sell out. Some of our favorite flavors are the Rosemary Sea Salt and the Asiago. Oh, and you can’t forget about the Dill Pickle Cream Cheese. Two words – life changing.
Mediterranean Plate – Anoush’ella
For a fresh and vibrant mezze plate, our go-to is Anoush’ella in the South End, which means “may it be sweet.” And you can really feel the love in their food. Created by a husband and wife team who wanted to celebrate their favorite childhood dishes from their respective Lebanese and Armenian heritages, they created Anoush’ella. If you are like us and everything looks good and you can’t pick one bowl or wrap, you can opt for a colorful meze platter and have a little bit of it all. The flavors are fresh and bold and will leave you feeling nourished.
Margarita – Burro Bar
We take our margaritas very, very seriously. And that is why we can say with certainty that we think one of the best margaritas in the city is being shaken at Burro Bar. They house over 100 types of tequila and 50 types of mezcal so you know they also take it very seriously. Their flavor combinations are innovative and fresh and for us, there’s nothing like the hibiscus marg. Full of juicy flavor and a deep ruby color to please the eye.
Back Bay
Espresso Martini – Back Bay Social
Well when the staff wears shirts that say “worst espresso martini in town”, we knew we had to do some investigating. As it turns out, Back Bay Social serves one of the best espresso martinis we have ever had, like ever anywhere! They’re made up of cold brew vodka, vanilla vodka, coffee liquor, Irish cream and fresh espresso for a smooth, creamy, well balanced sip, or gulp. You do you!
Oysters – Select Oyster Bar
Boston is a waterfront city known for its abundance and variety of fresh seafood. But while you can find raw bars at most restaurants and oysters a-plenty on menus, they are not all up the the standard of Select Oyster Bar. This intimate seafood bistro is tucked away in Back Bay and offers six rotating New England oysters regularly to keep the offerings fresh. They have wines to pair especially well with seafood so you can have a small bite or a feast.
If you’re craving even more temptation, watch these foods come to life in our Best Bites 30 day series on Instagram. One of the best ways to experience these foods is on a Boston food tour with us! Come support our small, local business while also supporting others!
Return to Boston Food and Fun Blog
