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Boston,
Restaurants
Selected restaurants have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.
Restaurant meals are subject to state sales tax of 5%, which will be added to the bill at the end. If a service charge (usually 15‐20%) is not added to the bill, a tip of 15% should be left. Most restaurants add an additional 15‐20% for parties of six or more.
The prices quoted below are for an average three‐course meal and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include tax, service charge or tip.
Gastronomic:
Aujourd’hui: Aujourd’hui is impressive in every way, from the formal elegance of the oak‐panelled room (vast windows showcase the Public Garden) to the flawless service and stellar wine list. Dishes like langoustine ravioli or butternut gnocchi with chanterelles epitomise the New American cuisine. The place is perfect for power dining and romantic evenings and has received many honours, including the elusive AAA Five Diamond Award. Tasting menus, as well as super‐nutritious ‘alternative cuisine’ and vegetarian options, are also available.
Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston Street, Back Bay
Tel: (617) 451 1392. Fax: (617) 451 1392.
Price: US$60. Wine: US$36.
Excelsior: Both cuisine and décor are a spirited blend of colour and design at Excelsior. The chic new restaurant, a study of metal, glass, dark woods and browns with bold accents of red and orange, is complemented with an excellent view of the Public Gardens. And the food couldn’t be better. A lobster lover, Chef/Owner Lydia Shire’s always includes her signature lobster pizza on the seasonal changing menu as well as varied entrees that are innovative and subtly spiced. Her lemon oil brushed hanging lamb rack is succulent, but don’t forget to save room for dessert. Reservations recommended.
272 Boylston
Tel: (617) 426 7878.
Price: $64. Wine US$25.
Icarus: Icarus looks traditional (deep greens, Mission oak) but the food here is utterly modern and imaginative. A heavy emphasis on local produce combined with real flair yields dishes like the heavenly roasted crab cakes, the porcini‐crusted halibut and the daily ‘pasta whim’. Desserts especially are superb: the chocolate molten soufflé cake with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry sauce, cooked to order and served for two people, is delicious. No lunch. Live jazz in the bar Friday.
3 Appleton Street, South End
Tel: (617) 426 1790. Fax: (617) 426 2150.
E‐mail: greatfood@icarusrestaurant.com
Price: US$45. Wine: US$29.
L’Espalier: In an atmosphere of opulent refinement, diners are cosseted in three intimate dining areas within a grand 1880s townhouse. The food, considered by many to be the best in town, is French with a New England accent: skillet‐roasted guinea hen with mousseline‐stuffed morels; oysters with Champagne cucumber sorbet; roast apple‐fed suckling pig. There are also frequent wine tastings. No lunch. Closed Sunday.
30 Gloucester Street, Back Bay
Tel: (617) 262 3023. Fax: (617) 375 9297.
E‐mail: info@lespalier.com
Price: US$68 (fixed‐price menu); US$85 (seven‐course tasting menu). Wine: US$35.
Restaurant Clio: Located in the elegantly restored Eliot Suites Hotel, the small and chic Restaurant Clio has been pulling top awards since it opened. Chef Ken Oringer’s sophisticated French‐American cuisine includes such extraordinary dishes as roasted Muscovy duck with kumquats, black radish comfit and fresh chestnuts; lacquered foie gras with sweet and sour lemon and bee pollen; or watermelon salad with sheep’s milk feta cheese, calaminth and sugar plums. And they work.
370 Commonwealth Avenue, Back Bay
Tel: (617) 536 7200. Fax: (617) 578 0394.
E‐mail: koringer@cliorestaurant.com
Price: US$65. Wine: US$45.
Rialto: Although background noise could be softer, expect excellent service and an atmosphere that oozes comfort. Sample Patrick’s grilled littleneck clams with andouille sausage appetizer or the slow roasted Long Island duck with braised escarole and Sicilian olives, and it will be evident why Rialto has received glowing accolades from Bon Appetit, Gourmet, as well as Food and Wine magazines. A seasonal menu offers a mixture of Italian, French and Spanish cuisine as well as offerings from Greece, Turkey and the Middle East.
The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge
Tel: (617) 661 5050. Fax: (617) 234 8093.
Price: US$55. Wine: US$32.
Business:
75 Chestnut: The carefully planned menu balances traditional dishes with just enough pizzazz as in shrimp with lemon‐pepper fettuccine, wild mushrooms, broccoli and cherry tomatoes, or rocket with herbed lobster broth. The setting is quietly posh, with the bar carefully separated from the comfortable dining room. The look is vaguely federal, in keeping with the historic district, but concepts like lobster martini (with chive and melon confetti), keep things light‐hearted. No lunch. Brunch Sundays.
75 Chestnut Street, Beacon Hill
Tel: (617) 227 2175. Fax: (617) 227 3675.
E‐mail: restaurantmanager@75chestnut.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$18.
The Bay Tower Room: This is the place for that ‘big splurge’, ‘special moment’ or ‘mega‐deal’. Since The Bay Tower Room is perched 33 storeys above the city and designed so that every table affords views of the skyline and harbour, they could have skimped on the food but haven’t. Dishes to splash out on include the seared foie gras with fig jam, a ‘Martini’ of shrimp and Maine crabmeat or the ballotine of chicken with ginger and dates. Alternatively, stop by for coffee and the super (moderately priced) desserts ... the view is free.
60 State Street, Financial District
Tel: (617) 723 1666. Fax: (617) 723 7887.
E‐mail: contact@baytower.com
Price: US$55. Wine: US$23.
Julien: Julien offers gilt‐edged dining in what was once the Federal Reserve Bank vault. Despite the magnificent setting, urbane service and classic French food, it is not overly formal (it is fairly romantic actually). Terrific choices include salmon soufflé or loin of lamb with spinach mousse and any of the extraordinary desserts. There is a piano bar on the upper level.
Langham Hotel, 250 Franklin Street, Financial District
Tel: (617) 451 1900.
Price: US$66. Wine: US$34.
Locke-Ober Café: A Boston tradition for 125 years, Locke’s is a serene retreat from trendiness. The club‐like, wood‐panelled setting is perfect for a menu featuring well‐executed classic dishes: steak tartare, buttery chateaubriand, crêpes suzettes, sublime chocolate mousse. Their signature dish, lobster savannah, is a reminder of more sumptuous times. Waiters are unflappable and charming and the downstairs bar is even clubbier. Closed Sunday.
3‐4 Winter Place, Downtown Crossing, Financial District
Tel: (617) 542 1340. Fax: (617) 542 6452.
Price: US$58. Wine: US$32.
No 9 Park: Under the aegis of one of Boston’s coterie of female master chefs, No 9 is effortlessly polished. There is a café‐bar area with a separate menu and two comfortable dining rooms. House‐made pasta is excellent, as is the roast duck, and all dishes are characterised by clear, strong flavours. Open for lunch during the week. Closed Sunday.
9 Park Street, Beacon Hill
Tel: (617) 742 9991. Fax: (617) 742 9993.
Price: US$61. Wine: US$40.
Trendy:
Bambara: Think of a comfy place with a funky spin, and you will think Bambara. Its innovative décor is accented with huge windows that mirror the Charles River, a large wine wall and earthy colours. Cutting‐edge cuisine with innovative entrées like crispy‐skin organic chicken breast with drunken chicken sauce, accompanied with creamy polenta and pearl onions, are prepared in the open kitchen. The fried native goat cheese with chilled ratatouille yellow tomato vinaigrette is a good starter. Breakfast and lunch, Mon‐Fri; dinner nightly.
25 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge
Tel: (617) 868 4444. Fax: (617) 868 4555.
Price: US$35. Wine: US$23.
The Dish: The Dish is relaxed, friendly and ‘happening’, with a laid‐back look – all exposed brick and wooden floors. Great fun and hugely eclectic, the easy elegance of the new American‐style cuisine is fused with Tuscan, Asian and Mediterranean elements. Yet the dishes (such as Cajun meatloaf with ricotta‐mashed potatoes for only US$14) always represent comfort food to the nth degree. It also serves brilliant designer pizzas. No lunch.
253 Shawmut Avenue, South End
Tel: (617) 426 7866. Fax: (617) 426 7867.
Price: US$23. Wine: US$19.
Hamersley’s Bistro: This renovated piano factory provides a handsome, unfussy setting for Americanised French country food. The hallmark here is comfort and care – for the food and the customer. Signature roast chicken laced with garlic, lemon and parsley is as elegant as the most elaborate creation on the menu. Vegetarian dishes are available, as well as a lighter bistro menu for patio dining.
553 Tremont Street, South End
Tel: (617) 423 2700.
Price: US$49, prix fixe US$46. Wine: US$21.
Mistral: A little bit Provençal, a little bit New York City, this continues to be one of the hottest spots in town. From gourmet pizza to tuna tartare, Mistral’s food is modern, innovative and fun. The bar offers lighter bistro fare, while the main event takes place in the chic beige dining room. No lunch.
223 Columbus Avenue, South End
Tel: (617) 867 9300. Fax: (617) 351 2601.
E‐mail: mistral@mistralbistro.com
Price: US$55. Wine: US$35.
Radius: Here, très chic and cosmopolitan multi‐level dining (with a very trendy bar) curves out from lush central banquettes. The fashionable setting is usually packed with foodies who revel in Michael Schlow’s inventive cuisine, which is classic French with a modern twist. Dishes might include lobster and chanterelle‐stuffed squid. There is a vast communal table for the lucky few that get in without a reservation. Open for lunch Mon‐Fri. Closed Sunday.
8 High Street, Financial District
Tel: (617) 426 1234. Fax: (617) 426 2526.
Price: US$125. Wine: US$40.
Tremont 647: Talented young chef Andy Husbands fuses Asian, Latin and Italian into an adventurous American cuisine in this delightful small bistro. It is casual – a long room with bar at one end and open kitchen. Grilling is handled particularly well (with rubbed spices providing crusts). Intensely flavoursome dishes abound: Chilean sea bass with hoisin and sesame glaze steamed in a banana leaf with coconut jasmine rice; wood grilled duck breast parpadelle with broccoli raab, bacon and hearty jus; or chocolate‐pistachio cake with fudge frosting and sambuca sauce. Even the appetisers are creative – the pea tendril and watermelon salad with goat cheese is a case in point. There are special events nights (tapas, harpoon beer diner or Polynesian) one Monday a month. Brunch Saturdays and Sundays (pyjamas encouraged), dinner daily. No lunch.
647 Tremont Street, South End
Tel: (617) 266 4600. Fax: (617) 266 4443.
Price: US$39, tasting US$40 and US$75. Wine: US$26.
Budget:
The Barking Crab: For a waterfront picnic, it is hard to beat this establishment’s steamed clams by the bucket, its award‐winning clam chowder or the lobster awash in melted butter. Both the food and the setting are unpretentious, although there are yuppie touches (‘crab burgers,’ the music). While there is plenty more on the menu, seafood stars and is fresh, plentiful and perfectly prepared. There is also a terrific range of local micro‐brews and a hearty Sunday brunch. Reservations suggested during the summer months. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
88 Sleeper Street, Harborside/Financial District
Tel: (617) 426 CRAB/2722.
Price: US$32. Beer: From US$4.
Betty’s Wok & Noodle Diner: Tasty Asian‐Latino fusion food is served fast in a vaguely 50s‐diner‐gone‐posh setting near Boston University. The signature shredded cucumber and seaweed with wasabe vinaigrette should not be missed, nor should the ‘Juan‐tons’ (beef won‐ton with Cuban chilli‐citrus dip) or the spicy shrimp ragoons with ginger, red chilli‐jamarama and Chinese mustard. The choices of noodles, sauces, meats and vegetables offer endless possibilities. There are also bargain daily specials and hefty sandwiches.
250 Huntington Avenue, Kenmore Square, Fenway
Tel: (617) 424 1950. Fax: (617) 638 3242.
Price: US$21. Wine: US$22.
Cosí Sandwich Bar: This venue (part of a chain) serves haute fast food – with delicious freshly baked flat bread as the base for its posh sandwiches. The price depends on the number of fillings selected (some of the best are smoked turkey with brie and honey mustard sauce or Buffalo chicken with blue cheese‐celery spread). Even basic tuna salad gets edgy with cheddar cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. There are also great coffees and inventive cocktails. Open Monday to Friday 0700‐1700, this place is even efficient at lunchtime.
133 Federal Street, Financial District
Tel: (617) 292 2674. Fax: (617) 292 6275.
Price: From US$5.75 (per sandwich). No beer or wine.
Grafton Street: There is more than pub grub, pints of Guinness and potatoes at this revitalized, multi‐level Irish pub. Blond woods, cloth‐covered hanging lamps and beige accents make it much brighter than the quintessential pub. In addition to the normal bar food on the contemporary American menu, there are unusual entrees like a swordfish club and North African lamb stew. Open daily.
1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard Square, Cambridge
Tel: (617) 497 0400. Fax: (617) 547 5055.
Price: US$25. Wine: US$21.
Linwood Grill & BBQ: Linny’s is becoming famous for its hearty Sunday brunch and its Southern comfort food like sweet cornbread, fried pickles, and vinegary kale. Local favourites include BBQ shrimp in debris sauce, Kansas City style pork ribs and roasted garlic and Andouille sausage fritters. Forget the ‘decor’, (trailer park kitsch) and the calories; the food is light‐hearted and delicious. The homemade key‐lime or chocolate cream pies are a fitting ending. Open for lunch and dinner.
81 Kilmarnock Street, Fenway
Tel: (617) 247 8099.
Price: US$24; US$7 (brunch). Wine: US$16.
Personal Recommendations:
The Elephant Walk: A cosy bar, wood tables, buttercup and burnt orange walls, and lots of elephants accent this newly remodelled, casual, but sometimes less than quiet, favourite. Friendly service comes with the Cambodian, French and vegetarian food. Prices are extremely reasonable for sophisticated dishes like Cambodian Amok Royal, a custard‐like spicy mixture of seafood and Khmer seasonings steamed in a banana leaf cup, a caramelised Alaskan black cod with ginger, cilantro and coconut milk sauce or a filet de boeuf grillé et gratin de pommes de terre. There is a good wine list and this place is justifiably popular. Reservations recommended for dinner (but not accepted Friday and Saturday).
900 Beacon Street, Kenmore Square, Fenway
Tel: (617) 247 1500.
Other location:
2067 Massachusetts, Cambridge
Tel: (617) 492 6900.
E‐mail: info@elephantwalk.com
Price: US$35. Wine: US$22.
The Helmand: Even though The Helmand is located off the beaten path, it is always crowded. Named after the region just west of Kandahar, this popular eatery is owned by Fozia Karzai, sister of Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan’s President. Simple décor and beige walls complement the extremely tasty fare. Kaddo, pan‐fried and baked pumpkin topped with a yoghurt garlic mint sauce, is a favourite among diners. The Afghani version of ravioli, aushak, is a great main course. Reservations recommended.
143 First Street, Cambridge
Tel: (617) 492‐4646.
Price: US$25. Wine: US$16.
Lala Rokh: Creative, slightly exotic Persian cuisine finds a home in residential Beacon Hill. The ambience is comfortable yet romantic and intimate. Wonderful service compliments appetisers like Kashk‐E Bademjan (eggplant with caramelised onions and goat’s milk) or herbed and nut flavoured creamy spinach, also with caramelised onions. Main dishes like duckling sauced with pomegranate and ground walnuts are subtle but delicious. Save room for the homemade saffron and rosewater flavoured vanilla ice cream. No lunch weekends.
97 Mount Vernon Street, Beacon Hill
Tel: (617) 720 5511.
E‐mail: info@lalarokh.com
Price: US$40. Wine: US$25.
Sage: Tiny Sage flourishes among the tourist traps in the North End, with food that reflects the owner‐chef’s Italian and American training. The eclectic and innovative menu is seasonal. For example, the autumn menu, which incorporates the vegetables of the season, offers a butternut squash ravioli and lobster hash. The pasta and the risotto dishes (Panko crusted salmon, with herb risotto and saffron cream) are stellar. The restaurant’s dimly‐lit, white table‐clothed setting is quite comfortable.
69 Prince Street, North End
Tel: (617) 248 8814.
Price: US$45; prix fixe for US$45. Wine: US$24.
Sel de la Terre: This cousin of L’Espalier restaurant (see Gastronomic above) offers similar panache in a relaxed, family‐friendly waterside setting. There is a wide choice for quality French country (mostly Provençale) favourites. The decor is unpretentious (stone floor, bleached beams); the desserts elegant; the Saturday and Sunday brunch menu great – and more than that, this place is a bargain. Open for lunch Mon‐Fri.
255 State Street, Financial District
Tel: (617) 720 1300. Fax: (617) 227 1579.
E‐mail: info@seldelaterre.com
Price: US$39. Wine: US$25.
Taranta: The award‐winning Taranta features southern Italian food and centuries‐old family recipes. Italian antiques accent the comfortably rustic setting. The service is charming and the quality of food high. Dinner options, on the seasonally changing menu, might be pan seared tuna served over braised leeks with a sauce of sweet roasted peppers, capers and rocoto (spicy red pepper), rack of lamb or pappardelle pasta with wild mushrooms and porcini. Cooking classes are also offered. It’s not on the menu, but ask for the house speciality, spaghetti with sea urchin.
210 Hanover Street, North End
Tel: (617) 720 0052. Fax: (617) 720 2198.
Price: US$41. Wine: US$25.
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