Where to Eat in Boston

Welcome to Boston, ALA attendees! The city has a world of mouth watering restaurants to sate every palate. 

Boston is made up of distinct neighborhoods that each offer a view into the life of Bostonians, and this guide is arranged that way as well. The city is compact and walkable, and it has a good public transportation system of subways and bus lines to get you to whichever neighborhood you choose to dine in.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Boston and enjoy some good grub. Bon appétit!

Price Guide

Average prices for appetizer, drink, and entrée, not including tip.
$    Less than $15
$$    Around $20
$$$    Around $30
$$$$    More than $30

Waterfront/South Boston

LTK. LTK stands for Legal Test Kitchen, a hot spot that features the best from the Legal Sea Foods empire as well as Legal’s more extensive testing menus. Legal’s clam chowder has been served at every Presidential inauguration since 1981. If you can’t justify spending money on a big dinner, try chowder and salad, or oysters Legal (baked with spinach) and maybe a mojito. You always get yummy warm rolls with butter, but they do offer a gluten-free menu.
$$$$. L, D daily. 225 Northern Ave. 617-330-7430.

Sel de la Terre. There are three locations now, but the original is at Long Wharf. Recommended by barflies and foodies alike, Sel de la Terre serves French Provencal fare in a lively atmosphere. Bouillabaisse, the classic seafood stew with tomato, garlic, and saffron broth, is a highlight of the menu. An extensive wine list and scrumptious breads and pastries make this is a festive, special-occasion place.
$$$$. L, D daily, brunch Sat.–Sun. 255 State St. 617-720-1300.

The Franklin Café has two Boston locations, one in South Boston and the other in the South End. The food is fresh, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, and uses local produce when available. The bar is smallish but lively with a great selection of wines, beers, and mixed drinks. The full menu is served until 1:30 a.m., so if you’re craving delicious mashed potatoes at 1:00 a.m., no problem.
$$$. D daily. South Boston: 152 Dorchester Ave. 617-269-1003. South End: 278 Shawmut Ave. 617-350-0010.

South End

Addis Red Sea. This Ethiopian restaurant is a wonderful experience and it’s always fun to go with a group. It starts with injera, a crepe-like spongy bread that you use to hold, pick up, and dip your food. The spices in the dishes are distinct and flavorful. Combination dinners cost $15–$25 per person and are a good way to go if you want to sample a number of things.
$$. D daily, L Sat.–Sun. 544 Tremont St. 617-426-8727. 

Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe. Open since 1927, this diner is the place to come for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast—French toast, pancakes, turkey hash, and more. The prices and the patrons could both come out of a time machine. There’s no bathroom, so plan accordingly.
$. B, L Mon.–Sat. 429 Columbus Ave. 617-536-7669. No website.

Les Zygomates. Les zygomates is French for “your smile muscles,” and this French-Mediterranean restaurant should exercise them well. The food is bistro style and a prix fixe menu is offered, with an extensive wine list and often top notch jazz in the bar. The owner learned his craft in Paris and welcomes you comme ca. A nice choice for a splurge.
$$$$. L Mon.–Fri., D Mon.–Sat. 129 South St. 617-542-5108.  

Mela. You will be able to taste the distinct spices in each of the Indian dishes, which is quite an experience. Big portions mean two people could share some naan, samosas, and one entrée and both walk out feeling sated. Vegetarians and carnivores alike welcome.
$$$. L, D daily. 578 Tremont St. 617-859-4805.

The Red Fez. For Middle Eastern food, this is a great place to go and try a little bit of a lot of things with a date or a group of friends.  They serve entrees as well as mezzes (small plates); try baba ghanouj, hummus, olives, falafels, or kibbeh, with a couple of entrees. The bar serves a few Middle Eastern wines and beers, and on Saturday nights there is live Arabic music.
$$-$$$. L, D daily. 1222 Washington St. 617-338-6060.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

The Black Rose. If you’re into pub grub and want to sample many different beers in a Boston institution, try the Black Rose. It’s loud and busy, has an Irish waitstaff, and bands play some nights.
$$. L, D daily, B Sat.–Sun. 160 State St. 617-742-2286.

KingFish Hall. This fun and noisy seafood restaurant is part of celebrity chef Todd English’s empire. You’ll feel like Alice in Wonderland as you twirl in the clam-shaped booths, especially after a signature cocktail or two. Unfortunately, it’s pricey.
$$$$. L, D daily; brunch Sun. 188 Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 617-523-8862.