Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Boston, United States

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Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Boston, United States

1. Boston Cream Pie at Mike's Pastry

Indulge in the rich, creamy classic Boston dessert made famous by this North End bakery.
  • Iconic Bakery: Established since 1946, Mike's Pastry is a must-visit for Boston cream pie.
  • Rich History: Originally created for the Parker House Hotel, this dessert holds a special place in Boston's culinary history.
  • Unique Texture: The smooth vanilla cream filling between two layers of velvety chocolate cake is a delightful taste sensation.

2. Lobster Roll at Neptune Oyster

Savor the succulent flavor of fresh, locally-caught lobster in a traditional New England lobster roll.
  • Fresh Seafood: Neptune Oyster prides itself on using only the freshest catch from local fishermen.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience an authentic taste of New England with this classic dish.
  • Variety of Choices: Choose between warm, cold, or grilled lobster rolls to suit your preference.

3. Clam Chowder at Union Oyster House

Enjoy the creamy, thick and hearty New England clam chowder in a historic dining room.
  • Historic Dining Experience: Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston, dating back to 1826.
  • Traditional Recipe: The clam chowder here follows a traditional New England recipe, made with potatoes, onions, and cream.
  • Generous Portion: This bowl of chowder is filling enough to keep you warm on a cold Boston day.

4. Boston Baked Beans at Doyle's Cafe

Savor the slow-cooked, savory flavor of traditional Boston baked beans in this family-run restaurant.
  • Family-Run Restaurant: Doyle's Cafe has been a family business since 1882.
  • Long Cooking Time: The beans are cooked slowly for several hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop.
  • Famous Recipe: Doyle's baked beans recipe is so popular that it was served at President Kennedy's inauguration in 1961.

5. Pasta at Mamma Maria

Taste authentic Italian pasta dishes made with fresh ingredients from Italy in this charming North End restaurant.
  • Italian Imported Ingredients: Mamma Maria imports most of its ingredients directly from Italy to ensure authenticity.
  • Cozy Atmosphere: The warm, inviting atmosphere makes this a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to make your own pasta dishes with Mamma Maria's popular cooking classes.

6. Frappé at Coffee 53

Cool down with a frothy, caffeinated frappé from this trendy Fenway-area café.
  • Fenway Location: Coffee 53 is just steps away from Fenway Park, making it a great spot for pre-game refreshments.
  • Variety of Flavors: Choose from a wide variety of frappé flavors, including classics like chocolate and vanilla or more adventurous options like red velvet.
  • Customizable Options: Add espresso shots, whipped cream, or extra syrup to make your frappé just the way you like it.

7. Pizza at Regina Pizzeria

Savor thin-crust, coal-fired pizza in this historic North End pizzeria.
  • Historic Pizzeria: Regina Pizzeria has been a Boston landmark since 1926.
  • Thin-Crust Pizza: The thin, crispy crust is the perfect base for their delicious toppings.
  • Classic Toppings: Choose from traditional toppings like margherita, pepperoni, or meatball.

8. Steak at Craigie on Main

Indulge in expertly prepared steaks with innovative flavor combinations at this trendy Cambridge restaurant.
  • Trendy Restaurant: Craigie on Main is a popular spot for foodies seeking an upscale dining experience.
  • Quality Meats: The steaks are made from high-quality, locally-sourced meats.
  • Innovative Flavors: Experience unique flavor combinations like truffle butter or blue cheese crust on your steak.

9. Sushi at O Ya

Enjoy exquisite sushi and Japanese small plates in this intimate, upscale dining experience.
  • Upscale Dining Experience: O Ya offers a luxurious, fine-dining environment for sushi lovers.
  • Creative Sushi Rolls: The menu features creative sushi rolls with unique flavors and presentations.
  • Omakase Menu: For a truly exceptional experience, opt for the omakase tasting menu, allowing the chefs to craft a personalized sushi journey for you.

10. Baharat Spiced Roasted Cauliflower at My Thai Restaurant

Savor the exotic flavors of Baharat spiced roasted cauliflower in this vibrant Fenway-area restaurant.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: My Thai Restaurant offers a lively, energetic dining experience.
  • Exotic Spices: Baharat spice mix combines cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices for a unique flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Option: This dish is a great choice for vegetarians looking for a flavorful, satisfying option.

11. Poutine at Yvonne's

Indulge in classic Quebecois dish poutine with delicious twists at this trendy Back Bay eatery.
  • Trendy Restaurant: Yvonne's offers a modern take on traditional Quebecois cuisine.
  • Creative Toppings: Choose from unique poutine toppings like duck confit, short rib, or foie gras.
  • Thick Gravy: The thick, rich gravy ties the dish together and adds a satisfying depth of flavor.

12. Falafel at Sofra Bakery and Cafe

Savor delicious, Middle Eastern-inspired falafel in this charming Cambridge café.
  • Middle Eastern Cuisine: Sofra Bakery and Cafe offers a taste of the Middle East in the heart of Boston.
  • Fresh Ingredients: The falafel is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients for an authentic flavor.
  • Variety of Options: Choose from a selection of fillings and toppings to create your perfect falafel wrap.

13. Cheese Plate at Formaggio Kitchen

Indulge in a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at this gourmet shop and café.
  • Gourmet Shop: Formaggio Kitchen is a specialty food store offering a wide variety of cheeses, wines, and other gourmet items.
  • Artisanal Cheeses: The cheese selection includes artisanal options from around the world.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: The staff is knowledgeable and can help you select the perfect cheeses for your taste preferences.

14. Fish Sandwich at James Hook & Co.

Savor a fresh, delicious fish sandwich from this iconic seafood market and eatery in the North End.
  • Iconic Seafood Market: James Hook & Co. has been a staple in Boston's seafood scene since 1936.
  • Fresh Fish: The fish used for sandwiches is caught daily and prepared fresh on the premises.
  • Classic New England Sandwich: The simple, classic preparation allows the natural flavor of the fish to shine through.

15. Chicken and Waffles at The Chubby Chickpea

Experience a unique twist on Southern comfort food with chicken and waffles served over falafel at this trendy food truck.
  • Trendy Food Truck: The Chubby Chickpea is a popular food truck that brings unique, innovative dishes to the streets of Boston.
  • Falafel Base: The waffles are made from fried falafel dough for a unique twist on this classic dish.
  • Spicy Chicken Option: For an extra kick, opt for the spicy version of the chicken and waffles.