“A foodie is a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food, and who eats food not only out of hunger but also as a hobby.” Pure poetry from my friends at Wikipedia.
Some people play pickleball. Others learn to crochet. As a self-proclaimed foodie, my absolute favorite activity is to sit around a table with my fiancé, family or friends talking about every dish on the table at restaurants across Boston. Sharing is caring after all! Here are my favorite restaurants in the Boston neighborhoods where I love to eat and discuss:
Allston
Lone Star Taco
If you’re lost in Allston, do yourself a favor and find yourself at Lone Star Taco Bar. Lone Star, with homes in Allston and Cambridge, focuses its menu on mezcal, tequila, and Mexican street food. The tacos are great at the Cambridge location, but there’s something about the Allston location that kicks things up a notch.
The fresh carnitas and fish tacos do no disappoint. More impressive is their Margarita selection. With six different takes on the Margarita there is something for every ‘rita lover!
Back Bay
Porto
Tucked behind the Prudential center, Porto offers a unique take on coastal Italian and Mediterranean dishes. In the spring and summer you can plop that tush in a seat under hanging lemons and be transported to the Italian Coast. The tuna tartare appetizer and baked cod with pistachio pesto leave the taste buds satisfied.
Bay Village
Mike and Patty’s
As Boston’s smallest officially recognized neighborhood, Bay Village is not swimming in food options. Fortunately, we’re looking for quality and not quantity. In its small corner store, Mike and Patty’s whips up a variety of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. This tiny shop has been highly rated for years for good reason. The team proudly “specializes in breakfast sandwiches.” Gosh I wish I could say I specialize in breakfast sandwiches on my resume!
https://www.mikeandpattys.com/
Charlestown
Dovetail
Since its opening, the talk of the Town has been Prima. Although I could swim in Prima’s Rigatoni a la Vodka, the influencers and those looking for a scene have taken over this joint. And that is why I thank my lucky stars for the lesser known Dovetail located in Charlestown Navy Yard. The wine – phenomenal. The staff – so warm and inviting. The food – tantalizing. The Red Snapper is cooked to perfection. I could talk for 25 minutes about the Thai style crab fried rice that comes as a side; I’m currently petitioning to have it served as a main dish. Let me know if you’d like to sign.
https://dovetailcharlestown.com/menu/restaurant
Dorchester
Yellow Door Taqueria
This tiny establishment in Lower Millis is home to the best tacos in Boston. Bold claim, I know. Usually, taco joints in Boston nail it on one or two varieties of tacos and then mail it in on the rest. Not Yellow Door – each taco on the menu is bursting with flavors that will force you to order that 7th taco even though you planned on only ordering three. Also Best. Guac. In. Boston. Periodt.
https://www.yellowdoortaqueria.com
Jamaica Plain
Tres Gatos
Not only is Tres Gatos home to some of the best food in Boston, the back of the restaurant is a record store. Yes, you read that correctly. Browse through cases of your favorite vinyls while you wait for your table to open up. How cool is that?! Once seated, do yourself a favor and order the the Blistered Shishitos that are smoked to perfection.
North End
Panza
While everyone is telling you to make a reservation at Bricco, swing on over lesser known Panza for the coziest meal that will make you feel like you just ate with Stanley Tucci’s great grandfather. The handmade butternut squash ravioli and veal parmigiana give you no choice but to hop on Duolingo and learn some Italiano!
Note: The tables are very close together, so get ready for some good eavesdropping while sipping your heavy wine pour.
South End
Coppa Enoteca
Still with me? Great because I saved the best for last. Coppa is hands down my favorite restaurant in the city of Boston. I cannot explain how spectacular the Caesar salad is. I’m sure your saying, “Really? She’s talking about the best restaurant in Boston and going on about Caesar salad?” Well, this Caesar salad is made with no lettuce. That’s right. It’s the perfect blend of celery, Caesar dressing, colatura bread crumbs, parmesan. Have I lost all credibility? After convincing my little brother to try it, he turned to me and said it might be the best thing he’s ever tasted. I triple dog dare you to try it too.
Other notable menu items: Saltimbocca, Spaghetti Carbonara, Tagliatelle.
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