One of my favorite things about Boston is its amazing food scene. Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are overflowing with fun and inventive restaurants that serve all kinds of palettes. These restaurants also provide opportunities to connect with family and friends, form memories, explore new neighborhoods, and discover food from around the world.
In the spirit of Boston week, I wanted to recommend a few of my favorite places with the hope that we all get the chance to visit them in person again soon.
In no particular order…
1145 Washington Street, Boston, MA (South End)
This Asian fusion restaurant will always hold a special place in my heart. Founded by Joanne Chang (also famous for her amazing Flour cafes) and her husband Christopher Myers, Myers + Chang is an adorable, cozy restaurant that packs a lot of personality and exudes friendliness. If you can, sit at the bar and enjoy watching the kitchen in action.
Conor’s recommendations: tiger’s tears salad (not for faint of heart), sloppy joe (yes trust me), blood orange margarita
315 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA (South End)
Serving Greek cuisine, Kava has some of the most fun and tasty food I’ve ever had, not to mention a killer wine, beer and drink list. The light, bright, airy setting, complete with huge windows looking onto a leafy South End street, makes this the perfect spot for a summer evening. I cannot recommend it enough!
Conor’s recommendations: try the feta, anything with octopus
45 Province Street, Boston, MA (Downtown Crossing)
This tiny spot is a dream for anyone who enjoys trying and learning about wine. The experience is built around the incredible wine list and the opportunity to experiment with wines from all over the world. The food leans more towards small plates and shareable snacks, which should pair perfectly with whatever you have in your glass.
Conor’s recommendations: fish in a tin (there should be a few options), and ask the bartender to guide your wine selection
1166 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA (Inman Square)
Puritan & Co may be my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. Needless to say, the food is amazing, providing a creative mix of American styles. The restaurant space itself has a homey, farmhouse feel that, paired with a great staff, welcomes you like an old friend with each visit.
Conor’s recommendations: just about anything – you can’t go wrong here!
928 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
If you like Italian (and let’s be real, who doesn’t), then Pammy’s is a must-visit. Their pasta dishes are transformative, using unusual ingredients to give classic dishes a unique twist. The restaurant itself has a ton of character that feels edgy and traditional at the same time – much like the food!
Conor’s recommendations: lumache (not to be missed), taglierini
233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square)
Step into this French-Canadian restaurant and you might think you’re entering the home of an early 20th century author. For me, this is the place I’d want to spend a stormy winter night – warm, cozy, and a little eccentric. And come on, how many French-Canadian restaurants have you been to? That uniqueness is worth something right there!
Conor’s recommendation: steak, lumberjack rabbit cocktail
150 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA
Looking for a hearty, delicious meal with a Southern streak? Look no further. Highland Kitchen mixes the vibe of a no-frills neighborhood bar with terrific food and drinks. Being here feels like you found a diamond in the rough, and it does not disappoint.
Conor’s recommendations: seafood gumbo, spicy jambalaya, blackened catfish po’ boy