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Discover the Best New Restaurants in Boston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

As one of the country's most historic and most popular cities, the "Hub" of Boston is a hotspot for innovation, culture, and cuisine. The best new restaurants in Boston deliver an extraordinary amount of creativity for its residents and visitors, taking in a wide variety of influences and flavors to create a style all their own. But where are Beantown's most in-the-know diners headed out to when they're looking for the best new restaurants in Boston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from experienced diners from in and around Boston to put together a list of the city's best new restaurants. From acclaimed seafood restaurants to neighborhood pubs, Boston's new restaurant scene offers delights for all. Grab a table and enjoy!

Elm Street Tap Room
4.4 (142)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Somerville
Boston's Davis Square is one of the hottest and hippest sections in the city, and the Elm Street Tap Room is right at the center of activity. On nights and weekends, the Tap Room comes alive with young professionals and locals. They're enjoying the Tap Room's excellent craft beer selection and down-home American comfort food. Grab a table and try one of their favorites like the fish and chips, turkey press, or cauliflower Po'boy. The craft beer menu features some of the best craft beers from around America. These include the Maine Beer Company's Lunch IPA and Surly Brewing's Todd the Axe Man. Another tip? Before or after dinner, walk over to the classically-styled Somerville Theatre to catch a movie. It's one of the best theaters in the nation.
Top review
StevenVIP
Dined on Mar 23, 2025
Good vibe, but for a tap room they were out of a lot of varieties and food came out a bit on the colder side. Perhaps an off day, will have to give them another try
Boston's Davis Square is one of the hottest and hippest sections in the city, and the Elm Street Tap Room is right at the center of activity. On nights and weekends, the Tap Room comes alive with young professionals and locals. They're enjoying the Tap Room's excellent craft beer selection and down-home American comfort food. Grab a table and try one of their favorites like the fish and chips, turkey press, or cauliflower Po'boy. The craft beer menu features some of the best craft beers from around America. These include the Maine Beer Company's Lunch IPA and Surly Brewing's Todd the Axe Man. Another tip? Before or after dinner, walk over to the classically-styled Somerville Theatre to catch a movie. It's one of the best theaters in the nation.
Top review
StevenVIP
Dined on Mar 23, 2025
Good vibe, but for a tap room they were out of a lot of varieties and food came out a bit on the colder side. Perhaps an off day, will have to give them another try
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
4.3 (154)
$30 and under
American
Back Bay
The Trident Booksellers & Cafe presents visitors and locals with one of the best new restaurants in Boston. This intriguing bookstore and cafe combination is right on Newbury Street, one of Boston's most bustling. Stop in and browse the selections at Trident's charming bookstore before sitting down for a meal in its diner-style restaurant. Go for some of Trident's classic American sandwiches. These include a grilled cheese with melted provolone and tomato or the spicy turkey club with bacon and avocado. Trident is also known for its fabulous breakfasts, with "Trident Eggwagons" and eggs Benedict as some of the menu highlights.
Top review
Ken
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Fantastic experience. Food, service, atmosphere. I wish I had one in my hometown. Plus the bookstore part was amazing.
The Trident Booksellers & Cafe presents visitors and locals with one of the best new restaurants in Boston. This intriguing bookstore and cafe combination is right on Newbury Street, one of Boston's most bustling. Stop in and browse the selections at Trident's charming bookstore before sitting down for a meal in its diner-style restaurant. Go for some of Trident's classic American sandwiches. These include a grilled cheese with melted provolone and tomato or the spicy turkey club with bacon and avocado. Trident is also known for its fabulous breakfasts, with "Trident Eggwagons" and eggs Benedict as some of the menu highlights.
Top review
Ken
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Fantastic experience. Food, service, atmosphere. I wish I had one in my hometown. Plus the bookstore part was amazing.
The Bebop
4.8 (354)
$30 and under
American
Back Bay
The Bebop is a new establishment in one of the hottest and hippest sections of Boston. It's only a few steps away from the Berklee College of Music. The Bebop features an electric lineup of live jazz artists right alongside their excellent food and drink. With the restaurant also only a short trip from Fenway, The Bebop is a gathering point for lively crowds of all ages and dispositions. Grab one of the excellent craft beers on tap at the Bebop and sit down to enjoy their classic Bebop burger with prime ground beef. There is also beer-battered fish and chips and a traditional shepherds pie topped with golden mashed potatoes.
Top review
Christopher
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Excellent Pub. Good music every night. Good food and the kind of service and atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular. Staff has been there for years.
The Bebop is a new establishment in one of the hottest and hippest sections of Boston. It's only a few steps away from the Berklee College of Music. The Bebop features an electric lineup of live jazz artists right alongside their excellent food and drink. With the restaurant also only a short trip from Fenway, The Bebop is a gathering point for lively crowds of all ages and dispositions. Grab one of the excellent craft beers on tap at the Bebop and sit down to enjoy their classic Bebop burger with prime ground beef. There is also beer-battered fish and chips and a traditional shepherds pie topped with golden mashed potatoes.
Top review
Christopher
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Excellent Pub. Good music every night. Good food and the kind of service and atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular. Staff has been there for years.
Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails
4.7 (440)
$30 and under
Sushi
South Boston
Boston's "Southie" neighborhood is the opposite of its usual portrayal in the media. This once rough-and-tumble area is now a cosmopolitan haven for young professionals, culture, and cuisine. Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails, one of the best new restaurants in Boston, is right at the forefront of this new South Boston experience. Stop into this upscale location near Telegraph Hill to take in classic sushi and fusion dishes in its elaborately-decorated dining room. Don't forget about the cocktails, either. Try the Boomerang with bourbon and Mezcal or the Cry Baby with ghost tequila, lime, and hibiscus.
Top review
AbigailVIP
Dined on Mar 25, 2025
Love fat baby, always so good! BAO bun Tuesdays the best!
Boston's "Southie" neighborhood is the opposite of its usual portrayal in the media. This once rough-and-tumble area is now a cosmopolitan haven for young professionals, culture, and cuisine. Fat Baby Sushi and Cocktails, one of the best new restaurants in Boston, is right at the forefront of this new South Boston experience. Stop into this upscale location near Telegraph Hill to take in classic sushi and fusion dishes in its elaborately-decorated dining room. Don't forget about the cocktails, either. Try the Boomerang with bourbon and Mezcal or the Cry Baby with ghost tequila, lime, and hibiscus.
Top review
AbigailVIP
Dined on Mar 25, 2025
Love fat baby, always so good! BAO bun Tuesdays the best!
Alcove
4.4 (1911)
$31 to $50
American
West End
Right along the water in Boston's West End neighborhood, Alcove is a neighborhood favorite for drinks and Mediterranean-style cuisine. Only a few steps from the T.D. Garden, Alcove is the spot to go for dinner before or after a game or a show. Head in for dinner to try Alcove's New England oysters, shellfish tower, or miso-glazed salmon. Alcove is also one of Boston's best destinations for brunch, featuring favorites like cinnamon rolls and peach coffee cakes.
Top review
CaitlinVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We had a table of 12 last night before the Celtics playoff game. The staff was friendly, attentive and very knowledgeable when asked about dish sizes and amounts we should order for our large party. Our waiter was so great, the food and atmosphere were wonderful!
Right along the water in Boston's West End neighborhood, Alcove is a neighborhood favorite for drinks and Mediterranean-style cuisine. Only a few steps from the T.D. Garden, Alcove is the spot to go for dinner before or after a game or a show. Head in for dinner to try Alcove's New England oysters, shellfish tower, or miso-glazed salmon. Alcove is also one of Boston's best destinations for brunch, featuring favorites like cinnamon rolls and peach coffee cakes.
Top review
CaitlinVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We had a table of 12 last night before the Celtics playoff game. The staff was friendly, attentive and very knowledgeable when asked about dish sizes and amounts we should order for our large party. Our waiter was so great, the food and atmosphere were wonderful!
Longfellow
4.6 (362)
$30 and under
American
Cambridge
Head into the heart of Harvard Square for one of the best new restaurants in Boston. After a day spent walking around the bustling Harvard Yard, Longfellow is a relaxing destination to sit back and enjoy an excellent meal. Right above the acclaimed Alden & Harlow restaurant and historic Brattle Theater, the Longfellow offers a creative menu of cocktails and dishes. Try one of the low-calorie "session cocktails" with meals like hickory-smoked wing flats, an Italian "grinder" sandwich, or the "Reuben-ish" salad.
Top review
RobertVIP
Dined 2 days ago
It's a small menu, but all the food was very good. The fried chicken sandwich was particularly excellent. Myself and another of our party agreed it was the best one we'd had.
Head into the heart of Harvard Square for one of the best new restaurants in Boston. After a day spent walking around the bustling Harvard Yard, Longfellow is a relaxing destination to sit back and enjoy an excellent meal. Right above the acclaimed Alden & Harlow restaurant and historic Brattle Theater, the Longfellow offers a creative menu of cocktails and dishes. Try one of the low-calorie "session cocktails" with meals like hickory-smoked wing flats, an Italian "grinder" sandwich, or the "Reuben-ish" salad.
Top review
RobertVIP
Dined 2 days ago
It's a small menu, but all the food was very good. The fried chicken sandwich was particularly excellent. Myself and another of our party agreed it was the best one we'd had.
Serafina - Boston Back Bay
4.5 (600)
$30 and under
Italian
Back Bay
The Back Bay location of this Boston favorite is one of the city's best destinations for people-watching. Right on Boston's bustling Newbury Street, Serafina is an ideal place to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing while enjoying an excellent Italian meal. This relaxed and casual restaurant features a full menu of classic Italian favorites, including penna alla vodka, chicken bress paillard, and chicken alla Milanese. A must-go for Newbury Street shoppers.
Top review
Nuala
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Thoughtful and attentive team, excellent house-made pastas and fun drink options by bartender Solomon!
The Back Bay location of this Boston favorite is one of the city's best destinations for people-watching. Right on Boston's bustling Newbury Street, Serafina is an ideal place to relax after a day of shopping and sightseeing while enjoying an excellent Italian meal. This relaxed and casual restaurant features a full menu of classic Italian favorites, including penna alla vodka, chicken bress paillard, and chicken alla Milanese. A must-go for Newbury Street shoppers.
Top review
Nuala
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Thoughtful and attentive team, excellent house-made pastas and fun drink options by bartender Solomon!
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
4.7 (859)
$31 to $50
Cuban
Cambridge
This Cuban restaurant in Cambridge's Porter Square is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop into this colorfully-decorated and lively favorite for some of the most intriguing cuisine in Boston, with a full menu of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The tapas-style small plates include favorites like chicken and Serrano ham croquettes, avocado toast-tones, queso frito, and ropa vieja tacos. There are also plenty of more substantial dishes, like slow-roasted pork with caramelized onions, white rice, black beans, and maduros.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
The atmosphere is warm and the food was incredible!
This Cuban restaurant in Cambridge's Porter Square is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop into this colorfully-decorated and lively favorite for some of the most intriguing cuisine in Boston, with a full menu of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The tapas-style small plates include favorites like chicken and Serrano ham croquettes, avocado toast-tones, queso frito, and ropa vieja tacos. There are also plenty of more substantial dishes, like slow-roasted pork with caramelized onions, white rice, black beans, and maduros.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined on Apr 4, 2025
The atmosphere is warm and the food was incredible!
Eddie V's - Boston
4.8 (1356)
$50 and over
Seafood
Back Bay
This upscale seafood restaurant by the Prudential Center is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop in to enjoy some of the restaurant's live jazz music in its elegant dining room alongside seafood and steak favorites. Try the bacon-wrapped filets with onion jam, arugula salad, and matchstick fries, or the jumbo Gulf shrimp done "Oregonata Style" with lump crab and asparagus.
Top review
MichaelVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Who could ask for more!
This upscale seafood restaurant by the Prudential Center is one of the best new restaurants in Boston. Stop in to enjoy some of the restaurant's live jazz music in its elegant dining room alongside seafood and steak favorites. Try the bacon-wrapped filets with onion jam, arugula salad, and matchstick fries, or the jumbo Gulf shrimp done "Oregonata Style" with lump crab and asparagus.
Top review
MichaelVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Who could ask for more!

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