How To Explore Boston’s World-Class Drinking And Dining Scene

31.12.2023 - 18:55 / forbes.com / Art

Though not quite as populous as cities like New York and Los Angeles, Boston’s charming colonial-era neighborhoods and wealth of world-class universities have vaulted the city to worldwide stardom—and as an added bonus, Boston is also blessed with a stellar drinking and dining scene for visitors to explore. While the city is best known for its seafood, dishes span all walks of life across the metro area, with a diverse array of bars and restaurants specializing in cuisines and cooking styles from all across the globe. As you plan your next trip to the northeast, the following venues are perfect for crafting a truly memorable foray into the thriving food scene found across New England’s largest city.

“In terms of major cities, Boston is the most connected to seafood and what visitors think of when they come here. We have access to the best seafood in the world. Amazing oysters from farms like Island Creek Oysters and Glidden Point, the best tuna in the world just off the coast, Maine lobster of course, clams from Ipswich, a huge variety of fin fish and more."- Michael Serpa, Chef and Owner of Little Whale Oyster Bar, Select Oyster Bar and Atlántico

Blessed with a shellfish-rich coastline and frigid waters teeming with oceanic wildlife, few regions across North America can match the world-renowned seafood scene found across Massachusetts. For bivalve fans in particular, Little Whale offers a wealth of high-end Bay State oysters served alongside dishes like leek and fennel-infused Maine mussels and sautéed clams, while Atlántico has earned widespread acclaim for their crispy bacalao croquettes, albondigas and other Spanish-style tapas. Meanwhile, those in search of a top-tier lobster roll can swing by The Barking Crab—a colorful waterfront venue that debuted in 1994—or pay a visit to The Banks Fish House, a Back Bay institution that’s also mastered the art of classic New England clam chowder.

In addition to traditional New England cuisine, the city of Boston also offers a wealth of internationally-inspired seafood dishes as well. For a particularly refined night out on the city, O Ya provides guests with a carefully-curated 20-part omakase experience that highlights the flavors of New England through traditional Japanese preparation methods—but for a sampling of South America’s seafood scene, it’s best to head across the Charles. In the heart of Cambridge’s Inman Square, Muqueca specializes in a savory Brazilian seafood stew that serves as the restaurant’s namesake, while neighboring Somerville is home to Celeste, a polished venue that crafts incredible Peruvian-style ceviche served alongside the perfect pisco sour.

“Boston’s cocktail scene is thriving. We have a lot of spirits made here locally and