Restaurants

And now, on to the important stuff...what to eat! Boston is not lacking in good restaurants, and we could rattle off many more places here. These are simply a few of our favorites organized by neighborhood.

Back Bay: the heart of the city

Legal Sea Foods, various locations
Yeah, we know it's a chain. But it's still a Boston classic.
LegalSeafoods.com

Bar Lola
Good tapas, great drinks.
BarLola.com

South End: our neighborhood = foodie haven

Toro
Best tapas in town & perhaps our favorite restaurant. They take no reservations; expect a 30 minute -2 hour wait during the dinner rush. To be assured a table, arrive at 5. Don't miss the corn and the cod cakes.
Toro-Restaurant.com

Franklin Cafe
Another favorite. Has no sign—just a martini glass. Fabulous, fresh food & great drinks every time. Also takes no reservations, so expect a wait.
FranklinCafe.com

Myers + Chang
Asian fusion, diner-style and served in small plates. Casual and friendly. Think gourmet food truck.
MyersAndChang.com

B&G Oysters Ltd.
The place for oysters. Reservations highly recommended.
BandGOysters.com

Union Bar and Grille
Hearty American meals, reinvented. Always delicious.
UnionRestaurant.com

Downtown

O Ya
If you want to *truly* splurge on a culinary masterpiece, call for reservations at once. If you are lucky enough to get in, start saving. You won't regret it! Sitting at the chef's table in this tiny, 35 seat gem is a true pleasure. Small plates, sushi-style with a French twist.
OyaRestaurantBoston.com

North End: Little Italy

Giacomo's
Cash only & no reservations accepted for this reasonably-priced North End institution. Expect at least a 30 minute wait standing outside.
GiacomosBlog-Boston.blogspot.com

Monica's
Authentic, understated Italian. Either the Vinoteca or the Trattoria.
MonicasBoston.com

The Modern Pastry
After dinner, stroll over here for our favorite cannoli.
ModernPastry.com

Cambridge

Veggie Planet
Vegetarian pizza place by day, legendary Harvard Square folk Club Passim by night.
VeggiePlanet.net

Darwin's
Creative, heaping sandwiches; very 02138.
DarwinsLTD.com

Bartley's
Fantastic burgers (including veggie), with an always-timely menu.
MrBartley.com

Brunch

Much like New York, brunch is part of the culture in Boston. On the weekends, it is generally served from 10-2 (sometimes 3). If you arrive after 11, expect a wait standing outside.

Metropolis
Our regular brunch place in the South End.
MetropolisBoston.com

Mike and Patty's
Tiny spot in our old neighborhood, Bay Village. It's so small, in fact, that you may have to wait for/eat your food outside. Delicious food; charming neighborhood.
MikeAndPattys.com