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Boston food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Boston.
What to eat in Boston
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Clam Chowder
A thick, creamy New England-style chowder packed with tender clams and potatoes. It's a quintessential taste of coastal Massachusetts, best enjoyed on a chilly day.
Lobster Roll
Succulent chunks of fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayonnaise or butter, served in a toasted, split-top bun. A true taste of the Atlantic.
Boston Cream Pie
Not a pie at all, but a sponge cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate glaze. This iconic dessert originated at Boston's Parker House Hotel.
Oysters
Boston is surrounded by excellent oyster beds, offering fresh, briny bivalves. Enjoy them raw on the half shell with mignonette or cocktail sauce.
Cannoli
Crispy fried pastry shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit. A staple of Boston's Italian-American heritage.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Historic, bustling, old-world charm with narrow streets.
Elegant, sophisticated, with upscale dining and charming cafes.
Modern, trendy, waterfront with innovative restaurants.
Charming, historic, cobblestone streets with cozy pubs and bistros.
Dietary notes
While Boston offers increasing options, traditional New England cuisine is often meat and seafood-heavy. Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more common, especially in Back Bay and the Seaport, but may require specific searching at older establishments.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping 18-20% for good service at restaurants is standard.
- •Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and at popular spots.
- •Dress code is generally smart casual, though some fine dining establishments may require more formal attire.
- •Cash is accepted everywhere, but most places prefer or are moving towards card payments.
- •Don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations; Bostonians are proud of their city's food scene.
Plan the rest of your Boston trip
Food guides elsewhere