Boston’s Best Restaurants

Get the dish about our picks for Boston's best restaurants

By: Lauren Fish

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Known for its rich history, Boston has many sights to see and even more places to dine. Here are 5 restaurants that capture the historic nature of the city while also giving you a meal to remember.

Mistral

Mistral Restaurant Boston

Photo by: Mistral

Mistral

Run by Chef Jamie Mammano, this French Mediterranean-inspired dining option will be sure to satisfy even the most hard to please palate. Chef Mammano prides himself on using what’s in season to create his ever-changing seasonal menu. The decor complements the food, with high ceilings and warm lighting. Not in the mood for a full-course meal? Take a seat at the bar and let the bartenders entertain you with the creative cocktails they create. If you are a raw seafood fan, do not leave Mistral without trying the tuna tartare. Rumor has it that Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, pops in every so often just to satisfy his craving for the famous appetizer. Business casual or dressy will make you feel at home. Reservations, especially on weekends, are recommended.

Price Range: $21-$50

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Seafoods Boston

Photo by: Boston Globe / Getty Images

Boston Globe / Getty Images

You cannot visit Boston, the birthplace of Legal Sea Foods, without having at least one meal at one of its many locations throughout Boston. Known for its chowder and other fresh, local seafood selections, visitors and Bostonians alike come to “Legals,” as it is called, for a great meal and some “chowda.” Most recently, Legals introduced its Seaport location called “Legal Harborside.” With views of the Boston Harbor, this 20,000-square-foot property has a first-floor casual menu and oyster bar, second floor for private and fine dining and third-floor bar with a retractable roof and walls for drinks and cocktails outside when it’s warm. Very open and bright, this is not for someone looking for a quiet, cozy dining experience. Anything goes for attire in any of the Legal Sea Foods locations.

Price range: $25-$30

No. 9 Park

No. 9 Park Boston

Photo by: Susie Cushner

Susie Cushner

Looking for an intimate dinner with candlelight in a historic townhouse on Beacon Hill? No. 9 Park is your place. With its elegant setting composed of antique-style chandeliers and original wood floors, the menu is Italian- and French-inspired. Run by James Beard Award winner Barbara Lynch, Boston foodies widely consider No. 9 Park the best food in the city. If you cannot get a reservation, try to sit at the bar and have dinner there, as it is a great place to sit and watch the Beacon Hillers and local executives come in and out. Business casual attire is recommended, although history has shown to lean more on the side of business.

Price Range: $50+

Sonsie

Sonsie Restaurant Boston

Photo by: Bing

Bing

Sonsie is located on Boston’s famous fashion row Newbury Street -- where Bostonians go to shop and to be seen. Sonsie is no exception. The restaurant’s facade may be unassuming when you walk by, but the interior is much larger and more modern than expected. The restaurant is crowded almost every night for dinner or drinks and again on Sunday for its famous brunch. With its American fare menu, choices can range from gourmet brick-oven pizza to steak. Loud and bustling, the bar has a great selection of wine and signature cocktails. Any attire goes but make sure it’s in style, as this crowd will almost always contain local celebrities and professional sports figures.

Price Range: $25-$50

Ristorante Fiore

Ristorante Fiore in Boston

Photo by: Boston Globe / Getty Images

Boston Globe / Getty Images

Fiore is located on Hanover Street in Boston’s historic Italian North End. The area contains more dining options per square foot than any other place in the city. Although there are many great restaurants in the North End, Fiore has the perfect combination of great food, friendly waitstaff and endearing atmosphere. This place is nothing fancy, but if you are craving an authentic Italian meal with some of the best red sauce around, you have to make your way over to Fiore. If the weather is warm enough, try to score seats on the roof deck. You will feel like you are in old- world Italy, even if it is just for a couple of hours. Attire is business casual. Anything but shorts and T-shirts will do.

Price Range: $25-$45