First of all, let us make it clear that this is a purely impressionistic selection of sixty eating places from among a much larger number of restaurants in the Boston-Cambridge-Brookline area (which has over 300). They have been selected mostly on the basis of actual experience by people at the African Studies Center (our budget did not allow us to sample every eating place in the area, much as we wished it did).
Second: we deliberately did not include the excellent and obviously accessible establishments you will find on the premises of the Sheraton Boston, where the ASA meeting is being held. We assumed, in other words, that some of you might enjoy “dining out” in the literal sense of the term –or, to put it differently, going out “on the town” (the “town”, in this case, covering the “inner” part of “greater Boston”, i.e. Boston proper, Cambridge and parts of Brookline).
Some general indication of the prices you may expect to pay is given by the number of $ signs listed. The self-explanatory ratings range from $ (inexpensive) to $$ (moderate), $$$ (fairly expensive), and $$$$ (most expensive).
Next to each restaurant's street address (and phone numbers, since reservations are often advisable), you will find a location code that tells you in what part of the city the restaurant is located. These locations are approximate, and some eating places are located at the margins of two indicated areas. The location markers are:
In Boston:
BB: The “Back Bay” area (on either side of Commonwealth Avenue from the Public gardens through Kenmore Square)
BH : Beacon Hill (from Charles Street to Downtown Crossing)
BU : The BU campus area, Commonwealth Ave. from Kenmore Square to Allston/Brighton
CH : Old “Chinatown”, stretching to the South Station
CS : The Copley Square area (from Massachusetts Ave. to the Boston Common)
NE : North End (commonly known as the Italian section, now being yuppified)
QM : Quincy Market (near Faneuil Hall, and adjacent to the Financial District)
SE : South End (an undefined area stretching S. of the CS area, which may have the widest range of new and
interesting eating places)
SH : Symphony Hall (along Huntington Ave., from Massachusetts Ave. to the MFA)
TD : Theatre District (near intersection of Tremont and Stuart Streets)
In Cambridge:
HS : The Harvard Square area (a 1-mile radius around Harvard Yard)
KS : Kendall Square (near MIT's “Tech Square”, but stretching to E. Cambridge)
IS : Inman Square (where Cambridge and Hampshire St. intersect, halfway between HS and KS)
PS : Porter Square (Massachusetts Avenue, North of Harvard Square)
In Brookline :
BV : Brookline Village
CC: Coolidge Corner
Most of the Boston locations (esp. CS, BB, BH, SH and SE) are within walking distance from the Sheraton. In the case of SE, unless you are familiar with the area, we suggest taking a cab (for a short ride) to avoid getting lost.
The TD, CH, WH, QM and NE areas are a bit further, although the latter two (QM and NE) are located on the “Freedom Trail”, which some of you may want to follow.
All locations are accessible by subway (the “T”), though marginally so for NE and SE.
Cambridge locations, except IS, are accessible by the T's “Red Line”, which has stations named “Harvard Square”, “Kendall Square”, and “Porter Square”
Brookline locations can be reached by the T, or by cab.
We tried to offer a balanced selection (price-wise), but keep in mind that, in most instances, the restaurants listed are not isolated, which means that you will usually find several plausible alternatives in their immediate vicinity (esp. in the CS, BB, SE, CH or HS areas) .
* Websites have been provided whenever possible, and give you updated information on menus, wines &c
Addis Red Sea 544 Tremont St., Boston, 617-426-8727 (SE) $$
Spicy Ethiopian stews arrive on huge sourdough pancakes as patrons sit on stools around wicker basket tables. Be sure to start with a warm dip and the cottage cheese with red-pepper powder. As an “Africanist” (even if you are not a “Hornist”), you will have no problem dispensing with silverware. http://www.addisredsea.com/
Antico Forno 93 Salem Street, Boston (N. End), 617-723-6733 (NE) $$
As its name suggests, most of the dishes are cooked in a brick oven –and they include a lot more than pizzas! Same owners as “Terramia” across the street, but prices are definitely more affordable, which adds up to a great value. http://www.anticofornoboston.com/
Aquitaine 569 Tremont St., Boston, 617-424-8577 (SE) $$$
One of the best in the South End. French-style upscale bistro (it has foie gras and truffles). Look for the daily specials, and consider it for brunch. The wine list is quite good. This has been a popular place with the South End crowd for some time, so try to make a reservation! http://www.aquitaineboston.com/
Argana 1287 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-868-1247 (IS) $$ 1/2
There have been mixed reviews of this Moroccan restaurant (Sephardic influences are evident), but there seems to be no comparable Maghrebi restaurant in the area. Inman Square has, in any case, a wide range of alternatives to offer –most of them relatively inexpensive.
Atasca 50 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-621-6991 (KS) $$
Started as a warm, friendly small restaurant on Broadway, but has moved around the corner to a larger, but somewhat less intimate location. Vinho verde , of course, but ask for the house red and enjoy the cod, crab or fish cakes, the chopped-octopus salad, the cataplana —clams, mussels and shrimps with ham and linguica served in a traditional copper steamer— or the caldeiradas (the Portuguese equivalent of bouillabaisse), and any kind of bacalhau . Some of Portugal's most proletarian dishes, such as dobradinha (tripe casserole), polvo guizado (stewed octopus) or sardinhas grelhadas (grilled sardines) are particularly authentic - and recommended. http://www.atasca.com/hamp/index.html
Atlantic Fish Co . 761, Boylston Street, Boston, 877-278-1270 (CS) $$
A good fish restaurant across from the Prudential. You will not find any “nouvelle cuisine” pretensions in the way they prepare their seafood, but good, honest fare (and a nice choice of shellfish). http://www.bbrginc.com/afco/1.html
Aujourd'hui 200 Boylston St. (Four Seasons Hotel), Boston, 617-451-1392 (CS/BH) $$$$
Proudly advertises its “oak paneling, potted palms, and damask linens”, and rightly boasts a great view on the Public Gardens. The food more than matches the décor. For dinner, the prix fixe ‘Chef's tasting menu' and ‘Autumn tasting menu' (ca.$70) or the ‘Vegetarian' ($52) may tempt you away from the impressive (and pricey) carte. But with items such as Ahi tuna tartare with smoked Hamachi and Kumamoto oyster, plus Osetra Caviar (this as a single cold appetizer!), or “Late harvest corn soup with brandade and poached cod cheek” , you may never need (or afford) to get to the entrees. Lunch is significantly less elaborate. http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/vacations/dining_56.html
The Bristol Lounge , downstairs, is less expensive, and, in addition to lunch and dinner, offers a proper Afternoon Tea, and even —Brahmins be damned!— a Tapas menu…http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/vacations/dining_347.html
Bangkok Blue 651 Boylston St., Boston, 617-266-1010 (CS) $$
Very good all-around Thai restaurant, and often easier to get into than Back Bay neighbors offering half the flavor at three times the price. Good with coconut milk and seafood and dumplings, especially golden triangles, rendang (an Indonesian coconut stew), choo chee fisherman, and, for dessert, Thai custard.
The Blue Room One Kendall Sq., Cambridge, 617-494-9034 (KS) $$$
A quietly great Cambridge restaurant with an eclectic heritage of seafood, big flavors, and live fire, but with an additional French bistro sub-theme with post-peasant dishes. Excellent service of wines by the glass and uniquely correct tea service. Great (and usually busy) Sunday brunch! http://www.theblueroom.net/main.html
Boston Beer Works 61 Brookline Ave., Boston, 617-536-2337 (BU) $1/2
One of the city's first brewpubs, this vast reconverted industrial space across from Fenway Park offers a large and changing selection of beers, from cask-conditioned ales to fruit-accented novelties. The menu is hearty and simple, but includes such specialties as mako-shark skewers. http://www.beerworks.net/html/locations_fenway.html
Brasserie Jo 120 Huntington Ave. (Colonnade Hotel), Boston, 617-425-3240 (CS) $$$
Boston offshoot of a famous Chicago place by the same name. Traditional French bistro flavors with some hearty Alsatian dishes. Particularly noteworthy are the entrees, such as choucroute garnie , coq au vin , duckling à l'orange , or (when available) boudin aux pommes . Good cabbage and potatoes on the side. http://www.colonnadehotel.com/dining_at_brasserie_jo/
Café Brazil 521, Cambridge Street, Boston (Allston); 617-789-5980 (BU) $1/2
Probably Boston's oldest (and, many would claim, most authentic) Brazilian restaurant, with an unpretentious décor, congenial service, low prices and huge servings. Try the “Minas Especial” , the Rabada (oxtail), or the “Brazil 2001”. All dishes come with rice and feijao (black beans), but the full feijoada completa is served only on weekends (along with many great chicken versions).
Cafe of India 52A Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-661-0683 (HS) $1/2
A conventional Indian restaurant menu near Harvard Square, bearing some notable vegetarian dishes: especially a notable okra specialty, bhindi masala kadahi . Fine fried appetizers and stuffed breads. http://www.cafeofindia.com/index.htm
Cambridge Brewing Company One Kendall Square, Cambridge 617-494-8958 ( KS) $
Notable for its home brews, this microbrewery also features some of the best (and robust) food that one may want to wash down with one of the “specials”. It sits across the far more elegant (and expensive) “Blue Room”, and next to “Tommy Doyle's” Irish pub, but it also has the advantage of being within spitting distance of the Kendall Square Cinema (best place to catch recent foreign movies in greater Boston). http://www.cambrew.com/
Casablanca 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-876-0999 (HS) $$1/2
Chef Ruth-Ann Adams has taken the helm from Ana Sortun [now running “Oleana”], who helped build this Harvard Square institution into an impressive North African-inflected restaurant. Great choice of appetizers, especially at night. The front room is quiet, the back room (with bar) is livelier —i.e. noisier. http://www.casablanca-restaurant.com/
Clio 370A Commonwealth Ave (Eliot Hotel), Boston, 617-536-7200 (BB/BU) $$$$
The chef offers a cuisine of “focused flavors and sculptural precision”: foie gras , intense seared hanger steak, scallops on a pedestal of salt (!) The leopard-carpeted dining room is not a homage to the late Mobutu, but perhaps a way to emphasize the contrast with the stuffy Harvard Club next door. http://www.cliorestaurant.com/
Cornwall's Restaurant and Oyster Bar 564, Commonwealth Avenue (Kenmore Sq.), Boston (BU) $1/2
Eighteen (or more) special beers on tap, and many more bottled brands, but the food is also worth the trip: the owner cooks it as a labor of love, and you can tell! Next to the BU Bookstore (Barnes & Noble, actually), and a great favorite of the BU crowd, as well as of the baseball fans (Fenway Park is across the square). http://www.cornwalls.com/
Craigie Street Bistrot 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge MA, 617-497-5511 (HS) $$$
The cuisine of this new restaurant is described as “French”, “fusion” and “eclectic”. All these buzz words should not turn you off, but the prices are high, and the offerings listed include rillettes, œufs meurette, terrine de foie gras, confit …of chicken, and other attractive items. Closer to Radcliffe than to Harvard Yard.(Eves. only) http://www.craigiestreetbistrot.com/
Dolphin Seafood 1105, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-661-2937 (HS/CS) $
Fresh, reasonably priced seafood, prepared in traditional fashion. Nothing nouveau about this small, sunny, family-run place, but good value and lively atmosphere. Much frequented by Harvard Square crowd. http://www.dolphinseafood.com/
Durgin Park 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market), Boston 617-227-2038 (QM) $$
Nothing changes at this 1827 establishment that was on the spot long before the Custom House. Tourists and locals line up for the rare prime rib, seafood, corn bread, Indian pudding, and hot apple pandowdy. The no-nonsense waitresses, as well as the long, communal eating tables, are part of what makes it a legend. http://www.durgin-park.com/
East Ocean City 25-29 Beach St., Boston, 617-542-2504/4223 (CH) $$
Handsomely decorated Cantonese / Hong Kong restaurant that actually nets a fish from the dining-room tank for your steamed fish: you can taste the difference. Good house-special soup, clams in black bean sauce, king tou spares, and chow foon as well.
The Elephant Walk (2 locations: KS & PS) $$
- 900 Beacon Street, Boston, 617-247-1500 (just outside Kenmore Square on the way to Brookline)
- 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-492-6900 (just beyond Porter Square).
The food at Elephant Walk is interesting —a mix of French and Cambodian.
http://www.elephantwalk.com/ & http://www.elephantwalk.com/CAMBRIDGE/
L'Espalier 30 Gloucester Street, Boston 617-262-3023 (BB) $$$$
Something of a legend, this restaurant has gone through several owners and reincarnations. It remains the best French restaurant in Boston. Pricey, but worth it, according to most patrons. http://www.lespalier.com/
Excelsior 272, Boylston Street, Boston, 426-7878 (CS/BH) $$$$
This is the latest the morphing of the legendary Biba's , still at the same location, still controlled by Lydia Shire (even if she now officiates at Locke-Ober ), and still featuring lobster pizza, a signature dish presumably meant to retain Biba's yuppie clientele, as well as steak with the fat left on (because, as she says, “eating a steak without fat is like taking a shower with your clothes on”). http://www.excelsiorrestaurant.com/home
Great Bay 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (Kenmore Square) 617-532-5300 (BU) $$$$
A brand-new addition to the newly gentrified Kenmore Square, housed in the equally new Hotel Commonwealth (BU's entry in the league of university-backed hotels for well-heeled parents inaugurated by Harvard and MIT). The restaurant, run by the people who brought us “Radius” and “Via Matta”, emphasizes seafood, but (needless to say) also offers steaks for the fearless parents. Elsewhere in the hotel are a self-styled “authentic French bistro” (a breakfast place, it seems. http://www.hotelcommonwealth.com/dining/
Gyuhama 827 Boylston St., Boston, 617-437-0188 (BB/SH) $$
One of the best sushi places in the city. The tables, the sushi bar, and the traditional screened-off rooms in the back fill up nightly with earnest sushi fans.
Hamersley's Bistro 553 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-2700 (SE) $$$1/2
French-inspired food with a distinctly American and decidedly upscale accent, even if the chefs wear baseball caps. Famed for its duck confit, wild-mushroom-and-garlic sandwich, roast chicken with garlic, lemon, and parsley —a permanent classic— or halibut in crispy rice paper with peaches and mint —a recent addition. Has been rated as one of Boston's best, and while this may be disputed, the place is usually crammed. Reservations! http://www.hamersleysbistro.com/
The Helmand 143 First St., Cambridge, 617-492-4646 (KS) $$1/2
Greater Boston's first Afghan restaurant, and also one of the finest South Asian restaurants we have. Serves dishes with a seamless style in a beautiful setting with fine service. Both vegetarians and meat-eaters will find choices to delight them. Reservations advised. http://www.helmand.com/
Hennessy's 25, Union Street, Boston, 617-742-2121 (QM) $1/2
Located near the Union Oyster House in what old Bostonians still refer to as the “Haymarket” or “Scollay Square” area (and the new ones as the Faneuil Hall or Quincy Market area), this is a pretty authentic (if not ancient) Irish pub, long on drinks and short on foods. Frequented, it seems, by recent Irish immigrants, who presumably find it fairly reminiscent of the Old Sod. http://www.somersirishpubs.com/hennessys/
Henrietta's Table 1 Bennett St. (Charles Hotel), Cambridge, 617-661-5005 (HS) $$$
This restaurant prides itself on using only the best New England produce, and even has a farm stand built right into the decor. Chefs visible in an open kitchen prepare down-home, cozy country fare, as well as simple but inspired Continental cuisine and fresh-baked desserts. Impressive, if pricey ($42 per person) Sunday brunch. The wine list is all-American, and the beers are mostly from local breweries. http://www.henriettastable.com/
Jacob Wirth 31-37 Stuart St., Boston, 617-338-8586 (CH/TD) $$
Their recipe for warm potato salad dates from the 19th century, and it's good potato salad, too. Also check out the sausage plates, the Wiener schnitzel, and the 18 beers on tap at this “cavernous relic of 19th-century German conviviality”. Even the waiters look like they come out of the 1900s. A landmark! http://www.jacobwirth.com/
John Harvard's Brew House 33 Dunster St., Cambridge, 617-868-3585 (HS) $1/2
Try all the ales (brewed right here) on the Bard's Sampler, then split a pint of the toasty Irish Export Stout. Food is actually very good —homemade chowders, their signature chicken pot pie, grilled meatloaf, and stout mudslide pie. http://www.johnharvards.com/
Lala Rokh 97 Mount Vernon St., Boston, 617-720-5511 (BH) $$$
Exotic, authentic, romantic, and beautiful, are some of the adjectives used to describe Lala Rokh —the only place in Boston dedicated to Persian cuisine. Don't miss the eggplant appetizer and pilaf entrees. Many unique garnishes and subtle flavors do justice to a rare and classic cuisine. http://www.lalarokh.com/
Legal Sea Foods 255 State St. (Aquarium), Boston, 617-742-5300 (WF/QM) $$1/2
This Legal Sea Foods has a dual personality: Aquarium-bound family lunches by day, waterfront bistronians by night. It could even be a wine bar, if you don't mind having the food overwhelm the wine. The raw bar is featured here, and the wood-grilled dishes set the standard for the waterfront. There are four other restaurants in that ubiquitous chain that started as a small take-out fish joint in Inman Square. In the Boston area alone, there is one in the Park Plaza building, and one in the Prudential building on Huntington Avenue, one near Harvard Square, and one in Chestnut Hill —not to mention DC and Florida - and so, it is hard to avoid, but the quality is consistent. http://www.legalseafoods.com/index.cfm/page/Home
Locke-Ober 3 Winter Place, Boston, 617-542-1340 (BH) $$$$
Boston's grand 19th-century dining room, preserved for a century by Yankee loyalty, and now restored to ancient glory by Lydia Shire, as though to test whether it can be extremely hip to be extremely square. The best food may be the occasional innovation, like scallop tournedos with pea tendrils, though most will want the classics: lobster Savannah, anchovies Winter Place, calves liver and onions, steak tartare, oysters Gino, sweetbreads Eugenie under glass, and the ‘historic' dessert…Indian pudding! Dress well and carry a big credit card (lunch is somewhat more affordable). http://www.lockeober.com/
Maluken 645, Beacon Street, Boston (Buckminster Hotel, Kenmore Square), 617-859-8828 (BU) $
Good, no-nonsense Japanese restaurant, recently re-decorated and re-opened. Good “Bento Box” lunches.
Nº 9 Park 9, Park Street, Boston, 617-742-9991 (BH) $$$$
Past winner of awards for “best new American” restaurant, this is definitely worth the trip (as the Michelin guide would put it), and perhaps also the price, but reservations are hard to get. Subdued elegance fitting with the Beacon Hill location (even if it is close to “Brimstone Corner”). Famed specialties include duck, pruned-stuffed gnocchi (optionally topped with foie gras) and passion-fruit Margaritas… Need we say more?
Oleana 134, Hampshire Street, Cambridge 617-661-0505 (KS/IS) $$$
Run by Ana Sortun (formerly of Casablanca's) and Gary Griffin, this restaurant is located halfway between Kendall Square and Inman Square, in an uninspiring neighborhood, but the food (with a subtle North African /Near East influence) more than makes up for this slight drawback. Prices are what the French would call “justifiés”, and the restaurant is often crowded, so make a reservation. The desserts (especially the ice creams) are excellent. http://www.oleanarestaurant.com/
Perdix 560 Tremont St., Boston, 617-338-8070 (SE) $$$
This restaurant, which earned high marks when it was located in Jamaica Plain, has now moved to the South End to replace a predecessor named “Truc”. Owned by Tim Patridge (hence the name), it gets good early reviews. Fish entrees and (for dessert), crême brulée are noted, and the wine list appears good. http://www.perdixrestaurant.com/
Petit Robert Bistro 468 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, 617-375-0699 (BB/BU) $$$
Not named after the popular French dictionary, but genealogically descended from the now defunct “Maison Robert”, this small and elegant French restaurant located in a semi-basement close to Kenmore Square is co-owned by chef Jacky Robert (son of Lucien), and by manager Loïc le Garrec. The dinner menu features regional specialties such as Duck Confit and Armagnac Sausage with Braised Cabbage, Tripes Provençales or Lamb Cassoulet with Grilled Garlic Saucisson. The lunch menu is more in the bistro tradition, with Croque-Monsieurs (and also burgers!), but with some interesting items such as Leek Vinaigrette with Smoked Duck Breast. Also features a separate Pastry Bar. The well-chosen wine list consists in almost equal parts of French and California vintages. http://www.petitrobertbistro.com/
Remington 124, Boylston Street, Boston, 617-574-9676 (TD) $$
And now, for something entirely different: this funky spot, vaguely reminiscent of an Irish pub, which houses a comedy club (on weekends) is suitably located in the Theater District, but caters mostly to the after-show patrons with basic offerings and atmosphere (the predictable signed photos are on the wall).
Rialto 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge(Charles Hotel), 617- 661-5050 (HS) $$$$
Located across from Henrietta's Table and open only for dinner, this is a formal, elegant (and expensive) restaurant with “Mediterranean-inspired” food, whose claims to “authenticity” and “earthiness” should not be taken too seriously, but the taste test is undeniably convincing. http://www.rialto-restaurant.com/
Saffron 279A Newbury St., 617-536-9766 (BB) $$$
The first contemporary Indian restaurant in Boston has some impressive items, especially among the appetizers, where Indian flavors weave in and out of trendy nouvelle presentations to create something totally different and amazing. The "potato and duck bernasi," for instance, is a two-layer soup involving liquefied duck. Entrees are more predictable, but the menu of traditional Indian dishes is special, if a bit pricey. Stylishly decorated.
Sandrine's Bistro 8 Holyoke St., Cambridge, 617-497-5300 (HS) $$$
Pretty serious and beautifully prepared food, especially for something called a bistro, but the dedication to the food of Alsace ensures that soups and entrees have hearty, bistro-like flavors. Tasting the choucroute will help you understand why the French eat as much sauerkraut as the Germans. And then there's foie gras, and the signature pizza-like flammekueche , loaded with onions and smoked bacon. Small but excellent choice of desserts. http://www.sandrines.com/home.html
Sel de la Terre 255 State St. (Aquarium), Boston, 617-720-1300 (WF/QM) $$$
A large and stylish Provencal restaurant owned by Frank McClelland, chef of the ultra-high-end “L'Espalier”. The lunch menu is a $19 prix fixe (served only Mon-Fri.), and they also have inexpensive late-night snacks, as well as an attractive brunch menu. The country French flavors may not be out of this world, but their consistency puts a lot of bistros to shame. http://www.seldelaterre.com/
Shanti: Taste of India 277B Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-867-9700 (SH) $$
Boston's first Bangladeshi restaurant, although they also offer the familiar pan-Indian menu. The Huntington Avenue locale is right next to Symphony Hall, and appropriately spiffed up. Features rich biryani pilafs and spinach sauces, nicely-handled shrimp dishes, or items with "Bangladeshi-style spices." http://www.shantiboston.com/
S&S Deli 1334 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-354-0620 (IS) $
You can get a bit of everything here -- traditional deli food to innovative entrees to desserts. Great burgers and omelets; popular for weekend brunch. http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/
St. Petersburg Café 236, Washington Street, Brookline, 617-277-7100 (BV) $$1/2
Authentic Russian food in the area with the largest concentration of Russian immigrants. This should guarantee that you are getting the real thing (including, on occasion, the music) –i.e. items with such names as Satzivi, Kholodetz, Pelimeni, Tabaka chicken –and, of course borscht and blinis (not to mention the vodkas, of which they have an amazing collection).
Taberna de Haro 999 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-277-8272 (KS) $$1/2
The most modern Spanish tapas place in the city may also be the most authentic: there really are no dinners per se, and the food is tuned salty and small to complement the dry sherries of Spain. A great evening if you like this kind of eating, and better if you connect early and often with the grilled asparagus, boquerones (white anchovies), pollo en pepitoria , gambas al ajillo , or the platter of Spanish cheeses. Paella is available, but spy it first on someone else's table to see if it meets your standards…
Terramia 98 Salem Street, Boston (N. End), 617-523-3112 (NE) $$$
Small, and usually quite crowded Italian restaurant that draws rave reviews. Some interesting items are fritelle di aragosta (lobster fritters), and salmone crostini (among other antipasti ), and Riso con cavolo verza e salsicce (rice with Savoy cabbage and sausage), Ravioli ai funghi con anatra (wild mushroom ravioli with duck confit) or Agnello con verdure di radice (Grilled star anise and espresso rubbed rack of lamb with roasted root vegetables). No dessert or coffee on the premises (but readily available around the corner). Good (pricey) Italian and US wine list. http://www.terramiaristorante.com/
Thai Basil 132 Newbury St., Boston, 617 424-8424 (BB) $$
Underground but elegant effort to offer a consistent Thai menu in the Back Bay. Excellent porpia tod (spring rolls), and quality across the board, from the tamarind duck to the spicy "choo chee fisherman."
Tommy Doyle's 1, Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-225-0888 (KS) $1/2
Located in the “Tech square” area (MIT-country), this is nevertheless one of the best Irish pubs and restaurants in the Boston area. Some interesting choices, and the requisite array of beers and ales. Live music on occasion.
Tremont 647 647 Tremont St., Boston, 617-266-4600 (SE)
This long and cozy bistro is in fashion (hence crowded) with beautifully grilled food, clever but not overbearing. Duck confit atop a sauce of red wine and white raisins; tater tots infused with truffle oil; steamed Chilean sea bass wrapped in a huge banana leaf. Also, try the connected “Sister Sorel” next door. http://www.tremont647.com/
Troquet 140 Boylston St., Boston, 617-695-WINE (TD) $$$
A very great wine bar, and a good, if limited French dining room. A separate bar menu is available. Caters to the before or after theater crowd, with small plates like the duck confit, the assorted pâtés and foie gras, oysters or the cheese plate. Those with a full evening to spend (and a strong appetite) will love the roast suckling pig, and the fancy desserts. The wine is the central attraction here, with suggestions to accompany any food choice. http://www.troquetboston.com/
Turner Fisheries 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-424-7425 (CS) $$$
In the Copley Place Mall. Traditional seafood favorites, as well as more exotic offerings. Fresh fish prepared to order; also a raw bar, which is reputed to have the widest choice of oysters. http://www.turnersboston.com/
Union Oyster House 41 Union Street, Boston (Faneuil Hall), 617-227-2750 (QM) $$
Claims to be Boston's oldest restaurant, and located in a house where the future French king Louis-Philippe (then in exile) once stayed and earned a living by giving French lessons. Later frequented by Daniel Webster who seems to have appreciated its fresh oysters (as do modern Bostonians). Try to eat on the “historic” ground floor —or at the bar— rather than in the busy, nondescript upstairs rooms. http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/
Upstairs on the Square 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, 617-864-1933 (HS) $$$$
A reincarnation of the famous “Upstairs at the Pudding”, in a new location (above Grendel's), but with the same excellent cuisine that made the original famous. The cooking staff earned their stripes in several of Boston's (and Cambridge's) best restaurants. http://www.upstairsonthesquare.com/
Via Matta 79, Park Plaza, Boston, 617-422-0008 (CS) $$$
An upscale Italian restaurant with interesting antipasti and unusual pasta dishes. Desserts also come recommended, and the wine choices (Italian, of course) are good, but not cheap. http://www.viamattarestaurant.com
Les Zygomates 129 South St., Boston, 617-542-5108 (CH) $$1/2
In the old “leather district” (no –not what you think!), just N. of Chinatown, this bistro with a genuinely French feel has a wine-bar angle (the list of 40-odd wines changes weekly), a jazz angle (nightly live music in one room), and a Gallic angle. The menu has an authentic French flavor, with none of the faddish conceits about “nouvelle” or “fusion” culinary experiments. A prix fixe menu is available (and a good value). http://www.winebar.com/
If you want more information (and more selections) you can try these web locations:
http://boston.citysearch.com/section/restaurants/
http://phantomgourmet.com/frame.asp
http://www.boston.com/dining/search
http://bostonfr.com/restaurantlist.jsp (in French)