For all of the food-loving folks around Boston, here’s some good news: Restaurant Week (otherwise known as Dine Out Boston) is happening now. It’s a great way to explore the city’s culinary goings-on for a little less coin but with 140+ participating restaurants, you might not be sure where to start. Luckily, the town’s top tastemakers have provided their recommendations on where to go during Restaurant Week — and if you follow any of them on Instagram, you know they have great taste in food. See what suggestions they’re serving up below! Find your complete guide to Restaurant Week here.
Boston Foodgram: Emily Chan
Instagram // Website // Tastemakers Feature
Harvest — Every meal I have had here is delicious, starting with the appetizers and finishing with dessert. Definitely save room for the beautiful and intricate dessert by Pastry Chef Josh Livsey!
Rail Stop Restaurant & Bar — This is a spacious restaurant in Brighton with extensive food and cocktail menus! Their restaurant week menu is one of the larger ones, so there is something for everyone!
The Beehive — A unique spot in the South End with live jazz music. They serve New American flavorful comfort food. I love coming here for a change up in dining experience!
Boston Food Journal: Brittany DiCapua
Instagram // Tastemakers Feature
Boston Chops — Boston Chops is really, really delicious. It’s pretty awesome you can get a three course meal (likely including a top, prime steak) for just $38. I’d definitely add this to my ‘top picks’ list because it would be the most perfect date night or weekend activity with friends — you can eat like kings and queens without breaking the bank!
Grotto — Grotto is an awesome, intimate Italian eatery in Beacon Hill. I just recently celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday there. The food was awesome and the portions are HUGE. The offer here for Restaurant Week is incredible and will leave you happy and full.
Boston Mouthful: Marissa Herman
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Marliave — Unlike most Restaurant Week menus that have only have a couple entrees and apps to choose from, Marliave has a ton of dish options so you can make sure you have the best meal possible.
Fogo de Chao — If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, this Brazilian steakhouse is the answer. Your $38 will get you all-you-can-eat meat (with only a few cuts taken off the menu) plus the loaded salad bar, so you’ll definitely leave stuffed.
Blue Dragon — I love that this restaurant doesn’t follow the one app, one entree, and one dessert rule. You actually get to choose four small plates, plus a dessert, so going with a group is always a ton of fun!
Chicks With Food Pics: Angelica D’Amore & Taylor Catalano
Instagram // Tastemakers Feature
Casa Caña — They do an amazing pig roast out on the patio with an outside bar and live music. If you’re looking for unique Latin cuisine Casa Caña is the place to go!
Tuscan Kitchen in the Seaport — There are so many good dishes here you can’t go wrong. From the bolognese to the ribeye everything is cooked perfectly. It also helps they have a great assortment of deserts too (we highly recommend the zeppoli)!
Cinquecento — If you’re ever in the South End and looking for fantastic Italian food go here! They have great cocktails that you can enjoy on a patio that is lit up at night or in their contemporary dining room. Also a bonus they have a parking lot on site!
A Noted Life: Georgina (Castellucci) Whalen
Instagram // Website // Tastemakers Feature
Mooncusser Fish House — Concepted by the owners of one of my favorite restaurants near my hometown (80 Thoreau), Mooncusser offers a beautiful multi-floor experience with delectable seafood dishes, an exceptional wine list, and impeccable service. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
The Butcher Shop — One of my favorite lunch spots to enjoy seasonal fresh from the farm flavors and quality meats, Butcher Shop provides something for every palate; light yet flavorful vegetables, hearty cuts of meat, and unique desserts.
J.Q. Louise
Instagram // Website // Tastemakers Feature
Business Lunch: Bistro du Midi — A great choice for a beautiful summer day, Bistro du Midi’s patio overlooks Boston Public Garden and the picturesque entrance to the Back Bay. Their $25 Dine Out lunch menu is perfect for a business lunch, which includes items such as: Charcuterie, Sweet Corn Gnocchi and Cherry Cheesecake.
Date Night: Sportello — Treat your special someone to a night out at Barbara Lynch’s Sportello in the Seaport. For Dine Out Boston they are offering a 3-course menu for $38. Guests can expect to enjoy Chef Lynch’s signature creative takes on classics such as: Heirloom Salad, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and cannoli. And be sure to pair this fabulous meal with a glass or two of wine, Sportello has a great selection by the glass.
Girls/Guys Night: Publico — Head to Publico in Southie for a fun night out with your friends. They are offering a $38 dinner menu as part of the Dine Out festivities. Publico is always the place to be, so be sure to dress to impress and get ready for a fun night!
Tastes 2 To Tango: Nina Levine & Josh Jordan
Instagram // Tastemakers Feature
Restaurant Week is a chance to get a complete meal at a spot for an amazing price! When we go out to eat, we typically only focus on the entree and we sometimes split a dessert. However, Restaurant Week gives diners the opportunity to try an appetizer, entree, and dessert, giving them the complete diner experience for a discounted price. We would recommend Toscano in Harvard Square or Beacon Hill, Scampo in Beacon Hill, Max Brenner in Back Bay, Cinquecento in the South End, and Back Bay Social Club in Back Bay.
The Roaming Foodie: Joey Calcavecchia
Instagram // Tastemakers Feature
Blue Dragon — This was one of my first experiences during Restaurant Week in Boston and one of the first times I got to visit the Fort Point. It’s a great asian fusion restaurant with a killer dessert in the form of a chocolate chip cookie skillet dish with ice cream.
Sportello — The Italian food is some of the best outside of the North End. If you really want a treat, I’d suggest getting the Tagliatelle Bolognese. It’s one of my favorites ever.
Wandering Boston Eater: Brenda Nguyen
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Oak + Rowan — A Fort Point staple. Not only is the caviar selection fantastic here, but the beautiful desserts are always a go-to staple at Oak + Rowan to finish a meal!
PABU — I’m always impressed by what Chef Ben Steigers and his team produces at PABU. Not to mention the gorgeous interior really defines the ambiance, an especially memorable experience to those new to the fine dining scene.
Puritan & Co. — Cross the river to Inman Square because Puritan & Co. is certainly a location not to be missed. With local ingredients supporting the menu, this Cambridge locale has items that are epitome of summer time. This would be a great meal to wrap up the summer’s end.
