Try Out These 12 Trendy Restaurants In Boston!

Are you tired of going to the same restaurant every time you eat out? While going to our favorite spots and getting our favorite dish off the menu is always great fun, sometimes you can begin to crave something new. And in Boston, it’s very easy to change up your regular routine and try something new! From upscale bistros to hip sports bars, there’s plenty of trendy restaurants in Boston for you to try. Need help getting started? We’ve got you covered!

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1. Zuzu's Petals

A new wine and dessert bar in Cambridge that has a strict no cell phone policy

204 Hampshire St | Cambridge | zuzuspetalscambridge.com

Zuzu’s Petals is one of the newer restaurants on our list, having opened during the summer of 2021- but it has been making a splash among locals ever since. One of the things that makes Zuzu’s Petals stand out is its strict no cell phone policy. By enforcing this policy, Zuzu hopes to help guests learn how to live in the moment, (because sometimes we forget to look up and take in what’s around us). 

The menu boasts a fine array of wines and desserts that not only taste great, but go perfectly together. From the Malvazija / Fakin white wine to the Torres Truffle Chips, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy that nagging sweet tooth!

“A wonderful and delicious experience. Almost like stepping into a quaint, French Cafe but with much better chocolate. The desserts from Gate Commes Des Filles are amazing, and an experience that is perhaps unmatched anywhere else” -Yelp Review

2. Coquette

Enjoy delicious French-inspired cuisine as you take in dream-like paintings and designs

450 Summer Street | Boston | coquetteboston.com

A restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance play key roles in the overall customer experience. Coquette in Boston takes great care in these factors with its upscale dining room and gorgeous decorations. The second you step in, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to a new, heavenly world. Since cell phones are allowed here, feel free to take some photos while you wait for your food.

Many of the dishes are inspired by classic French cuisine. You’ll find an appetizing selection of seafood and meat plates alongside a full cocktail menu. The raw bar and shellfish towers, in particular, are great for starting your meal off with a fun cocktail. Enjoy!

“New menu is stupendous - so much to choose from that we will return VERY soon! Every single item was perfection.  So fresh : from salad to the BEST bread and fish and seafood,- truly exceptional! We are eager to return for some of the rest.” -Yelp Review 

3. Row 34

Stylish seafood bar that is known for its extensive oyster selection!

383 Congress St | Boston | row34.com

If you’re visiting Boston for the first time, you would be amiss to not visit at least one seafood restaurant. So why not make that restaurant Row 34? Located in South Boston, Row 34 is the ultimate destination for fresh seafood and drinks.

Most guests start off with some dishes from the raw bar. Oysters, shrimp, lobsters, ceviche, and more fresh foods are available. If you’re coming with a group, the recommended go-to order is the Shellfish Tower. Thirsty? You can pair your meal with a glass of wine or some beer!

“Food was absolutely delicious. Great service and location. We  also ordered the butterscotch pudding for dessert. Everything was awesome. The ambience was very trendy as well.” -Yelp Review

4. Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar

Chic, upscale Cuban restaurant located in North Cambridge

2067 Massachusetts Ave | Cambridge | gustazo-cubancafe.com

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar brings the warm, rich flavors of Cuban cuisine to the wintery city of Boston. Much of the decor is inspired by the lively city of Havana. This inspiration can also be found in many of the restaurant’s dishes, drinks, and even music selection. 

On the menu, you’ll find savory dishes like the Queso Frito, Empanadas, Ceviche, and Pez Espada. Along with a plethora of seafood and meat dishes, Gustazo also offers a fine selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan cuisine. For dessert, you can treat yourself to sweet dishes like the Flan or Churros Con Chocolate. Enjoy!

“This place was fantastic. We went on a busy Sunday night and everything we had was fantastic. We got octopus, cauliflower, griddled cheese, and so much more and everything was amazing. Would highly highly recommend and I cannot wait to go back” -Yelp Review

5. Union Oyster House

Famous landmark that is known for being the oldest restaurant in the country!

41 Union St | Boston | unionoysterhouse.com

The Union Oyster House has the unique and prestigious distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the country. Since 1826- (yes you read that right), they’ve been serving thousands of people delicious seafood dishes. But don’t be fooled by its age. Union offers hearty foods that are perfect for the modern palate. 

As the name implies, Union Oyster House offers a fresh supply of oysters. Their freshly shucked oysters are served by the half dozen and are also featured in the Cold Seafood Sampler. Other popular dishes include the Broiled Sea Scallops, Tender Sweet Clams, Homemade Lump Crab Cakes, and Ye Old Fish & Chips.

“I always appreciate going here. Server was super friendly and kind. We had clam chowder, lobster salad and sliders. We sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather. Everything tasted good. You have to come here as the oldest restaurant in the US. Has that historic vibe inside and out.” -Yelp Review

6. Myers + Chang

Creative Asian-inspired neighborhood restaurant in the South End

Buy A Myers + Chang Gift Card

1145 Washington St | Boston | myersandchang.com

Myers + Chang inventively infuses Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean flavors to curate a unique and enticing menu for guests. Over the years, this trendy restaurant has been featured in popular publications like The Boston Globe and InStyle. So you can expect to have a good time here!

To start, why not try one of their popular sake cans or cocktails? As for the food, you have a wide selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free options like  dumplings, noodles, rice, fish, and more await you at Myers + Chang!

“I had dimsum here and loved it. It isn't traditional dimsum, it's more boujie. Still just as flavorful and tasty! I'm obsessed with all the dishes we got. The congee was amazing and I want to go back for more. It is on the pricy end, but I think it's worth it.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Myers + Chang here!

7. Bistro du Midi

A charming bistro that is set to become your next favorite brunch spot!

272 Boylston St | Boston | bistrodumidi.com

Who doesn’t love going out for brunch every once in a while? If you’re looking to change up your regular brunch routine and try something new, then it’s time to visit Bistro Du Midi. This charming French restaurant sources much of its inspiration from Boston’s beautiful surroundings of coastal New England. 

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of savory fish and meat platters like the Croque Monsieur and Petit Plateau:

• A raw bar offering oysters, clams, and shrimp is also offered during brunch, and is great for sharing! 
• If you aren’t a big brunch person, you can still swing by for lunch or dinner for dishes like the Bistro Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and Truffle flatbread. Enjoy all of this at this and more at this trendy restaurant in Boston!

“Hidden gem, not sure why this place isn't 5 stars across the board.  Impeccable service, food is amazing.  The service and General Manager Juan sets the standard for fine dining.” -Yelp Review

8. Toro Boston

Popular Spanish tapas bar located in Boston’s South End!

1704 Washington St | Boston | toro-restaurant.com

Toro aka Toro Boston is a trendy Spanish tapas bar located in the South End. Led by James Beard award-winning chef Ken Oringer, Toro successfully brings the most delicious food and drinks of Barcelona to Boston. 

The menu features an array of gorgeous cold and hot plates, which are all meant to be shared and enjoyed tapas-style. A full drink menu consisting of cocktails, beer, and wine is also available. You can also try some Churros or Tarta de Santiago for a post-dinner dessert. Yum!

“Don't have many pictures from this place because our experience was so great. Service, food & vibes are on point even for a Monday night. A bottle of wine with some tapas can never go wrong :)” -Yelp Review

9. Shōjō Boston

Modern Asian restaurant that is known for its creative dishes and inventive cocktails!

9A Tyler St | Boston | shojoboston.com

Located in Downtown Boston’s Chinatown, Shōjō continues to wow guests with its savory Asian dishes and inventive cocktails. Many of the dishes offer a modern take on classic Asian dishes, and are designed to also be enjoyed tapas-style. 

The menu does change seasonally, so you can almost always expect to enjoy a range of new dishes when you stop in. As of writing this, they have dishes like Salt & Pepper Calamari, Duck Fat Fries, and Pan Seared Pork Dumpling Bao. The drink menu features classic and hand-crafted cocktails as well as Japanese whiskey. If you’re a big fan of sake, you’ll love Shojo’s extensive sake selection.

“This is not a traditional Chinese restaurant but it's one of the best places in all of Chinatown! The food and drinks are not only very delicious but also incredibly creative. Whomever runs the the place is clearly very talented! We will be back soon!” -Yelp Review

10. Pammy’s

Cozy neighborhood joint serving hearty Italian dishes!

928 Massachusetts Ave | Cambridge | pammyscambridge.com

A New American restaurant that gathers its inspo from the feeling of an Italian neighborhood trattoria, Pammy’s is a perfect new spot to enjoy delicious Italian food, plus dishes with their own spin. This laidback neighborhood joint offers all the classics along with fun and creative New American dishes. 

Their menu is constantly changing with new mouth-watering foods to have, right now on their sample menu they have Red Snapper Crudo, Lumache, Grilled Maitake, the Short Rib, and more. See what drinks they have so you can pair your meal with a tasty cocktail.

(A reservation is $72 per person and you get a 3 course meal, a lot of people say it’s worth it because of just how good the entire experience is).

“Downloaded the Yelp app just to review this restaurant. Excellent service, delicious food from start to finish, and a fun wine pairing. Don't miss the cabbage, the lumache pasta, and the chocolate torta. The complimentary bread is also amazing! This is my new favorite restaurant in Cambridge.” -Yelp Review

11. Deuxave

Modern-French cuisine using only the finest ingredients makes this one of the best trendy restaurants in Boston!

371 Commonwealth Ave | Boston | deuxave.com

Brought together by Chef Chris Coombs and restauranter Brian Piccini, Deuxave is a restaurant serving Modern French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. They take their cooking and plate creations seriously, every meal is hand-crafted to be its best, so you know you get quality at Deuxave.

Enjoy a line of dishes and see what the chef’s themselves are particularly fond of as you pursue their “favorites” section. Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Spiced Long Island Duck Breast, Olive and Rosemary Focaccia, and Wild Blue Crab Salad are just some of the plates you can expect here.

“Service, ambience and food is perfect for a nice dinner date night.

Must get: wagyu carpaccio & beef tartare, crispy duck confit, seared foie gras, duck liver pate, spiced Long Island duck breast” -Yelp Review

12. Lolita Back Bay

A dimly lit setting showing off “gothic undertones” serving Mexican-inspired dishes

271 Dartmouth St | Boston | lolitamexican.com

“A Mexican outlaw meets Mexican royalty within dimly lit rooms brimming with gothic sophistication.” That’s the way Lolita at Back Bay describes their vibe and it’s completely true. Enter and see the Spanish-inspired decor, settle into a space you haven’t been to in Boston before while you enjoy good food and drinks.

Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, you can expect to see a wide variety of dishes here like the Veggie Lucha, Blue Corn Pancakes, Crispy Tofu Bowl, Ceviche Taco Crunch, and margaritas, sangria, mojitos, and more to pair with your meal.

“Really fun and fancy atmosphere, great for a birthday or special date night. The chips and salsa are such a fun touch and the food is delicious. The best thing about this place though is the atmosphere and the location right on the water” -Yelp Review

There are plenty of unique and fun trendy restaurants in Boston to visit. Whether you want to somewhere that feels like you’ve stepped into a new city or visit a classic Boston staple, there’s something out there for everyone!