Are you tired of going to the same restaurant every timeeverytime you eat out? While we all have our favorite spots we enjoy visiting, many of us start to feel a little bored with them after a while. But in Boston, it’s 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? Check out our list of the top 10 trendy restaurants in Boston now!
Have you ever heard of GiftYa electronic gift cards? If not, today is your lucky day! It’s no secret that going out in Boston can get pretty expensive. But virtual GiftYa cards offer access to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. They also make great gifts. If you have a foodie in your life who could use a little pick-me-up, you can send them a virtual GiftYa card to their favorite restaurant! After you purchase a card, you can just text it directly to their phone.
204 Hampshire St | Inman Square | zuzuspetalscambridge.com
Zuzu’s Petals is one of the newer restaurants on our list, having opened during the summer of 2021. But it has already made a splash among locals. 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.
The menu boasts a fine array of wines and desserts that not only taste great, but go perfectly together. From the Vinogradi Volarevic white wine to the Tonka-Infused Creme Brulee, 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
Purchase a GiftYa card for Zuzu's Petals.
450 Summer St | Waterfront, South Boston | frenchcoquette.com
A restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance play key roles in the overall customer experience. Coquette 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!
“The space is exquisite, large, and humming with dozens of exciting conversations of diners surrounding you. There is a Buddha-bar disco but not too loud. There are "hors d’oeuvres" and "small plates" going for $16 but they are large enough to be entrees and they are all equally delicious.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Coquette.
383 Congress St | Waterfront, South 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, we recommend ordering the Shellfish Tower. Thirsty? You can pair your meal with a glass of wine or some beer!
“If you have the chance, absolutely make sure you come check out Row 34! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, and I'm sure it would be a great start to a night of going out, what with the fabulous vibes.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Row 34.
2067 Massachusetts Ave | Porter Square, North Cambridge | gustazo-cubancafe.com/cambridge
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 Tacos de Cangrejo and Jibarito. Along with a plethora of seafood and meat dishes, Gustazo also offers a fine selection of vegetarian cuisine. For dessert, you can treat yourself to sweet dishes like the Flan or Churros Con Chocolate. Enjoy!
“Oh, Gustazo! This has become one of my favorites. I've never had a bad meal here, and every time I come in try something different — the beauty of a tapas-style restaurant! The staff is so friendly and on top of everything, it makes the whole experience as vibrant as the Latin music they play.” - Yelp Review
41 Union St | Boston | unionoysterhouse.com
The Union Oyster House has the unique and prestigious distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the country. 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, and Homemade Lump Crab Cakes.
“It's the oldest restaurant in the US, so definitely a cool spot to add to your Boston itinerary. Clam chowder and Lazy Man's Lobster were both amazing! If you are a fan of the Kennedys like myself, definitely check out the Kennedy booth upstairs. JFK used to come here frequently as a senator, and they have dedicated his favorite booth to him.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Union Oyster House.
1145 Washington St | South End | myersandchang.com
Myers + Chang creatively 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 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. Dumplings, noodles, rice, and more await you!
“I worked my way through several of their dim sum options - pork & chive dumplings, spring rolls, hakka eggplant, and the lettuce wraps - and was impressed by every single item. The eggplant in particular...I've never had eggplant melt in my mouth as I did at Myers & Chang.” - Yelp Review
272 Boylston St | Back Bay | bistrodumidi.com
Who doesn’t love a good 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 Bouillabaisse du Midi. 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. Enjoy!
“Got brunch here with my parents and really enjoyed the whole experience. The interior of the restaurant feels both classy and comforting. The service is also very friendly and on top of everything! The food was also super yummy.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Bistro du Midi.
1704 Washington St | South End | toro-restaurant.com
Toro is a trendy Spanish tapas bar located in the South End. Led by James Beard award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, Toro successfully brings the delicious food and drinks of Barcelona to Boston.
The menu features an array of delicious 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 pumpkin bread pudding for a post-dinner dessert. Yum!
“My friend and I had an amazing meal and experience here. Between the two of us, we got 4 tapas and a dessert. The yellowfin tuna crudo was definitely our favorite, so fresh with a light sauce and a touch of citrus.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Toro Boston.
9A Tyler St | Chinatown | shojoboston.com
Located in Chinatown, Shojo 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 be enjoyed tapas-style.
The menu does change seasonally, so you can almost always expect to enjoy some new dishes when you stop in. The drink menu features classic and inventive cocktails as well as Japanese whiskey. If you’re a big fan of sake, you’ll love Shojo’s extensive sake selection.
“This restaurant was so cool on the inside, and many people recommended it as the place to go in Chinatown! We enjoyed some of their original cocktails such as the Phoget About It, and we also ate some of their Monkey Chicken Wings. Everything was delicious and original, and the service was quick.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Shojo.
928 Massachusetts Ave | Central Square | pammyscambridge.com
Looking for a new spot to enjoy delicious and authentic Italian food? Then head to Pammy’s. This laidback neighborhood joint offers all the classics along with fun and creative New American dishes.
From the Honeynut Squash Agnolotti to the Sea Scallops, everything here is made with great love and care. If you manage to have enough room for dessert by the end of the meal, we recommend trying Pammy’s famous Cannoli or Apple Crostata.
“TL;DR if you have the time and means, go go go!! This place is a must-try in Cambridge/Boston, and I will be recommending it to friends/family who come to visit. 100% try the tomatoes with burrata and lumache pasta.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Pammy’s.
Boston is the ultimate city for avid foodies and other adventurous eaters. There definitely isn’t a dearth of fun and trendy restaurants here. Which restaurants on the list caught your eye? Let us know in the comment section below!
