FINAL Top 20 Places

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With a taste for authenticity, aesthetics, and immersive experiences, Gen Z is seeking out innovative restaurants that offer more than just good food. “Dining out is very expensive on top of everything else these days … and when people spend that kind of money, you want an experience that matches that cost,” says Anastasia Gallardo, a local food influencer and the voice behind @SceneOverheard on TikTok and Instagram. She notes that a great dining experience comes down to three things: a unique atmosphere, top-tier service, and, of course, delicious food. To uncover the places that are meeting these expectations, B-Side — Boston Globe Media’s newsletter that caters to a hyperlocal, primarily Gen Z audience — sent a series of polls asking readers to vote for their favorite places to eat in Greater Boston. With support from Toast, a platform that empowers the restaurant community, these top 20 picks go beyond great menus (though they cover that, too). They deliver the kind of experience that keeps Boston’s savviest diners coming back for more.

Discover the restaurants that have captured the hearts — and taste buds — of Boston foodies.

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Gen Z’s top 20 places to eat, drink, and gather in Greater Boston

Best New England fare Row 34

Any Boston foodie knows that Row 34 is an absolute must-visit — especially if you’re into seafood towers and lobster rolls. Known for its rotating selection of local oysters and an impressive beer list, this industrial-chic restaurant offers the traditional New England dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients.

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Best views Rooftop at The Envoy

This popular rooftop bar is all about views, vibes, and delicious bites. With a stunning backdrop of Boston’s skyline and a menu featuring tasty small plates and aesthetically-pleasing cocktails, visitors here are guaranteed to leave with both a full stomach and a full camera roll.

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Best outdoor dining Saltie Girl

When it comes to seafood, Saltie Girl is in a league of its own. Think: seafood towers, caviar, tinned fish, and lobster rolls. Plus they feature twists on typical New England fare like fried lobster and waffles. Enjoy it served in a chic outdoor setting that’s perfect for any occasion (a.k.a. any day it’s above 60 degrees).

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Best delivery pizza Regina Pizzeria

No list of Boston restaurants would be complete without the iconic Regina Pizzeria. This North End staple has been serving some of the best pizza in the city since 1926. The thin-crust, perfectly charred pies are the epitome of comfort food, best enjoyed on the couch with friends after a long day of exploring the city.

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Best brewery Trillium Brewing Company

Innovation and craftsmanship collide at Trillium Brewing Company. Known for their IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged beers, Trillium has set the standard for craft brewing in New England. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, they offer an experience that reflects Boston’s vibrant beer culture and keeps Gen Z coming back to their locations throughout Greater Boston.

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Best sports fan hangout Bleacher Bar

For the sports fan who also happens to be a foodie, Bleacher Bar offers the best of both worlds. Located under the bleachers of Fenway Park, this local favorite combines views of center field with a menu full of classic pub fare and signatures like the Bleacher Dog. It’s a uniquely Boston experience that’s a must-try for every baseball enthusiast.

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Best coffee shop Tatte

“I think what makes [Tatte] so great is it’s easy, it’s quick, but it’s also very quality,” says Gallardo. With sleek interiors and a menu packed with European and Mediterranean-inspired delights — from their iconic shakshuka to expertly made lattes — Tatte is one of those rare spots where the coffee and food actually live up to the hype.

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Best wine bar Rebel Rebel

In the heart of Somerville, Rebel Rebel is redefining the wine bar for a younger crowd. With a focus on natural wines, this feminist-friendly spot champions inclusivity and encourages open conversations, earning it a following among Boston’s trendsetters. Its rotating wine list and simple snack menu invite everyone — from curious newcomers to seasoned sommeliers — to explore new flavors and connect.

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Most Instagrammable restaurant Contessa Ristorante

Perched atop The Newbury, Contessa combines luxe Italian dining with unbeatable views of the skyline and Boston Common. Whether you're here for the handcrafted pasta or just to soak in the vibe, it’s the perfect spot to elevate your dining game — and Instagram feed — with a touch of sophisticated flair.

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Best craft cocktails Blossom Bar

Blossom Bar is where Sichuan spice meets cocktail creativity. Tucked away in Brookline, this gem serves up bold, flavor-packed dishes alongside tropical sips like the Lulada and La Gota Fría. It’s the perfect spot to savor Chinese classics with a twist — all while enjoying a drink that feels like a vacation in a glass.

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Best vegetarian/ vegan restaurant Life Alive Organic Cafe

For those seeking something fresh and wholesome, Life Alive is the go-to spot for organic bowls, smoothies, and salads. This vegetarian-friendly cafe has locations across Greater Boston, catering to wellness-focused foodies who want both taste and nutrition in a cozy and colorful environment.

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Best diner Deluxe Town Diner

An old-school diner with a modern twist, Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown is where Gen Z is spending their weekend mornings. Whether you're craving loaded home fries, eggs benedict, a juicy burger, or something in between, this spot’s retro vibe and hearty portions make it a local favorite.

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Best place to impress your foodie friends Sarma Restaurant

Sarma is the kind of place that turns casual diners into loyal devotees. With vibrant mezze platters and standout dishes like the pork souvlaki, it’s a spot where bold Mediterranean flavors shine in every bite. “There are dishes here you won’t find anywhere else,” says Gallardo. Perfect for when you want to “wow” your friends and earn serious culinary cred in the process.

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Best brunch The Friendly Toast

The Friendly Toast is a quirky spot known for its eclectic decor and comfort food with a creative twist. With nearby locations in Back Bay and Harvard Square, it's the perfect spot to gather with friends for an indulgent brunch, complete with towering stacks of pancakes and eight different flavored mimosas.

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Best place to take the parents Mamma Maria

What’s more quintessentially “Boston college student” than bringing your parents out to eat in the North End? Mamma Maria is the go-to, with fresh pastas and tiramisu reminiscent of a warm hug from nonna. It’s the perfect spot made even better when mom and dad are picking up the tab.

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Best new restaurant 2024 Temple Records

Temple Records has quickly earned its title as Boston’s best new restaurant. Inspired by 1950s Japanese listening bars, this spot invites music lovers to unwind with vinyl spinning in the background and whiskey, Japanese gin, or sake in hand. It offers an experience that breaks the norm, and is as smooth as the records playing.

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Best place for date night Pammy’s

Boston is known for Italian cuisine, but Pammy’s takes it to another level with house-made pasta that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for a romantic night out, the atmosphere is intimate, and the food? As Gallardo puts it, “What you’re eating here is art.”

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Top tourist gem Modern Pastry Shop

Modern Pastry Shop is beloved by both tourists and locals — and for good reason. With its legendary cannolis, eclairs, and iconic rum cake, every visit feels like a delicious indulgence. You can always pop downstairs to its underground restaurant to impress your friends with flavored martinis and a speakeasy vibe.

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Best vibes The Beehive

A fan favorite for jazz lovers and vibe-seekers alike, The Beehive in the South End serves up more than just eclectic comfort food. With dishes influenced by the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and America, plus nightly live music, this bohemian haven turns dinner into one of the best shows in Boston.

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Best delivery to impress guests Flour Bakery + Cafe

Flour Bakery + Cafe is the gold standard of cafes, from its legendary sticky buns to its effortlessly cozy vibe. But here’s the secret: it’s also your best bet when you want to impress guests without lifting a finger. Order in their catering options, set the table, light some candles, and let Flour’s irresistible offerings do the talking.

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