The food scene in downtown Boston is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of culinary experiences to suit every taste and budget. Here are some favorites:
Historic Taverns and Pubs
Downtown Boston is home to many historic taverns and pubs, some of which date back centuries. These establishments offer classic New England fare, hearty pub grub, and locally brewed beers in atmospheric settings filled with history and character.
Seafood Restaurants
Given Boston's coastal location, downtown restaurants excel in serving fresh seafood. From iconic seafood shacks serving lobster rolls and clam chowder to upscale seafood restaurants offering oysters, scallops, and other delicacies, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your seafood cravings.
International Cuisine
Downtown Boston is a melting pot of cultures, and you'll find a diverse array of international cuisines represented in its restaurant scene. Whether you're craving Italian pasta, Chinese dim sum, Greek souvlaki, or Middle Eastern falafel, you'll find authentic flavors from around the world in downtown Boston.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Many downtown restaurants embrace the farm-to-table movement, sourcing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal menus that highlight the best of New England's bounty. These establishments often feature creative, chef-driven dishes that showcase the flavors of the region.
Food Trucks and Street Food
Downtown Boston is a hub of activity, and you'll often find food trucks and street food vendors serving up delicious eats on busy street corners and in public squares. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, or Korean BBQ, you'll find a variety of options to choose from.
Upscale Dining Destinations
Downtown Boston also boasts several upscale dining destinations where you can enjoy fine dining in elegant surroundings. These restaurants often feature innovative menus created by top chefs, impeccable service, and extensive wine lists.
Casual Cafes and Bakeries
For a quick bite or a leisurely coffee break, downtown Boston has no shortage of casual cafes and bakeries where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pastries, and light bites. Whether you're in the mood for a croissant, a muffin, or a slice of cake, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Union Oyster House Seafood Faneuil Hall $$ Awesome 
State Street Provisions American Financial District $$ Exceptional Tiki Rock Comfort Food Financial District $$ Awesome Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing Seafood Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome Silver Dove Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea Faneuil Hall $$$ Exceptional Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf Seafood Faneuil Hall $$$ Awesome Banners Kitchen & Tap American Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome Rowes Wharf Sea Grille Seafood Financial District $$$ Exceptional Boston Chops - Downtown Crossing Steakhouse Downtown Crossing $$$$ Exceptional Ruth's Chris Steak House - Boston Steakhouse Downtown Crossing $$$$ Awesome
| 75 Chestnut | Contemporary American | Beacon Hill | $$ | Exceptional | |
| Ma Maison | French | Beacon Hill | $$ | Exceptional | |
| Night Shift - Lovejoy Wharf | Brewery | West End | $$ | Exceptional | |
| Yellow Door Taqueria - South End | Mexican | South End | $$ | Awesome | |
| Five Horses Tavern - South End | Contemporary American | South End | $$ | Awesome | |
| South End Buttery | Contemporary American | South End | $$ | Exceptional | |
| Peregrine - The Whitney Hotel Boston | Unspecified | Beacon Hill | $$ | Awesome | |
| Marseille | French | South End | $$$ | Awesome | |
| Beehive | American | South End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
| Estella | American | Beacon Hill | $$$ | Awesome | |
| Boston Chops - South End | Steakhouse | South End | $$$ | Awesome | |
| The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant | Irish | Beacon Hill | $$$ | Exceptional | |
| Alcove | American | West End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
| Banyan Bar + Refuge | Asian | South End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
| Shore Leave | Sushi | South End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
| Reunion BBQ | Barbecue | South End | $$$ | Excellent | |
| Toscano Restaurant | Italian | Beacon Hill | $$$$ | Exceptional | |
| Mooo BEACON HILL | Steak | Beacon Hill | $$$$ | Exceptional | |
| No. 9 Park | European | Beacon Hill | $$$$ | Awesome | |
| B&G Oysters | Seafood | South End | $$$$ | Awesome | |
| Omakase at Shore Leave | Sushi | South End | $$$$ | Exceptional | |
| Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Boston | Steakhouse | Beacon Hill | $$$$ | Awesome | |