Attention, tourists: Boston’s dining scene hasn’t been defined by baked beans in decades. In fact, it’s hard to even find the sweet legume dish on a restaurant table in Boston. Here are 13 iconic dishes that define Boston (and the surrounding area) in one
way or another. Some of these dishes have earned a place here primarily by way of their longevity and important place in Boston’s dining history; others are truly the best of their kind, regardless of age.
What’s changed in this update: We’ve added the Fluffernutter sandwich at Moogy’s in Brighton.
Steak tips at NewBridge Cafe
650 Washington Ave, Chelsea, MA, 02150, US
(617) 884-0134
Steak tips are a unique point of pride in New England, and there’s no better place to try a plate of ‘em than NewBridge Cafe in Chelsea. Don’t be waylaid by the turkey tips, lamb tips, or pork tips — you’re here for the famous charred cubes of sirloin steak marinated in a sweet barbecue sauce and served with hot cherry peppers on the side. If you’ve never had this particular New England invention, NewBridge Cafe is the best entry point around the city.
Roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef
35 Revere Beach Pkwy, Medford, MA, 02155, US
(781) 393-4899
Roast beef sandwiches are practically ubiquitous in Massachusetts, particularly in the North Shore region, and there is no roast beef spot more well-known than Kelly’s Roast Beef, which opened in 1951 on Revere Beach. (These days, there are several other locations — including Saugus, Danvers, and Medford.) It’s possible this stalwart invented the roast beef sandwich in the form that it appears around the state, and mega-chain Arby’s acknowledges drawing inspiration from Kelly’s. True North Shore roast beef fans tend to go for the three-way sandwich, which comes topped with James River barbecue sauce, no-frills Land O’Lakes white American cheese, and mayonnaise.
Ramen at Yume Wo Katare
1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02140, US
+16177144008
Boston has a plethora of ramen these days, but one of the most famous options in town is an eccentric little “dream workshop” in Cambridge’s Porter Square, where diners stand up and share their dreams after finishing massive bowls of a hefty pork-topped style of ramen. Dress for the weather; there’s often a line outside.
Cream of Wheat at Neighborhood Restaurant
25 Bow St, Somerville, MA, 02143, US
(617) 623-9710
Non-Somerville residents may raise a confused eyebrow to learn that one of the most iconic dishes in town is a humble bowl of Cream of Wheat, but anyone who has ever braved the line for brunch at cash-only Neighborhood — ideally under a pastel umbrella on the patio — knows the truth. Every Neighborhood breakfast comes with a choice of fruit or Cream of Wheat. Don’t make the wrong choice. (Note: Devotees also know that cozy bowls of Cream of Wheat also come a la carte.)
Baked Alaska at Oleana
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, 02139, US
(617) 661-0505
Talented pastry chefs all around Boston are making names for themselves with beautifully plated, intricate creations. But go back a few years before the explosive growth of Boston’s dessert scene, and find one classic that has always been there — the ethereal baked Alaska at Oleana, full of coconut ice cream and sitting in a sweet pool of passion fruit caramel.
Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry
300 Hanover St, Boston, MA, 02113, US
(617) 742-3050
The subject of one of Boston’s fiercest food debates is cannoli. In the eyes of locals, Mike’s Pastry may or may not win out all the time — you’ll get a different answer from every person you ask — but it’s been a destination for tourists and Bostonians for decades, and there’s something about that tied-up white box that always triggers a cannoli craving.
Lobster roll at Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St, Boston, MA, 02113, US
(617) 742-3474
If someone were to write up an FAQ list for Boston tourist dining inquiries, “Where should I go for a lobster roll?” would certainly be one of the top questions. There are plenty of options at a variety of price points, and whether you like mayo, hot butter, or brown butter, there’s something for everyone. But to answer the question simply, you should go to Neptune Oyster for a lobster roll. Yes, you’ll have to wait in line. Yes, it’s pricey. But when it comes to an iconic Boston lobster roll, this is the one. Available hot with butter or cold with mayo, served on a toasted roll.
Boston cream pie at Flour Bakery + Cafe
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA, 02210, US
617-338-4333
Homegrown bakery chain Flour, now ubiquitous throughout the Boston area, is home to one of the best renditions of the Boston cream pie, that famed dessert invented right here in the city. At Flour, the pastry is made with coffee syrup soaked into the vanilla sponge cake, ensuring that each slice never gets too dry. Order one and join in on the age-old debate: Is this a cake or a pie?
Clam chowder at the Banks Seafood and Steak
406 Stuart Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617) 399-0015
It’s hard to beat a classic New England clam chowder with its cubes of potatoes, clams, and bits of salty bacon bobbing in a creamy, thick broth. Dress up the experience at the Banks in Back Bay, where tradition takes a twist with Berkshire pork belly, chives, and a green herb oil drizzled over the chowder.
Fenway Frank at Fenway Park
4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, USA
(877) 733-7699
Don’t let the corn dogs, veggie dogs, and chili guacamole dogs distract you: the Fenway Frank, supplied by local purveyor Kayem, is the real MVP of Boston’s historic ballpark. Is there anything more iconic than biting into a snappy, mustard-smeared dog on a summer Saturday afternoon at Fenway? (The Fenway Frank has also made its way to grocery store shelves, but nothing beats the original in-park experience.)
Fluffernutter sandwich at Moogy’s Sandwich Shop
154 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA, 02135, US
617 871 1144
Glorious, gooey marshmallow fluff was invented in Somerville in 1917, and it’s a longtime New England favorite that’s even celebrated yearly with the What the Fluff? Festival in Union Square. At Moogy’s, a dive bar and sandwich shop in Brighton, you can order a Fluffernutter (a PB and Fluff sandwich) or go hog wild and get a triple-decker sandwich called a slamba jamba with peanut butter, fluff, and sliced banana.
Katchupa at Restaurante Cesaria
266 Bowdoin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02122
617-282-1998
Massachusetts is home to the largest population of Cape Verdean Americans in the United States. The country, composed of a group of islands off the coast of West Africa, is particularly known for its seafood in many forms, as well as katchupa (alternatively stylized as cachupa), which many consider to be the national dish of the country. At Restaurante Cesaria, a Cape Verdean mainstay in Dorchester, the stew simmers with hominy, meat, beans, and collard greens, melding the rich flavors together for a memorable final product.
Bar pizza at Poopsie’s
243 Church Street, Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359
781-826-5282
Is there any bar food better than a bar pizza? This particular South Shore invention is a crowd-favorite for a reason, from the charred, cheesy edges and thin crust to the Harpoon IPA that pairs perfectly with each bite. Bar pizzas are a more common sight around Boston these days (Hot Box in Somerville and Bardo’s Bar Pizza in South Boston are two more modern go-tos) but if you want to experience the traditional pie in all its glory, head to Poopsie’s in Pembroke and put in an order.
