Boston, my beloved hometown, continues to evolve with new culinary delights, cozy cafes, and memorable dining experiences. It’s been far too long since I’ve updated The Savvy Bostonian Boston Guide, and after a recent review, I realized some serious housekeeping was overdue.
Post-pandemic Boston has seen the closure of several cherished spots, but it’s also welcomed some fabulous new gems. As my mission is to keep this guide a valuable resource for locals and travelers alike, here’s what’s been removed and added this time around!
Removed: A Fond Farewell to Old Favorites
It’s never easy to say goodbye to beloved places, but the time has come to bid farewell to these once-stellar spots:
- City Bar
- Top of the Hub
- Evoo
- Drink
- Gather
- Papagayo
- Gaslight Brasserie du Coin
These icons may be gone, but their memories live on in my heart—and hopefully yours too.
Added: New Boston Discoveries
On a brighter note, Boston is buzzing with amazing spots – some new and some that have been around for awhile that I haven’t tried. Here are five places that have quickly earned a place on my guide:
The Daily Catch – North End Charm
The Daily Catch is a cozy North End restaurant with Sicilian style seafood and pasta, plus incredibly friendly service. I tried their calamari meatballs. Confession: I was skeptical at first, but they were excellent! Known for their squid ink pasta, I also enjoyed a fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp and their garlic bread (a bit average, but still comforting).
Porto – Portuguese Perfection
Nestled in the heart of the Back Bay, Porto has become a go-to for me. The restaurant is coastal Italian cuisine. During my most recent visit, I had the fried calamari, meatballs, and broccolini – every bite was divine.
Saltie Girl – Luxe Lobster Rolls
Saltie Girl is a seafood bar with locations in Los Angeles, Boston – and even London! Their lobster rolls are a splurge but oh-so-worth-it. Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s a must-try if you’re a seafood lover.
Bostonia Public House – Brunch Heaven
For an unforgettable brunch, Bostonia Public House serves up New England pub faire with massive portions and creative dishes. Their s’mores French toast with toasted marshmallow and cinnamon butter is a dream. I paired it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes – comfort food at its best.
Ilona – Georgian Delights in the South End
Ilona is a treasure – serving cuisine from the eastern Mediterranean to the Black Sea. On our visit, we indulged in roasted cauliflower, octopus, an incredible stuffed bread with cheese, and ended with berries and cream for dessert. It’s a unique culinary adventure you don’t want to miss.
Updated Links & Fresh Perspectives
Every link in the guide has been refreshed to ensure it takes you straight to the latest information. Whether you’re planning a visit or rediscovering Boston through fresh eyes, the guide is as current and user-friendly as ever.
Hungry for More?
Check out the full Boston Guide here and explore my most recent Boston travel vlogs featuring these and other fantastic spots. Boston’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and I promise not to let another year or two pass before my next update.
For more of my blog posts on Boston, visit: https://thesavvybostonian.com/tag/boston/
Jessica Gioglio is founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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