Boston’s restaurant and hotel scene evolves quickly, and there’s no better time than the present to refresh my Boston Guide. The last update was in January, and since then I’ve visited several spots that deserve a mention. From standout seafood bars to boutique hotels, here are five additions that will make your next Boston itinerary more delicious and comfortable.
Neptune Oyster – Iconic Lobster Rolls in the North End
When one of my local foodie friends cites Neptune Oyster as their lobster‑roll pick of choice, it’s worth a detour. This tiny North End raw bar doesn’t take reservations and the line often snakes down Salem Street—but trust me, it’s so worth the wait. The star here is the Maine Lobster Roll, served on a toasted brioche overflowing with sweet claw and knuckle meat, served either hot with butter or cold with mayo. I went for the buttery version and loved every decadent bite. Arrive early (they open at 11 AM) and be patient—grab a drink to make the wait fly by. Note that Neptune Oyster is walk‑in only and their kitchen closes at 9:30 PM on weekdays and 10:30 PM on weekends.
Momosan Ramen & Sake – Spicy Wontons and Fresh Sushi
One of the most exciting additions to Hub Hall near TD Garden is Momosan Ramen Boston, a concept from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. While the ramen is excellent, I’m obsessed with their Spicy Wontons, tender chicken dumplings bathed in a Szechuan sesame chili sauce. They’re addictive and have just the right amount of heat; don’t blame me if you order a second round! The menu also features an impressive selection of sushi rolls and nigiri; you can build a combo with a spicy tuna or salmon‑avocado roll plus fresh nigiri pieces. Pair your small plates with a sake flight or a bowl of tonkotsu ramen and enjoy the lively, modern space.
Charlesmark Hotel – A Boutique Classic on Boylston
I’ve stayed at the Charlesmark Hotel countless times and finally produced a full review for my YouTube channel. Located steps from Copley Square in Back Bay, this European‑style boutique hotel offers a hard‑to‑beat value. Guests enjoy complimentary high‑speed Wi‑Fi and a free cafe breakfast each morning, and rates are often 10‑20 % lower than neighboring hotels. Rooms are small but comfortable, making it perfect for solo travelers or couples who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city. The location on Boylston Street puts Newbury Street shopping, the Charles River Esplanade and Prudential Center only a short stroll away. Learn more about the hotel and price compare on Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia. Check out my YouTube room tour to see why this spot remains one of my go‑to Boston stays.
The Paramount (Beacon Hill) – Brunch Worth Waiting For
The Paramount, with locations in Beacon Hill and South Boston, has been a neighborhood institution since 1937, and it still draws crowds for its first‑come, first‑served brunch. They serve brunch seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. While this restaurant does not take reservations, I’ve been many times with no line and the reward is huge portions of comfort food. The Paramount Breakfast comes with eggs any style, your choice of meat and coffee. Other standouts include huevos rancheros with grilled chorizo and thick‑cut French toast topped with cinnamon or Nutella. If you swing by later in the day, their brioche‑bun sandwiches and wraps (like the Paramount Burger or buffalo chicken wrap) are equally satisfying. It’s a quintessential Boston brunch spot with something for everyone.
citizenM Boston Back Bay – Smart Stays for Modern Travelers
During the holidays I finally checked into the citizenM Boston Back Bay, and it quickly became one of my favorite budget‑friendly hotels. Rooms average just 14 square meters, yet they pack in an XL king‑size bed, mood lighting and a bedside tablet that controls everything from blinds to the television. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and the rooms are very well organized with in-room safes and even a mini fridge cleverly hidden under the sink. While there’s no room for extra beds, the hotel compensates with fabulous communal areas: a stylish living room filled with art and books, a canteenM bar with 24/7 food and drinks, and even a seasonal rooftop bar. Super‑fast Wi‑Fi, iMacs for guests and a 24/7 gym make it easy to work or relax. If you’re a solo traveler or couple who values smart design over square footage, citizenM is an excellent choice. Learn more about the hotel and price compare on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. Watch my review below!
Bringing It All Together
Boston’s culinary and hospitality landscape continues to surprise and delight. With this update, Neptune Oyster joins the guide for its legendary lobster rolls, Momosan adds spicy wontons and sushi flair, Charlesmark Hotel and citizenM offer contrasting but equally compelling afforable stays, and The Paramount remains a brunch staple. I’ll be back soon with more discoveries and in the meantime, explore these additions and let me know what you think!
Hungry for more? Browse my full Boston Guide and subscribe to my YouTube channel for in‑depth hotel tours and food vlogs. Boston’s ever‑evolving scene keeps me on my toes, and I can’t wait to share the next round of finds.
Jessica Gioglio 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 on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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