A shell-on red lobster served upright on a plate with grilled yellow corn and a cup of chipotle butter. — Lobster and grilled corn at Pescador.

Where Boston’s Top Chefs Like to Dine Out

From Spanish tapas in the South End to a Vietnamese staple in Dorchester

by Erika Adams Feb 24, 2023, 2:47pm EST

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Lobster and grilled corn at Pescador.

| Pescador

by Erika Adams Feb 24, 2023, 2:47pm EST

It’s an age-old question for chefs: Where do you dine out when you’re not at your own restaurant? In Boston, the answer varies from touristy spots that are worth the hype to well-worn neighborhood hideouts and coffee shops and cafes that are the cornerstone of daily routines. Below, find 14 restaurants beloved by the following Boston chefs:

Jody Adams, chef and co-owner of Trade, Porto, and Saloniki
Cecelia Lizotte, chef and owner of Suya Joint
Cassie Piuma, chef and owner of Sarma
Valentine Howell, executive chef of Krasi
Asia Mei, chef and owner of Moonshine 152

Want to hear from a specific Boston chef in the next update of this map? Send Eater an email with your chef nomination at boston@eater.com.

Forge Baking Company

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“It’s such a friendly meeting spot with great bread, sandwiches, soup (love their lentil soup), pastries, and a perfect cappuccino — and ice cream!! I often meet friends there for lunch and a meeting and take home a loaf of their whole wheat bread. Owners Jen and Tucker have been building community at their places Diesel, Bloc, and Forge for over 25 years and we’ve been there from the start. My son Oliver and I used to play pool at Diesel when he was in elementary school before picking up Roxanne from daycare.” — Jody Adams

626 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

(617) 764-5365

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A close-up photo of a mini bundt cake with icing drizzled over top. — A pastry from Forge.

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Taquería Jalisco

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“This teeny family-run spot in Eastie makes the best birria and carnitas tacos. The meat is perfectly tender; the sauces are bright and fresh. After a tough day, it can make the world feel right again. I always order a pozole rojo to go. It’s an excellent breakfast the next morning with a couple of fried eggs. My kids love it!” — Cassie Piuma

291 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128

(617) 567-6367

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The Pozole soup, complete with garnishes is seen at Taqueria Jalisco in East Boston, Mass. The garnishes served with the soup are: shredded cabbage, radishes, onion, lime, red chile sauce, oregano, whole arbo chile peppers, and house-made corn tortillas. — The pozole rojo at Taqueria Jalisco.

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Pammy's

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“Italian food is home for me and I love the spin that Chris [Willis, the chef] puts on the menu. His food is so thoughtful and careful with unexpected surprises like gochujang paste on his classic Bolognese. The restaurant feels like Europe and is so beautiful and welcoming with huge floral branches, a live fireplace, marble, and cozy booths. It’s where Oliver and Roxanne [Adams’s children] want to go when they are in Boston.” — Jody Adams

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928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 945-1761

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The bustling, light-filled interior of Pammy’s in Cambridge, MA is pictured on Jul. 18, 2017. — Inside Pammy’s.

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Neptune Oyster

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“Scoring a seat at the bar is reason alone to celebrate! Add ice-cold bubbles, and it’s always a party. There are surgically shucked oysters, light-as-a-feather fried clams, and the most decadent Johnnycake with smoked trout, caviar, and honey butter. Pro tip: Go on a Monday and get the lobster spaghettini special.” — Cassie Piuma

63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113

(617) 742-3474

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Overhead view of a round metal ice-filled dish holding oysters on the half-shell, crab claws, lemon wedges, and sauces. — Oysters and Jonah crab claws at Neptune Oyster.

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Shojo

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“Shojo has been one of my favorites since they opened. Their cocktails are great as well as their beer selection. My absolute favorite thing from there is the kimchi fried rice.” — Valentine Howell

9A Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111

(617) 482-8887

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Pescador

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“I just recently went for my birthday and had one of the best meals I have had in a while, including the Peruvian ceviche, broccolini, paella, and chicken wings. Can’t really choose one dish because they were all fantastic. Love the vibe of the restaurant and chef Dan [Bazzinotti] is killing it over there.” — Valentine Howell

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498 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

(617) 532-1050

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A short, wide bowl filled with fish, vegetables, and a green broth. — A crudo from Pescador.

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May's Cake House

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“I lived in Chinatown for four years before settling in Southie, and was lucky enough to live a block away from May’s Cake House. This little hole-in-the-wall Chinese bakery kept me running for anything breakfast/lunch/snack-related seven days a week! From dim sum items to freshly baked buns and steamed rice noodles, they offer some of Chinatown’s best and cheapest eats. We also can’t celebrate any staff member’s birthday at Moonshine 152 without me grabbing a colossal mango mousse cake from May’s!” — Asia Mei

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223 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111

(617) 350-0210

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The Beehive

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“I love the Beehive because of its incredible live music performances every night and wild Bohemian decor, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere reminiscent of yesteryear jazz clubs. Good all-around vibes!” — Cecelia Lizotte

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541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 423-0069

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The Chicken Thieves play as people celebrate Bastille Day at Beehive. — French group the Chicken Thieves performs at the Beehive.

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Rondo's Submarine Sandwiches

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“Southie would be at a loss for insanely delicious sandwiches and lunch if it weren’t for Rondo’s. If you’re visiting during peak hours, you better be ready to wait in a line out the door because their die-hard family-driven atmosphere, super reasonable prices, and huge menu entice pretty much everyone who knows about them. My favorite sandwich is the steak, egg, and pepperoni bomb... and anything with their fabulous tuna salad is crave-worthy!” — Asia Mei

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134 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

(617) 269-0274

MIDA

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“I am always drawn to the elegantly designed and welcoming space, complemented by a carefully curated menu featuring delectable desserts unique to the city. They are well known for serving simple but classic Italian dishes. Whenever I find myself in the mood for anything other than African food, I go down to MIDA. I consider the owner, Douglass Williams, a good friend, and we have jokingly agreed on serving Suya’s goat pepper soup at their Italian restaurant — a bit of a long shot, but I am still keen on making it happen. There’s a first for everything.” — Cecelia Lizotte

“We love MIDA for the food, of course — favorite things there are the roasted chicken, eggplant parm, and insalata mista which we can’t get enough of. Also, Douglass has become a good friend of ours.” — Valentine Howell

782 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 936-3490

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An overhead shot of dishes of various pastas laid out on a white table with drinks interspersed throughout. — Pasta, pasta, pasta.

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Estragon Tapas

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“If I get a rare night out away from work, odds are that you’ll find me enjoying my favorite home away from home at the bar at Estragon. Not only are their cocktails perfectly paired with the most consistently tasty tapas menu in Boston, but they also have a stellar staff and delightful mocktails! The atmosphere is so welcoming and approachable. I’ll take a chill night with squid ink arroz negro, gambas al ajillo, and morcilla toasts every chance that I can get.” — Asia Mei

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700 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 266-0443

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A small black dish filled with grilled shrimp simmering in broth and herbs. — Gambas al ajillo from Estragon.

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12 Solid Bets for Boston’s Restaurant Week

Mahaniyom

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“This little gem is funky and fun and just oozes good energy. The flavors are bold and craveable but super balanced — including the crab curry, salt and pepper pork cheek, and pomelo salad. Wash it all down with a couple rambutinis. Side note, very cool bathroom.” — Cassie Piuma

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236 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

(617) 487-5986

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Overhead view of a red curry dish with a pile of crab meat, thinly sliced red chiles, and sliced betel leaves. It’s in a white bowl sitting on a white plate, which has four bundles of thin vermicelli sitting next to the bowl. The plate and bowl are on a wooden table. — Mahaniyom’s crab curry.

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The Pearl

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“The Pearl is a new addition to the family of Black-owned restaurants in Boston. The owner has been a staple in the restaurant business for over two decades, and the cozy vibe and friendly staff make it the perfect place for working professionals to meet and catch up over some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city. The owner, Luther, is a consummate restaurant professional, and he has been a beacon for Suya and others looking to run a smooth and efficient establishment for over a decade.” — Cecelia Lizotte

20b District Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125

(617) 288-8810

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Pho Hoa

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“Ken [Rivard, Adams’s husband] and I live in Dorchester and love that we have this neighborhood restaurant, Pho Hoa. The super traditional Vietnamese American menu has recently had a new infusion of inspiration with the new partnership of Victoria Nyugen with the owners, Tam Le and his family. They now offer the unusual fun and delicious seven-course beef experience. We got to know Tam through the pandemic and appreciate the commitment he and his family have continued to make to the community.” — Jody Adams

1370 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122

(617) 287-9746

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An overhead shot of bowls of soups, dips, and fried foods laid out on a table. — A spread from Pho Hoa.

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Where Boston’s Top Chefs Like to Dine Out

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Forge Baking Company

Taquería Jalisco

Pammy's

Neptune Oyster

Shojo

Pescador

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May's Cake House

The Beehive

Rondo's Submarine Sandwiches

MIDA

Estragon Tapas

Mahaniyom

The Pearl

Pho Hoa

More in Maps

Forge Baking Company

Taquería Jalisco

Pammy's

Neptune Oyster

Shojo

Pescador

May's Cake House

The Beehive

Rondo's Submarine Sandwiches

MIDA

Estragon Tapas

Mahaniyom

The Pearl

Pho Hoa

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All sharing options for: Where Boston’s Top Chefs Like to Dine Out

All sharing options for: Where Boston’s Top Chefs Like to Dine Out