Nothing screams “summer in New England” like a plate of fried clams — ideally accompanied by fries and onion rings as well. And fortunately it’s not just available in the summer; this classic North Shore spot, founded more than a century ago, is open year-round. Woodman’s claims to have invented fried clams.

The restaurant separates its food counter from its drink counter, so be sure to proceed to the beverage line (there’s a full bar available) after placing your food order. There’s plenty of seating inside and out.

Other dishes to try at Woodman’s of Essex: clam cakes, clam chowder, hot boiled lobster (choose your own) with drawn butter

If you like this, also try: fried clams at J.T. Farnham’s (also in Essex), Clam Box (Ipswich), or Bob’s Clam Hut (Kittery, Maine)

Further reading: Shack Food: Casual Summer Dining in New England; Where to Eat Fried Clams in and Around Boston

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 also four other locations — Saugus, Danvers, Medford, and Logan Airport.) The company even claims to have 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, basic Land O’Lakes white American cheese, and mayonnaise.

Other dishes to try at Kelly’s Roast Beef: lobster roll, clam chowder

If you like this, also try: roast beef 1000 at Cutty’s in Brookline, beef on weck at All Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge, or the roast beef sandwich at Hot Box in Somerville

Further reading: How Kelly’s Roast Beef Soared From Simple Sandwich to State Icon

Boston has no dearth of ramen options these days, but one of the most unique options in town is an eccentric little shop in Cambridge’s Porter Square where diners stand up and share their dreams after finishing massive bowls of jiro-style ramen (a hefty pork-topped style not found elsewhere in the Boston area). In non-COVID times, the menu was simple: two sizes of ramen, and each could be served with one slice of pork (kids only), two slices, or five slices. There was no takeout, aside from a 500-gram block of pork, and the shop only took cash and generally had long lines. Currently, though, it’s only open for takeout with online ordering available and a slightly larger menu.

Other dishes to try at Yume Wo Katare: As noted above, there are generally no other options. However, there are occasionally seasonal specials; keep an eye on Facebook for details. On the coldest days of winter, for instance, there may be a spicy ramen available. Or head to its sibling down the street, Yume Ga Arukara, for udon.

If you like this, also try: ramen from Ganko Ittetsu Ramen in Brookline, Pagu in Cambridge, or Pikaichi in Medford

Further reading: Warm up at These Ramen Destinations

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 Neighborhood — ideally on the pastel umbrella-bedecked seasonal patio — knows the truth. Every Neighborhood breakfast comes with a choice of fruit or Cream of Wheat. Don’t make the wrong choice. (Note: You can also order Cream of Wheat on its own, and it’s available for takeout as well. Let this information get you through all future Somerville winters.)

Other dishes to try at Neighborhood: anything from the specials menu, which is always jam-packed with over-the-top pancake and French toast options

If you like this, also try: other classic Somerville brunches at Supreme Kitchen and Renee’s Cafe

Further reading: Breakfast, Borges Style, at the Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery; The Boston Breakfast and Brunch Guide

Union Square Donuts has expanded beyond its Somerville home, now with satellite locations in Brookline, at the Boston Public Market, and at Time Out Market Boston, not to mention distribution of doughnut holes to various area businesses. But the growing company hasn’t lost its focus and still knows how to please fans and draw long lines, particularly on weekends. A mainstay on the menu since day one, the maple bacon doughnut delicately toes the line between sweet and savory, making it the ideal brunch treat.

Other dishes to try at Union Square Donuts: brown butter hazelnut crunch doughnut, orange creamsicle doughnut, sea salted bourbon caramel doughnut

If you like this, also try: doughnuts at Blackbird Doughnuts (multiple locations around Boston and Cambridge), Kane’s Donuts (downtown Boston and Saugus), and Lionheart Confections (popping up in and around Boston)

Further reading: An Illustrated Guide to Boston's Delicious Doughnuts; A Baker's Dozen Boston-Area Doughnuts That Expand Waistlines, Not Debt

Sure, nowadays the Polcari family’s Regina Pizza is a chain with a tendency to open up locations in malls, and Boston’s pizza scene has exploded with plenty of new options since the days of Regina’s domination, but there’s no denying the importance of the original North End location of this classic brick oven pizzeria, which opened back in 1926. And yes, it still draws long lines. For a true Regina experience, get the Giambotta pizza, which includes all of the traditional toppings — pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and anchovies (upon request).

Note: The Regina Pizza name refers to full-service pizza locations, while Regina Pizzeria refers to quick-service locations, such as the ones at malls. There are also two locations of Polcari’s Italian Restaurant, the family’s full-service restaurant that features a full Italian menu in addition to pizza.

Other dishes to try at Regina Pizza: Napoletana pizza (“old world style anchovy”), shrimp scampi and spinach pizza, margherita pizza

If you like this, also try: Regina’s historic “rival,” Santarpio’s in East Boston, for similar old-school pizza. Galleria Umberto is another classic North End spot, albeit a completely different style than Regina — it’s a cash-only, lunch-only, barebones spot that specializes in Sicilian slices. (See also: Leone’s in Somerville.) Across the river in Cambridge, the NY-style pizza game is strong at old-timers Newtowne Grille and Armando’s. And for a peek at Boston’s newer generation of pizza, with an emphasis on wood-fired ovens, head to Area Four in Cambridge, Brewer’s Fork in Charlestown, and Posto in Somerville. And that’s just the very tip of Boston’s pizza iceberg.

Further reading: Richie Zapata on 18 Years at Regina Pizzeria; Essential Pizzas in the Boston Area; Boston’s Holy Pizza Trinity Has Been Feeding the City for Decades

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. Mike’s expanded to Cambridge’s Harvard Square and Somerville’s Assembly Row in recent years.

Other dishes to try at Mike’s Pastry: lobster tail, assorted cookies

If you like this, also try: cannoli at Modern Pastry, the other remaining member of the North End cannoli “rivalry” (another favorite, Maria’s, closed in 2019)

Further reading: A North End Cannoli Crawl; Take the Cannoli: One Pastry’s Rise From Sicilian Treat to Iconic Dessert

You won’t find any restaurant quite like this anywhere else in the Boston area. It’s tucked away in Eastie’s oddly artistic Boston Harbor Shipyard, giving it a hidden gem vibe, and the Boston skyline views can’t be beat. And then there’s the Australian food, particularly the hearty meat pies, the cure for everything. Try the Irish beef stew pie. (KO Pies is sadly closing this summer, but its replacement, Seabiscuit, will keep the pies alive.)

Other dishes to try at KO Pies at the Shipyard: sausage roll, fish and chips, piri piri chicken sandwich

If you like this, also try: meat pies and sausage rolls at Cuppacoffee, the only other Australian-inspired dining spot in Boston. Cuppacoffee has two locations (South End and West End). Harvard Square restaurant Park also serves a meat pie (flavors change daily), although it’s not Australian-style; it’s more of a British-style huntsman pie.

Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Boston's Dough-Wrapped Meats

One of the original high-end burgers in the Boston area, the legendary Craigie burger still inspires lines of hungry fans. In non-COVID times, it’s sold in limited quantities at the bar right at opening, and it generally goes quickly. The burger, served on a milk-style bun, features a grass-fed beef patty that is ground in-house, Shelburne Farm cheddar, mace ketchup, and a lettuce-and-onion mixture dressed in “burger vinaigrette.” Seasonally, there’s a tomato slice. Optional add-ons: bacon and an egg. (Craigie is currently only offering outdoor dining with a family-style chef’s whim menu, but the burger will likely return soon when takeout resumes.)

Other dishes to try at Craigie on Main: In non-COVID times, the majority of the menu changes constantly, but two large-format dishes (meant for two) are fantastic old standbys — the confit and roasted milk-fed pig’s head and the whole roasted Green Circle chicken.

If you like this, also try: the “secret burger” at Alden & Harlow and the cheeseburger at Steel & Rye are a couple of worthy local burgers around the same price as the Craigie burger. For a more casual burger, head to Highland Kitchen or Daddy Jones in Somerville.

Further reading: The Reluctant Burger Titans of Boston; Anatomy of an Icon: The Craigie on Main Burger; Essential Boston-Area Burgers

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 want no mayo, a tiny bit of mayo, or all the mayo — or hot 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. (Also available without the roll if that’s your thing.)

Other dishes to try at Neptune Oyster: fried Ipswich clams, Neptune johnnycake, Wellfleet clam chowder

If you like this, also try: Row 34 and B&G Oysters for other excellent lobster rolls on the full-service end. For a more casual lobster roll adventure, try classic spots Yankee Lobster Co. and James Hook & Co. Or venture into residential Cambridge for Alive & Kicking’s cult favorite lobster sandwich.

Further reading: Local Chefs Weigh in on the Great Lobster Roll Debate: Hot vs. Cold; Boston Oysters Worth the Wait at Neptune and B&G; Where to Eat Lobster Rolls in Boston

One of the most decidedly Boston dishes bears the city’s name and dates all the way back to 1856. Originally called the chocolate cream pie, the Boston cream pie — which is actually a cake — was born at Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House, where it’s still available. The restaurant will even ship it anywhere in the country.

Other dishes to try at Parker’s Restaurant: Parker House rolls, which were also created here and are now lovingly imitated at restaurants throughout the area

If you like this, also try: Boston cream pie at Flour Bakery & Cafe, Boston cream doughnut at Union Square Donuts, vegan chocolate cream pie at Veggie Galaxy

Further reading: How Omni Parker House's Boston Cream Pie Became a Slice of Local History; The Ubiquitous Boston Cream Pie

Gene’s first opened in Chelmsford in 2011 and quickly developed a cult following for its Xi’an-style hand-pulled noodles — garlicky, chewy perfection — a dish impossible to find elsewhere in the Boston area at the time. Since then, Gene’s has expanded to Boston proper, Westford, and Woburn (the Chelmsford location is now closed.) These days, Boston now has a few other options for hand-pulled noodles — and New York City’s popular chain, Xi’an Famous Foods, has been eyeing expansion here since 2012 — but Gene’s is still the one to beat.

Other dishes to try at Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe: hot sour hand-pulled noodles soup, lamb flatbread sandwiches, Xi’an chilled noodles (weekends only)

If you like this, also try: hand-pulled noodles at Home Taste in Watertown, MDM Noodles in Brighton, Xi’an Rougamo in Downtown Crossing, or Noodles King at Longwood

Further reading: Alton Brown Had a Noodle Party in Boston

If money’s no object, one of the best ways to go all-out for an epic Boston meal is to try the O Ya tasting menu, which is currently $250 for around 20 courses. Over the years, the menu has been packed with memorable bites, including the “Faberge” onsen egg with caviar and gold leaf; a small portion of the best steak you’ll ever eat, the wagyu seared petit A5 strip loin; the foie gras nigiri with balsamic chocolate kabayaki; and “legs & eggs,” a combination of tiny Maine lobster legs and caviar.

Other dishes to try at O Ya: fried kumamato oyster, hamachi with banana pepper, tea brined fried pork ribs

If you like this, also try: the omakase dinners at Uni in Back Bay, Oishii in the South End, Cafe Sushi in Harvard Square, and Umami in Cambridge

Further reading: The Road to the 38: O Ya in Boston; Outstanding Boston Sushi Restaurants

Scallion pancakes are awesome on their own, but what happens when you use them as a replacement for sandwich bread and fill up that sandwich with pesto, cheddar, oozy eggs, and optional meat (bacon, ham, or turkey)? You get something that is double awesome. Mei Mei — Eater Boston’s 2014 restaurant of the year — is no longer a restaurant, per se, as it is focusing more on national dumpling distribution these days, but you can still pick up prepared meals and specialty grocery items from Mei Mei’s Fenway headquarters, including a double awesome meal kit.

Other dishes to try at Mei Mei: cheddar scallion potato dumplings

If you like this, also try: the crispy scallion pancake wrap with beef at Bess’s Cafe in Brookline

Further reading: Mei Mei's Irene Li and Max Hull on Meat Responsibility; Irene Li: An Advocate for Local Sourcing and Efficiency

Don’t take it as an insult to the rest of Sweet Cheeks’ menu that the restaurant’s iconic dish is merely a side — the Sweet Cheeks jumbo biscuits, served with honey butter, are just that good, and they’re an essential complement to whatever else you choose to order. These fluffy, big-as-your-face biscuits will draw you back to this Fenway barbecue spot again and again. Optional: Add on a seasonal jam.

Other dishes to try at Sweet Cheeks: pork belly, brisket, mac n’ cheese, farm salad

If you like this, also try: agave-glazed blue cornmeal biscuits at Citrus & Salt

Further reading: Where to Eat Barbecue in Boston; A Handy Map of Boston-Area Barbecue Joints

Located on Castle Island, this seasonal Southie mainstay has been serving up inexpensive hot dogs, burgers, fried seafood, ice cream, and more since 1951. There’s no seating inside; grab a picnic table and enjoy the outdoors. Each season, Sullivan’s opens during the last week of February — the first sign that spring is near.

Other dishes to try at Sullivan’s: lobster roll, fried clam bellies, cheeseburger

If you like this, also try: a Fenway frank at Fenway Park, a simple griddled dog or the dog of the day at Trina’s Starlite Lounge

Further reading: 25 Hot Dogs to Eat Around Boston This Summer

Longtime South End tapas destination Toro serves up plenty of crowd-pleasers, including popular paellas, but if there’s one dish that Bostonians talk about when describing the restaurant — or even the neighborhood as a whole — it’s Toro’s corn on the cob, grilled and slathered with alioli, cheese, lime, and pepper. Sitting on the restaurant’s sidewalk patio and devouring a portion or two of Toro’s take on Mexican street corn is the ideal way to spend a summer evening.

Other dishes to try at Toro: paella valenciana, gambas al ajillo

If you like this, also try: grilled street corn at Lone Star Taco Bar (Allston, East Cambridge), del elotero del triciclo at El Centro (South End and Dedham)

Further reading: Life Lessons From Toro Dream Team Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette

This cozy Brookline Village sandwich shop churns out plenty of excellent sandwiches, but it’s the long-running one-Sunday-a-month event, Super Cluckin’ Sunday, that inspires lengthy (but fast-moving) lines. On these special Sundays, advertised months ahead of time on the Cutty’s website, the regular menu flies out the window and is replaced with the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich (ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, and shaved sweet onion on a buttered sesame brioche bun from Iggy’s), drinks, hand pies, and potato chips. 10 a.m. until the chicken’s gone.

Other dishes to try at Cutty’s: red flannel hash breakfast sandwich, roast beef 1000 sandwich, pork rabe sandwich

If you like this, also try: Mike & Patty’s fancy sandwich, Sam LaGrassa’s Rumanian pastrami sandwich, and Tenoch’s Tenoch torta, in terms of local must-try sandwiches. On the fried chicken side, head to Highland Fried or Coast Cafe, both in Cambridge.

Further reading: Boston’s Essential Fried Chicken

Looking to try haggis without the flight to Scotland? Here’s your chance. Jamaica Plain “Scottish headquarters” the Haven serves house-made lamb haggis with truffle honey mashed rutabagas and Drambuie butter, and you won’t find this anywhere else in the area. For nearly a decade, the Haven has been holding its own as one of the only local sources for Scottish cuisine.

Other dishes to try at the Haven: scotch deviled egg, the Haven burger, fish supper, deep-fried Mars bar

Further reading: The Haven: Five Years as Boston's 'Scottish Headquarters'