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A zig-zag pattern of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry, arranged on a white background. Some are garnished with chocolate chips or pistachios.
Cannoli from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.
Chris Coe/Eater

12 Iconic Dishes Around Boston

Get to know the city and surrounding area with these essential eats

by Eater Staff Updated
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Cannoli from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.
| Chris Coe/Eater
by Eater Staff Updated

Attention, tourists: Boston’s dining scene hasn’t been defined by baked beans (or chowder) in decades. In fact, it’s hard to even find the sweet legume dish on a restaurant table in Boston.

Here are 12 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 the best of their kind, regardless of age.

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Roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef

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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.) 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.

410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151
(781) 284-9129
(781) 284-9129
A roast beef sandwich with cheese, mayo, and barbecue sauce sits on a paper plate, accompanied by thick onion rings.
Roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef.
Katie Chudy/Eater

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Ramen at Yume Wo Katare

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Boston has no dearth of ramen 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 a hefty pork-topped style of ramen not found elsewhere in the Boston area. Dress for the weather; there’s often a line outside.

1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

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Cream of Wheat at Neighborhood Restaurant

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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 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.)

25 Bow St, Somerville, MA
(617) 623-9710
(617) 623-9710
A white bowl of Cream of Wheat sits on a dark background, topped with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.
Cream of Wheat at Neighborhood.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

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Baked Alaska at Oleana

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Talented pastry chefs all around Boston are making names for themselves with beautifully plated, intricate creations that in some cases overshadow the main courses. 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.

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA
(617) 661-0505
(617) 661-0505

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A scoop at Toscanini's Ice Cream

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Boston adores ice cream — and there are plentiful options in most parts of town — but one is a bit more iconic than the others. Open since 1981, Toscanini’s is one of the most celebrated ice cream destinations around, garnering quite a bit of press locally and far beyond thanks to flavors such as B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, brownies), burnt caramel, Earl Grey, and more. Also grab one of the best versions of Boston’s iconic frappe while you are there.

159 First St, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 491-5877
(617) 491-5877

The Giambotta at Regina Pizza

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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).

11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA
(617) 227-0765
(617) 227-0765

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Cannolis at Mike’s Pastry

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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.

300 Hanover St, Boston, MA
(617) 742-3050
(617) 742-3050
A single cannolo, stuffed with an orange-yellow filling and dusted with powdered sugar
Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry.
Katie Chudy/Eater

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Lobster roll at Neptune Oyster

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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.

63 Salem St, Boston, MA
(617) 742-3474
(617) 742-3474
A lobster roll with a side of fries and ketchup sits on a white plate on a marble bar.
The lobster roll (hot with butter) at Neptune Oyster.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

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Sticky buns at Flour Bakery + Cafe

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Joanne Chang first opened Flour in the South End in 2000, eventually expanding the bakery and cafe throughout Boston and Cambridge. Today, there are nine locations. They all serve up a wide variety of baked goods, from cakes and pies to scones and muffins, not to mention full meals, including sandwiches, salads, and more. But there’s one item that has always been synonymous with Flour: the sticky bun. Dripping with caramel and sprinkled with toasted pecans, Flour’s sticky bun is one popular pastry.

190 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 225-2525
(617) 225-2525

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Boston cream pie at Parker’s Restaurant

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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. Parker’s also created the fluffy, ubiquitous Parker House roll.

60 School St, Boston, MA
(617) 725-1600
(617) 725-1600
A small round piece of Boston cream pie sits on a white plate, garnished with a strawberry, chocolate sauce shaped like a row of hearts, and whipped cream
Boston Cream Pie at Parker’s Restaurant.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

Hot dogs at Sullivan’s

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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. (Sullivan’s season typically runs from the last week of February to the beginning of November.)

2080 Day Blvd, Boston, MA
(617) 268-5685
(617) 268-5685

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Cuban sandwich at El Oriental De Cuba

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El Oriental de Cuba is an essential Boston restaurant, and the Cuban sandwich is the essential order at El Oriental de Cuba. It comes two ways: The original Cuban, with ham, pork, and thinly sliced pickles and mustard, or the specialty Cuban, with the aforementioned fixings plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo, and an additional secret sauce. If you like a saucy sandwich, the specialty Cuban can’t be beaten.

416 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-6464
(617) 524-6464

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Roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef

410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151

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.) 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.

410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151
(781) 284-9129
(781) 284-9129
A roast beef sandwich with cheese, mayo, and barbecue sauce sits on a paper plate, accompanied by thick onion rings.
Roast beef sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef.
Katie Chudy/Eater

Ramen at Yume Wo Katare

1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Boston has no dearth of ramen 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 a hefty pork-topped style of ramen not found elsewhere in the Boston area. Dress for the weather; there’s often a line outside.

1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Cream of Wheat at Neighborhood Restaurant

25 Bow St, Somerville, MA

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 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.)

25 Bow St, Somerville, MA
(617) 623-9710
(617) 623-9710
A white bowl of Cream of Wheat sits on a dark background, topped with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.
Cream of Wheat at Neighborhood.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

Baked Alaska at Oleana

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA

Talented pastry chefs all around Boston are making names for themselves with beautifully plated, intricate creations that in some cases overshadow the main courses. 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.

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA
(617) 661-0505
(617) 661-0505

A scoop at Toscanini's Ice Cream

159 First St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Boston adores ice cream — and there are plentiful options in most parts of town — but one is a bit more iconic than the others. Open since 1981, Toscanini’s is one of the most celebrated ice cream destinations around, garnering quite a bit of press locally and far beyond thanks to flavors such as B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, brownies), burnt caramel, Earl Grey, and more. Also grab one of the best versions of Boston’s iconic frappe while you are there.

159 First St, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 491-5877
(617) 491-5877

The Giambotta at Regina Pizza

11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA

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).

11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA
(617) 227-0765
(617) 227-0765

Cannolis at Mike’s Pastry

300 Hanover St, Boston, MA

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.

300 Hanover St, Boston, MA
(617) 742-3050
(617) 742-3050
A single cannolo, stuffed with an orange-yellow filling and dusted with powdered sugar
Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry.
Katie Chudy/Eater

Lobster roll at Neptune Oyster

63 Salem St, Boston, MA

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.

63 Salem St, Boston, MA
(617) 742-3474
(617) 742-3474
A lobster roll with a side of fries and ketchup sits on a white plate on a marble bar.
The lobster roll (hot with butter) at Neptune Oyster.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater

Sticky buns at Flour Bakery + Cafe

190 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Joanne Chang first opened Flour in the South End in 2000, eventually expanding the bakery and cafe throughout Boston and Cambridge. Today, there are nine locations. They all serve up a wide variety of baked goods, from cakes and pies to scones and muffins, not to mention full meals, including sandwiches, salads, and more. But there’s one item that has always been synonymous with Flour: the sticky bun. Dripping with caramel and sprinkled with toasted pecans, Flour’s sticky bun is one popular pastry.

190 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 225-2525
(617) 225-2525

Boston cream pie at Parker’s Restaurant

60 School St, Boston, MA

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. Parker’s also created the fluffy, ubiquitous Parker House roll.

60 School St, Boston, MA
(617) 725-1600
(617) 725-1600
A small round piece of Boston cream pie sits on a white plate, garnished with a strawberry, chocolate sauce shaped like a row of hearts, and whipped cream
Boston Cream Pie at Parker’s Restaurant.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

Hot dogs at Sullivan’s

2080 Day Blvd, Boston, MA

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. (Sullivan’s season typically runs from the last week of February to the beginning of November.)

2080 Day Blvd, Boston, MA
(617) 268-5685
(617) 268-5685

Cuban sandwich at El Oriental De Cuba

416 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130

El Oriental de Cuba is an essential Boston restaurant, and the Cuban sandwich is the essential order at El Oriental de Cuba. It comes two ways: The original Cuban, with ham, pork, and thinly sliced pickles and mustard, or the specialty Cuban, with the aforementioned fixings plus lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo, and an additional secret sauce. If you like a saucy sandwich, the specialty Cuban can’t be beaten.

416 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-6464
(617) 524-6464

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