Lots of highlights attract travelers to Boston: its colonial history, art museums, coastal charm, and more. The capital city is also home to a thriving culinary scene, from homegrown restaurants to modern eateries. While it’s easy to find cuisines from all over the world, we’re here to share 10 famous Boston foods you have to try in Beantown.
Boston is a vibrant New England hub with no shortage of seafood eateries, local bakeries, and mom-and-pop pubs. Boasting seasonal delicacies and year-round favorites, some of the best food in Boston is fare you’ll only find in New England. It’s no surprise it was named the #2 best food city in the US.
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Berkshires, Boston’s location is a surefire reason for many of its most well-known foods. Enjoy fresh seafood brought in on the catch of the day, or try seasonal treats thanks to the nearby orchards.
Whether you’re checking off stops along the Freedom Trail or riding a swan boat in the Public Gardens, you’ll need to grab a bite (or two) along the way. Here’s our go-to guide on what to eat in Boston.
Clam chowder
From chilly winter evenings to crisp fall days, nothing says Boston like a steaming bowl of clam chowder. This rich and creamy dish toes the line between soup and stew, featuring broth, potatoes, onions, and of course fresh clams. Some places add other veggies, salt pork, and bacon bits.
Boston clam chowder is unique because it’s made with a milk or cream base, making it much thicker than a soup. Plus, the freshness of the clams guarantees a briny flavor you won’t find inland.
You can try this melt-in-your mouth dish all over the city, from Faneuil Hall vendors to upscale seafood restaurants. We particularly love Neptune Oyster’s mouth-watering blend of clams, salt pork, and thyme. Don’t forget to sprinkle some oyster crackers on top.
Lobster roll
Lobster rolls are a New England specialty, found from the coast of Maine to the arm of Cape Cod. Eaten hot-dog style in a toasted bun, they’re great with lemon juice, salt and pepper, and chips on the side.
They can be served cold with mayonnaise, or hot with melted butter on top.
Oysters
Rounding out our seafood picks are a must-have in Boston: oysters! Salty, briny, musky—you name it, you’ll find an oyster like it. New England oysters are known for their strong fishy flavor, so they’re not for everyone, but we definitely recommend giving them a try.
Great to split with friends, oysters come served chilled on ice, with lemon and cocktail sauce on the side. Plus, many places offer buck-a-shuck deals, the shellfish version of happy hour.
Boston cream pie
One of the most famous foods from Massachusetts, this eponymous dessert features rich custard filling, sponge cake exterior, and silky chocolate icing. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a late-night dessert, this true Boston classic never gets old.
And the icing on the pie—er, cake? Nowadays, there are countless new ways to enjoy the traditional Boston cream flavor, from a donut at Union Square Donuts to a cocktail at the Last Hurrah.
Cannoli
Why are cannoli so popular in Boston? Thanks to the city’s Italian heritage, this Sicilian dessert has become a staple in the North End, Boston’s Little Italy neighborhood.
The tantalizing combination of sweet ricotta and deep-fried dough is often paired with toppings like chocolate chips, candied fruit, pistachio, and more.
Sample the best of the best at standout cannoli spots in the North End. Modern Pastry is a family owned and operated bakery, and a fan favorite on our Ultimate Boston Food Tour. Another nearby highlight is Bova’s Bakery, open 24/7 and serving up a variety of savory dishes in addition to their tasty cannoli.
Fun fact:
- Cannoli is already plural. One would be a cannolo—but we already know you can’t have just one.
Local apples
As the air gets cooler and the leaves start to turn, one thing’s for sure: it’s apple season in New England. If you’re traveling to Boston in the fall, we can’t recommend enough trying apple products from local Massachusetts orchards.
Enjoy seasonal Boston street food with a range of yummy apple products. Bite into a crisp McIntosh, warm up with a piping hot cup of cider, or satisfy a sweet tooth with an apple cider donut.
Fenway Frank
You probably wouldn’t think that Fenway Park is one of the most famous Boston food places, but that’s right—the Red Sox have their own hot dog. Whether you’re overlooking the Green Monster at a baseball game or grabbing lunch to go from a food truck, you’ll find Fenway Franks all over Boston.
Fenway Franks are different from other sausages in that they’re both boiled and grilled, giving them a juicy and savory flavor. Whether you’re a ketchup, mustard, or relish connoisseur, you can’t go wrong with a Fenway Frank.
Boston baked beans
Ever wonder why Boston is called Beantown? A staple at summer cookouts and potluck picnics, Boston baked beans are a hearty and filling side dish. Cooked with molasses instead of brown sugar, they offer a savory twist on a traditional recipe.
In fact, Bostonians have been using molasses in their baked beans since the 18th century, when traders shipped it north to make rum.
Don’t be confused by the regional Boston Baked Beans candy, which aren’t beans at all but rather sweet and savory coated peanuts.
Homemade ice cream
Nor’easters are no match for Massachusetts ice cream lovers—true Bostonians eat ice cream any time of year. Homemade ice cream is a particularly popular and refreshing treat in New England.
You’ll wind up with a brain freeze trying to find the best spot, so we’ll give you our rec: Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream (Cambridge Street, 1255).
Craft beer
Among fun places to eat in Boston are a growing number of places to drink, especially craft breweries. Beer aficionados will love the countless options Boston has to offer.
Enjoy views of the Harbor at Trillium Brewing, or an artsy beer garden at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville.
