How to Eat Your Way Through Boston: 15 Famous Foods You Must Try

Uncover the culinary treasures of Boston, a city famed for its picturesque coastline and a gastronomic tapestry that reflects its vibrant history. This blog introduces you to 15 must-try foods that make Boston a haven for food enthusiasts. 

1) Boston Creme Pie at Omni Parker House

Indulge in the classic Boston Creme Pie where it originated — at Omni Parker House. This delightful creation, born in the kitchen of Parker's Restaurant in the 1900s, boasts a light sponge cake filled with crème and enrobed in chocolate. A slice of history and a celebration of Boston's culinary excellence. 

Location: Parker's Restaurant, 60 School St., Boston, MA 02108. 

2. Fried Clam Platter at Woodman's of Essex 

Experience the essence of Boston's maritime culinary heritage with Woodman's fried clam platter. Since 1914, this historic restaurant has been delighting locals and tourists alike with golden, crispy fried clams served alongside perfect companions — French fries and onion rings.

Location: Woodman's of Essex, 119 Main St., Route 133, Essex, MA 01929.

3. Boston Baked Beans at Beantown Pub 

No visit to Beantown is complete without savoring Boston baked beans. Rooted in colonial times, these beans have become a cozy, traditional Bostonian comfort food. Head to Beantown Pub for a generous serving of sweet baked beans accompanied by rustic brown bread. 

Location: Beantown Pub at 100 Tremont. 

4. Cannoli at Mike's Pastry 

Embark on a delightful debate about the best cannoli in Boston. Mike's Pastry, a family-run bakery since 1946, offers these Italian pastries filled with luscious ricotta cheese and adorned with fruit, almonds, or chocolate. For a cannoli showdown, also explore the offerings at Modern Pastry down the street. 

Location: Mike's Pastry, 300 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113. 

5. Lobster Roll at James Hook & Co.

In a city known for outstanding seafood, a lobster roll is a must. James Hook & Co., since 1925, has been serving up this signature dish. Choose between a hot, buttered lobster roll or a cold version with mayonnaise, both promising a generous helping of succulent lobster meat.

Location: James Hook & Co., 440 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02210. 

6. Clambake at Neptune Oyster 

Indulge in a clambake extravaganza at Neptune Oyster, where fresh Maine lobster, clams, sweet corn, and chorizo come together for a flavorful feast. A tradition in New England, Neptune Oyster's clambake is a visual and culinary delight. 

Location: Neptune Oyster, 63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113. 

7. Roast Beef Sandwich at Kelly’s Roast Beef 

Boston's North Shore is renowned for roast beef sandwiches, and Kelly's Roast Beef is an undisputed master. Thin slices of roast beef paired with horseradish create a classic Bostonian staple, with each establishment adding its unique touch. 

Location: Multiple locations for Kelly's Roast Beef. 

8. Frappes in Toscanini's 

Indulge your sweet tooth with a frappe, Boston's beloved milkshake topped with ice cream. While many places offer creative variations, Toscanini's stands out for its incredibly thick, creamy frappes. 

Location: Toscanini's Ice Cream, 159 First St., Cambridge, MA 02142. 

9. Clam Chowder at Union Oyster House 

Savor the classic "chowdah" at Union Oyster House, a dish with roots dating back to the 18th century. This thick soup, a New England version, features shellfish, clams, milk or cream, potatoes, and oyster crackers. Union Oyster House consistently ranks among the best for this iconic dish. 

Location: Union Oyster House, 41 Union St., Boston, MA 02108. 

10. Fenway Frank at Fenway Park 

Immerse yourself in the quintessential Boston experience by enjoying a Fenway Frank at Fenway Park. This isn't just any hot dog — it's boiled, grilled, and nestled in a fluffy open-top roll, smothered with yellow mustard. 

Location: Fenway Park, 4 Jersey Street, Boston, MA 02215. 

11. Fish and Chips at Yankee Lobster 

Delight in a classic sea-faring Boston dish with a plate of fish and chips. Yankee Lobster, with its decades of expertise, serves perfectly crisp yet juicy fried fish alongside golden chips. 

Location: Yankee Lobster, 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210. 

12. Giambotta Pizza at Regina Pizzeria 

While Boston and New York may have baseball rivalries, there's no debate about Regina Pizzeria's excellence. Try the Giambotta pizza at their North End branch, laden with meats and vegetables, a testament to Boston's diverse pizza scene. 

Location: Multiple locations for Regina Pizzeria. 

13. Stuffed Gnocchi at No. 9 Park 

Elevate your gnocchi experience at No. 9 Park with the prune-stuffed gnocchi. This dish, a crown gem of No. 9 Park, features delicate pasta pillows served in a sauce flavored with foie gras, almonds, and vin santo. 

Location: No. 9 Park, 9 Park St., Boston, MA 02108. 

14. Irish Beef Stew Pie at Sea Biscuit 

Experience the warmth of Boston's hearty cuisine with an Irish beef stew pie at Sea Biscuit. A buttery, flaky crust envelops a filling of tender beef, beef broth, carrots, onions, celery, and fragrant herbs, making it a perfect winter indulgence. 

Location: Sea Biscuit, 256 Marginal St., Bldg. 16, Boston, MA 02128. 

15. Oysters at Union Oyster House 

Conclude your culinary journey with plump, briny oysters at Union Oyster House, one of Boston's oldest establishments. Serving freshly shucked oysters for almost two centuries, it's a testament to Bostonians' enduring love for this delectable shellfish.  

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Boston, a city celebrated not just for its baked beans but a plethora of delightful dishes. As you explore the vibrant food scene, these 15 iconic meals offer a delicious glimpse into the diverse flavors of Beantown. Stay connected to Restaurantify for more culinary adventures from around the world.