Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Boston

Neptune was God of the Seas, but the Neptune Oyster however isn't as vast as the waters he ruled over. This is a small pearl that can seat about two dozen people in simple and neat surroundings. Apart from oysters and clams, you'll get a variety of other seafood and if you're in to it, you can try some smoked and raw salmon. You can also savor some Italian seafood like North End Cioppino and Whole Loup de Mer.

Located in the heart of Boston's South End, Toro is a lively Barcelona-style tapas bar. Owned by acclaimed chef Ken Oringer, Toro has become one of Boston's must-visit restaurants. Perfect for sharing, the traditional tapas served here are small portioned dishes that allow patrons to order and try various cuisine. Toro's vast menu features a variety of tapas including empanadas, sliders, charcuterie and more. Not to be outdone by their cuisine, the signature drink menu at Toro offers wine on tap, cocktails, champagne, and bottled beer. Their brunch is one of the best in the city, offering pitchers of sangria, mimosas, and bloody marys. Be prepared to wait or arrive early, as this popular establishment doesn't accept reservations.

Housed in the Boston Center for the Arts, The Beehive restaurant and bar is almost like an opera house in itself with live jazz, cabaret and a lot more action. There are fine satin drapes and exquisite artifacts adorning the eatery. A popular hangout among the night birds; the bar and lounge scene here is also upbeat and lively. The food is a regular mix of the grilled and Mediterranean variety, with lamb ribs ruling the roost. Sausages, pasta and risottos also sit happily together on the menu. The wine sure flows freely on all days and everything about the place has an arty feel to it.

Tourists still flock to Bull & Finch Pub, a.k.a. Cheers Boston, the inspiration for the Cheers television series which ran for 11 years and won a number of awards. Avid fans should be forewarned, however; the exterior is very familiar, but the inside is nothing like the TV version. Drinks and food are served here, but its icon status is the main draw. It is considered by many to be one of the top tourist attractions in Boston!

Located in the popular South End of Boston, Picco is a well-established and loved Italian restaurant. An acronym for Pizza and Ice Cream Company, Picco is known for their exceptional thin-crust style pizza and homemade organic ice cream, which are all made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is characterized by its bright blue awnings, simple decor and outdoor seating. With a bubbly crust, fresh cheese and herbs, the pizzas are exquisitely prepared and can be custom ordered with a variety of toppings ranging from homemade ricotta to broccoli rabe. The ice cream is richly flavored and made in-house. The flavors rotate daily but often include chocolate, mint chip, ginger and passion fruit.

Dating back to 1780, the Warren Tavern located near the Freedom Trail, has plenty history of its own. It was opened by Captain Eliphelet Newell, who it is said, took part in the Boston Tea Party. Famous visitors included Paul Revere and George Washington. Today, it has lace-curtain windows and low, wood-beamed ceilings that create an intimate vibe. Try the Tavern Special — chicken breast and shrimp sautéed with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli florets, prosciutto ham and provolone cheese in a garlic white wine sauce. A great place to sip a drink or grab a bite or two.