Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Boston

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!

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.

Considered to be one of the more elegant Italian eateries in the North End, this North Square restaurant is neighbor to the Paul Revere House. The candlelit main dining room has small tables covered in crisp linens, and the romantic atmosphere makes it a good place to bring your date. The cuisine features fresh and contemporary North Italian cuisine. Try the Spaghetti Bolognese or one of the seasonal specials and wash it down with a pick from the extensive wine list.

Sportello is an upbeat Italian eatery that invites you into the warm ambiance to experience a culinary bliss. With freshly baked, home-style breads, Sportello also has some delicious pastas and gourmet polentas on offer. Go for some sumptuous entrees like Rohan Duck and appetizers like Beef Carpaccio from their dinner menu. Their wine list is impressive and the bakery counter has loose teas, sweet and savory quick bites, hot chocolate, organic coffees and a lot more that you can pick up. Call ahead to make reservations.