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 mary's. Be prepared to wait or arrive early, this popular establishment doesn't accept reservations.

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.

Ken Oringer is at the helm of Coppa and he is one of Boston's best loved fine dining chefs, with Toro and Clio also under his belt. This quaint little rustic restaurant, with its incredible selection of wines and mixed drinks, is a pleasant contrast to many of the sleek uptown restaurants that it shares a berth with. The food puts unexpected twists on classic Italian cuisine, such as the famed carbonara with sea urchin - not for the culinary faint-of-heart. More traditional dishes abound, from gnocchi with pork ragu, sage and pecorino to the perfectly wood-fired pizza.

For daring Asian cuisine enthusiasts, Myers + Chang promises to cater admirably to their needs. The chefs' interpretations of Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine are both thoughtful and novel; the Cantonese Lacquered Pork comes with kimchi flavored rice cake - the tartness of the kimchi is the perfect foil to the sweetness of the meat. Their pot-stickers are, predictably, excellent, as are the tea-smoked pork spare ribs. On weekends, Myers + Chang serves up a dim sum brunch menu which is the perfect way to have a social hangover breakfast, with plenty of sharing and a riot of flavors.

Five Horses Tavern boasts of more than 90 globe-spanning craft beers and spirits. Its dusky green walls offer a vivid contrast against bare, red-bricked ones. A polished bar counter, wood-decked flooring and ornate chandeliers create a swanky ambience. Guests can savor creative cocktails with flowery aromas and fruity flavors, including Rachel Alexandra, Sparkling Apple and Blue Hills Rosey. Unwind with Wheat Ale such as Blanche de Bruxelles or a Belgian Ale like Saint Louis Kriek. Their food menu offers starters like Fleur Blanc and Papas Fritas, followed by mains such as Seared Pork Loin and Pan Roasted Cod. Extend the pleasure of dining here to loved ones with their gift cards.

Carrie Nation Restaurant & Cocktail Club celebrates the aristocratic charm of Boston during the pre-Prohibition era between the two World Wars. It is replete with velvet chairs, period lamps and candles casting a dim glow, a stately white bar counter with Victorian mirrors and columns, and shelves lined with bottles exhibiting vintage labels. Its beverages are named after the who's who of the city. Its eclectic cocktail selection includes the gin-infused Million Dollar Cop, inspired by the famous brewer Garret Oliver, and the tequila-based King Solomon. One can also try their Rascal King and Liggett’s Literature, influenced by politicians and writers respectively. This restaurant tweaks American classics and offers a menu comprising of dishes like Lobster BLT, and Truffle Mac and Cheese. Its multiple themed bars, including the Speakeasy Room, can be hired for private dining and parties.