10 Best New Restaurants in Boston

The top 10 best new restaurants in Boston are Bar Mezzana, Sanbada, Tasting Counter, Little Donkey, Cafe du Pays, The Capital Grille, Sarma, Saltie Girl, Oleana, and Mamma Maria. Gastronomy in Boston and the entire Suffolk County merges centuries-old New England coastal harvests with modern global techniques. Popular dishes include fresh Italian crudo, Turkish-inspired mezze, and meticulously prepared tasting menus. Sarma provides a lively, shareable meal in Somerville, Bar Mezzana delivers a sophisticated coastal Italian setting in the South End, and Tasting Counter offers an intimate, ticketed journey into fine dining.

Some of the best newly opened restaurants in Boston are located in North End brownstones, trendy Cambridge corners, and chic Back Bay addresses. Procuring pristine ingredients directly from Atlantic fishermen and New England farmers defines the regional flavor profile. The atmosphere shifts from the high-volume energy of a seafood counter to the serene, focused calm of a fine-dining room. A meal at a new restaurant in Boston average $75 per person. 

Bar Mezzana earns top praise for pristine coastal Italian seafood and a highly praised, sophisticated atmosphere. Sanbada stands out among the best places to eat in Boston for authentic Korean barbecue. Tasting Counter provides a beloved, unique ticketed fine-dining experience.

The top best new restaurants in Boston are listed below.

  1. Bar Mezzana 1
    Bar Mezzana 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 63
    • Average Item Price $20.45
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Italian, Seafood

    Signature Dishes:

    Spanish Octopus
    Shima Aji Crudo
    Cacio E Pepe

    Bar Mezzana signature dishes Spanish Octopus
Shima Aji Crudo
Cacio E Pepe
    Location:

    360 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant offers an extensive selection of crudo, featuring raw, lightly dressed preparations of fresh fish.

    What Makes It Special:

    The dedication to sourcing the highest quality seafood and allowing natural flavors to shine.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The chic, modern dining room and expansive patio create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 5:00–11:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM–12:00 AMSaturday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

    Price:

    $50 to $100 per person

    Bar Mezzana Menu Prices
  2. Little Donkey 2
    Little Donkey 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 454
    • Average Item Price $17.55
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Global, Fusion

    Signature Dishes:

    Kowloon Fried Cauliflower
    Bangkok Street Noodles
    Hamachi Sashimi

    Little Donkey signature dishes Kowloon Fried Cauliflower
Bangkok Street Noodles
Hamachi Sashimi
    Location:

    505 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

    Special Feature:

    The menu features everything from Turkish-style manti to Sichuan peppercorn-spiced steak.

    What Makes It Special:

    The playful and inventive approach to food encourages sharing and experimentation.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The signature dessert, a bowl of raw chocolate chip cookie dough served with a glass of milk, remains a highly sought-after dish.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 5:00–9:00 PMFriday, Saturday: 5:00–10:00 PMSunday: Closed

    Price:

    $50 to $100 per person

    Little Donkey Menu Prices
  3. The Capital Grille 3
    Type of Restaurant:

    Fine Dining

    Type of Food:

    Steakhouse

    Signature Dishes:

    Creamed Spinach
    Lobster and Crab Cakes
    Gorgonzola-crusted Dry Aged Bone-in Ny/kc Strip with Cabernet Reduction

    The Capital Grille signature dishes Creamed Spinach
Lobster and Crab Cakes
Gorgonzola-crusted Dry Aged Bone-in Ny/kc Strip with Cabernet Reduction
    Location:

    900 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant offers personalized wine lockers for regular patrons.

    What Makes It Special:

    The consistent, high-quality execution of classic steakhouse fare in an elegant setting.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The status as a reliable and sophisticated destination for business dinners and special occasions.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00–10:00 PMSunday: 4:00–9:00 PM

    Price:

    Over $100 per person

    The Capital Grille Menu Prices
  4. Saltie Girl 4
    Saltie Girl 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 124
    • Average Item Price $26.13
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Seafood

    Signature Dishes:

    Saltie Girl Burger
    Clam Chowder
    Fried Calamari

    Saltie Girl signature dishes Saltie Girl Burger
Clam Chowder
Fried Calamari
    Location:

    279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant boasts one of the largest and most diverse collections of high-quality tinned fish in the country.

    What Makes It Special:

    The elevation of preserved seafood to a gourmet experience.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The combination of a chic, intimate setting with a playful, maximalist approach to seafood.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM

    Price:

    Over $100 per person

    Saltie Girl Menu Prices
  5. Mamma Maria 5
    Mamma Maria 0.00 (0 Reviews)
    • Item Prices 33
    • Average Item Price $17.73
    Type of Restaurant:

    Fine Dining

    Type of Food:

    Italian

    Signature Dishes:

    Osso Buco
    Rabbit Pappardelle
    Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta

    Mamma Maria signature dishes Osso Buco
Rabbit Pappardelle
Meyer Lemon Panna Cotta
    Location:

    3 N Square #1, Boston, MA 02113

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant is spread across several intimate dining rooms in a 19th-century brick row house, offering views of the city skyline.

    What Makes It Special:

    The focus on authentic, regional Italian cuisine goes far beyond standard Italian-American fare.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The combination of a romantic, old-world setting with impeccable service creates a luxurious and memorable dining experience.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 5:00–9:15 PMFriday – Saturday: 4:30–9:30 PMSunday: 4:30–9:30 PM

    Price:

    Over $100 per person

    Mamma Maria Menu Prices
  6. Sanbada 6
    Sanbada
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Korean

    Signature Dishes:

    Slow Cooked Pork Belly
    Belt Fish
    Bulgogi Patty

    Sanbada signature dishes Slow Cooked Pork Belly
Belt Fish
Bulgogi Patty
    Location:

    165 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134

    Special Feature:

    The tables are equipped with built-in grills, allowing guests to cook barbecue meats directly.

    What Makes It Special:

    The strict adherence to traditional Korean recipes and high-quality ingredients.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The interactive and communal experience of tableside grilling defines the meal.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

    Price:

    $20 to $30 per person

  7. Tasting Counter 7
    Tasting Counter
    Type of Restaurant:

    Fine Dining

    Type of Food:

    New American

    Signature Dishes:

    Seasonal Tasting Menu (changes completely every two weeks)

    Tasting Counter signature dishes Seasonal Tasting Menu (changes completely every two weeks)
    Location:

    14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant operates on a pre-paid ticketing system, eliminating tipping and bills at the end of the meal.

    What Makes It Special:

    The intimate setting allows for direct interaction with the chefs as courses are prepared and explained.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The zero-waste philosophy and the complete integration of the cooking and dining areas create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

    Operating Hours:

    Permanently Closed

    Price:

    Over $100 per person

  8. Cafe du Pays 8
    Cafe du Pays
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    French-Canadian

    Signature Dishes:

    Poutine
    Tourtière (Meat Pie)
    Duck in a Can

    Cafe du Pays signature dishes Poutine
Tourtière (Meat Pie)
Duck in a Can
    Location:

    233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA 02141

    Special Feature:

    The restaurant served "Duck in a Can," a whimsical and decadent dish of confit duck breast presented in a sealed tin.

    What Makes It Special:

    The dedication to a specific and rarely seen regional cuisine.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The rustic, cabin-like atmosphere transported guests to a different era and locale.

    Operating Hours:

    Permanently Closed

    Price:

    $40 to $50 per person

  9. Sarma 9
    Sarma
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Turkish, Middle Eastern

    Signature Dishes:

    Harissa BBQ Duck
    Seven Layer Hummus
    Pumpkin Fritters

    Sarma signature dishes Harissa BBQ Duck
Seven Layer Hummus
Pumpkin Fritters
    Location:

    249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145

    Special Feature:

    In addition to the main menu, servers bring around daily specials dim-sum-style for guests to choose from.

    What Makes It Special:

    The inventive and constantly evolving menu pushes the boundaries of traditional mezze.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The combination of a fun, high-energy atmosphere with exceptionally crafted, complex dishes creates a unique dining experience.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 5:00–10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00–11:00 PM

    Price:

    $50 to $100 per person

  10. Oleana 10
    Oleana
    Type of Restaurant:

    Casual Dining

    Type of Food:

    Turkish, Middle Eastern

    Signature Dishes:

    Moussaka
    Lemon Chicken
    Baked Alaska

    Oleana signature dishes Moussaka
Lemon Chicken
Baked Alaska
    Location:

    134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

    Special Feature:

    The beautiful, secluded garden patio is one of the most sought-after dining spots in the city during warm months.

    What Makes It Special:

    The exceptional quality of vegetarian and vegetable-forward dishes matches the complexity of the meat entrees.

    What Sets It Apart:

    The consistent, award-winning excellence and the magical atmosphere have made the location a culinary landmark for two decades.

    Operating Hours:

    Monday – Thursday: 5:00–10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00–10:30 PMSunday: 5:00–10:00 PM

    Price:

    $50 to $100 per person