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A collage of six images: Top left shows a man with short hair and a black sweater smiling with hands clasped against an orange background. Top center features an illustrated anthropomorphic raccoon wearing a monocle, red scarf, and armor with swords and gadgets. Top right depicts a man with blond hair and a beard adjusting the collar of his black leather jacket against a purple, wavy background. Bottom left captures a runner dressed in a green and red elf costume with sunglasses, running in a race with other runners. Bottom center shows a silhouette of a beast and a woman facing each other closely, with a purple and pink gradient background and red petals falling. Bottom right presents a woman with dark hair, wearing a dark coat and striped shirt, posing with one hand behind her head in front of green foliage.

Things to Do this Week in Boston (clockwise from top left): Don Lemon is in conversation with D.L. Hughley at the Shubert Theatre; EDM project Starjunk 95 headlines Royale; comic/actor Rhys Darby headlines the Wilbur; author/showrunner Lena Dunham also headlines the Wilbur; Beauty and the Beast is at the Citizens Opera House; the Boston Marathon takes place on Patriots’ Day / photo via Getty Images.

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MULTIPLE DAYS
Ongoing through April 20 (and Beyond)

PRE-MARATHON FUN

Boston Marathon Fan Fest and Expo
Help manifest good Marathon energy at Fan Fest, with food, live music, workout classes, appearances from pro athletes, and podcast recordings. The Expo, meanwhile, features panels on running with Amby Burfoot, Carrie Tollefson, Mary Ngugi-Cooper, Lisa Weightman, Rob Dalto, and several other notables.
Fan Fest: Free, Friday through Sunday, April 17-19, City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston
Expo: Free, Friday through Sunday, April 17-19, Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston

MUSIC

Boston Symphony Orchestra: Ravel Mother Goose Suite and Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances
Known for having modelish good looks to match their four-handed piano skills, Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen double up for Ravel’s fairy-tale-inspired work and a brand-new commission, Andrew Norman’s Split. Rachmaninof’s final composition completes the program.
$53.99-$173.99, Thursday through Saturday, April 16-18, Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston

MULTIMEDIA

Boston Turkish Music & Film Festival
This two-month fest, which began with a series of film screenings at the Museum of Fine Arts and Goethe-Institut, has shifted to music. Highlights included the violinist and vocalist Bengisu Gökçe (April 18), jazz pianist Süeda Çatakoğlu (May 15), and a wide-ranging concert from tenor Kenan Oktay and friends (May 22).
Free-$25, through May 22, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston and Goethe-Institut, 170 Beacon St., Boston

THEATER

A theatrical scene featuring two characters sitting on a bench in front of a large bookshelf filled with books. One character is a woman wearing a pink, floral-patterned dress with puffed sleeves and pink shoes, holding an open book. The other character is dressed as a beast with horns, a mane, and a red armored jacket, wearing blue pants and boots. There are stacks of books on either side of the bench and on the steps in front. The setting is richly detailed with dark wood and warm lighting.

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Beauty and the Beast
Debuting on Broadway in 1994, just three years after the classic Disney film, Beauty and the Beast recruited original composer Alan Menken and original screenwriter Linda Woolverton to create a faithful adaptation that ran until 2007. This new U.S. tour takes cues from recent British and Australian revivals.
$62.75-$247.05, Tuesday, April 14 through May 2, Citizens Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston

Gem of the Ocean
Actors’ Shakespeare Project brings us a new version of the chronologically first play in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle. The year is 1904. In Pittsburgh, a 285-year-old woman named Aunt Ester, sends recent arrival Citizen Barlow on a redemptive journey to a place called the City of Bones while local labor conflicts explode in the background.
$25-$96, Thursday, April 16 through May 17, Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury

Mariette in Ecstasy
The Treehouse Collective presents a convent drama based on the eponymous novel by Ron Hansen. Mariette, a young postulate, begins having vivid mystical experiences that her community to the point of crisis, not least of all because her experiences are quite unorthodox.
$45-$50.50, through Sunday, April 19, Plaza Black Box Theater, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston

When Playwrights Kill
Matthew Lombardo’s new, Boston-set backstage comedy stars Tony-winners Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Matt Doyle (Company) in the story of a playwright (Doyle) whose only obstacle to success is the high maintenance actress he’s persuaded to cast (Leavel), who eventually becomes so exasperating that he begins to wonder if murder might be more expedient.
$29-$210.75, through Saturday, April 18, Huntington Theater, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston

Two men in suits are engaged in a serious conversation on a stage set. One man is sitting on a stool in the foreground, looking contemplative, while the other man is seated behind a wooden desk with a black rotary phone, appearing to speak or gesture. The background is dark, emphasizing the focused lighting on the men and the desk.

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Breaking the Code
MIT’s Catalyst Collaborative presents a biographical drama about the British computer science pioneer Alan Turing, who helped defeat the Nazis in World War II with his code-breaking wizardry, only to find himself shunned by the intelligence apparatus after his homosexuality became public knowledge.
$32-$103, through April 26, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge

MOVIES

A man wearing a purple striped shirt and dark pants walks on a dirt road holding hands with two boys. The boy on the left wears a yellow and white striped t-shirt and dark jeans, while the boy on the right wears a light pink button-up shirt, light jeans, and a backpack. The background features greenery and an overcast sky.

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My Father’s Shadow
Drawn from the memories of writer-director Akinola Davies, Jr. and his brother Wale, My Father’s Shadow transports its audience back to 1993 in Nigeria, where a father, Folarin, takes his two sons on a trip to Lagos at a moment of great political upheaval, during which a chance for democracy slipped through the country’s fingers.
$13-$15, Thursday through Sunday, April 16-19, Brattle Theater, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge

The Christophers
Steven Soderbergh brings us this dark comedy about a once-great but now-inactive painter (Ian McKellen) whose money-hungry children hire an art conservator (Michaela Coel) to pose as an aspiring assistant and retrieve and complete the unfinished work he’s hoarding. 
$15.99-$18.48, opens Thursday, April 16, AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St., Boston

Normal
Bob Odenkirk stars in this modern Western from director Ben Wheatley (Free Fire, High Rise) as Ulysses, the newly arrived sheriff in a small town called Normal. Initially, the place seems to live up to its name, but a bank robbery opens his eyes to a deep and treacherous rabbit hole of secrets. 
$17.49-$19.68, opens Thursday, April 16, Alamo Drafthouse, 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston

The Stranger (2025)
French director François Ozon offers a stylish black-and-white adaptation of Albert Camus’ tale of apathy and absurdity in colonial Algiers. Bureaucrat Mersault (Benjamin Voisin) has a relaxed but dull life until his mother’s death (and his apparent indifference toward it) heralds a bizarre chain of events that draws him toward an unenviable fate. 
$15-$19.75, opens Friday, April 17, Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St., Brookline

Hamlet (2025)
The deep psychological roots of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy have made it endlessly adaptable to different times, places, and groups, as shown yet again by this latest version from Aneil Karia, taking place in London’s present-day South Asian community. Riz Ahmed stars as the all-too-pensive prince.
$15-$19.75, Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St., Brookline 

Exit 8
One man is just trying to get out of a subway station in this psychological horror import from Japan—but, perhaps needless to say, this is no ordinary subway station. There’s only one way out—Exit 8—and along the way he must avoid “anomalies,” which can subtle or frightening, and deal with the other souls who walk these weird corridors.
$15.99-$18.48, opens AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St., Boston

You, Me & Tuscany
Halle Bailey, star of Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid, takes female lead opposite Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton, Black Bag) in this rom-com about a woman whose whimsical quarter life crisis trip to Italy doesn’t turn out quite how she expected—but that isn’t exactly a bad thing.
$13.99-$19.68, Alamo Drafthouse, 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston

The Drama
In this Boston-based dark comedy from director Kristoffer Borgli, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play a couple who are thrilled to be engaged until the bride-to-be confesses to a scandalous act in her past just a week before the wedding, cracking the foundation of trust between them.
$15-$19.75, Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St., Brookline

Wicked Queer
One of the world’s oldest LGBTQIA+ film festivals returns with highlights including Louise Weard’s hours-long transgender epic Castration Movie (April 12).
$15-$19.75 (per screening), through Thursday ,April 16, various venues, Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The diverse settings and anti-gravity fun of the Wii classic Super Mario Galaxy serve as a perfect anchor for the sequel to 2023’s colorful, star-studded The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Issa Rae, Luis Guzmán, and Brie Larson have joined the voice cast for this outing, which finds Mario (Christ Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) fighting Bowser (Jack Black) again—this time in space.
$13.99-$25.98, AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St., Boston

Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling stars in this adaptation of Andy Weir’s eponymous novel. Like its predecessor, The Martian (also adapted to film), Project Hail Mary tells the story of a lone astronaut, this time tasked with figuring out why the sun appears to be burning out. To get to the bottom of the issue, he’ll have to team up with oddly cute extraterrestrial named Rocky.
$14.50-$19.25, Landmark Kendall Square Cinema, 355 Binney St., Boston

Reminders of Him
Colleen Hoover’s hit romance manifests on the big screen with Maika Monroe (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Longlegs) as Kenna, back in her hometown after a seven-year incarceration. Barred from interacting with her daughter, she finds solace in a burgeoning relationship with an ex-NFL player named Ledger (Tyriq Withers)—but not without its own complications.
$13.99-$23.68, Alamo Drafthouse, 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston

ALSO


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TUESDAY (4/14/26)

MUSIC

The Red Pears and Together Pangea
Of these two great SoCal garage bands, Together Pangea has a longer history, forming in 2008, just in time to become a key band in the lo-fi slacker rock era that included acts like Wavves, Ty Segall, and the Black Lips. The Red Pears came on the scene in 2015 and continue to resemble a sludgier, more stoned version of the early Strokes.
$38, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Allston


WEDNESDAY (4/15/26)

MUSIC

Oh Wonder
English musician Josephine Vander Gucht was about to switch to her fallback plans—becoming a lawyer—when she met future husband Anthony West, leading a fruitful pop collaboration that has successfully kept law school at bay. Their 2015 self-titled debut remains their most popular album; last year, they recorded a new, higher-fidelity version.
$39.50-$87.70, 7:30 p.m., Boch Center Shubert Theater, 265 Tremont St., Boston

BOOKS + READINGS

Jeffrey Marlow
Star Trek famously declared space to be the final frontier, but the deepest depths of our own oceans are still mostly unexplored—and what little we do know can make it sound like another planet indeed. In his new book The Dark Frontier, Boston University biology professor Jeffrey Marlow gives his reader a thorough rundown.
Free (admission only) or $36.69 (book included), 6 p.m., Harvard Science Center, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge


THURSDAY (4/16/26)

MUSIC

Lil Mosey
Raised in Seattle, rapper Lil Mosey dropped out of high school and high tailed it to Los Angeles to capitalize on popularity of his 2017 track “Pull Up.” He made the right call, because his biggest hit was yet to come—his criminally catchy party track “Blueberry Faygo” has racked up nearly 1.5 billion Spotify plays to date.
$25, 9 p.m., Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston

COMEDY

Herman Wrice
A co-host of web series The Kevin Langue Show, Herman Wrice journeyed, much like the Fresh Prince, from West Philadelphia to Los Angeles long ago. These days, he’s one of the proudest representatives of bald manhood this side of Larry David—even if his advice may be hard to hear.
$36.59, 7 p.m., Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston

ART

Xandra Ibarra: Nude Laughing
What does marginalization feel like? For performance artist Xandra Ibarra, it creates a “vexed relation” to living in one’s own skin that she conveys through mad laughter alongside the act of filling a “nylon cocoon” with “white lady accoutrements” including blonde hair, ballet shoes, and pearls, breaking through the formalities of conventional discourse to deliver something stranger and perhaps more affecting.
Free with $30 general admission, 8 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

BOOKS + READINGS

Lena Dunham
After the end of her HBO series Girls in 2017, Lena Dunham kept a relatively low profile, preferring to be behind the camera instead of in front of it. With that trademark Dunham candor, Famesick, her first book since 2019, delves into some of the reasons for this shift and a lot else besides.
$61, 7:30 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston


FRIDAY (4/17/26)

MUSIC

Field Medic
Blessed with a classicist songwriting talent and an impressive amount of hair on his head, Kevin Patrick Sullivan calls his sound “freak folk” on his Bandcamp page, but there’s not much of the eccentricity of the original freak folk acts to be found on his latest album, 2025’s Surrender Instead—just a pleasant collection of heartfelt, refreshingly guileless tunes.
$36, 8 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston

Starjunk 95
Portrayed as an “intergalactic radio station” with a fictional crew similar to the cartoon members of Gorillaz, EDM project Starjunk 95 is an irresistibly funky manifestation of the Internet’s collective obsession with Japanese pop culture—or perhaps just the point where video game soundtracks no longer require video games.
$25-$35.74, 7 p.m., Royale, 279 Tremont St., Boston

Krooked Kings
A dialed-in alt rock band composed of a bunch of LDS dropouts from Salt Lake City, Krooked Kings mix moody atmospheres with hooky accessibility, maintaining a fluid but reliably identifiable sound with elements of power pop, post-punk, and adult contemporary. They released their fourth album, In Another Life, at the end of March.
$22.50-$32.95, 8 p.m., The Sinclair, 52 Church St., Cambridge

TALKS

Don Lemon and D.L. Hughley
The former CNN anchor sits down with one of the Original Kings of Comedy for a wide-ranging discussion. Remembered by many as a TV sitcom dad, Hughley is also a vociferous political commentator whose first book was entitled I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes Is Ruining America. Lemon, meanwhile, made the news himself this year for a high-profile arrest at a Minneapolis ICE protest.
$39-$194.20, 7:30 p.m., Boch Center Shubert Theater, 265 Tremont St., Boston

ALSO

Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park, 7:15pm


SATURDAY (4/18/26)

FESTIVALS

Thai Market Songkran Festival
Celebrating the Thai New Year, this fest offers street food like pad kee mao, artisan vendors, live performances including dances and martial arts demos, a Thai costume contest, and a space for the holiday’s signature water fights.
Free, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Brattle Square, 1 Brattle Sq., Cambridge

MUSIC

Paul Lewis
The great classical pianist fills in for an injured Joyce Yang with works from Debussy, Poulenc, and Mozart, including the Austrian genius’ Sonata in C Major, reputedly a favorite of Einstein. Lewis has recently been working through such deeper Mozart cuts in performances informed by the subsequent composers they influenced.
$56-$84, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall, New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston

Concrete Boys
Founded and led by their most famous member, Lil Yachty, this Atlanta rap collective also includes Draft Day, Camo!, Dc2Trill, Honest, and recent addition Rio Amor. Their new mixtape, It’s Us Vol. 2, is their first statement since the messy exit of former member Karrahbooo—but fans expecting any in-song commentary on that drama will have to keep waiting.
$36, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm. Ave., Boston

The Maine
Emerging from Tempe, Arizona in the late 2000s, The Maine charted a path out of the emo trappings that characterized their debut, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, developing a country-inflected alt rock sound while maintaining their big, anthemic qualities. Joy Next Door, released last Friday, is the 10th album.
$28-$217.57, 6:30 p.m., Citizens House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston

COMEDY

Josh Day
“I am a human trying to survive and I tell jokes,” says local comic Josh Day in his to-the-point bio. On stage, he has the appearance of an oddly well-quaffed mountain man and a refined talent for elder millennial snark: “I like to make snow angels,” he says in this 2024 clip. “Is that what you call it when you run someone over in a blizzard?”
$28.52, 8 p.m., Democracy Brewing, 35 Temple Pl., Boston

DANCE

Chavi Bansal’s Vimoksha Dance Company
Choreographer Chavi Bansal fuses Indian and Western tradition in her works, three of which you’ll see here. Touched by Water wrestles with India’s gender gap; Salt Soaked focuses on immigration stories; the untitled third piece takes inspiration from Moksha Patam, the medieval spiritual board game that eventually became Chutes and Ladders.
$47, 8 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston

OUTDOORS

Pedal The Necklace: Franklin Park to Jamaica Pond
Do you have a bike you’re always telling yourself you should ride more? Here’s your excuse. The three-part Pedal the Necklace group ride takes participants along the Emerald Necklace from Franklin Park to Boston Common. This Saturday is the first leg, with the second and third on May 2 and 9.
|Free, 10 a.m., meets at Seaver Street Bluebike Station, Franklin Park, corner of Seaver St. and Humboldt Ave. Roxbury


SUNDAY (4/19/26)

A man in a green and gray long-sleeve shirt and beige pants is performing on stage, wearing a black and teal vest with circular green lights and matching gloves. Another person in a dark outfit is in the background, partially obscured, near a large prop resembling a colorful insect or creature. The backdrop features blue and green tones with abstract plant-like shapes.

A scene from Wild Kratts Live 2.0: Activate Creature Power! / Photo by Chris Ocken/Ocken Photography

FAMILY

Wild Kratts Live 2.0: Activate Creature Power
Just in time for April vacation, brothers Chris and Martin Kratt are bringing a live-action stage version of their beloved PBS Kids show, Wild Kratts, to the Wang Theatre. Expect wacky fun and fascinating facts about the animal kingdom. Little ones will love it—and you might learn something, too. —MATTHEW REED BAKER
$30-$88, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St, Boston

MUSIC

Lenka
Regattabar is usually a jazz venue, but on Sunday it hosts this Australian singer-songwriter and actor best known for her breezy 2008 pop earworm “The Show.” Her seventh album, Good Days, drops May 29. Its teaser track, “Sunshine Girl,” weds melancholy lyrics to a deceptively pleasant tune that’s every bit as charming as its now 18-year-old cousin.
$41.79, 6:30 p.m., Regattabar, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge

Yagódy
This Ukrainian folk pop quartet’s mission, in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion of their homeland, is inevitably political as well as musical. With their Eurovision-style energy, close harmonies, and darkly beautiful melodies, they put on quite the show, as evidenced by this stirring KEXP session, recorded in January.
$38.85, 7:30 p.m., Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Sq., Somerville

COMEDY

Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns
First introduced to Americans as Murray, the hapless manager on the 2000s musical comedy series Flight of the Conchords, Rhys Darby landed another high-profile role this decade as the foppish pirate Stede Bonnet on Our Flag Means Death. The New Zealander’s roots, however, are in standup, to which he recently returned after a break of several years.
$37.75-$50.75, 7 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston

Susan Rice
Active since the ’80s, Susan Rice has performed with Paula Poundstone, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Hicks, and Sam Kinison, but she remained fairly obscure until her fantastic 2024 Don’t Tell Comedy set Funny Old Bag, featuring such classic one liners as “I got bad knees—it was a speed dating accident,” became one of the most channel’s most viral videos.
$39.90, 7 p.m., Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston

CIRCUS

Cirque Us Annual Benefit Show
Cirque Us pulls out all the stops for their 2026 fundraiser, with two shows featuring two different sets of guests from around the United States: Flying Gravity Circus, Francesca Bonfiglio, Gwynnethe Glickman, Connor Jocktober, Faith Elizabeth, and Maia Castro Santos at 3 p.m. and InFlyte Entertainment, Judy Epstein, Marissa Schaffer, Amelia Mchugh, Mariah Fraker, Jasper Mayone, Ian Kent, and Maya Zuckerman at 6 p.m.
$26.50-$52, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville


MONDAY (4/20/26)

SPORTS

The Boston Marathon
Boston’s marathon isn’t just any marathon—it’s the world’s oldest, going back 130 years. You can watch the action at several places along the route from Hopkinton to Copley Square. There’s also a livestream at the ticketed Mile 27 at City Hall Plaza, where you can grab a beer and enjoy a post-race party with live music from COUCH.
Free, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., various locations, Boston area

MUSIC

The Antlers
Named for a Microphones song, this Brooklyn duo—singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Peter Silberman and drummer Michael Learner—saw their biggest reach in the early 2010s. Their third album, 2009’s alternately noisy and dreamy Hospice, is still their most popular; they recently released a live version.
$36, 7 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Allston


Ongoing

SHOPPING

Somerville Winter Farmers Market
With many outdoor farmers markets in hibernation, this weekly indoor market, with more than 65 vendors offering produce, dairy, meat, pastries, coffee, specialty items, and more, is an excellent cold weather alternative.
Free, Saturdays through April 11, Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville

ATTRACTIONS

A brightly lit indoor dinosaur exhibit featuring large, detailed dinosaur models, including a prominent yellow and blue spiked dinosaur in the foreground and a T-Rex model behind it. The exhibit is decorated with artificial plants and rocks, with a backdrop of forest scenery. Several people, including children and adults, are walking around and observing the display, some appearing blurred due to motion. The setting has a warm, colorful lighting ambiance.

Photo by Rainer Christian Kurzeder

Dino Safari
Dinosaur-obsessed kids will flip for this walk-through exhibit featuring more than 50 life-sized, scientifically accurate animatronic creatures of the distant past, from the sleek hunter Velociraptor to the perennial crowd favorite, Tyrannosaurus rex. They’ll also find a simulated fossil dig, a scavenger hunt, virtual reality elements, and more edutaining fun.
$20.50-$26.50, open Wednesday through Sunday, CambridgeSide, 119 First St., Cambridge

Sloomoo’s Slime Wall. / Courtesy

SlooMoo MiniMoo
If you’re looking for something unique for the kids on a weekend or vacation day, consider this tactile workshop, where they can make and customize their own “slime” with scents, textures, color, and charms, play games with the stuff, and enjoy other fun sensory experiences. See more here.
$23.99, open daily, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, South Market Bldg., Unit 43-44, Boston

Courtesy

Activate
Billed as “the world’s first active gaming facility,” Activate drops you and your friends in a real-life video game, employing interactive technology to usher players through a varied series of physical and mental challenges.
$24.99-$39.99, open daily, 20 District Ave., Dorchester

Putt Across America
If you’ve ever visited Faneuil Hall Marketplace and thought, “What this place needs is a mini golf course,” your prayers have been answered. Familiar American landmarks dot the 18 holes, making for plenty of fun photo ops.
$25, open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, 4 S Market St., Boston

Courtesy

Museum of Ice Cream
Yes, you can eat as much ice cream as you want at the Museum of Ice Cream, but there’s a lot more to this escapist wonderland, billed as “a place free from distractions, expectations, and inhibitions.” There are several colorful, slightly surreal spaces to explore at your leisure, including the Diner, Creamliner (an imaginary airplane interior), Hall of Freezers, Carnival, and Sprinkle Pool.
$25-$51, 121 Seaport Blvd., Boston

Museum of Illusions
Experience the delights of confusing your brain at this new downtown attraction, featuring a set of images, installations, and “illusion rooms” designed to make reality feel a little less normal—and to provide some fun and crazy photo ops for the Gram.
$38, 200 State St., Boston

View Boston
If you’ve got visitors and you want to give them a killer 360-degree view of the city, or if you just want a peep yourself, you can hardly do better than View Boston, at the top of the Prudential Center. You can spring for a guided tour or just take it in yourself. The view isn’t all you’ll find up there—there’s also a restaurant, The Beacon, and Stratus, a cocktail bar, which is decked out for the holidays. Higher-level ticket packages include a sample drink.
$29.99-59.99, open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston

The Innovation Trail
This tour focuses not on colonial and revolutionary Boston—that’s been thoroughly covered—but on the city’s history, down to the present, as a hub of science, medicine, and technology. You can arrange for a private tour via an online form or opt for a self-guided experience whenever you want.
Free (self-guided), starts in Central Square, Cambridge or Downtown Crossing, Boston

WNDR Museum
This gallery space in Downtown Crossing features iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s Let’s Survive Forever and more than 20 other immersive installations, including The Wisdom Project, where visitors can add their own response to the question “What do you know for sure?,” and WNDR’s signature Light Floor, which changes in response to visitors’ movement.
$32-$38, 500 Washington St., Boston


ART + EXHIBITIONS (Ongoing)

A stylized, colorful illustration of a red GAF View-Master toy against a bright yellow background. The View-Master reels are open, each showing a geometric, abstract portrait of a man with glasses and headphones. The text on the View-Master reads "Double consciousness is the dual self-perception.

View Master (2025) by Derrick Adams, the titular artwork in his exhibition at the ICA. / Derrick Adams, View Master, 2025. Acrylic and fabric collage on wood panel. Courtesy of the artist and Gagosian. © Derrick Adams.

Derrick Adams: View Master
Dedicated to a celebration of, in his words, “Black people — not entertaining, just being, living,” NYC artist Derrick Adams utilizes a wide range of media to make theeveryday iconic. View Master is the first exhibition to provide a mid-career survey of his bold, idiosyncratic, character-rich work.
$20, Thursday, April 16 through September 7, Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston

Attaché: An ASB Group Show
The Boston Center for the Arts casts a spotlight on 30 of its Artist Studio Building occupants. With so many artists in various media, commonalities can be difficult to find, but curator Meclina Gomes notes how their practices “are shaped by inherited culture, migration, and lived lineage” and how their work functions in “carrying memory, tradition, and embodied knowledge from one context into another.”
Free, through July 11, Mills Gallery, Boston Center for the Arts, 551 Tremont St., Boston

Performing Conditions: Artistic Labor and Dependency as Form
Most artists don’t want to have to think too much about business—it’s usually not particularly inspiring—but it can’t be avoided. The artists in this group show are all facing the demons of labor, debt, and the general dependence of art on factors outside it—historical, social, economic, etc.
Free, through August 2, MIT List Visual Arts Center, 20 Ames St., Bldg. E15-109, Cambridge

Subvert, Repair, Reclaim: Contemporary Artists Take Back the Nude
From ancient Greco-Roman sculpture to Picasso’s radical Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, nudes have been a constant presence in Western art, very often fraught, especially when it comes to female nudes, with questions of power and objectification. This show brings together 12 contemporary artists wrestling with these questions as they carry on and complicate the grand tradition.
$30, through August 2, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Fazendo a América: Rosângela Rennó and Histories of Memory and Migration in Brazil
It’s been almost three decades since Brazilian artist Rosângela Rennó has seen a solo exhibition in the United States. These six relatively recent immersive installations, made from personal, public, and anonymous photographs, address the ways collective memory is constructed and erased by the powerful, and the power of art to reassert what some have tried to make us forget.
$30, through August 2, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Unbraid: Hair, Clay, and Craft
Three artists, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Jennifer Ling Datchuk, and Sonya Clark, explore the meaning of hair in their respective personal cultural histories, the first two through ceramics and the third through lithography. A notion of hair emerges as a foundational human artistic medium—“the fiber that we grow,” as Clark puts it.
$30, through July 26, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Framing Nature: Gardens and Imagination
A well-maintained garden is a pretty thing, but also, as a celebration of natural beauty that is decidedly unnatural, a paradoxical thing. This spring, the Museum of Fine Arts is reveling in that tension with a themed exhibition exploring the diverse meaning and uses of gardens in art from around the world and across history.
$30, through June 28, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Split | Second
Our experience of time is defined largely by the ways we measure it, from stargazing to ancient sundials to atomic clocks. The MIT Museum explores our relationship with this strangest of phenomena through items from its own collection as well as Jonathon Keats’ piece New England River Time, which measures time by the movement of five local rivers.
$20, through January 4, 2027, MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Building E-28, Cambridge

Freezing Time: Edgerton and the Beauty of the Machine Age
Explore the legacy of 20th century MIT scientist Harold ”Doc” Edgerton, whose photographic techniques, rooted in antiquated technology and updated for the 1930s, revolutionized the study of high-speed movement. Edgerton was as much artist as scientist, impressing with his pictures enough to be included in the Museum of Modern Art’s first-ever photo exhibition.
$20, through October 8, MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Building E-28, Cambridge

Celtic Art Across the Ages
“Celtic” is a slippery term in history, with scholars arguing to various ends about what cultures, past and present, can be meaningfully considered Celtic. Featuring artifacts stretching back to 800 BCE, this exhibition aims not so much to settle the debate as to highlight the creative diversity and achievements in craftsmanship that fall under the term’s umbrella.
Free, through August 2, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge

Imagined Nation
The Boston Athenaeum celebrates the United States Semiquincentennial by sharing a few of its holdings from George Washington’s library, including his copies of Common Sense and other pamphlets reflecting his engagement with the political discourses of his time. The exhibit also features other fascinating historical documents; it will be rotated with new content later this year.
$11, through November 14, Boston Athenaeum, 10½ Beacon St., Boston

Two people are peeking out from inside an ornate, gold and colorful ancient Egyptian sarcophagus, which is decorated with intricate patterns and hieroglyphics. The sarcophagus is open, revealing the upper bodies of the individuals inside.

Courtesy

Discovering King Tut’s Tomb
Archaeologist Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was a boon to Egyptology that continues to fire the popular imagination. In this interactive show, you’ll relive the iconic moment through virtual reality, learn about the art of mummification, and check out meticulously handcrafted replicas of artifacts associated with the Boy King.
$34.50-$37.50, The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Ave., Boston

Kelly Taylor Mitchell: mouth wide open
mouth wide open takes inspiration from Kelly Taylor Mitchell’s trips to the Bahia region of Brazil, where much of the population is descended from enslaved people who freed themselves. The works here are in conversation with the syncretic spiritual practices, rituals, and objects of this population, but “their true activation,” visitors are told, “only occurs in private.”
$30, through April 26, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Persona: Photography and the Re-Imagined Self
The Gardner Museum explores the power of photography to help us imagine ourselves in new ways, gathering more than 80 works in which artists play with time, gender, mythology, and reflection, addressing broader social concerns and questions of reality itself through the individual act of transformation.
$22, through May 10, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement
Every student of American history learns that Boston was home to some of the most radical activity in the American Revolution, but it was also home to some its most vociferous debate. This exhibition takes a closer look with artifacts including an original broadside print of the Declaration of Independence, battlefield remnants, letters, and personal possessions.
$15, through January 3, 2027, Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston

Say It Loud: AAMARP, 1977 to Now
Since 1977, Northeastern University’s African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program has provided space and support for Black artists and served as a crucial hub for the wider artistic community. This show features 60 works made or made or shown by nearly 40 different artists during their stints in the program.
$20, through August 2, Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston

Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History
The title says it all: you’ll see 100 artifacts containing the story of American music, from anonymous objects like a Civil War bugle to celebrity possessions like Jimi Hendrix’s guitar and Chuck D’s lyric sheet for “Fight the Power.” Note: apart from exhibit hours, there are three other ways to see the exhibition, each with different pricing—check the link for full details.
$17.40 (exhibit hours admission), through July 7, Boch Center Wang Theater, 270 Tremont St., Boston

Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone
Of mixed Black and indigenous heritage, master 19th century marble sculptor Edmonia Lewis broke multiple barriers, winning the respect of her American artist peers but remaining underexamined until the end of the 20th century, when renewed scholarly interest and the rediscovery of some of her lost works prompted a long-overdue canonization. This major exhibition gathers 115 of her works.
$25, through June 7, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem

Davis Museum Modern and Contemporary Galleries
Closed for many years, the Modern and Contemporary Galleries at Wellesley’s art museum are back and fully reinstalled with works from prominent figures like Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Daniela Rivera, Horace Pippin, and others, including some pieces from the Davis’ collection that have never been displayed.
Free, Davis Museum, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley

Divine Color: Hindu Prints from Modern Bengal
The Museum of Fine Arts casts a spotlight on the popular art of 19th century Hindu devotional lithographs. While they’re sometimes derided as kitsch, much like their Catholic counterparts in the West, the cultural influence of these mass-produced works speaks for itself, showing the power of technological changes to influence religious practice and cultural identity.
$30, through May 31, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

A large, egg-shaped sculpture covered in a patchwork of colorful, textured fabric pieces in shades of green, purple, orange, pink, and beige stands prominently in the foreground. In the background, three smaller, similarly shaped sculptures with bright polka dots on red, white, and yellow bases are elevated on thin legs. The setting appears to be an indoor space with a dark wall decorated with star-like patterns.

Masako Miki: Midnight March, when it was installed at the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco / Photo by Nicholas Lea Bruno

Masako Miki: Midnight March
Masako Miki’s boldly colored felt sculptures have both a formal elegance and a whimsical quality. If they seem to have personalities, that’s intentional—they’re partly inspired by yōkai, supernatural entities of Japanese folklore, but Miki intends for them to represent a new mythology all her own.
Free, through May 31, MassArt Art Museum, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston

Collaborating in Conflict: The Yeats Family and the Public Arts
Canonical 20th century Irish poet William Butler Yeats is the most famous member of his immediate family, but genius doesn’t happen in a vacuum—the whole Yeats family made art, often working with and influencing one another. Bringing together a wide variety of art and artifacts, this exhibition tells their story.
Free, through May 31, McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, 2101 Comm. Ave., Brighton

Critical Printing
Harvard Art Museums describes this exhibition as “designed to generate experimental thinking.” Paired, like all installations in the institution’s Teaching Gallery, with a Harvard course, it juxtaposes a wildly diverse set of prints from around the world and across history, some abstract, some realistic, showcasing the various techniques and infinite possibilities of the medium.
Free, through May 10, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge

To My Best Friend
Lasting for nearly the whole of 2026, To My Best Friend celebrates the contributions of Fotene Demoulas and Tom Coté to the Institute of Contemporary Art’s collection, highlighting their focus on women and other historically underrepresented artists. The 50-plus selection includes works from Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Olga de Amaral, Sarah Sze, and many others.
$20, through December 31, Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston

Press & Pull: Two Decades at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop
Coming of age during the Harlem Renaissance, printmaker Robert Blackburn helped to continue the movement’s legacy in 1947 by founding his Printmaking Workshop, which held classes and provided working space for artists. This exhibition brings together work from artists associated with the Workshop, a successor of which still operates today.
Free, through May 31, MassArt Art Museum, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston

AI: Mind the Gap
As AI continues to insinuate itself into seemingly every corner of social and economic life, this MIT Museum exhibit becomes more and more relevant. Noting that the technology “often reveals more about human intelligence than machines themselves,” the show draws on the work of experts like Claude Shannon and Seymour Papert to explore AI’s promise and dangers across a variety of applications.
$20, ongoing, MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Building E-28, Cambridge

Reality and Imagination: Rembrandt and the Jews in the Dutch Republic
The Museum of Fine Arts’ Center for Netherlandish Art collaborated with Boston University graduate students on this examination of Rembrandt’s relationship with the Jewish community in Amsterdam. The artist was no alien to this community—he lived in the city’s Jewish Quarter for much of his life.
$30, through December 1, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Patchwork quilt composed of numerous small square blocks, each featuring a central diamond shape surrounded by a contrasting border. The blocks display a variety of colors and patterns, including stripes, checks, florals, and solids in shades of blue, red, green, brown, pink, and beige. The overall design is dense and vibrant, with a handmade, vintage appearance.

Unidentified artist, bed cover (detail), Chinese, about 1970s. Cotton and synthetics, hand-sewn patchwork. Joel Alvord and Lisa Schmid Alvord Fund. / Courtesy MFA Boston

One Hundred Stitches, One Hundred Villages: The Beauty of Patchwork from Rural China
In villages across China, a tradition of patchwork, developed from the clothes of monks, carries on unbroken from scarcely remembered times. Used as curtains, clothing, and bedspreads, these eye-bewitching creations are marked by individual improvisation as much as adherence to established technique.
$30, through May 3, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Lighten Up! On Biology and Time
A roster of 15 artists—including Carsten Höller, Adam Haar Horowitz, Seth Riskin, James Carpenter, Liliane Lijn, and Helga Schmid—explore the relationship of life to the cycles of day and night through immersive art, installations, and experiential environments, touching on circadian rhythms, alternative concepts of time, and the mysteries of dreaming.
$20, through August 31, MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Building E-28, Cambridge

Faces in the Crowd: Street Photography
Offering a slice of the immediacy of everyday life and society, street photography has an irresistible power of fascination. Connecting the work of legends like Garry Winogrand with that of contemporary practitioners like Katy Grannan, Faces in the Crowd hops around the globe and through five decades to explore this genre of otherness in the age of the selfie.
$30, through July 13, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest
The Peabody Essex Museum casts a spotlight on one of Earth’s largest biome, which stretches nearly all the way around the world, from Canada through Siberia and into Scandinavia. You’ll learn about the region’s significance and diversity through personal testimonies, commissioned objects, photos and video, and interactive areas.
$25, through September 27, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem

Sea Monsters: Wonders of Nature and Imagination
Using historic illustrations, maps, artifacts, and specimens, this exhibition explores the exotic marine beasts cooked up in the dreams of sailors and bards down the centuries, as well as the real-life creatures, like the giant squid, whose scarcely believable existence inspired many of these legends.
$15, through June 26, Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge

The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Even when the story of the Salem Witch Trials is told with accuracy, the distance of centuries can make it hard to imagine. With this ongoing exhibition, the Peabody Essex Museum tries to close that gap a bit, bringing the timeline and context of the infamous miscarriage of justice to life through original documents and artifacts.
$25, ongoing, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem

Want to suggest an event? Email us.

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So, You Want to Live in Bedford, Massachusetts? https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2026/04/07/bedford-massachusetts/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:56 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2819189 Bronze statue of a man in historical clothing holding a flag, positioned as if running or lunging forward, mounted on a stone pedestal surrounded by a circular flower bed with red flowers, set in a green park with trees and houses in the background.

Photo by Doug Kerr/Creative Commons

1. Pick Your Price Point

Houses sell pretty quickly in Bedford, spending an average of 48 days on the market, and median prices have increased by nearly 10 percent since last year. Finishing No. 9 on our “Top Places to Live for 2026,” Bedford has its fair share of historical homes, but you’ll also find townhouses and new builds on the market. Smaller fixer-uppers sell for under $900,000, while a six-bedroom single-family could cost upward of $2.5 million.

Golden-brown pastries with a flaky, layered crust, some with diagonal slits revealing a dark filling, arranged on a white surface. The pastries vary slightly in shape, with some rectangular and others round.

Photo courtesy of Euphoria Coffee

2. Plot Your Commute

For daily commuters to downtown Boston, Bedford definitely isn’t the most convenient launch pad—but if you’re looking to make the trek, the commuter rail’s Fitchburg Line stops in nearby Concord, and the MBTA 62 bus goes from Bedford’s VA hospital to Alewife Station. From Alewife, it’s just a 20-minute ride to Downtown Crossing on the Red Line. For those looking to drive, Bedford is about 30 minutes outside the city, but expect that to double—or triple—during peak commuting hours.

A market display featuring a variety of fresh fruits arranged in wooden crates, including lemons, limes, avocados, oranges, apples, and pears. Above the fruit, shelves hold bottles of juices, sauces, and various packaged goods. The display is covered with a red skirt, and additional tables with baked goods and other products are visible in the background. The setting appears to be a rustic indoor market or store with wooden shelves and a concrete floor.

Photo by Sandy Couvee/Courtesy of Bedford Chamber of Commerce

3. Take in the Vibe

Bedford’s historic town center delivers exactly what you’d expect from a small New England town. A town green and First Parish church are nestled near both local staples and tried-and-true chains like Whole Foods. Local haunts include Chip-in Farm’s old-fashioned country store, family-owned Euphoria Coffee, and Líf Books, a community and retail space. In the warmer months, the homemade ice cream from Bedford Farms isn’t to be missed.

Interior of a historic church or meeting hall with wooden pews numbered 21 to 27, white columns, and a large round clock with Roman numerals hanging from the ceiling. The upper walls feature a series of tall, arched windows with yellow-tinted glass.

Photo via Daderot/Creative Commons

4. Check out the Culture

Bedford is nestled on the borders of both Lexington and Concord, and its proximity to the first major military actions of the Revolutionary War is at the heart of its culture. Established in 1893, just over 100 years after the Minutemen marched, the Bedford Historical Society houses exhibits highlighting the town’s storied past. But if history isn’t your thing, Bedford’s arts scene includes an annual Holiday Artisans Market in the winter, and the town’s concert series runs from September through June.

5. Scope out the Schools

Bedford is home to a top-notch public school system, with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, which was ranked 15th overall on Boston magazine’s Top Public High Schools list in 2025. Neighboring towns are home to top-tier private schools, including the acclaimed Concord Academy.

This article was first published in the print edition of the April 2026 issue, with the headline,“So You Want to Live In…Bedford.”


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Where to Eat in Greater Boston for April 2026 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2026/04/03/hot-new-boston-restaurants-april-2026/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:30:26 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2818994 A large pan of seafood paella featuring shrimp, mussels, clams, and rice garnished with herbs. The pan has a brass handle and is set on a table with a patterned chair in the background.

Dalia’s Valencia paella, with shellfish, chorizo, and chicken. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

As Boston teeters somewhere between Fool’s Spring and Second Winter, swinging wildly from 60-degree days to 35, one thing is constant: There are tons of exciting new restaurants to check out. (Just wear layers.) We’re back with our monthly where-to-eat guide, sharing some of Greater Boston’s newest restaurants, as well as a few good reasons to revisit older spots. On this month’s list: Spanish wood-fired feasts in gorgeous Southie digs; Korean-inspired pasta dishes on Beacon Hill; loaded sandwiches and dirty sodas in a downtown food hall; and lots more. (Check out last month’s guide here.)

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Also check out our recently published or updated dining guides: Buffalo wings | Fenway restaurants, bars, and cafés | Irish pubs | New Haven restaurants (beyond “apizza” spots) | Omakase restaurants


New Restaurants to Try This Month

Recent (or imminent) openings to check out.

Two foil containers of dumplings are shown, one with pan-fried dumplings arranged around a small bowl of dipping sauce, and the other with steamed dumplings in a creamy orange sauce. Above them is a bowl of salad containing chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and crispy noodles.

Two styles of momo and wai wai sadeko, a crunchy noodle salad, from Aama Lama in Malden. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Aama Lama (Malden)

Juicy momo, best dunked in a tangy tomato-and-chili sauce, are a compelling reason to visit this Nepali newbie. Adding to the appeal? Wai wai sadeko, a crunchy noodle salad upon which we can’t stop snacking.

519 Main St., Malden, 781-321-8800, aamalama.com.

A dining area with a long wooden table surrounded by pink upholstered chairs featuring black zebra patterns. The walls have large botanical murals in muted tones, and three ornate crystal chandeliers hang from the dark ceiling. The floor has a geometric patterned tile, and there are two small wall sconces with warm lighting on the mural wall. A large mirror with floral details is visible on the right side.

Bambola. / Photo by Armani Thao

Bambola and the Girl Next Door (Seaport)

Eat pasta, then party. This duo from the team behind nightlife spots Rock & Rye, the Flamingo, and more includes pasta and such on the restaurant side (Bambola) and more Italian food and night-out vibes on the cocktail bar side (the Girl Next Door). Plus, leopard print and chandeliers as far as the eye can see.

225 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, bambolabos.com.

Cafe Noodo (West End)

A soothing bowl of pre-commute soup full of braised beef and fresh noodles? Yes, please: Boston’s Lanzhou noodle scene keeps heating up, and the latest tempting addition is just steps from North Station.

1 Nashua St., West End, Boston, instagram.com/cafenoodo.

Call Me Honey (East Cambridge)

Curio Coffee’s Liège waffles ruled East Cambridge for a decade. Now, the tiny café enters a new chapter, run by former Curio staffers. We can’t wait to watch the evolution, but we’re psyched the waffles are sticking around.

441 Cambridge St., East Cambridge, instagram.com/honeyscambridge.

CeCarré Pizza & Provisions (Back Bay)

When one pizza door closes, another opens: The owners of the Descendant Detroit Style Pizza franchise at this location did a quick rebrand last month, creating their own restaurant that puts Roman pinsa in the spotlight. The Roman-style pizza features a crispy-outside, airy-inside crust. You can try one topped with gold and caviar if you have money to burn, or more classic options. Also: sandwiches, salads, and sweets.

800 Boylston St. (Prudential Center), Back Bay, Boston, 617-544-0417, cecarre.com.

A table set with a variety of dishes and drinks, including a large pan of seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, and clams, a plate of nachos topped with cured meat and black caviar, a bowl of mixed olives, a bottle of red wine, glasses of red wine, a glass of sangria with fruit slices, and a ceramic pitcher with a green leaf design. The tableware features white plates with blue patterns.

A spread of food and drinks at Dalia, including chips with jamón ibérico and caviar; paella; and red sangria. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Dalia (South Boston)

Yowza, this new Capri and Prima sibling is gorgeous. Wood-fired, Spanish-inspired cuisine stars here—tapas, paella, and more—and you can watch it all come together in the open kitchen, the focal point of a restaurant with admittedly quite a few attention-grabbing details.

429 W. Broadway, South Boston, daliaboston.com.

Outdoor seating area with wooden tables and white canvas chairs facing a waterfront, with a city skyline and partly cloudy sky in the background.

La Tavernetta. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

La Tavernetta (East Boston)

Your summer to-do list: Get a seat on the patio at La Tavernetta, opening April 13. Amazing skyline views pair with fun, tavern-like Italian fare (and spritzes aplenty). It’s from the Mida team next door—why not hit both in one night?

45 Lewis St., East Boston, latavernettaeastie.com.

Olivia’s Kitchen (Ball Square)

Fresh pasta fans, this one’s for you. Cozy up in this new Ball Square nook for expertly made ribbons of tagliatelle with hearty Bolognese, plump beef-stuffed tortelli with peas and ham, and other Italian treats.

711 Broadway, Ball Square, Somerville, 781-957-6061, olivias-kitchen.com.

Three green takeout containers with different meals: one with a lobster roll sandwich and French fries garnished with lemon wedges; another with a breaded fried fish fillet on French fries with lemon wedges; and the third with two crab cakes topped with sauce, steamed broccoli and onions, white rice, and lemon wedges.

Roger’s Fish Co. / Photo by Michael Blanchard

Roger’s Fish Co. (East Boston)

After selling the Legal Sea Foods restaurants a few years back, former president and CEO Roger Berkowitz got back in the game with an online fish market. Now he’s dipping his toes back in the restaurant world with a fast-casual spin on that fish market: Roger’s Fish Co. is open at Logan Airport (and possibly future locations elsewhere) with counter-service lobster rolls, clam chowder, and more.

1 Harborside Dr. (Logan Airport), East Boston, rogersfishco.com.

A whole fried fish served on a white rectangular plate, topped with a fresh salad of sliced red onions and tomatoes, accompanied by fried potato pieces and a lime wedge on the side. The plate is set on a textured surface with a green plant partially visible in the foreground.

Rosa y Marigold’s frito pescadito con papa dorada y salsa criolla, deep-fried whole branzino with potatoes and salsa criolla (tomato and onion). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Rosa y Marigold (Back Bay)

This long-awaited sibling to Peruvian favorites Celeste and La Royal finally debuts in April, and we cannot wait to dive into tiradito (a raw fish dish), anticuchos (skewered meats), chifa (Peruvian-Chinese) dishes, sánguches (Peruvian sandwiches), and more. Live music will jazz up the place.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, rosaymarigold.com.

A pizza with a golden-brown crust topped with spinach and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds, placed on a wooden table. Next to the pizza is a glass of red wine.

Spinach pizza at Willie’s. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Willie’s (Beacon Hill)

Take a sit-down pizza-and-pasta spot, add some influences from its siblings (Zurito, Basque; Somaek, Korean), and you’ve got Charles Street’s newest hit. Fancy-ham-topped pizza and burrata-topped banchan, anyone?

20 Charles St., Beacon Hill, Boston, williesboston.com.


Older Restaurants Doing New Things

Expansions and other changes—time for a (re)visit.

A wooden table displays a variety of food and drinks, including a rectangular pizza, a plate of French fries with a sandwich, a bowl of salad, a plate of roasted corn, a bowl of chicken wings, and a bowl of popcorn. There are also three drinks: a glass of beer, a cocktail with a lime garnish, and a large wine glass with a pink flower decoration. The background features large black-and-white sports photographs from The Boston Globe, depicting rowing, gymnastics, running, and basketball.

261 at Para Maria. / Courtesy photo

261 at Para Maria (Seaport District)

It’s all about women’s athletics at this pop-up sports bar at Para Maria at the Envoy Hotel, running through the end of April with a packed schedule of viewing parties and more. (The name refers to the bib number of barrier-breaking marathoner Kathrine Switzer.) Dine on bar food—Nashville hot chicken sliders, hot honey pepperoni flatbread, etc.—while taking in the photo exhibit of Boston women’s sports photography, in partnership with the Boston Globe.

70 Sleeper St. (Envoy Hotel), Seaport District, Boston, theenvoyhotel.com.

A white oval plate with three rows of thinly sliced fish carpaccio in different colors: white, orange, and red. Each row is garnished with small greens and seasonings, with a drizzle of olive oil on the white fish. A lemon twist is placed on the right side of the plate. The plate is set on a rustic stone surface.

Avra Estiatorio’s sashimi platter. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Avra Estiatorio (Back Bay)

The Lyrik development is really leveling up this month with the debut of Avra—a fancy-schmancy Greek chain with locations in Beverly Hills, Miami, and beyond—and Rosa y Marigold (see below). Avra is known for its seafood in various preparations, from charcoal-grilled, whole fish to ceviche and sashimi that deviate from the Greek playbook. Also: enormous slices of chocolate cake.

400 Newbury St. (Lyrik Back Bay), Back Bay, Boston, theavragroup.com.

A dish featuring seasoned yellow rice topped with cooked okra, pieces of dark-colored meat, and garnished with purple microgreens, served on a white plate.

Madras curry stewed goat with jollof rice and crispy okra at the Chop Bar pop-up at Oggi, March 2026. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Chop Bar (Various Locations)

Chef Kwasi Kwaa, who was chef-partner on the opening team of Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester, has thankfully restarted his Afro-Diasporic pop-up series, which deliciously draws inspiration from the roadside restaurants of his Ghanaian childhood. You’re going to want to keep an eye out for future dates: The March event at Oggi in Harvard Square was memorable, with flavor-packed dishes such as warming Madras curry stewed goat with jollof rice and crispy okra.

Various locations, Greater Boston, thechopbar.com.

Grilled lobster split in half on a beige plate, garnished with herbs, accompanied by a charred lemon half and a small cup of creamy herb sauce, placed on a dark wooden surface.

Whole grilled lobster with miso-garlic butter at Common Craft in South Boston. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Common Craft (South Boston)

Perhaps you’ve been to the original Common Craft in Burlington, a drink-focused, multi-bar setup that celebrates craft brews, liquors, and more. The new Southie offshoot is decidedly more food-focused, with James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina overseeing a kitchen that—like its suburban sibling—highlights “craft” in its many forms, in part through a rotating menu called “the Current” that might feature, for instance, one local purveyor or one specific cooking method or tool.

85 Damrell St. (ground floor of the South Standard apartment building), South Boston, commoncrafthospitality.com.

Six hot dogs are served on metal trays lined with red and white checkered paper. Each hot dog has different toppings, including shredded cheese, mustard, chopped herbs, potato sticks, and lime wedges. The trays are arranged on a wooden table.

Harpoon Seaport’s Haute Dogs, a collaboration with chef Ken Oringer. / Courtesy photo

Harpoon Seaport (Seaport District)

What goes great with beer? Fun “haute” dogs (like one temptingly topped with street corn) designed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer at Harpoon’s rebranded don’t-call-it-a-beer-hall-anymore, celebrating its 40th this year.

306 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 617-456-2322, harpoonbrewery.com.

Four bowls of Asian-style dishes, each served with white rice. The top left bowl contains crispy chicken pieces with broccoli and dried red chilies. The top right bowl has a spicy dish with rice cakes and ground meat garnished with chopped green onions. The bottom left bowl features beef stir-fried with broccoli and onions. The bottom right bowl includes a mix of chicken, peanuts, diced red bell peppers, and celery in a savory sauce. All dishes are presented in round metal bowls on a wooden surface.

Tigerbaby dishes at High Street Place food hall. Clockwise from top left: tiger tangerine chicken, Korean pork tteokbokki, Thai basil chicken, and black pepper beef and broccoli. / Photo by Brian Samuels

High Street Place (Downtown Boston)

Hallelujah! Chef Tiffani Faison’s beloved Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Tiger Mama is back—well, sort of. Indulge in workday lunches of tangerine chicken and black-pepper beef in fast-casual form at Tigerbaby, now open at the food hall High Street Place. Also new to the bustling downtown food hall: Stack & Schmear, from the team behind High Street’s Wheelhouse and Haley Jane’s, with bagel sandwiches, subs, and dirty sodas.

100 High St., Downtown Boston, highstreetplace.com.

Jumbo Seafood (Boston University)

Forget about squeezing dim sum into your precious weekend mornings: It’s available all day, every day, at this new BU-area offshoot of a 30-year-old Chinatown staple. Better yet, everything is, well, jumbo, from the shrimp to the menu.

1032 Commonwealth Ave., Brookline, 617-858-8168, jumboseafoodboston.com.

Overhead view of a big, braised piece of lamb on the bone atop a yellow-orange puree and a purple salad of shredded radicchio.

Kush by Saba’s coffee-braised lamb shank with potato parsnip puree and wilted radicchio salad, a seasonal special. / Photo by Saba Wahid Duffy

Kush Modern Mediterranean (Union Square)

From food truck to takeout and catering to, finally, a restaurant: Kush Modern Mediterranean, the evolution of Kush by Saba, opens April 28 in a grandly renovated, petite former garage space that previously housed takeout spots Wade BBQ and Littleburg. We’re hoping Kush owner Saba Wahid Duffy, a Chopped champion, keeps the spicy lamb merguez mac and cheese on the menu.

5 Sanborn Ct., Union Square, Somerville, kushbysaba.com.

Lanikai at Love Art Sushi (East Cambridge)

Summer’s not here yet, but we can pretend on this virtual trip to Hawaii. The new Lechmere-adjacent Love Art Sushi location serves poke hand rolls alongside other tasty island-inspired bites when the Lanikai pop-up takes over Thursday through Saturday evenings.

1 Canal Pk., East Cambridge, loveartsushi.com/lanikai.

A modern café counter with a glass display case, wooden countertop, and a sign on the front reading "Third Time Together" in large black letters. The counter has a striped design in pink, purple, and blue near the bottom. Behind the counter, there are kitchen shelves, utensils, and equipment, with some pastries placed on the counter. The setting has a warm, inviting atmosphere with wooden and metal elements.

Third Time Together. / Photo by Siena Griffin

Third Time Together (Kendall Square)

Third Time Together—née Third Time Ice Cream, a Best of Boston winner—has landed a permanent space and evolved into a delightful all-day café with Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and, yes, still ice cream. Supremely creative ice cream, at that. (Even vanilla isn’t just vanilla, amped up with the zing of pink peppercorn.)

399 Binney St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, thirdtimetogether.co


Looking Ahead

Intriguing spots coming soon (or not-so-soon). Find more to look forward to in our 2026 anticipated openings guide.

Three people stand side by side outdoors in front of a window and brick wall. The person on the left wears a light beige quarter-zip sweater and green pants. The person in the middle wears a red wrap-style top and dark jeans. The person on the right wears glasses, a black buttoned cardigan over a light blue shirt, and dark jeans. All three are smiling.

Coda Restaurant Group partners, from left: Ted Hawkins, managing partner; Deirdre Auld, CEO; and Jim Cochener, founder. / Courtesy photo

Celine (Fort Point)

This in-the-works restaurant from the SRV and Baleia crew promises to be “a vibe,” and yes, it’s a bit of an homage to the diva herself, Céline Dion. French-Canadian inspiration will combine with neighborhood-y American for a hospitable spot with “a heavy bar presence.”

324 A St., Fort Point, Boston, codarestaurantgroup.com.

A table set with a variety of dishes including several plates of sliced steak in cast iron skillets, roasted potatoes, French fries, oysters on the half shell with lemon, grilled shrimp, a baked dish topped with melted cheese, bone marrow, a plate with two stuffed or topped pieces of bread, and a plate with a cooked chicken thigh. There are also drinks, including a glass with a lemon slice and a red beverage. Four people are seated around the table, reaching for food.

A spread of Hawksmoor food. / Courtesy photo

Hawksmoor (Fort Point)

London-based steakhouse chain Hawksmoor is aiming for a fall 2026 debut in Boston, adding to U.S. outposts in New York and Chicago. Setting it apart from Boston’s many other steakhouse chains: acclaimed Sunday roasts and come-as-you-are vibes.

15 Necco St., Fort Point, Boston, thehawksmoor.com/us.

Three people standing indoors in front of large windows with a view of leafless trees outside. The person on the left has medium-length dark hair and is wearing a dark jacket over a dark shirt. The person in the middle has gray hair pulled back, glasses, and is wearing a dark sweater with a gold necklace. The person on the right has dark hair slicked back, a beard, glasses, and is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and a red pocket square. All three are smiling.

From left: Eric Papachristos, Jody Adams, and Jon Mendez, collectively A Street Hospitality, stand in the under-construction space of their new restaurant, with the Public Garden in view through the windows. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Unnamed A Street Hospitality Project (Back Bay)

The team behind La PadronaTrade, and more has recently begun construction on a new project in the iconic Bristol Lounge space next to the Public Garden. Expect luxurious classics: caviar and blini, Dover sole, prime rib, lobster bisque, and such, says chef-partner Jody Adams.

A version of this guide first appeared in the print edition of the April 2026 issue with the headline “The Hot List.”

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Our Wildly Comprehensive Guide to Eating and Drinking in the Fenway https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-restaurants-fenway-neighborhood/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:41 +0000 A piece of white fish with torched edges is topped with a dollop of whole mustard seeds, a bright yellow puree, and microgreens, and it sits on a ball of rice on seaweed.

Matsunori Handroll Bar’s miso cod with pumpkin puree and mustard seed. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Where there’s a will to eat, there’s a Fenway. Whether you’re hanging around before the Sox hit the field or just looking to run the bases around some of the city’s hottest restaurants, this neighborhood has it all. Here are 40-plus excellent restaurants and bars to explore—and one food hall!—spanning from Fenway Park-adjacent to Peterborough Street’s “restaurant row” to Audubon Circle to Kenmore Square.

Last updated in March 2026; stay tuned for periodic updates.


Jump to:

  • Where to Eat a Meal: From very casual to a little bit fancy, here’s where to sit down for an excellent brunch, lunch, or dinner.
  • Where to Grab a Drink: You’ll find the spots that are more bar than restaurant here—although most also offer great food.
  • Where to Get Caffeinated: You’ll find outposts of large chains like Caffè Nero, Starbucks, and Boston’s own Tatte in the vicinity, but we prefer visiting the smaller indies when possible.
  • Where to Get Dessert: From late-night doughnuts to all things matcha, here’s where you can grab a quick dessert in the neighborhood.

See also: So, You Want to Live in the Fenway?


Where to Eat a Meal

From very casual to a little bit fancy, here’s where to sit down for an excellent brunch, lunch, or dinner. (Looking for late-night options? Find those here.)

Audubon

Around for over a decade, this Trina’s Starlite Lounge sibling is a neighborhood staple during Sox season (and the rest of the year!) thanks to its tasty comfort food, easy-drinking cocktails, and delightful hidden (and heated) patio out back. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays.

838 Beacon St., Audubon Circle, Boston, 617-421-1910, audubonboston.com.

A bright red stew in a black bowl is accompanied by a large, round, naan-like bread. A roasted lamb and rice dish is visible in the background.

Bab Al-Yemen’s aqdah dajaj (foreground)—a chicken stew—and lamb haneeth with rice. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Bab Al-Yemen

One of 2022’s most exciting restaurant openings, Bab Al-Yemen is one of the region’s only restaurants specializing in Yemeni cuisine. We particularly love it on a chilly night for its hearty stews, roasted meats, and clove- and cardamom-spiced adani tea, but you’ll be delighted in any weather. The lamb haneeth is a highlight.

468 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston, 857-250-2943, babalyemenboston.com.

Basho Japanese Brasserie

This neighborhood favorite—which opened way back in 2010—has always been a reliable place for sushi that won’t break the bank. (And it offers a brown rice substitution, fairly rare for local sushi spots.) Feast your way through rolls such as the Fenway roll (of course) with seared tuna, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, tobiko, and wasabi mayo. There are plenty of rice and noodle dishes and other entrees, too, if you’re not in the mood for sushi.

1338 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-262-1338, bashosushi.com.

Two seared scallops sit in a pool of creamy sauce on a black plate.

Scallops with miso butter at Blue Ribbon Sushi. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Blue Ribbon Sushi

More sushi! This comes from the same glitzy New York-based restaurant group behind Blue Ribbon Brasserie—which briefly had a Boston location, too—and has a bit of an upscale vibe. We’re partial to the yaki sea scallop skewer with decadent miso butter and the crispy rice with spicy tuna, serrano pepper, and eel sauce. And you can never go wrong with an order of Blue Ribbon fried chicken wings.

500a Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston, 617-264-0410, blueribbonsushikenmore.com.

The pig roast at the Citizen. / Courtesy photo

The Citizen

Formerly known as Citizen Public House, this beloved gastropub and whiskey bar by Fenway Park got a bit of a revamp (and a slightly new name) at the start of 2026 in celebration of its 15th anniversary. Goodbye to the raw bar; hello to more room at the drinking bar (there are over 400 whiskies to try, after all). The interior feels brighter and warmer as well. Upgraded tavern-style fare remains the culinary focus, from a truffle aioli-topped bacon cheeseburger to confit duck croquettes. But the biggest draw? That would be the decadent whole pig roasts that feed up to 10 people. The porky pig-out features a whole suckling pig that’s been slow-roasted for over 14 hours, plus a spread of oysters, shrimp cocktail, and plentiful sides.

1310 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-450-9000, thecitizenboston.com.

Several Indian dishes, including pakora and dal with rice, are spread across a wooden table.

A spread of dishes at Don’t Tell Aunty. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Don’t Tell Aunty

You’ll find this super-fun 2025 arrival—billing itself as “Boston’s first Indian gastropub”—on the Back Bay/Fenway border. Among the tropical decor (and giant faux tree), you’ll dine on comforting fusion dishes like kothu Bolognese, rasam ramen (try it with fried chicken), and mango lassi cheesecake. The cocktails follow suit, such as Chai Felicia, a chai-infused take on an espresso martini. Don’t Tell Aunty’s landlord is the nearby Berklee College of Music, so it’s no surprise that the restaurant offers live music.

1080 Boylston St., Back Bay/Fenway, Boston, 617-982-6152, donttellaunty.com.

A tall slice of bread pudding sits in a pool of caramel and is topped with a melty scoop of ice cream.

Eastern Standard’s butterscotch bread pudding. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Eastern Standard

It’s back! A pandemic-era closure that left Bostonians heartbroken, Eastern Standard opened anew at the end of 2023, down the street from the original location, now in a shiny new apartment complex. The one-time French-ish brasserie-inspired destination for so many things—late-night dinner for restaurant industry workers, brunch for college students when their parents visited, pre- and post-Sox snacks for baseball fans—is reasserting itself with plenty of old favorites (we missed you, lamb rigatoni!) and new surprises.

775 Beacon St. (the Bower), Fenway, Boston, easternstandardboston.com.

oysters on the half shell at Eventide Fenway

Oysters and more at Eventide Fenway. / Photo courtesy of Eventide Fenway

Eventide Fenway

There’s lots to love at the Boston offshoot of Portland’s seafood-showcasing Maine event, Eventide Oyster Co. Come for a quick lunch of a fried oyster bun with mixed pickles and tartar, or linger over the raw bar for a while and crush a dozen just-shucked oysters. (Washed down with some bubbly, naturally.) Between the Thai-inflected lobster stew with coconut milk and the delectable nori-dusted potato chips, you might have a few daydreams of pan-Asian travels while people-watching at the wide windows. The real star of the show—the gorgeous brown butter lobster roll—anchors closer to home.

1321 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-545-1060, eventideoysterco.com.

Overhead of a striking black and white striped bowl full of udon noodles, ground pork, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber sticks.

Futago Udon’s mad tiger udon. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Futago Udon

This sunny little nook features big bowls of bouncy noodles—and we love a good noodle—a variety of udon dishes, both hot and cold. Try the cold “mad tiger udon” on a hot summer day, a surprisingly light combo of spicy miso pork, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and poached egg. (Note: Most of Futago’s dishes can be made vegan upon request.) A few snacks, such as purple sweet potato tempura and takoyaki, round out the menu.

508-512 Park Dr., Audubon Circle, Boston 617-505-6157, instagram.com/futago_udon.

Ramen at Hojoko. / Photo by Natasha Moustache

Hojoko

What happens when you set a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Japanese izakaya inside a former Howard Johnson’s hotel? You get the beautifully bonkers Hojoko, restaurateurs Tim and Nancy Cushman’s more casual sequel to downtown’s super-fancy O Ya. Here, it’s all about the playful playlist of flavor mash-ups, from the ginger-soy-marinated karaage fried chicken to the Best-of-Boston-winning wagyu cheeseburger with zingy dashi pickles and special sauce. Sushi offerings similarly hit with a remix of funky ingredients, from the truffle salsa and miso caramel in the shiitake mushroom tempura roll to the smoked Oaxacan pasilla chili pepper that lights up the spicy salmon.

1271 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-670-0507, hojokoboston.com.

India Quality

Open for a commendable 40+ years, this north Indian restaurant brings the heat with savory, fiery curries and lots more. (The menu is huge; there are even two dozen different breads available.) It’s been a Best of Boston winner multiple times over the years, including a best neighborhood restaurant nod in 2021 and best Indian restaurant in 2022. The lamb vindaloo and beef bhuna are among our favorite dishes.

484 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston, 617-267-4499, indiaquality.com.

KChickin

Korean fried chicken and sushi are co-stars here, plus an assortment of other dishes from Korean and Japanese cuisines. You’ll have to make several visits to work through all the wing sauce options, from soy garlic to “spicy crazy Korean,” not to mention hand rolls (with little eye droppers of sauces); Korean dishes like bulgogi and tteokbokki; and luxurious Japanese donburi like one topped with lobster, ikura, uni, octopus, and more.

86 Peterborough St., Fenway, Boston, 617-530-1181, kchickin.com.

Kenzoku Mazesoba

Steps from Futago Udon (see above) is another noodle shop with a singular focus: mazesoba, or brothless ramen. Thick, chewy noodles, made fresh daily, are the stars at this relative newcomer (it opened in 2024), served with toppings like spicy minced pork, scallions, and poached eggs. Finish your noodles? Ask for a free serving of rice to eat with whatever remains in your bowl.

506 Park Dr., Audubon Circle, Boston, 617-608-3572, instagram.com/kenzoku.mazesoba.

Several people are gathered around a table eating tacos and drinking margaritas.

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar. / Photo by Reagan Byrne

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

The second location of Loco is a big hit, just like its boisterous older sibling in Southie, which has become a neighborhood fave since its 2015 opening. The Fenway Loco took over the massive space that was briefly home to Plantpub but better known for its decades as Boston BeerWorks. It has two bars and over 200 seats, serving up, well, plenty of tacos and plenty of oysters, not to mention a big selection of margaritas.

61 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston, locotacoshops.com.

A spread at Luke's Lobster, much like what you could eat at the new Seaport restaurant later this month

A spread at Luke’s Lobster. / Courtesy photo

Luke’s Lobster

The Maine-based casual lobster roll chain with locations in Boston’s Back Bay and Downtown Crossing has two outposts at Fenway Park—one inside the park and one just outside on Jersey Street—featuring lobster rolls and chowder. The rolls are served chilled with a little bit of mayo, plus lemon butter and “Luke’s secret seasoning.” Note: These locations are only open on game days when the gates are open.

Inside Fenway Park and on Jersey Street, Fenway, Boston, lukeslobster.com.

A rare piece of beef is draped over a ball of sushi rice atop a square of seaweed, sitting on a plate on a sushi bar.

Matsunori Handroll Bar’s A5 Miyazaki wagyu with truffle salt. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Matsunori Handroll Bar

Even more sushi in the neighborhood? Yep. This 2023 arrival focuses on handrolls, in particular—and plenty of A5 wagyu, because co-owner Kevin Liu is also a partner in a cattle ranch in Miyazaki, Japan. Standouts include the miso cod roll and the Hokkaido scallop roll. Note: Matsunori doesn’t currently serve alcohol, take reservations, or offer takeout/delivery.

900a Beacon St., Audubon Circle, Boston, 857-305-3993, matsu-nori.com.

A plate of thick bucatini with tomato sauce and bits of meat sits on a white counter with a black and white tiled floor in the background.

Bucatini all’amatriciana at Mida Fenway. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Mida

We were bummed to lose the short-lived DW French and its faithful renditions of French classics in 2024, but fortunately chef/co-owner Douglass Williams and co-owner Seth Gerber kept hold of the space and turned it into their fourth location of Italian favorite Mida instead. With dishes like an exemplary bucatini all’Amatriciana and a hefty meatball-stuffed sub, plus thin, crispy pizzas, we can’t be mad that Mida is here.

1391 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, midarestaurant.com.

A shot glass of uni, ikura, and caviar is served on ice inside a Japanese restaurant.

Nagomi Izakaya’s uni spoon. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Nagomi Izakaya

This versatile sushi spot in the heart of Kenmore can feel as casual or elegant as you’d like. Splurge on chef’s-choice sets full of luxurious ingredients, or keep it a little simpler with donburi, hand rolls, and maki. Add an easy-drinking, sake-based cocktail if you’re feeling fancy, such as a smoky yuzu rose martini or strawberry shiso mojito.

636 Beacon St., Suite A, Kenmore Square, Boston, 617-267-8888, nagomiizakaya.com.

Rod Thai Family Taste

Offering what it describes as a mix of classics and “surprising” family recipes, this bustling counter-service spot on “restaurant row” focuses on Thai street food, with plenty of noodle and rice dishes to satisfy any appetite. (The drunken noodles are a popular choice, as is the tom yum noodle soup.)

94 Peterborough St., Fenway, Boston, 617-859-0969, rodthaifenway.com.

Overhead view of a salad with chunks of lobster, big croutons, bibb lettuce, and a swoosh of herby white sauce, next to a cocktail.

Chilled lobster salad with avocado, sweet corn, lemon vinaigrette, chickpeas, Bibb lettuce, and dill, accompanied by the Pink Pony Club cocktail (gin, lemon, strawberry amaro, guava, and basil oil) at Row 34 Kenmore. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Row 34

You’re never far from a location of Best of Boston seafood mini-chain Row 34, serving New England classics, elegant dishes showcasing local fish, and more. The newest location, number five, opened in Kenmore Square in 2025—in the longtime space of Row’s former sibling, Island Creek Oyster Bar. How’s that for full circle? Try a lobster roll (Row 34 offers its takes on a both a cold-with-mayo and warm-with-butter version), crispy fish tacos, and plenty of oysters.

498 Commonwealth Ave. (Hotel Commonwealth), Kenmore Square, Boston, 617-213-7750, row34.com

One of Saloniki’s signature pitas. / Photo by Amanda Lewis

Saloniki

Maybe right now you can’t just get up and jet off to Greece for a vacation spent strolling narrow streets, munching a warm pita from a vendor. You can, however, more easily make it over to fast-casual restaurant Saloniki, which offers the next best thing. The Fenway spot is this local chain’s original location—a bright, chic setting that offers even brighter flavors: There’s the charred lemon gracing the chicken plates; the tzatziki that abounds; and the spicy whipped feta you might choose to accompany the lamb meatballs or herby-salty pitas wrapped hug-like around, say, grilled chicken thighs or zucchini fritters.

4 Kilmarnock St., Fenway, Boston, 617-266-0001, salonikigreek.com.

Fried chicken and egg sit on a thin bun next to some lettuce on a plate.

Shy Bird’s fried chicken and egg sammy, pictured without the pepperjack. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Shy Bird

Should you find yourself in need of a remote-working spot with killer food, the newest location of Shy Bird—which also has outposts in Kendall Square and South Boston—offers a weekday deal with wifi, bottomless coffee, and other perks. But you’ll want to come to this rotisserie-focused spot for regular meals, too: fried chicken and egg breakfast sandwiches, warm grain bowls for lunch, herby-spicy piri piri chicken for dinner. Throw in a banana margarita or black cherry Negroni for good measure.

201 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston, shybird.com

Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns

It’s all about the pan-fried buns at this quick and easy meal stop, as the name suggests: The plump pork dumplings, browned just so on the bottom, come in orders of four for nine bucks and change. Might as well stay on the dumpling theme and try the pork-and-shrimp wontons in chili oil, too. A few noodle dishes and soups round out the succinct menu.

90 Peterborough St., Fenway, Boston.

Lasagna with cheese melting on the top sits in a pool of tomato sauce in a shallow bowl.

Standard Italian’s lasagna Bolognese with veal, pork, beef, pomodoro, and fontina. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Standard Italian

Big martinis, an enviable porchetta, and warm hospitality are a winning equation at this Eastern Standard/Equal Measure sibling and neighbor, which plays up culinary director Brian Rae’s many years working in Italian restaurants, including Rialto, Coppa, and Faccia a Faccia. There’s plenty of fresh pasta—squid ink bucatini with lobster, bucatini carbonara with chanterelles—not to mention hearty entrees like branzino with salsa verde or chicken marsala with wild mushrooms. End your meal with something from the extensive amari list.

771 Beacon St. (the Bower), Fenway, Boston, 857-305-3095, standarditalian.com.

Sufra Mediterranean 

Known for its late-night hours—open until 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and midnight Sunday through Wednesday—Sufra serves up fresh halal meals and is sure to be packed on the weekend. (This spot has limited seating but occasionally makes appearances at Boston-area events in its food truck.) Sufra’s meals work well for takeout, especially options like the tender supreme chicken shawarma wrap topped with a creamy sauce or the cheese-pull worthy eggs and akkawi cheese manousheh, a Lebanese flatbread reminiscent of pizza.

52 Queensberry St., Fenway, Boston, 781-645-8080, suframediterraneanfood.com.

The patio at Sweet Cheeks Q. / Photo courtesy of Sweet Cheeks Q

Sweet Cheeks Q

Okay, unlike Tiffani Faison, none of us walked away with $100,000 as a winner of the Food Network’s Tournament of Champions. But at least we can head to her longtime Fenway barbecue restaurant for our consolation prize: a bucket of delectable buttermilk biscuits best enjoyed with a slathering of honey butter. The homey spot, around since 2011, boasts a bounty of meats, from the smoked short rib to tender and juicy pulled chicken. Savor all these beauties as a tray, doused in house-made sauce (especially the zippy, Carolina-style vinegar one) alongside scoops of classic mac ‘n’ cheese or barbecue ranch beans.

1381 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 617-266-1300, sweetcheeksq.com.

Taberna de Haro

We may be stretching the “Fenway” bounds a bit, but this Brookline/Audubon Circle-ish Spanish stalwart—which recently came under new ownership—is worth the trek for its arroz negro, a squid-ink paella; seasonal seafood and vegetable specials; and tapas aplenty, such as txistorra con brandada, or Basque sausages with salt cod. You should definitely try a flight of four sherries.

999 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-277-8272, tabernaboston.com.
Tasty Burger tater tots and cheeseburger

Tots and a burger at Tasty Burger. / Photo by Wayne Chinnock Photography

Tasty Burger

Though this much-loved local chain has expanded around the city and into Cambridge, its roots are in Fenway. (The original location—which opened in a former gas station in 2010—is gone, but it reopened nearby.) Fifteen years later, Tasty Burger still knocks it out of the park with no-frills feasts of juicy stacked burgers, perfectly crispy fries, and milkshakes that will have you licking the inside of your cup (no judgment). A special shout-out to the classic Buffalo chicken sandwich and the side of 50/50 fries and onion rings combo, best enjoyed with chili and cheese for dipping. And as meal deals go, it’s tough to beat the Starvin’ Student combo, a $13 happy-making meal of a burger, fries, and tall boy beer.

86 Van Ness St., Fenway, Boston, 617-425-4444, tastyburger.com.

POE-Lenta wild game Bolognese. / Photo by Eleven Seven Media / PAH Creative

Time Out Market Boston

Not closed! Over a dozen restaurants in one—this food hall is the place to go when you can’t decide. There’s something for everyone, from an excellent rendition of classic North Shore-style roast beef from Cusser’s to irresistible birria tacos from Taqueria el Barrio to barbecue from local mini-chain Blue Ribbon BBQ (no relation to Blue Ribbon Sushi above). If you haven’t been in a bit, be sure to check out one of the latest additions, POE-Lenta Italian Café from the Tip Tap Room’s chef-owner Brian Poe and chef de cuisine Guillermo Guzman.

401 Park Dr., Fenway, Boston, 978-393-8088, timeoutmarket.com/boston.

Two grain bowls and a wrap are filled with rice, paneer, chickpeas, and other ingredients.

Wow Tikka’s customizable bowls. / Photo courtesy of Wow Tikka

Wow Tikka

Another “restaurant row” spot, this fast-casual Indian restaurant, which opened in late 2022, offers an assembly-line-style build-a-bowl version of Indian cuisine that doesn’t shy away from big flavors. The highly customizable menu offers plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Don’t want to go the bowl route? Tandoori chicken, samosas, and more are also available.

84 Peterborough St., Fenway, Boston, 857-250-2062, wowtikka.com.


Where to Grab a Drink

You’ll find the spots that are more bar than restaurant here—although most also offer great food.

Bleacher Bar

Can’t get much closer to the field than this without a ticket! This 17-year-old spot is nestled into a part of Fenway Park that was once the away team’s batting cage. Now, it’s an independently operated bar with a no-frills beer list and some comfort food, mostly burgers and sandwiches. You can see the field through the glass garage door (and from the men’s room).

82a Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston, 617-262-2424, bleacherbarboston.com.

A drink, mostly pale yellow with a layer of bright green at the top, sits on a marble bar in front of a heavy red curtain.

A mocktail at Equal Measure. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Equal Measure

When the original Eastern Standard location closed a few years back, its sibling-and-neighbor cocktail bar, the acclaimed Hawthorne, also bid Boston farewell. While Eastern Standard has been reborn under the same name in a new location (see above), the Hawthorne has not—but instead, Eastern Standard has a new sibling cocktail bar next door, Equal Measure. Even though the name is different, the space feels similar—think upscale living room—and cocktail veteran Jackson Cannon and his team are serving creative, beautifully made drinks just like in the old days. Those still mourning the Hawthorne will find just what they’re craving here.

775 Beacon St. (the Bower), Fenway, Boston, 857-449-5579, equalmeasurebos.com.

Fool’s Errand

This “adult snack bar”—another Tiffani Faison venue—is a tiny nook of a cocktail bar that complements its creative drink list with snacks like caviar-topped wagyu hot dogs or French onion dip with pretzels and crudités.

1377 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, foolserrandboston.com.

The Lansdowne

Every Boston neighborhood needs a solid Irish pub or two, and this one is Fenway’s. With live entertainment and late-night hours seven days a week, this is a reliable pre- or post-game stop for a Guinness, or something interesting from the sizable whiskey list. Snack on items like steak-and-cheese egg rolls, corned beef Reubens, and roasted chicken nachos.

9 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston, 617-247-1222, lansdownepubboston.com.

Loretta’s Last Call

This country-themed bar features frequent live music, two nights of line dancing a week, and whiskey flights. There’s a pretty hefty food menu, too, so you could come here for a full meal: Think barbecue pulled pork-topped mac and cheese, Nashville hot chicken, brisket queso dip, and more. Also, late-night doughnuts. (See Back Door Donuts below.)

1 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston, 617-421-9595, lorettaslastcall.com.

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

Grab a pint of Cloud Candy IPA, Mike Czech pilsner, or Lucky Luke oatmeal stout at this spacious family-friendly taproom, an expansion from the original Waltham location. (There’s one in Watertown now, too.) There’s live music and a full kitchen, too, churning out brick-oven pizzas, tacos, and more. And if you’re just in need of coffee and a pastry? Swing by for caffeine and café fare daily, starting at 7 a.m.

1 David Ortiz Dr., Fenway, Boston, mightysquirrel.com.

Nathálie

This Best of Boston wine bar—sibling to downtown favorite Haley.Henry—is the kind of darkly lush and inviting space you’ll want to bring a date to in order to compare tasting notes. We’re listing it in the drinking section because it is, first and foremost, a wine bar—one that focuses its quirky and wonderful list on small-production, natural wines. But the food is certainly no afterthought: Make your way through small plates like gnocchi with blue crab or roasted broccoli with miso cream, and leave room for dessert. Keep an eye out for occasional live music events as well as the “L Club” on the third Saturday night of the month, a “lesbian love fest for our community of queer queens who need a place to slay.”

186 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston, 857-317-3884, nathaliebar.com.

Trillium

The popular local brewing company has a small, freestanding taproom on the lawn in front of Landmark Center, featuring over a dozen of its beers (and hard seltzers) on tap, covering a variety of styles, from hoppy to sour. Retail four-packs and bottles are also available for purchase, and customers are welcome to bring in their own food. (Conveniently, Time Out Market Boston is right there—see above.)

401 Park Dr., Fenway, Boston, 857-449-0078, trilliumbrewing.com.


Where to Get Caffeinated

You’ll find outposts of large chains like Caffè Nero, Starbucks, and Boston’s own Tatte in the vicinity, but we prefer visiting the smaller indies when possible.

Pavement Coffeehouse

This local mini-chain, established in 2009, now numbers nine locations in Greater Boston—including a Boylston Street spot convenient to Fenway Park. Bagels, on their own or in sandwich form, are the thing to get; Pavement has its roots in a bagel shop, after all (Allston’s late Bagel Rising). A few other baked goods and snacks round out the menu, along with plenty of hot and cold coffee- and tea-based drinks. Fun Fenway fact: Pavement’s house blend, Rathskeller, is named for the gone-but-not-forgotten iconic Kenmore Square rock club.

1334 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, 857-263-7355, pavementcoffeehouse.com.

Phinista

When you’re in the mood for sweet crêpes and your friend wants a bánh mì, this French-Vietnamese café is here for you both. Don’t miss rotating drink specials—strawberry matcha lattes, coco cloud ube, spiced maple mocha, and more.

96 Peterborough St., Fenway, Boston, 617-262-7700, phinista.com.

The Sipping Room by Breeze

This is more of an afternoon/early evening café; it typically doesn’t open until noon. But it’s worth the wait for the compact menu of tasty drinks touching on various Asian countries. There’s a Milo dinosaur, for example, popular in Singapore and Malaysia; Hong Kong-style milk tea; and Thai iced tea. Interesting art is always on display in the cozy spot, but if you prefer to caffeinate while surrounded by nature, the Fens are right across the street.

132 Jersey St., Fenway, Boston, instagram.com/thesippingroombybreeze.


Where to Get Dessert

From late-night doughnuts to all things matcha, here’s where you can grab a quick dessert in the neighborhood.

A hand holds up a giant pastry in front of a sign that says Loretta's Last Call.

The Back Door Donuts apple fritter. / Photo by Emily Burke/ENB Social

Back Door Donuts

Remember those late-night doughnuts mentioned in the Loretta’s Last Call blurb above? Well, here they are. Martha’s Vineyard icon Back Door Donuts pops up out of a side door of Loretta’s, open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly, with apple fritters and lots more. (The team is calling it a pop-up, but there’s no definite end date on the books.) Just look for the “Donuts After Dark” neon sign. Bonus: On Sox game days and other Fenway events, the doughnuts are available starting at 4 p.m.

1 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston, 508-693-3688, backdoordonuts.com.

Blackbird Doughnuts

Don’t worry, you can get doughnuts earlier in the day, too. Beloved local chain Blackbird Doughnuts has a Fenway location that operates from 7 a.m. (weekdays) or 8 a.m. (weekends) to 4 p.m., featuring a mix of cake- and brioche-based doughnuts. Most flavors rotate monthly, but there are a few classics always available, like chocolate old fashioned or vanilla glaze.

20 Kilmarnock St., Fenway, Boston, 617-482-9000, blackbirddoughnuts.com.

Fomu

Another local favorite with a few locations, Fomu—tagline “Earth Inspired Desserts”—offers a fully vegan menu of treats, particularly ice cream, which is made with coconut milk. A core list of year-round flavors like the minty chocolate “grasshopper pie” and peanut butter chocolate cookie are joined by seasonal specials like pancake breakfast (maple ice cream with a latte swirl and pancake). Also on the menu: ice cream cakes, cookies, popsicles, and more.

140 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston, 857-284-7229, fomuicecream.com.

A plastic cup is filled with chocolate sauce and a twist of green and white soft serve.

Matcha Cafe Maiko. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Matcha Café Maiko

This Hawaii-based dessert chain now has quite a few locations in the United States (and a handful elsewhere in the world), and we’re pleased it has made its way to Boston because we can’t get enough of its matcha-filled menu. There’s edible gold-covered matcha soft serve if you’re feeling a little bit fancy, plus plenty of lattes, floats, and bubble teas. Why not grab a green dessert before heading to the Green Monster?

115 Jersey St., Fenway, Boston, 617-322-5360, matchamaikobos.com.

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Where to Find the Best Buffalo Wings around Boston Right Now https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-buffalo-wings-boston/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:30:38 +0000

Photo via Getty

Legend has it that the phrase “a wing and a prayer” was originated by an over-stuffed diner trying to summon the courage to finish the last Buffalo wing in their takeout container. (Probably.) Of course, while binging on Buffalo wings happens to be a staple ritual of any Super Bowl celebration, we also venerate the morsel all year long. Case in point: this refereed roundup of the best Boston-area spots to blast your taste buds with buttery hot sauce and crisp chicken any time of year.

Last updated March 2026.

Buff’s Pub. / Photo by Julie B. via Yelp

Buff’s Pub

We have no beef with Buffalo, New York, but this Newton spot blows even their wings out of the water (or, sky?). Frequently notching a spot on best-wing roundups in Boston, Buff’s brings the heat with three levels of Buffalo sauce. That means you can tiptoe into spicy town with a mild riff on the stuff, or—if you happen to have a cast-iron stomach—try the Newton noshery’s extra-scalding version. However hot you like your wings, you’ll also find relief with cooling house-made dips, such as a side of chipotle ranch.

317 Washington St., Newton, 617-332-9134, buffspub.com.

The Coast Cafe

Award-winning soul food awaits at this Cambridge mainstay, just a bit outside of Central Square, with crispy fried chicken as the star. But chef and owner Tony Brooks makes magic with other chicken preparations as well—case in point, the wings. Buffalo’s a solid choice, and the point of this guide, but give the wings with house hot sauce a try, too. Note: Hours can be limited, so be sure to check first (currently open Thursday through Sunday only).

233 River St., Cambridge, 617-354-7644, coastsoulcafe.com.

Crazy Good Kitchen

Crazy Good Kitchen is known for its delightfully over-the-top burgers and milkshakes, but wait—there’s more. Those in a Buffalo saucy mood will find traditional wings as well as a chicken sandwich on brioche, not to mention Buffalo chicken tender-topped fries drizzled with ranch or blue cheese. Add a cookie-dough-and-Oreo milkshake; why not?

Locations in Back Bay, Malden, and Salem, crazygoodkitchen.com.

Everybody Gotta Eat

Eastern Edge, an MIT-adjacent food hall, opened early this year, packed with fast-casual restaurants from local vendors such as Emmanuel “Manny” Mervil. The caterer, influencer, and event organizer best known as Everybody Gotta Eat serves soul food at his eponymous counter, including irresistible fried chicken wings in nearly a dozen styles. After you try Buffalo, perhaps lemon pepper (wet or dry), hot honey, or barbecue jerk?

290 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, easternedgefoodhall.com.

fried chicken prep

Ooh, spicy. Make sure to try Nashville hot chicken (in wing form or otherwise) at Hot Chix along with your Buffalo wings. / Photo by Malakai Pearson

Hot Chix

This nook of a space in Inman Square is known for its Best of Boston Nashville hot chicken, so split your order between Buffalo wings and Nashville hot. Complement the fire with honey-butter biscuits and banana pudding for the ideal Hot Chix experience.

1220 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge, hotchixboston.com.

A hand dips a dry-rubbed chicken wing into an orange-brown sauce, with a pineapple-bedecked cocktail visible in the background.

Pig Beach BBQ’s smoked, fried wings come with hot honey dry rub and sweet and spicy sauce (pictured); dry rub; or Hatch vinegar Buffalo. / Photo by Tierney Gregory

Pig Beach BBQ at PKL

Barbecue and pickleball is, perhaps, an unexpected pairing but a fantastic one nonetheless. Get some exercise; eat some meat. New York City-born Pig Beach BBQ took up residence at Southie’s snazzy pickleball venue PKL in 2024, and now you can fuel up for or follow your match with smoked-and-fried wings. Try Hatch vinegar-based Buffalo wings or hot honey dry rub; the latter comes with sweet and spicy sauce, and both come with Alabama white sauce.

64 C St., South Boston, playpkl.com

The Smoke Shop

This local barbecue chain (with outposts in Boston, Cambridge, and the ‘burbs) doesn’t usually sell wings explicitly described as Buffalo-style, but we’ve got to make an exception and include the restaurant here—the wings are that good. We’re partial to the sticky-sweet “famous” wings, made with agave and pit spices, but the spicy wings are a win, too, and to be fair, the smoked-habanero-and-brown-butter sauce feels akin to the traditional cayenne-and-butter base of Buffalo sauce. That said, Smoke Shop does occasionally introduce classic Buffalo wings as a special during football season; be on the lookout.

Multiple locations, thesmokeshopbbq.com.

State Park

Orange Buffalo sauce: tired; green Buffalo sauce: wired. This come-as-you-are Kendall Square hangout with the killer CD jukebox dresses its smoked wings with “Buffalo verde” sauce, a blend of jalapeño, serrano, and poblano peppers that results in an earthy heat. A good pairing for an ice-cold beer, as they say.

1 Kendall Sq., Building 300 (lower level), Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-848-4355, statepark.is.

Stoked Pizza Co.

Pizza and wings—it’s just one of life’s perfect combos. So, pair Stoked’s excellent pizza (wood-fired at its Brookline and Cohasset locations; not wood-fired but still very tasty in Cambridge) with Buffalo wings. Or General Tso’s or Carolina barbecue wings, but hey, this is a Buffalo guide. Battered cauliflower bites make a compelling vegetarian swap. Chicken or cauliflower, Buffalo or otherwise, your choice can be made extra spicy with the addition of habanero.

Multiple locations, stokedpizzaco.com.

Wingz and Tingz

This Dorchester wing slinger boasts more than 50 flavors, from the purist-friendly Buffalo style, a mellow and buttery iteration, to dry rubs of garlic parmesan and a Hawaiian-inspired pineapple and barbecue sauce. Meal combos let you flirt with multiple selections, so order up, say, the 10-wing assortment and split it between spicy Buffalo and sweet cinnamon- and sugar-rubbed beauties. You could spend every weekend of the year trying a different flavor, which—well, great idea.

1450 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Boston, 617-652-8580, instagram.com/wingzandtingzboston.

Woody’s wings. / Photo by Sonia Q. via Yelp

Woody’s Grill & Tap

Buffalo wings and beer is always a blessed union, but at Woody’s Grill & Tap on the Fenway/Back Bay borderline, it’s elevated to an affair for the history books. After all, you’d be hard-pressed to find a spot where the wings are more pampered before they hit your palate: Woody’s first coats chicken wings with a dry rub of jerk spices, then bakes them in the oven and finishes them off in the fryer. Finally, they take a bath in house-made Buffalo sauce before a hot date with your plate (and a side of blue cheese or ranch dip). All that primping results in wings with moist meat and crackling skin coated in mouth-blazing sauce. Need to cool the flames of love and cayenne? Grab a craft brew, like the crisp Jack’s Abby Post Shift Pilsner.

58 Hemenway St., Boston, 617-375-9663, woodysfenway.com.

With additional research by Siena Griffin.

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Our New Directory of Greater Boston’s Top Senior Living and Care Communities Is Here https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2026/03/24/senior-living-care-communities/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:13 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2818345 Four people are stretching with one arm raised over their heads and the other hand on their hips. They wear casual athletic clothing, including shorts, track pants, t-shirts, and sneakers, against a teal background.

Illustrations via Getty Images

Maybe it starts with a parent who’s managing fine but could use some help. Maybe it’s more about finding a place for dad where independence doesn’t mean isolation, where there’s a community down the hall instead of an empty house. Or maybe it’s simpler than that: Maybe you’re just trying to figure out what the options actually are in Greater Boston, beyond the brochures and the websites that all show the same staged photos of plucky medical aides doting on beatific grannies.

No matter what the circumstances, the conversation about when you’re a senior and need a little assistance is rarely an easy one, but there are options. That’s why we’ve published this directory of Greater Boston’s leading senior living and care facilities, assembled by research and publishing platform DataJoe—a directory that covers a spectrum of options: independent living for people who aren’t looking to be taken care of, assisted living for when a little support goes a long way, and home health care that keeps everything familiar while bringing in professional help. Think of this as a starting point: A curated list that cuts through the noise so you can focus on finding the place, or the care, that actually fits. Because the right choice is not only knowing your options, but knowing what options can make life better, right now and down the road.

See the Directory

You can also find the directory in the April 2026 issue of Boston magazine, out on newsstands now.

For research/methodology questions of the directory, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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A New England Traveler’s Guide to Key West, Florida https://www.bostonmagazine.com/travel/2026/03/24/key-west-florida/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:36 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2818360 A large, elegant building with white walls and a red-tiled roof, featuring multiple arched doorways and windows illuminated with warm lights. Tall palm trees line a central walkway leading to the entrance, flanked by narrow water features on both sides. The sky is a soft gradient of purple and blue, suggesting dusk.

Sunset at Casa Marina Key West, which recently underwent an extensive renovation. / Photo by Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Immediately upon stepping off the plane and into Florida’s southernmost key, it’s clear the vibe has shifted. No longer are you in the land of tight smiles and buttoned-up New Englanders, but somewhere much more laid-back, where everyone wears flip-flops exclusively and wants to know if you’d like another drink. And with a festival-heavy lineup of events, April marks a prime time to party here. Prepare to settle into the island’s relaxing rhythms with the help of a slice (or three) of Key lime pie, azure waters in every direction, and more rum than you ever thought possible.

A tabby cat is lying on a polished wooden table in a room decorated with framed pictures and wall sconces. In front of the cat, there is a sign that reads, "Help us preserve our history. Please do not sit on furniture.

The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. / Photo by Mark Hedden, Courtesy of the Florida Keys & Key West

PLAY

The best way to see the Conch Republic is from the seat of a wind-whipped jet ski. Embark on a tour with Sunset Watersports; you’ll circle the entirety of Key West in just 90 minutes while cruising over the waves, and in certain areas, you’ll slow down to possibly catch a glimpse of a dolphin or manatee. Come down from your adrenaline rush at Papa’s Pilar, a distillery named for famed resident Ernest Hemingway and his beloved fishing boat (and recent winner of Rum Producer of the Year from the USA Spirits Ratings). Opt for a tour from Bahama Bob, the on-site rum consultant, who’ll tell you about the business’s barrel-blending and bottling processes, plus give you a taste of the distillery’s light and dark rum varieties. It’s a perfect precursor to visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you’ll see, among other things, his writing studio, his original typewriter, and a gang of six-toed cats. From April 17 through 26, partake in the 44th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, which marks the island’s playful “secession” with parades, parties, a pirate ball, and more. Then, stay for the beginning of the Key West Songwriters Festival starting April 29, when live music takes over the island.

Three colorful cocktails are arranged on a dark green marble table. One cocktail is in a coupe glass garnished with a lime wheel and mint leaves, another is a peach-colored drink in a coupe glass with a cherry garnish, and the third is a tall yellow drink garnished with a pineapple leaf and a pineapple wedge. A yellow menu with "The Canary Room at Casa Marina" printed on it is also on the table. The background features a rattan chair with a patterned cushion and a vibrant tropical mural with green leaves and pink and orange flowers.

Cocktails at Casa Marina Key West’s Canary Room. / Photo by Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

SHOP

Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba—much closer than the mainland U.S.—so it makes sense that the country’s rich history of cigar-making has made its way to Florida. At the Rodriguez Cigar Company factory, you can watch master cigar rollers in action, then shop its four varieties; the Vintage 1925 Series is the original tobacco blend that the company began with in 1984. You’ll also want to make a stop at Books & Books @ the Studios, author Judy Blume’s nonprofit bookstore, for a wide selection of Key West–themed books. That includes the staff-recommended The Last Train to Key West, a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the infamous 1935 Labor Day hurricane through the lives of three women.

A slice of lemon meringue pie with a thick, toasted meringue topping, a yellow lemon filling, and a graham cracker crust, served on a floral-patterned plate on a multicolored table.

A towering slice of Key lime piece from Blue Heaven. / Photo by Madeline Bilis

EAT

You must start at least one day of your trip at Blue Heaven, the legendary restaurant serving beloved breakfast dishes like pecan pancakes, Key West shrimp Benedict, and a towering slice of the fluffiest Key lime pie on the island—best enjoyed beneath the sweet-smelling shade of the patio’s bougainvillea and palm trees. Later, as you duck in and out of the shops lining Duval Street, stop for lunch at the soon-to-open Fishwife for Bahamian-inspired seafood, a seriously indulgent smash burger, and an inventive vegetarian take on oysters. As the day winds down and you make your way to Mallory Square for its nightly sunset celebration, save time for dinner at Bagatelle. Start with a fresh salad that mixes Costa Rican hearts of palm, roasted cherry tomatoes, maple-glazed pecans, and radicchio, followed by a main course of seared black grouper over coconut rice and grilled asparagus.

A long wooden pier extends over clear turquoise water toward a sandy beach lined with palm trees and white buildings with red-tiled roofs. An American flag flies at the end of the pier, and a few small boats are near the shore. The sky is clear and blue.

The Henry Flagler-built hotel’s private beach is the largest in Key West. / Photo by Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

STAY

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton dates to 1920, when the grande dame was built by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler. A recent top-to-bottom renovation plays up the resort’s Old World glamour, along with dazzling updates like the Canary Room, its walls completely handpainted with a tropical mural by local artist Katlin Spain. Outside, the retreat offers the largest stretch of private beach on Key West, in addition to two pools and a new open-air oceanfront restaurant, Dorada.

This article was first published in the print edition of the April 2026 issue, with the headline,“Key West, Florida.”

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Beyond Apizza: 11 Must-Try New Haven Restaurants https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-new-haven-restaurants-not-pizza/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:00:28 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?page_id=2765917 Overhead view of various dishes of Indian food on a colorful background.

A spread of dishes at Sherkaan in New Haven. / Photo by Monique Chaisavan Sourinho

New Haven, Connecticut, is probably best known—at least in a culinary sense—for its famous pizza style (referred to as “apizza” by locals). But the city has plenty more to offer in the food department, from Indian hot chicken to a taqueria nixtamalizing its own corn to a New American restaurant that spawned a whole-animal butcher shop.

Just 150 miles southwest of Boston, it’s an easy enough train, bus, or car ride to make a food-filled day trip out of, say, a Yale University visit, or stay longer and really dig deeply into the dining scene. Here’s where to start when you’ve gorged on apizza and you’re ready to branch out in the Elm City.

Last updated March 2026.

Overhead view of a light wooden table covered with colorful plates of food at an Italian restaurant.

A spread of dishes at Gioia in New Haven. / Photo by Monique Chaisavan Sourinho

Gioia Cafe & Bar

Whatever else you do at Gioia, make sure to order every pasta dish. It’s a bold move worthy of this audacious 2023 addition to Little Italy, serving chef co-owner Avi Szapiro’s well-sourced wood-fired fare right across from Frank Pepe Pizzeria on Wooster Street. Thankfully, the handmade pastas come in two sizes, so you could stick to smaller versions and reasonably enjoy all five at once, including butternut squash ravioli filled with brown butter, fried sage and hazelnut breadcrumbs. Save room for appetizers like broccolini with golden raisins, grandma-style pies called Wooster Squares, pistachio gelato you won’t forget, and superb drinks due to the influence of co-owner Tim Cabral, whose downtown cocktail bar, Ordinary, is another New Haven highlight. Gioia really is the total package: The gorgeous place also has a chic market for imported and house-made goods, a takeout gelato window, and, when the season permits, one of New Haven’s few rooftop patios.

150 Wooster St., New Haven, Connecticut, 475-250-3451, gioianewhaven.com.

Hachiroku Handroll Bar & Tapas

It’s hard to believe Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar and its slightly newer sibling, Hachiroku Handroll Bar, have only been open since 2022, as they already feel indispensable. (A third business, an all-day Japanese restaurant and market called The Loop By Hachiroku, opened two years ago to further demonstrate the group’s prowess.) Co-owner Yuta Kamori has nailed a hip, elegant simplicity and thoughtful sake list at both restaurants, offering a slightly wider spread of Japanese tapas with a bit of sushi at the original spot downtown and swapping the focus at this more intimate East Rock location with fewer than 20 counter seats. The selection changes frequently, so look for small bites like chawanmushi with snow crab and ikura, steamed monkfish liver with house-made ponzu, and bluefin tuna smoked and dried like prosciutto, as well as sushi full of uni from Maine or Japan, scallops, and salmon, sometimes cured with soy or miso and unbeatable either way. And keep in mind that Guilford bakery Hen & Heifer handles the desserts, like a black sesame Basque cheesecake, with aplomb.

966 State St., New Haven, Connecticut, instagram.com/hachirokustate966.

Hot Murga

Nashville hot chicken is everywhere these days—New Haven has an excellent version in the quickly expanding Haven Hot Chicken—but Indian hot chicken? Uncommon. That could change if Hot Murga has its way, though. The small, fast-casual shop from Romy Singh (whose family also owns first-rate local Indian restaurants House of Naan and Sitar) features halal fried chicken with Indian spices and variable heat levels from mild to super hot, including a signature sandwich on a squishy potato bun topped with pickled onions, pickles, coleslaw, and a vegan mayonnaise-based Murga sauce. In keeping with the clever theme, cardamom infuses a cheesecake ice cream as well as maple syrup on the chicken and waffles, while masala sauce enlivens another sandwich, the robust fries, and even the loaded mac and cheese.

140 Howe St., New Haven, Connecticut, 475-321-2153, hotmurga.com.

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Scoop up a handful of fiery lentils and greens with injera at Lalibela, a downtown fixture since 1999. Owner and chef Shilmat Tessema, a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist who hails from Addis Ababa, makes the tangy, spongy flatbread along with virtually everything else on the menu, from yemisir sambusa, stuffed with green lentils and berbere spice, and senge karya, which involves long hot peppers filled with mixed sauteed veggies, to the rare beef and tangy cheese of the kitfo and other tender meats. Thankfully, the relaxed, understated restaurant offers combo platters so you can mix and match, say, many highlights from the vegetarian section, like the ever-popular carrots and green beans of fosolia and collard greens of gomen. You can sip some Ethiopian beers and wines, too, including the honey wine that pairs so well with these layered flavors.

176 Temple St., New Haven, Connecticut, 203-789-1232, lalibelact.com. 

Louis’ Lunch

There’s plenty to love about Louis’ Lunch, even if the iconic restaurant’s assertion that founder Louis Lassen invented the “hamburger sandwich” is a little shaky. The wee red building, still helmed by the Lassen family, is steeped in history; the unorthodox outward-facing booths are riddled with carvings; the dining experience is unique as you partake in a ritual dating back over 100 years. Step up to the counter and forget about decision fatigue: Ketchup and burger buns are verboten, so you can have white toast with cheese spread, grilled onion, and tomato, simple toppings for a satisfying, freshly ground patty grilled vertically in a fascinating cast-iron contraption. Whether you’re here for lunch or a late-night snack, finish with a slice of pie and a birch beer from the local brand Foxon Park.

261 Crown St., New Haven, Connecticut, 203-562-5507, louislunch.com.

Fried tofu, one piece garnished with a cocktail umbrella, sits in front of a mussel dish on a restaurant table.

September in Bangkok. / Courtesy photo

September in Bangkok

Perfectly executed pad thai and tom yum are just the beginning at September in Bangkok, which offers a warm, wood-accented interior and a lovely patio at the edge of downtown. Chef Win Seetamyae takes the menu from larb and fermented tea leaf salad through green curry with scallops; steak and mushroom with Bangkok curry; duck pineapple curry; and the option to sub smoked tofu for vegetarian dishes like spicy Chinese broccoli with Chiang Mai chili paste. Cocktails match the theme, with hits of tropical flavor from mangosteen and tamarind as well as a Thai iced tea spiked with Japanese whisky and hazelnutty Frangelico.

754 State St., New Haven, Connecticut, 475-234-5239, septemberinbangkok.com.

Overhead view of various dishes of Indian food on a colorful background.

A spread of dishes at Sherkaan in New Haven. / Photo by Monique Chaisavan Sourinho

Sherkaan

Sherkaan houses excellent street food in a dramatic space full of bright colors and bold murals. If the weather’s right, you can also enjoy your spiced okra fries, Indo-Chinese hakka noodles, and dum biryani—a cast-iron pot pie filled with rice, roasted chicken, and other treats capped with hot naan dough—on one of the city’s most pleasant patios, set within a placid, car-free corner of the Yale campus off Broadway, in the shadow of Eero Saarinen’s striking midcentury architecture. Seasonal lassis, boozy or nonalcoholic chai, and moreish cocktails augmented with the likes of pineapple curry shrub and jaggery help solidify Ankit Harpaldas’ restaurant as one of the most exciting examples of New Haven’s flair for Indian cuisine.

65 Broadway, New Haven, Connecticut, 203-405-5808, sherkaan.com.

Sunday Dinner Everyday

Large portions reign at Sunday Dinner Everyday, Dorma Bryan’s family-run ode to the home-cooked feasts that typically take place just one day a week. But in case you also face a compulsion to order the oxtail dinner when you see it, you should know that this low-key Jamaican restaurant just east of downtown will ladle oxtail gravy on other dishes, so you could still get a taste of the savory slow-cooked goodness on, say, a pile of rice and peas alongside curry chicken. This is mostly a takeout operation, but there are a few tables if you decide to stay; either way, don’t miss the savory baked mac and cheese and generous beef patties.

940 Grand Ave., New Haven, Connecticut, 475-301-9484.

Tacos Los Gordos

This tiny downtown taqueria makes its own bread for tortas and nixtamalizes corn from Oaxaca, where owner Edgar Marcial was born, for the tortillas. The top-notch tacos, tortas, burritos, and cheesy mulitas come stuffed with the likes of fried cod, lengua, nopales, carnitas, eggs for a late breakfast, and rotating specials, all lovely with whatever agua fresca or horchata is available.

167 Orange St., New Haven, Connecticut, 203-535-0851, tacos-los-gordos.square.site.

Overhead view of meaty ribs in an orange-brown sauce, garnished with pepitas and peanuts.

Elk short rib with apple mole at Tavern on State in New Haven. / Photo by Emily Mingrone

Tavern on State

Chef Emily Mingrone owns a tidy trio of head-turning businesses in New Haven, including whole-animal butcher shop Provisions on State and seafood stunner Fair Haven Oyster Co. It all started in the East Rock neighborhood at Tavern on State, a cozy New American restaurant where often-familiar dishes receive thoughtful twists, from the plum with parsnip purée and roasted duck breast to the preserved tomato conserva that lifts the tavern burger with cheddar fondue. This care extends to the cocktails as well: Gin might pair with apricot and lambrusco, while a drink of bourbon, lemon, and rosemary might come topped with frothy egg whites.

969 State St., New Haven, Connecticut, 475-202-6883, tavernonstate.com.

Union League Cafe

Union League Cafe dates back to 1977, breathing decadent new life into a Beaux-Arts-style building that has lived many lives—including opera house and theater—since the 1800s. This venerable restaurant across from Yale’s Old Campus is about as close as New Haven gets to fine dining, but still channels the comfort and verve of a Parisian brasserie, with all the attentive service, celebratory atmosphere, and buttery escargots that entails. Order classics and specials à la carte, from foie gras pressé to butter poached lobster to a decadent daily soufflé (and other gems from pastry chef Teila Chappel), or, if you’re there mid-week, put yourself in executive chef Olivier Durand’s hands with a tasting menu.

1032 Chapel St., New Haven, Connecticut, 203-562-4299, unionleague.com.

With research by Abigail Pritchard.


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The dazzling dining options of the Granite State seaport are just a stone’s throw away.


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The Ultimate Guide to Omakase in Boston https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-omakase-restaurants-boston/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:11 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?page_id=2817726 A wooden table set for sushi preparation with various ingredients and tools. A person in a white chef's coat holds a bamboo basket containing several large shrimp on green leaves. To the left, a wooden box contains assorted fish fillets and a piece of marbled meat. On the table, there are small bowls with sauces and brushes, a bowl of pickled ginger, a large knife, chopsticks, and a wasabi root on a grater.

Wa Shin. / Photo by Adam Detour

Over 200 courses, 50-plus species of fish, 25 cumulative hours of dining, and one serving of Japanese whisky down a bone-marrow luge: We took a deep dive into Greater Boston’s omakase scene to bring you this cheat sheet to a dozen top spots. These high-end sushi tasting menu experiences are in the local spotlight right now, thanks in part to the late 2025 announcement of a Michelin star for 311 Omakase (Boston’s only star) and Michelin recommendation for Wa Shin. Still, Boston’s no stranger to omakase: Some of the veterans of the scene date back to the early aughts.

For seafood lovers, it’s a worthy, and delicious, endeavor to visit these restaurants, simultaneously enjoying top-tier Japanese imports and local, sustainable picks. But the costs for these luxurious sushi feasts—consisting of around one to two dozen tiny, pristine bites, coursed over two to three hours—feel stratospheric. Depending on the restaurant, you might be looking at over $300 per person, and that’s before drinks and a variety of fees. At special-occasion pricing, you’re going to want to make sure the one you choose is worth the big bucks. Read on for the rundown on 12 choices that run the gamut from simply garnished, traditional fare to dramatic presentations, from solemn vibes to chatty chefs. There’s something for every taste here. 

Note: Pricing and reservation information is accurate as of March 2026 but may change over time.

A piece of grilled fish with a golden, slightly charred skin pattern, served in a shallow bowl with a light brown broth. The bowl has a rustic design with a small, dark decorative figure near the rim.

311 Omakase. / Photo by FWA Creative

311 Omakase (South End)

The Chef: Founder and executive chef Wei Fa Chen trained under Masayoshi Takayama at Masa in New York—the temple of omakase that held three Michelin stars for more than a decade (now two).

Come Here When: You want to understand what the fuss is about and experience Boston’s first (and, so far, only) Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Vibe: Descending into this basement-level dining room in a South End brownstone, you’ll feel the instinct to speak in hushed tones. But manager Carrie Ko’s warm hospitality quickly puts you at ease. Luxurious touches—hot towels; an under-chair box for your purse; small-batch, artisan plates from Japan—add to the experience.

Uni and caviar served in a decorative shell during an omakase meal.

311 Omakase. / Photo by FWA Creative

The Fish: Winter sourcing leans almost entirely Japanese—watch for the signature kegani, or horsehair crab, sweet and briny and gone in two bites. Warmer months bring local seafood into the mix.

The Damage: $280 per person for 18 courses, plus a 7 percent kitchen fee, beverages (sake and wine are available), optional supplements, tax, and gratuity.

The Reservation: Seventy-five days of reservations drop at noon on the 15th of each month. (Join the waitlist if nothing’s available.) There’s a $150 per person fee for no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of the reservation.

605 Tremont St., South End, Boston, 311boston.com.

A white ceramic cup containing a creamy dish topped with a cooked shrimp, orange fish roe, small crunchy bits, and green herbs. The cup is placed on a textured black rectangular plate, which rests on a woven gray placemat.

Chawanmushi at Akami Omakase: shrimp, marinated ikura, rice puffs, smoke. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Akami Omakase (Brookline)

The Chef: Kiattisak Chooprasit, a.k.a. Chef Jam, who cut his teeth running a private-chef omakase business, keeps things personable at the counter, explaining why each fish tastes the way it does.

Come Here When: You’re seeking omakase that’s fast (meals clock in at about an hour), doesn’t break the bank, and still delivers the goods.

The Vibe: Laid-back instrumental jazz on the speakers, but the energy is casual, chatty, and fun—no need to dress up unless you’re feeling it.

A piece of sushi featuring a rectangular block of rice topped with bright orange salmon roe, small yellow flower petals, and a small dollop of green wasabi, all resting on a square sheet of dark green seaweed on a white plate.

A supplemental handroll at Akami Omakase: ikura, kizumi, yuzu, and nori powder. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: You won’t find the luxe sourcing and rare-find flex of pricier spots, but that’s the trade-off for the price tag, not a knock on the food. Highlights of a recent meal included otoro with a dollop of Maine uni, flavors that just melded; a super-savory Chinese sardine hand roll; and chawanmushi—served with a theatrical puff of smoke—with shrimp, ikura, and crunchy rice puffs.

The Damage: This is the most wallet-friendly omakase option around, and they know it—$99 per person for 14 courses. (Add a supplemental handroll or two, $15-$30, if you’re hungry for more.) The sakes, too, are relatively light on the bill.

The Reservation: Snagging a seat is easy: Akami is open six nights a week, with three seatings a night at its 10-seat counter. Cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before the reservation; within 24 hours, there’s a $50 per person fee.

187 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-383-5524, akamiboston.com.

A hand holding a round, gold-colored tin filled with a colorful gourmet dish. The dish includes yellow spheres, thin radish slices, small green leaves, orange sea urchin pieces topped with black caviar, and translucent red fish roe, all arranged artfully. The background shows blurred indoor elements and white flowers on branches.

Momi Nonmi. / Courtesy photo

Momi Nonmi (Inman Square)

The Chef: Chef-owner Chris Chung—likely the only face you’ll see during your omakase experience—is an Uni alum who went on to cofound the gone-but-not-forgotten Japanese-French restaurant AKA Bistro in Lincoln.

Come Here When: You want a semi-private crash course in sushi aging techniques, premium Japanese imports, and lesser-known fish.

The Vibe: Haters of high seats at counters, rejoice: This one keeps your feet on the ground at the no-frills tables in the tiny Inman Square dining room. (The restaurant used to be izakaya-inspired before a pandemic pivot to omakase.) Chung prepares each bite tableside, although the knifework is done behind the scenes beforehand.

A piece of nigiri sushi with a slice of raw tuna on top of vinegared rice, served on a dark, textured ceramic plate. In the foreground, there are wooden chopsticks resting on a light green ceramic chopstick holder shaped like a leaf. A clear glass with a cut pattern is visible in the background.

Lightly seared akami (lean cut) of big eye tuna from Kona, Hawaii, at Momi Nonmi. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Chung mostly sources from Japan and weaves a narrative through each meal. Case in point: At a late-2025 meal, he followed the mollusk-eating Hokkaido kuromutso—which tastes like pure essence of scallop—with actual scallops, soy-aged with a squeeze of lime. Bonus: Chung geeks out on rice sourcing, too. At that meal, the grain came from a Tokyo shop he said has been open since the 1800s, dressed with vinegar aged five-plus years.

The Damage: Anywhere from $145 per person to $545, depending on how deep you want to go—from a breezy weeknight nigiri-and-donburi option to a 20-plus-course blowout loaded with luxury ingredients, with intermediate options in between. The price includes a 3% kitchen fee and does not include drinks, tax, and gratuity.

The Reservation: Booking is a little unconventional: Fill out a Google Form with the desired date, time, and meal choice, then wait for Chung to confirm.

1128 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge, mominonmi.com.

A chef wearing a white shirt and dark apron is using a blowtorch to sear a piece of meat on a black rectangular cooking surface. The setting appears to be a kitchen with a wooden countertop, various containers of spices or ingredients in the foreground, and a map on the wall in the background.

Chef Jin Jiang at No Relation. / Photo by J-M Leach

No Relation (South End)

The Chefs: Traveler Street Hospitality chef and partner Colin Lynch learned the ins and outs of sushi at O Ya and perfected his seafood skills further at his first restaurant, the coastal Italian spot Bar Mezzana, crafting top-tier crudo. Here, he oversees an exceptionally capable team of sushi chefs, led by Jin Jiang, who started his career at a traditional Japanese washoku restaurant in China.

Come Here When: You feel like hiding out: This sushi speakeasy is concealed underground in the back of lively sibling bar Shore Leave. Finding it is half the fun.

The Vibe: Attention to detail abounds, with beautiful cherry blossoms painted across the floor, a magnetic world map behind the sushi counter indicating fish sourcing, and an eclectic soundtrack that bounces from old-school hip-hop to Johnny Cash.

A black ceramic bowl with a partially open lid contains a creamy yellow custard topped with a piece of orange sea urchin and two small dark purple leaves. The bowl is placed on a red speckled tray.

No Relation. / Photo by J-M Leach

The Fish: Faithful Japanese flavor combinations top pristine slices of fish, with the occasional surprise: A bite of the massive Tyee salmon, for example, might be embellished with dill alongside sweet miso; jalapeño might appear atop madai (sea bream) with cooling cucumber.

The Damage: $225 per person, plus tax, for a 17-course meal, plus beverages and optional supplements—no gratuity accepted. (Looking for something a little more casual and affordable? Shore Leave offers its own omakase nightly at $89 per person for approximately 14 courses.)

The Reservation: There are only nine seats, but with two seatings every night, a bit of flexibility should get you in without too much trouble, especially early in the week. There’s a $100 per person charge for cancellations within 48 hours of the reservation or the full $225 per person for no-shows; however, either charge will be transferred to a physical gift card for in-person pickup within two weeks.

11 William E. Mullins Way, South End, Boston, 617-530-1772, norelationboston.com.

Two pieces of sushi featuring sea urchin (uni) topped with orange fish roe and small purple edible flowers, served on rectangular toasted rice blocks on a wooden board.

O Ya. / Photo by Brian Samuels

O Ya (Leather District)

The Chef: James Beard Award–winning chef Tim Cushman—who owns O Ya with his wife, Nancy, a sake savant—was an aspiring musician back in the day. Now, he composes 20-course meals that sing, each bite hitting a higher note than the last.

Come Here When: You want to remember why Boston got serious about sushi in the first place. Open since 2007, back when “omakase” still needed an explanation, O Ya hasn’t coasted on that legacy—and some of those early dishes are still on the menu. We love you forever, banana-pepper-mousse-topped hamachi.

The Vibe: Quiet luxury in an old firehouse steps from South Station that somehow feels miles away from the bustle.

Overhead view of a slice of sashimi in a black and white bowl.

O Ya. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Cushman and his team treat their ingredients like recurring characters—you’ll meet them once, then encounter them again, transformed. A Kumamoto oyster might first appear raw, dotted with watermelon pearls, then return a few courses later, fried and topped with a cloud of squid-ink foam. Hokkaido uni gets the caviar treatment sitting atop rice and nori in one course; later, it’s on toast, topped with smoked trout roe and truffle honey. It’s showing off, but damn if it doesn’t work.

The Damage: Around $380 per person for 20 courses, prepaid when you book. That includes a 7 percent tax and 20 percent administrative fee—no awkward tip math at the end. Vegetarian and vegan menus run the same price.

The Reservation: The Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule means weeknight seats open up more often than you’d think—especially if you’re willing to eat early.

9 East St., Downtown Boston (Leather District), 617-654-9900, o-ya.restaurant.

A piece of sushi with a shiny, silver-skinned fish topping on a small mound of rice, placed on a black rectangular plate. The background is blurred, showing a person in a white outfit and some kitchen elements.

Gizzard shad, a hallmark fish of Edomae-style sushi, at Sushi Sang Lee. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Sushi Sang Lee (Gloucester)

The Chef: Chopped champ Sang Hyun Lee hails from South Korea and has worked at Japanese restaurants around Massachusetts and New York for about 25 years. The TV trophy is nice; the quarter-century of experience is even nicer.

Come Here When: You want the spirit of Edomae sushi (a style with roots in early-19th-century Edo, later Tokyo, that often involves curing or cooking fish before molding it on top of rice) with a refreshingly hyperlocal viewpoint.

The Vibe: We could sit in the adjustable, ultra-comfy stools all day. Bright lighting at the counter, dim everywhere else, makes this feel like theater. (One eye-catching decoration, a Gloucester thresher shark tail, adds to the drama.)

A piece of red tuna sushi placed on a black rectangular plate, with a sushi chef in a white uniform and hat blurred in the background preparing food. The setting appears to be a sushi bar or restaurant.

Akami zuke, lean marinated Gloucester bluefin tuna, at Sushi Sang Lee. (Chef Sang Lee is in the background.) / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Much is caught in Gloucester’s own waters, so Lee calls his style “Gloucester/Edomae.” Fish might be marinated (such as a lean cut of local bluefin), cured (such as mackerel, rolled up in nori with shiso, chives, and ginger), simmered (such as conger eel in a five-year-old mother sauce), or otherwise preserved—Edomae sushi was born before modern refrigeration, after all. Nineteenth-century methods meet this morning’s catch.

The Damage: This BYOB North Shore spot will set you back $190 per person for 18 courses before gratuity, tax, and fees.

The Reservation: With just eight weekly seatings and eight seats at each, you’ll want to plan ahead: Reserve up to 30 days in advance. (Full payment is taken when booking; contact more than 48 hours before the reservation if you need to cancel. Reservations can be transferred.)

76 Prospect St., Gloucester, 978-381-3818, sushisanglee.com.

A crispy, golden-brown wonton cup filled with diced raw tuna and topped with thin, curly green garnish, served on a small dollop of creamy white sauce in a white ceramic dish.

Umami Omakase. / Courtesy photo

Umami Omakase (North Cambridge)

The Chef: Uni alum Gary Lei isn’t afraid to think outside the sushi box, delighting with elaborate garnishes and theatrical presentations. He and his team recently opened a casual, à la carte offshoot to Umami Omakase, Umami Crudo, in Boston’s North End.

Come Here When: You’re looking for dinner and a show—bites of caviar-topped nigiri might be followed by, say, duck breast that arrives dramatically under a smoke-filled cloche. If subtlety is your thing, move along.

The Vibe: Minimal décor lets the dishes and chatty service shine; bright lighting lets you capture it all for the ’Gram.

A close-up of a shrimp dish presented on a black plate, featuring a whole shrimp with its head and legs intact, accompanied by a small mound of white foam and yellow garnish on its body, with some shredded white radish underneath. The background is dark, highlighting the dish.

Umami Omakase. / Courtesy photo

The Fish: Think of your meal as Japanese Fish 101: Throughout the nigiri courses, you’ll get to know the fish intimately, as staffers present whole specimens on platters. And don’t sleep on the house-made ginger—unusually strong honey notes make it a standout among the restaurants in this guide.

The Damage: Pricing starts at $138 per person (15 courses) or $168 per person (18 courses) but goes higher on some nights of the week; this doesn’t include optional sake pairings, a 6 percent kitchen fee, tax, gratuity, and optional supplements.

The Reservation: Open Tuesday through Sunday, Umami is fairly easy to book, although be aware of the $100 per person charge for no-shows or cancellations within 72 hours of the reservation. Though the omakase-only restaurant does offer standard tables, book the sushi counter for the best view.

2372 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge, 617-868-2121, umamiomakase.com.

A hand with a tattoo on the forearm is using metal tweezers to place a small garnish on a row of six neatly arranged orange cylindrical food pieces on a plain, round, light-colored plate. The setting appears to be a kitchen with a towel and other kitchen items blurred in the background.

Uni. / Photo by Chris McIntosh

Uni (Back Bay)

The Chefs: Under the watchful eye of Ken Oringer—the chef-restaurateur behind Toro, Coppa, and other date-night all-stars—executive chef David Bazirgan whips up creative fusion dishes in the kitchen, while sushi chef Tsuyoshi Takeishi holds court at the counter. It’s a tag team that works wonders.

Come Here When: You’re in the mood for a nontraditional tasting menu that juxtaposes intriguingly garnished nigiri with cooked Japanese-ish dishes—heavy emphasis on the ish.

The Vibe: Lively and just casual enough at the two sushi counters—one in the spacious main dining room and one in a more-intimate lower-level space. Jeans are fine. A blazer won’t feel like you’re trying too hard.

A bowl of black noodles with bits of shellfish and herbs.

Squid ink lo mein with surf clam, chorizo, and garlic scape, from a June 2025 tasting menu at Uni. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Tradition is a jumping-off point, not a rulebook. Mackerel gets olive, walnut, and smoked olive oil; hamachi nigiri arrives with the bracing flavors of horseradish and black vinegar. Purists might twitch. Everyone else will be too happy to care.

The Damage: Recent pricing has ranged from $195 to $225 per person for about 10 courses, with an optional beverage pairing ($85-$95), plus optional supplements, taxes, a 3 percent kitchen fee, and gratuity.

The ReservationBe sure to choose the daily tasting menu “experience” and sushi counter seating on Opentable when booking. There’s a $25 per person charge for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the reservation.

370A Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-536-7200, uni-boston.com.

An elegant uni-topped oyster sits on seaweed on a black plate.

Wa Shin. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Wa Shin (Bay Village)

The Chef: Chef-owner Sky Zheng’s sushi pedigree comes down the Jiro Ono line (of Jiro Dreams of Sushi fame): He trained under Ono protégé Daisuke Nakazawa at the latter’s Michelin-starred New York City restaurant, Sushi Nakazawa. So when Wa Shin nabbed a Michelin recommendation in Boston’s first guide, no one was surprised.

Come Here When: You want serious sushi in a surprisingly unstuffy space.

The Vibe: A light wooden hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter, carefully placed bonsai trees, and pottery. It’s elegant but not intimidating—go a little dressy, but no need to overthink it.

A small piece of fish garnished with a green vegetable, served on a decorative plate with red, blue, green, and white patterns. The plate is placed on a black textured tray, with wooden chopsticks resting on a green chopstick holder in the foreground.

Miso black cod at Wa Shin. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Seasonal beauties sourced from Japan and beyond, garnished with careful restraint and occasional exuberance—sometimes in the same bite. Seared otoro topped with a big mound of grated Italian summer truffles, for instance.

The Damage: $199 per person for 18 courses, plus a 20 percent administrative fee that supports both the kitchen and service teams (gratuity is not expected).

The Reservation: Reservations open 14 days in advance. With three seatings a night, six nights a week, this isn’t the toughest reservation in town, especially if you can do a Monday or Tuesday. The cancellation fee is $199 per person, applied within 48 hours of the reservation for parties of one to three or within 72 hours for parties of four and up.

222 Stuart St., Bay Village, Boston, 857-289-9290, washinboston.com.

A scallop dish served in a half shell placed on a small bowl with green leaves underneath. The scallop is topped with black caviar and finely chopped green garnish, with a drizzle of yellow oil. The bowl is set on a large, textured, dark gray plate with a small dollop of brown sauce and a green leaf garnish on the rim.

Washoku Renaissance. / Photo by Youji Iwakura

Washoku Renaissance (Charlestown)

The Chef: Chef-owner Youji Iwakura specializes in kaiseki—high-end, multicourse Japanese dining that highlights seasonality and artistry. Before opening Washoku, he owned the now-closed Kamakura downtown.

Come Here When: You want to try something new, such as bonito in nigiri form (rather than the more familiar “dancing” flakes), or escargot-style slipper limpets (sea snails). Adventurous eaters, this one’s for you.

The Vibe: Yes, it’s in a Charlestown food hall. Yes, incongruous soundtracks occasionally drift in and punctuate Washoku’s quiet jazz and Iwakura’s culinary storytelling. Somehow, it only adds to the cozy intimacy of this little nook.

A neatly arranged Japanese bento box with multiple compartments, each containing small servings of sashimi on green shiso leaves, a piece of fish nigiri, and a small bowl with sea urchin (uni) in soy sauce. The presentation is symmetrical and visually appealing with a red lacquered tray background.

Washoku Renaissance. / Courtesy

The Fish: Sustainability and local ecosystems are top of mind for Iwakura: You’ll see plenty of specialty Japanese imports, sure, but also Boston bluefin (the buttery kamashita-otoro cut—collar rather than belly—if you’re lucky) and boatloads of Rhode Island picks, from tautog to scup.

The Damage: Spring for the 20-course sushi kaiseki dinner ($260 per person), which combines omakase and kaiseki traditions into one giant feast, or explore other options, such as a “casual” 13-course omakase for $120 per person. A 10% culinary team service charge is included; beverages and tax are not.

The Reservation: Reservations are easier to book than they should be—Washoku Renaissance flies undeservedly under the radar, owing in part to its quirky food-hall location. Take advantage. Payment is taken upon booking.

32 Cambridge St., Charlestown, Boston, washokurenaissance.com.

Modern restaurant interior featuring a central bar with red cushioned stools, wooden paneling, and geometric patterned floor tiles. The space is illuminated by multiple round pendant lights with black curved arms, and there are wooden tables and chairs arranged for dining on the left side. The overall design combines warm wood tones with contemporary lighting and decor.

XOXO Sushi Bar. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre

XOXO Sushi Bar (Chestnut Hill)

The Chef: Kegan Stritchko knows his fish, having worked under Philadelphia’s Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka, the late sushi master behind the acclaimed Zama. Locally, Stritchko honed his sushi skills at Uni and Fat Baby. The résumé checks out.

Come Here When: You’re in the mood for a party—you might even find yourself shooting whiskey down a bone-marrow luge.

The Vibe: While the rest of the room enjoys regular dinner service, you’ll feel like a rock star hanging out with the executive chef at the counter of this gorgeously appointed suburban space. This is new-school Chestnut Hill.

A tattooed hand is lifting a glass dome releasing smoke from a piece of sushi placed on a rectangular stone plate. The person is wearing a dark shirt and a blue apron with the word "bar" visible. A wine glass is partially visible on the right side.

XOXO Sushi Bar. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre

The Fish: Jukusei sushi is the name of the game, with Stritchko carefully dry-aging much of the seafood. The method is meant to bring out umami flavors, which you’ll discover while indulging in melt-in-your-mouth 33-day-aged chu-toro, for instance.

The Damage: $195 for 16 courses, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity, paid at booking. For the full ride, add $195 for the beverage pairing—a thrilling combo of sake, Japanese whisky, and wine—or go with smaller flights and à la carte options.

The Reservation: Reservations are only available for one seating per night, Tuesday through Thursday, up to six people—so book in advance if it’s a special occasion.

1154 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-505-3378, xoxosushi.com.

Two sushi chefs pour broth and shave truffles over seven bowls with barely-cooked wagyu.

Chefs prepare a wagyu, truffle, and maitake appetizer at Yoshida. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Yoshida Omakase (Back Bay)

The Chef: With more than 20 years of experience, including at the Edomae-style Sushi Yugen in New York City, chef Tony Cao brings that tradition’s restraint and precision to the Back Bay. And he’s clearly having a blast doing it—watch him grin while presenting, say, a box of rolled wagyu slices and truffle.

Come Here When: You want to soak up luxury inside a restaurant where no expense was spared—ingredients, décor, the works. It’s the kind of place where a $1,000-plus bottle of sake doesn’t look out of place.

The Vibe: Everything here whispers money, from the gorgeous cut-crystal sake carafes to the branded cloth napkins to the cozily thick-cushioned seats. The details are everything.

A gourmet dish served in a rustic, brown, flower-shaped ceramic bowl. The dish features a layered presentation with a base of finely chopped ingredients, topped with a bright orange sea urchin (uni), a generous dollop of black caviar, and garnished with small purple edible flowers. The bowl is placed on a wooden table.

Crystal crab and Hokkaido uni at Yoshida. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal

The Fish: Playful appetizers (like red shrimp and shiso tempura with prosciutto) give way to a parade of pristine, barely garnished nigiri that lets the fish do the talking. On a late-summer visit, we got acquainted with the fatty richness of the deep-sea-dwelling blackthroat sea perch and worked our way through three different cuts of 14-day-aged tuna.

The Damage: One of the priciest omakase tickets in town at $301 per person, paid when booking.

The Reservation: Yoshida is open six nights a week, so reservations aren’t the knife fight you might expect.

51 Massachusetts Ave., Back Bay, Boston, yoshidaomakase.com.

This article was first published in the print edition of the March 2026 issue with the headline, “Oh My Omakase.”


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So, You Want to Live in Medford, Mass.? https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2026/03/10/medford-massachusetts-neighborhood-guide/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:18 +0000 Two-story blue house with white trim and a steep gabled roof, featuring a covered front porch with white railings and columns, a small white picket fence enclosing the front yard, and a paved driveway leading to a detached garage in the background.

Photo by Katie Looney at Boston Rep; Listing agent Michael Hayes/Century 21 North East

1. Pick Your Price Point

Medford’s housing market is increasingly competitive, with homes spending an average of just 19 days on the market. The city’s single-family homes—often in classic, well-maintained styles that require little to no renovation—sold for a median price of $910,000 in 2025. Buyers seeking something more contemporary will find newer condos with modern finishes starting in the $600,000s, offering a more attainable entry point into the city.

Two connected train cars with orange and silver exteriors are stopped at a platform under a sign that reads "WELLINGTON." The train doors are open, revealing a narrow passage between the cars where two people are visible standing and talking. The platform has a yellow tactile strip along the edge.

Photo by Lane Turner/the Boston Globe

2. Plot Your Commute

With multiple MBTA stops, Medford is an easy launchpad for commuters headed into Boston. The Green Line’s E Branch delivers riders from the Medford/Tufts stop to downtown in about 25 minutes, while the Orange Line is accessible via Wellington Station. There’s also the Lowell Line commuter-rail stop in West Medford, for those heading into Boston from farther afield. Driving can take as little as 15 minutes without traffic—though during rush hour, expect 30 minutes or more.

Outdoor dining area of Semolina Kitchen & Bar with several people seated at tables under red Campari umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and trees, during early evening. The building has large windows and warm interior lighting.

Photo courtesy of Medford Chamber of Commerce

3. Take in the Vibe

At the heart of the city, Medford Square anchors the community with a mix of indie cafés, neighborhood restaurants, and longtime family-owned businesses such as Roland’s Jewelry on High Street. Dining options span cuisines, from Mexican favorites at El Tacuba to Irish pub fare at Mrs. Murphy’s to Best of Boston doughnuts at Donuts with a Difference, making the square a go-to for locals. In other parts of town, Mediterranean-inspired fare beckons at Semolina Kitchen & Bar, while a massive drink list awaits at Great American Beer Hall (which also plays host to the winter farmers market).

A large indoor concert venue filled with a standing audience watching a live band perform on stage. The stage is illuminated with bright blue and purple lights, and the ceiling features curved architectural details with hanging spotlights. The crowd is densely packed, with some people seated and others standing, facing the stage. A balcony with additional spectators overlooks the main floor.

The Chevalier Theatre / Photo by Bryan Lasky

4. Check out the Culture

Set along the Mystic River, Medford’s past runs deep—from its 19th-century rum-distilling prowess to its once-thriving shipbuilding industry. That history is on full display at the Medford Historical Society & Museum. The arts scene gets a boost from Tufts University Art Galleries, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, workshops, and talks. For live entertainment, the Chevalier Theatre remains a local favorite—drawing nationally touring musicians, comedians, and stage productions—while Deep Cuts provides a more intimate space for live music (and pinball).

A lakeside scene with numerous yellow coneflowers in the foreground. The water is calm with patches of lily pads, and trees line the far shore under a clear sky.

Photo by John Tlumacki/the Boston Globe

5. Scope out the Schools

Home to Tufts University, Medford also offers a solid public school system, with four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Private options include the Saint Raphael Parish School, which offers Catholic education through middle school.

This article was first published in the print edition of the March 2026 issue with the headline, “So You Want to Live In…Medford.”


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