Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Food Editor

Rachel has been covering the Boston-area restaurant scene in various capacities since 2008, including nine years as editor of Eater Boston. A Massachusetts native, she currently resides in Medford with her husband, sons, cat, and too many (mostly dead) plants. When not writing about food, she's playing music or buying yet another cookbook she'll never use.

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A plated lobster pasta dish garnished with fresh basil in a metal pan on a white tablecloth. Surrounding the main dish are various other plates including a Greek salad with feta cheese, a cocktail with a cucumber slice, bruschetta, grilled meat, and a bottle of olive oil. Silverware and a folded white napkin are placed to the right of the main dish.
Restaurants

Glamorous Greek-Inspired Seafood Chain Avra Estiatorio Arrives in Boston

Simply prepared Mediterranean fish stars in special-occasion-worthy Back Bay digs.

A warmly lit, cozy restaurant interior with red patterned walls and carpet. The seating includes red upholstered chairs and banquettes around marble-topped tables set with glassware and napkins. The walls are decorated with framed abstract and figurative paintings, wall sconces with lampshades, and a zebra head sculpture. The ceiling features a geometric wooden design with hanging spherical paper lanterns.
Restaurants

Boston’s Newest Steakhouse Is an Intimate, Underground Space

The Zebra Room opens beneath sibling spot Yvonne’s, with 10 cozy tables, nostalgic vibes, and a secret entrance.

A dining table set with a variety of dishes including sandwiches, seafood, and plated meals, accompanied by drinks such as beer, red wine, and cocktails. The table is in front of a brown leather bench with a tall green leaf in a glass vase as a centerpiece. Behind the bench is a large, colorful abstract artwork featuring vertical lines and a mix of blue, purple, and red hues. There are also green plants visible on the left side of the image.
Restaurants

Dreamy Peruvian Restaurant Rosa y Marigold Opens in Back Bay

The Boston sibling to Celeste and La Royal has Peruvian sandwiches, live music, and a lot of heart.

Outdoor seating area with cushioned wooden chairs and a sofa around a wooden coffee table set with plates of food and drinks, overlooking a waterfront with boats and city buildings in the background.
Restaurants

La Tavernetta, the New East Boston Restaurant Doing Southern Italian Coastal

Opening April 13, Mida sibling La Tavernetta features spritzes, Italian snacks, and a patio where you’ll want to spend your summer.

 

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.
Restaurants

Where to Eat in Greater Boston in April 2026

New and exciting restaurants to check out, plus good reasons to visit older spots.

A cozy restaurant seating area features curved orange velvet banquettes paired with floral-patterned chairs with red cushions. Round tables are set with glassware, plates, and napkins. The background showcases ornate arched wall niches with decorative wrought iron grilles and climbing plants. Large, vintage-style floor lamps with scalloped green and white shades arch over the tables. The floor is tiled with a patterned design in soft colors.
Restaurants

South Boston’s New Spanish Restaurant Is Gorgeous

Tapas, paella, churros with caviar, and a space so spectacular you won’t want to leave. Welcome to Dalia.

Overhead view of sashimi and other Japanese food on a dark table.
Restaurants

The 2026 James Beard Nominations Completely Skip Boston

No Massachusetts restaurants remain in the running for the annual restaurant-industry prizes, but a few spots elsewhere in New England are nominees.

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

Our Wildly Comprehensive Guide to Eating and Drinking in the Fenway

Bring your Green Monster-sized appetite to these home run spots serving lobster rolls, bouncy udon, pig roasts, and lots more.

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.
Restaurants

Hawksmoor, a British Steakhouse Chain, Plans a Fort Point Location

With Sunday roasts and “unbelievably cold” martinis, can a new steakhouse break into Boston’s crowded beef scene?

Restaurants

Where to Find the Best Buffalo Wings Around Boston Right Now

When the need for spice strikes, check out these sauce-covered classics, double-fried deviations, and more.

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.
Restaurants

La Padrona Team Plans New Restaurant in an Iconic Back Bay Space

Timeless classics like prime rib and Dover sole will be on the menu at the former Bristol Lounge address, courtesy of A Street Hospitality.

A person in a white chef's coat holds a woven basket with several large grilled shrimp on green leaves. The wooden table in front of them has various items including a long knife, a smaller knife with a sheath, chopsticks, a paddle with wasabi, small bowls with sauces, a container with pickled ginger, and a wooden box containing assorted raw fish and seafood.
Restaurants

The Ultimate Guide to Omakase in Boston

207 courses. 50-plus fish. A dozen counters. Our deep dive = your cheat sheet.

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.
Restaurants

What to Eat at Willie’s, Now Open on Beacon Hill

From vodka-sauced, pepperoni-cup pizza to Korean-meets-Italian pasta at chef Jamie Bissonnette’s new neighborhood spot in Boston.

Seared fish fillet topped with chopped chives, served on a bed of thinly sliced red vegetables, mushrooms, microgreens, and a light sauce in a rustic, shallow beige bowl.
Restaurants

A New Southie Restaurant That’s All About the Craft

Sibling to a multi-bar venue in Burlington, this location dives deeper into food with James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina at the helm.

Restaurants

The Greatest Irish Pubs in Boston

Find your perfect pint at these consistent favorites—from classics like J.J. Foley’s, to cozy spots like the Druid, to plenty of charming dives.