Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, and has many things to discover, such as its rich history, its architecture and its great cultural atmosphere. But, as if this were not enough, it also has delicious food. That is why we want to invite you to tour Boston on a food tour; a super fun and tasty way to get to know the city!
Food tourism is the latest trend nowadays, and it is easy to imagine why… Who doesn’t like to get to know a new city through its food and gastronomic customs? In this article we tell you everything you need to know to take a food tour in Boston.
What is a Food Tour?
First things first!… Before we start exploring the city, we must clarify what a food tour is. Basically, it is a guided tour that takes you through different neighborhoods and restaurants in the city so you can try the best of the local cuisine. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But that’s not all, because a food tour is not only about eating, it also gives you the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of each dish and the community itself. In short, it’s like a guided tour to learn about the city, but based on local food; in other words, a perfect combination!
Start in the heart of Boston
It is best to start your tour in the North End, located in the heart of Boston. This should be your first stop, especially if you love Italian food. This neighborhood is known as “Little Italy”, so as you can imagine, it is famous for its fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas and especially for its cannoli.
There are many food tours in this area and best of all, they know which are the best places in the neighborhood, those hidden restaurants that you cannot find just like that, nor do they appear in traditional travel guides.
The best places to eat in the North End
- Mike’s Pastry: The must stop for Boston’s most famous cannoli. While you will have to wait in line to get in, it is really worth it!
- Galleria Umberto: The ideal place for a more local experience. You can enjoy Sicilian style pizza and arancini at great prices.
- Neptune Oyster: This is a hidden gem known for its fresh seafood. Highly recommended if you want to experience a cross between Italian and Bostonian.
Continue on to Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
After North End, we recommend you to continue to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a classic Boston tourist spot. It is a place with a lot of history, but above all, with incredible food. It is a market that has been the epicenter of commerce in the city for centuries, and today is a place that brings together a variety of restaurants and food stalls offering all kinds of typical dishes from different cultures.
Local delicacies at Faneuil Hall
- Clam Chowder: You can’t leave Boston without trying this classic clam chowder! It has a creamy flavor that will win you over.
- Lobster Rolls: These fresh lobster rolls served on soft bread with a touch of butter are a must on any food tour Boston. It is a simple but delicious dish.
- Boston Cream Pie: This is one of the most iconic desserts of the city, you can’t miss it!
Taste the diversity in Chinatown
Do not be surprised! Boston has a wide range of offerings. The city is also home to a vibrant Asian community, located in the neighborhood known as Chinatown. Here you can sample an incredible mix of Asian flavors, from dim sum to ramen to bubble tea to exotic desserts.
Experiences you can´t miss in Chinatown
- Hei La Moon: This is the best dim sum place in town. Come hungry and be prepared to try dumplings, steamed buns and many other delicacies.
- Taiwan Café: Famous for its traditional Taiwanese dishes. This is the place to go if you are looking for something authentic.
- Shojo: The perfect place if you want to try something different. It is a modern mix between Asian and American, and their pork ramen is out of this world!
The love between Boston and its seafood
We can’t talk about gastronomy in Boston without making a special section for its seafood. After all, the city is by the sea, and this is reflected in many of its traditional dishes. While we already mentioned lobster rolls and clam chowder, there are many other ocean delicacies that you have to try.
Where to find the best seafood
- Legal Sea Foods: This is one of the best known seafood restaurants in Boston. Although it is a chain, the quality of its products is top notch. We recommend you try their clam chowder, which is a classic.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar: The perfect place for lovers of fresh oysters. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of local oysters and from other parts of the country too.
- Union Oyster House: This is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, serving since 1826. Can you believe it? Here you will taste the best seafood in a historic setting.
Breweries and bars in Boston
If after all that eating you’re in the mood for something to drink, Boston also has an excellent bar and brewery scene. The city has many microbreweries worth visiting, such as the famous Samuel Adams Brewery. In fact, Boston’s beer culture is booming, and there’s no better way to end a day of food tours than with a good local brew.
Must-try beers and cocktails
- Trillium Brewing Company: This is one of the most popular breweries in Boston, and their specialty is hoppy craft beers, but they also offer a variety of great seasonal beers.
- Harpoon Brewery: This place has a “beer hall” where you can enjoy your pints with freshly baked pretzels; a wonderful idea!
- Backbar: It is a small bar in Somerville that serves very original cocktails, prepared with top quality ingredients. It’s a real hidden treasure.
Boston at night
As the sun goes down and you have tasted practically all the delights of the city, the night begins to shine. Did you think that the day was over? Well, no! Boston has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of options for after-dinner exploration. From speakeasies to jazz clubs, there is always something to do.
Places to go at night
- The Beehive: A beautiful spot, located in South End that offers live jazz music and is perfect for enjoying a good cocktail.
- Lookout Rooftop: What better way to see the city at night than from above? This rooftop bar has spectacular views of the Boston skyline and is the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring.
Get ready to eat and discover!
Boston is a city that is experienced with all the senses, and food is an essential part of that experience. Whether you decide to take a food tour of the North End, Chinatown, or simply explore on your own, there’s no doubt that every bite will take you to a different part of the city’s history and culture.
