Boston totally won me over—and the food had a lot to do with it. From cozy Irish pubs to mouthwatering pasta in the North End and unforgettable pastries, every meal was a highlight of the trip. Whether you’re into seafood, Italian, fried chicken, or dessert (or all of the above), Boston has something for every craving. We didn’t plan our trip around food, but it quickly became one of the best parts of our experience. Here are a few of the places that seriously stood out.
Carmelina’s
I absolutely love pasta, and the dishes we had in Boston were next level. We ate at Carmelina’s in the North End—Boston’s very own Little Italy—and it was hands down the best pasta I’ve ever had. We ordered the Crazy Alfredo and The Bronx Tale, and both dishes were unforgettable. The portions were generous and perfect for sharing—two plates easily fed our group of four and still left room for dessert. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Mike’s Pastries
One place I’m still dreaming about is Mike’s Pastry—a local Italian bakery in Boston’s Little Italy, just a short walk from Carmelina’s. With so many choices, it was almost impossible to pick just one! After enjoying delicious pasta at Carmelina’s, Mike’s was the perfect spot to satisfy our dessert cravings since it was so close by. We loved everything we tried so much that we went back three nights in a row. Each night, we’d pick out a variety of pastries, take them back to our hotel, cut them up to share, and then finish the leftovers with breakfast the next morning. It’s hands down my favorite dessert shop I’ve ever been to. My absolute favorite was the Boston Cream Pie donut. I usually don’t even like Boston Cream Pie, but this donut was pure heaven—we ended up getting three! The chocolate lobster tail and the fudge cake were also amazing. We tried a few other pastries too, though I can’t remember exactly what they were because we were too busy enjoying them. One tip: they only accept cash, no exceptions—so be sure to plan ahead and bring some with you!
Lily’s
Lilly’s was such a fun and tasty spot—with a little bit of everything on the menu! From pizza and tacos to quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, and nachos, there’s something for everyone. We started with the “Best Nachos” appetizer, and they absolutely lived up to the name—huge, flavorful, and hands-down the best thing we had that night. The Southwest Quesadillas were also a standout. One thing to note: their appetizers are labeled as “shareables,” and they mean it—the portions are generous! This place was definitely one of my favorites of the trip.
Birdies Hot Chicken
More of a fast-casual spot than a sit-down restaurant, this family-owned chicken place was seriously amazing. You can customize your spice level—I went with the mildest option, and it was still the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had! Others in my group tried the spicier versions and said they were just as delicious. No matter your heat preference, you will leave satisfied. Some of our group loved it so much they went back for lunch the next day. I didn’t join them because I wanted to try a lobster roll—but honestly, the chicken was so good, I easily could’ve gone back too!
Luke’s
Luke’s was where I tried my very first lobster roll—and I’m glad I did! I got the lobster roll and clam chowder and split both with someone else. The portions were definitely sharable, which was perfect. I’m no lobster roll expert, but I thought it was really tasty, and the clam chowder hit the spot—especially on a cold, rainy day.
The Black Rose
If you didn’t already know, Boston has deep Irish roots and is home to a large Irish-American community. You’ll find signs of that heritage all over the city—from historical landmarks to cozy, welcoming pubs. One of our favorite spots was The Black Rose, a classic Irish pub conveniently located right across the street from our hotel. It was the perfect final meal before heading to the airport, and the atmosphere was just what you’d hope for—warm, casual, and full of charm.
We ordered a mix of dishes to share, including the Brewhaus Jumbo Pretzel, potato skins, clam chowder, and the Black Rose Burger. Everything was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was a great sendoff and a spot I’d definitely return to next time I’m in the city.
Boston served up more than just history and charm—it served some of the best food I’ve ever had. I’m already dreaming about going back just to eat my way through the city all over again. If you’re planning a visit, make sure you show up hungry!
Stay Safe and Start Exploring!