Photography courtesy of K-O Prime
With all the culture, shopping, history and charming neighbourhoods, Boston is easily one of our favourite U.S. cities. An added bonus … the food is amazing. Bostonians love their food and know how to do it right. The seafood is fresh, the Italian is comforting and full of flavour, the fine dining is exquisite and the pub food is delish. Here are some of our favourite places to grab a bite in the east coast city.
K-O Prime
If steak is on your mind after a day of sight-seeing, there’s no better place to get a perfectly cooked, juicy piece of beef than at K-O Prime. Award-winning chef Ken Oringer fronts this modern steakhouse that is home to a young, hip crowd. But if you’re not into red meat, you won’t be disappointed — the menu has tons of seafood options (try the Striped Bass with Summer Succotash) and a roasted chicken option. From the starters, try the freshest tomatoes imaginable with the Heirloom Tomato salad and the Fricassee of Escargot is definitely a must (even if you’re not an escargot fan, you’ll love these flavourful little bites). But the best part is the steak — our fave was the filet mignon with a chimichurri sauce. Pair it with any of the amazing sides (creamy potato puree, sautéed spinach and more) and it could possibly be one of the best steak meals you’ll ever have.
K-O Prime, 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108; 617-772-0202.
koprimeboston.com
The Bristol Lounge
There are two things that must be sampled at The Bristol Lounge — the raw bar and the dessert buffet. This resto knows how to bring out the best the sea has to offer. The east coast oysters are super fresh, light and the perfect way to start the meal, but the jumbo shrimp with jalapeno cocktail sauce is also a tasty option. The halibut with summer vegetables and shellfish minestrone is a stellar choice as well. Must-try: The Four Cheese Gnocchi Gratinee … handmade gnocchi baked with cheese, leeks and truffle oil — it’s ideal for sharing, but so good you may want your own order …what could be better? Then on to the dessert buffet — mini crème brulees, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream, tarts and pastries, it’s a great way to taste a little bit of everything without adding to your waistline.
The Bristol Lounge, 200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116; 617-338-4400.
fourseasons.com
Photography courtesy of Asana
Asana
A mix of New England cuisine and Asian-influences, Asana is the culinary creation of chef Nathan Rich. The restaurant is filled with natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Back Bay neighbourhood — making it a great spot to stop for lunch. Try the calamari, lightly breaded in rice flour for a thin, crisp coating, and for something a bit more substantial, the Siena Farms Squash Risotto with Crème Fraiche and heirloom tomatoes is light but filling. If you’re looking to fix a sweet craving, you can’t go wrong with the piping hot apple crisp with caramel foam.
Asana, 776 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199; 617-535 8880.
mandarinoriental.com
MORE FAVES:
Stephanie’s on Newbury
Comfort food in an upscale setting is what owner Stephanie Sokolove promises. Located in the busy Newbury shopping area, you can dine on chic pasta dishes with bold flavours and sip wine while people watching.
Stephanie’s on Newbury, 190 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116; 617-236-0990.
stephaniesonnewbury.com
Gaslight
This French resto is a local favourite, so be sure to make a reservation. Get the ultimate brunch here with Croque -Monsieur, classic omelettes and Caramelized Banana Crepes.
Gaslight, 560 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118; 617-422-0224.
gaslight560.com
Mike’s Pastry
For coffee, tea, and sweet nibbles, Mike’s Pastry is another local fave and a North-end tradition. Try the cannolis — they are to die for — or sip on a latte with a crunchy biscotti. You won’t be disappointed.
Mike’s Pastry, 300 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113; 617-742-3050.
mikespastry.com
