Food near Boston Common invites you on a tantalizing culinary journey through the heart of Boston’s vibrant dining scene. From acclaimed restaurants to hidden gems, the area offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences that will delight every palate.
Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure as we explore the culinary wonders that await you near Boston Common.
Food Tours and Culinary Experiences
Discover the vibrant culinary scene surrounding Boston Common through guided food tours. These tours offer a unique blend of culinary tastings and cultural insights, showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the area.
Walking Tours
Walking tours provide an intimate way to explore the historic streets around Boston Common. These tours often focus on specific culinary themes, such as Italian cuisine in the North End or seafood delicacies along the waterfront. Expect to visit local restaurants, bakeries, and specialty food shops, sampling a variety of dishes and learning about the history and techniques behind each creation.
Bike Tours
Bike tours combine culinary exploration with a scenic ride through the city. These tours typically cover a larger area than walking tours, allowing you to explore multiple neighborhoods and sample a wider range of cuisines. You’ll cycle past iconic landmarks, parks, and hidden gems, stopping at local eateries for tastings and insights into the culinary culture of Boston.
Private Tours
Private tours offer a customized experience tailored to your specific interests and preferences. These tours can be designed to focus on a particular cuisine, explore off-the-beaten-path eateries, or cater to dietary restrictions. You’ll have the flexibility to choose the itinerary and set the pace, ensuring a truly personalized culinary adventure.
Local Food Markets and Specialty Shops
The Boston Common area is a haven for food lovers, with an array of local food markets and specialty shops offering a diverse selection of fresh produce, artisanal ingredients, and culinary delights. These markets and shops are not just places to buy food; they are also vibrant community hubs where vendors and artisans showcase their passion for food and share their knowledge with customers.
From bustling farmers’ markets to charming specialty shops, the Boston Common area offers a wide range of options for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses and meats, or unique culinary finds, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant culinary landscape.
Quincy Market
Located in the heart of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market is a bustling indoor market that houses over 50 vendors selling a wide variety of food and drink items. From fresh produce and seafood to artisanal breads and pastries, Quincy Market has something for everyone.
Some of the most popular vendors include:
- Boston Chowda Co.: Famous for their award-winning clam chowder.
- Mike & Patty’s: A family-run business known for their mouthwatering lobster rolls.
- Formaggio Kitchen: A cheese lover’s paradise, offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world.
Haymarket
Haymarket is a historic open-air market located just north of Boston Common. The market has been in operation since the 1830s and is known for its fresh produce, seafood, and meat. Haymarket is also home to a number of food stalls and vendors selling a variety of prepared foods, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe is a beloved bakery and cafe located in the South End neighborhood of Boston. The bakery is known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches. Flour also offers a variety of coffee and tea drinks, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
Formaggio Kitchen
Formaggio Kitchen is a cheese shop and cafe located in the South End neighborhood of Boston. The shop offers a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, as well as a variety of other gourmet foods. Formaggio Kitchen also offers a variety of cheese classes and events.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Eateries
Beyond the popular dining destinations around Boston Common, there lies a culinary tapestry of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path eateries. These establishments offer unique dining experiences, tantalizing menus, and passionate chefs who are dedicated to their craft. Venture off the main streets and explore these culinary treasures that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
From intimate bistros tucked away in charming alleys to cozy neighborhood joints serving authentic ethnic cuisines, Boston’s hidden gems offer a diverse culinary landscape. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we unveil some of the best-kept secrets in the city.
Cafe Polonia
Nestled in the heart of the Polish Triangle, Cafe Polonia is a beloved institution serving traditional Polish cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features hearty dishes like pierogies, kielbasa, and bigos, all made with fresh ingredients and a touch of home-cooked goodness.
Chef Anna is known for her unwavering commitment to authenticity, ensuring that every bite transports you to the heart of Poland.
Address:255 Dorchester Ave, South Boston, MA 02127
Contact:(617) 268-8448
The Quiet Few
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the South End, The Quiet Few is an intimate and stylish bistro that offers a modern American menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Chef-owner Chris Parsons creates dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Address:513 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Contact:(617) 267-2336
Orinoco
For a taste of South American flavors, head to Orinoco in the South End. This lively restaurant offers a vibrant menu featuring dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. The empanadas are a must-try, as is the flavorful bandeja paisa, a traditional Colombian platter.
The atmosphere is energetic and festive, making it a great spot for a fun night out with friends.
Address:1272 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
Contact:(617) 262-8900
Food Delivery and Takeout Options: Food Near Boston Common
Boston Common is a haven for foodies, offering a wide array of dining options to satisfy any craving. For those who prefer the convenience of enjoying their meals at home or on the go, there are numerous food delivery and takeout services available in the area.
Popular delivery platforms operating in Boston Common include Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. These platforms partner with a vast selection of local restaurants, allowing customers to order from their favorite eateries with just a few taps on their smartphones.
Delivery Fees and Estimated Delivery Times
Delivery fees vary depending on the platform and the distance from the restaurant to the delivery address. Generally, delivery fees range from $2 to $5, but some platforms offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount.
Estimated delivery times also vary depending on factors such as traffic and restaurant busyness. However, most platforms provide real-time tracking so customers can monitor the progress of their orders.
Special Promotions
Many delivery platforms offer special promotions and discounts to attract new customers and reward loyal users. These promotions may include free delivery on first orders, discounts on specific restaurants or menu items, and loyalty programs that offer points or rewards for frequent orders.
Popular Restaurants Offering Delivery or Takeout, Food near boston common
Some of the popular restaurants in the Boston Common area that offer delivery or takeout services include:
- Shake Shack: Known for its juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes.
- The Cheesecake Factory: A classic American restaurant offering a wide variety of menu items, including pasta, steak, seafood, and of course, cheesecake.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: A fast-casual restaurant specializing in customizable burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads.
- Au Bon Pain: A bakery-cafe chain offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee.
- Panera Bread: Another bakery-cafe chain with a focus on healthy and convenient meals.
FAQ Guide
What types of restaurants can I find near Boston Common?
The area offers a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries, serving cuisines from around the world.
Are there any food tours available in the Boston Common area?
Yes, there are several guided food tours that explore the culinary scene around Boston Common, offering a unique way to experience the area’s flavors.
Can I get food delivered or take out from restaurants near Boston Common?
Yes, many restaurants in the area offer delivery and takeout services, making it convenient to enjoy your favorite dishes from the comfort of your own space.