The 50 Best Restaurants
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“S’mores” with dark chocolate cremeux from Salts
Lumière
Finding a restaurant not hawking locavore fare these days is tough, but at Lumière it’s no gimmick: More than 30 New England purveyors supply the bistro with everything from meat and seafood to fruit and honey. Chef-owner Michael Leviton then transforms it all into polished renditions of French classics — e.g., unbelievably moist roast chicken paired with the most vibrant produce of the season. >> Order This: The $35 three-course prix fixe. >> Great For: Date night, business engagement.
1293 Washington St., Newton, 617-244-9199, lumiererestaurant.com.
Market by Jean-Georges
The folks behind this W hotel restaurant want you to know that it’s not just any restaurant. It’s Market by Jean-Georges, as in superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But it’s not just celeb-chef good, it’s good good. And with Matthew Barros (formerly of Myers + Chang) in the kitchen, the cuisine is as inspired as ever, from the scallop sashimi with crunchy rice to the rib-eye with buttery hot sauce. >> Order This: The five-course “Market” menu. >> Great For: Business engagement, group gathering, creative cocktails.
100 Stuart St., Boston, 617-310-6790, marketbyjgboston.com.
Menton
What hasn’t already been said about the highest of high-end Boston restaurants? Just go. Go for the experience of being waited on hand, foot, and glass. Go for the $145 seven-course tasting menu (which will cost even more, because you’ll want the $105 wine pairings, and might as well spring for the $18 cocktail). Go for the ridiculous parade of canapés, amuse-bouches, mignardises, and other fancy extras showered upon you. Go so you can say you went, and then go again. >> Order This: Foie gras torchon; tautog with artichoke barigoule. >> Great For: Date night, business engagement, group gathering, standout wine list.
354 Congress St., Boston, 617-737-0099, mentonboston.com.
Mooo
Warm rolls come out in a cast-iron pan. Steaks arrive with bone-marrow butter, which you slather on with a rosemary-entwined wooden spoon. The scent of truffle permeates the Parmesan-sprinkled fries. These details make Mooo not just an excellent steakhouse, but also a lovely place to dine. And with soft light and even softer interiors, it’s as well suited to a couples’ dinner as a guys’ night out. >> Order This: Wagyu beef dumplings. >> Great For: Business engagement, group gathering, standout wine list.
15 Beacon St., Boston, 617-670-2515, mooorestaurant.com.
Myers + Chang
Chef Joanne Chang’s people-pleasing tendencies extend to Asian fare at this funky diner, where the vibrant décor and über-cheerful staff combine to make even Tuesday nights feel festive. The food, too, elicits grins, especially the tangy hot-and-sour soup; fat, crisp-edged pork-and-chive dumplings; and triple-pork moo shi, all perennial favorites; be sure to try rotating specials like sweet-potato-and-cod fritters for more seasonally driven flavors. >> Order This: Triple-pork moo shi; Mama Chang’s pork-and-chive dumplings. >> Great For: Date night, vegetarian dining, creative cocktails.
1145 Washington St., Boston, 617-542-5200, myersandchang.com.
