If you’re a fan of Greater Boston’s incredible food scene like myself, then you too have probably heard that a certain giant marshmallow-esque figure might be making its way to our bustling Beantown. Yes, the always controversial Michelin Guide will be debuting its long-awaited Massachusetts edition after many years of uncertainty and flat-out rejection.
Why exactly did it take so long? Polarizing opinions regarding the Guide’s pay-to-play model – where tourism boards must fork over hundreds-of-thousands, if not millions of dollars, to bring the Guide to their cities – have kept it from breaching state lines. On top of that, those who find themselves outside of the culinary community remain flummoxed as to why a tire manufacturer is regarded as the most respected opinion in global hospitality.
In short, many years ago, a very smart decision was made by Michelin to encourage tourism – in favor of tire sales, by debuting a restaurant/hotel guide to incense travelers to head out on the open road. To try new places, stay at new hotels, all the while slowly wearing down their tires. So the annual Michelin Guide steadily rose to prominence by hiring professional food critics and awarding stars and special commendations to restaurants and hotels around the globe.
Now, destinations like Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami and New York all have guides – which has only led to more speculation as to why the Boston area remains unrecognized. That is, until now. The local tourism board Meet Boston and the Michelin Guide struck a three-year deal announced back in May for an undisclosed amount, to bring their secret food critics to our city.
So, what happens now? The Michelin Guide Northeast Cities Edition Ceremony is set for November 18th in Philadelphia. Restaurant owners typically learn day-of if they’re due to receive an award, followed by a celebration the following evening where all of the honorees will be announced. The exact location of the Michelin event is TBD.
So, which restaurants will be recognized? No one outside of Michelin and maybe some industry insiders knows at this time. But, as hungry journalists missing crucial information, we can speculate! There are many establishments that warrant inclusion in such a guide, so here are a select few (er… 50) broken down by neighborhood, for your epicurean and viewing desires. Some of these picks have higher chances than others at being selected, but all are deserving of our attention.
Back Bay
As one of Boston’s most exclusive neighborhoods, it makes sense that it would house many of the city’s most exclusive places to dine. Seafood definitely takes the spotlight here with standouts like Amar, Mooncusser, Ostra, Saltie Girl, and Wa Shin with the latter gaining an edge as one of Boston’s top omakase/sushi outings. However, Italian spots Faccia A Faccia and Contessa present worthy competition alongside French bistro Mistral, Greek wine bar Krasi and the New-American Asta.
Brookline Village
Just down the street from Brookline’s more-popular Coolidge Corner, the quaint Brookline Village keeps up with the culinary diversity of its neighbor, including a local-favorite Thai place Mahaniyom & the innovative Szechuan spot Noah’s Kitchen.
Central Sq. (Cambridge)
Nestled in the heart of Cambridge amidst plenty of stores and coffee shops, Central Square remains one of the city’s most popular spots. With plenty of places to take a load off after you’re done exploring, you may find yourself drawn to Japanese/Spanish tapas bar Pagu, the trendy (and Maggie Rogers’ approved) Pammy’s or rooftop Vietnamese space Saigon Babylon.
Chinatown
If not for the North End, this may be Boston’s most iconic culinary neighborhood, boasting streets packed with eateries, markets and shops. The options may be overwhelming but you can always make a safe bet on industry favorite Peach Farm or Asian fusion spot Shojo, which is right up the street.
Davis Sq. (Somerville)
A quaint yet frenetic neighborhood, Davis is home to many iconic Greater Boston destinations including The Burren, Somerville Theatre, Red Bones, Dragon Pizza and the Rockwell. However, when it comes to dining, you can’t beat Spoke Wine Bar just up the street with their inventive and modern take on farm-to-table cuisine.
Downtown
While it may seem like a no-brainer for the main part of Boston to be full of worthy offerings, the area has fallen into a mixture of tourist traps and fast casual selections. However, you can still find a haunt or two worth visiting including the very well-known speakeasy Yvonne’s and tinned-seafood fan favorite Haley.Henry Wine Bar.
Harvard Sq. (Cambridge)
Come for the education or live music and stay for the elaborately decorated tiki bar full of intoxicating libations at Wusong Road or show Mother Nature some love with the farm-to-table/zero-waste spot Forage.
Inman Sq. (Cambridge)
A cozy neighborhood in Cambridge that doesn’t mess around, boasting two widely respected offerings on its roster. Be sure to check out local favorites Puritan & Co. and Oleana, with the latter sitting comfortably atop many lists for a possible star.
Jamaica Plain
Pick a day with nice weather, take a lovely stroll down the Jamaicaway and find yourself within steps of top Italian eatery Tonino or Brassica Kitchen + Cafe, a French cafe by day & modern tasting menu spot by night.
Leather District
Perhaps the first place on peoples’ minds when it comes to possible Michelin stars in the Boston area is the cozy omakase-based o ya, which remains one of the city’s most sought after reservations.
Neighborhood Nine/Porter Sq. (Cambridge)
Known for bagels, ice cream and ramen, this area regularly offers the industry-favorite Italian staple Giulia, fan-favorite outing Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar and New American fare with the cozy Talulla or the rustic Urban Hearth.
North End
Arguably the most iconic and beloved neighborhood in Boston, the North End is known around the world for its bountiful supply of cafes, bakeries, restaurants and sandwich shops. Picking a favorite is difficult, but not impossible as folks keep coming back to Mamma Maria, Neptune Oyster or The Red Fox for their offerings. If you don’t trust us, just ask Dua Lipa.
North Quincy (Quincy)
Brave the afternoon traffic down 93-south, or hop on the red line and venture south to North Quincy to experience some of the area’s most popular Chinese cuisine at a Hong Kong-style daytime cafe, Rubato. Keep an eye out for special nighttime tasting menu events hosted by their executive chef.
Nubian Sq.
What better way to relax after a long day of perusing the shops in Nubian Square than to take a load off and fill up on comforting West-African cuisine at neighborhood favorite Suya Joint.
Seaport
Boston’s newest neighborhood, it quickly became a hotbed for upscale shopping, trendy TikTok popups and tech bros. Eliciting eyerolls from longtime residents, the area does boast a few fantastic places to grab a bite including the chic Chickadee for Mediterranean fare & high-end New American stop Woods Hole Pier 4.
South Boston
Just over the tracks from the South End rests Fox & the Knife, a rustic Italian-inspired New American offering from chef Karen Akunowicz, who used to work at another Boston favorite, Myers + Cheng.
South End
One of Boston proper’s trendiest neighborhoods, thanks to its adjacency to local artists/theatre, eclectic bars & funky shops, the area also boasts a laundry list of amazing restaurants. Italian fans can rejoice with the tantalizing Bar Mezzana, viral date-nite spot Capri and porcine-minded The Salty Pig. Complete the tour of Southern Europe with Portuguese staple Baleia, the celebrated Grecian standout Kaia or the beloved Toro, for some of Boston’s favorite tapas from Chef Ken Oringer.
Union Sq. (Somerville)
Dotted with fantastic places to grab coffee, donuts, Peruvian food, pizza, sushi, records and more, it can be hard to decide where to go first in Union Square. Fortunately, the farm-to-table fare at Field & Vine and the unique libations at Backbar are pretty good at making your mind up for you. It doesn’t hurt that they’re literally next door to each other either.
Upham’s Corner
Housed within a reclaimed street car station from 1912, the space was renovated and eventually given new life as Comfort Kitchen, a James Beard-nominated spot which celebrates food of the African diaspora.
Washington Sq. (Lynn)
Lynn may not be the first city on everyone’s minds when it comes to upscale dining, but one restaurant is putting in the work to change that. Featuring an unconventional “blind” tasting menu, which is tailored to each table and curated by chef-owner Rachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar is putting Lynn on the culinary map.
Winter Hill (Somerville)
Last, but certainly not least, the bustling and tastebud-tickling Sarma from chef-owner Cassie Piuma has been pleasing Somervillians & beyond since it opened in 2013, with its fresh take on Middle Eastern meze – but only for those who manage to snag a table.
Keep an eye out for official news/announcements from the Michelin Guide! Until then, happy eating & best of luck to everyone shooting for the stars!