Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Greater Boston

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Greater Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Moonshine 152

4.9

4.9 (1837)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

A modern -American, neighborhood bistro restaurant in Southie (South Boston) by Chef-owner Asia Mei (as seen on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay & Phantom Gourmet). With a globally-inspired, comfort food meets street food menu, Chef Asia puts her unique spin on both East & West Coast style cooking, striving to match the beautiful restaurant’s aesthetic, contributing to numerous glowing re-reviews, accolades & praise. Her "Best of Boston" Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, her award-winning Burgers & Vegetarian Burgers, Street Tacos & weekly changing specials are only some of the reasons she was awarded the 2023 Best of Boston Neighborhood Restaurant in South Boston.

Moonshine 152 is located at 152 Dorchester Avenue, on the corner of Dorchester Avenue & West 4th Street in South Boston. We are one block from the Broadway Red Line train station, with bus connections local bus connections. We are a short walk from the South End & Ink Block neighborhoods as well as The Seaport & Downtown Boston.

Top review

Emily

Dined 3 days ago

Food was amazing and hand delivered to the table by the chef herself! Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Boston!

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Popular dish

Butterscotch Pudding

A photo of 'Shine Famous Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites of a restaurant

Popular dish

Jalapeno Crab Rangoons

Not Your Average Joe's Peabody

4.7

4.7 (604)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Peabody

About the restaurant

From our famous focaccia and dipping oil, to our legendary pizza, salads, and sandwiches, we offer something for everyone at Not Your Average Joe's. Come in for fan favorites like our Mustard Crusted Chicken or Steak Tips, stay for the extended list of wines, craft beer, and crafted cocktails. We serve an extensive gluten free menu, happy hour, weekend brunch, and have full-service lunch and dinner 7 days a week in the dining room or bar area.

Not Your Average Joe's Peabody is a family-style restaurant that offers a bar area, main dining room, and wide array of seating options from high tops to booths to community tables. Our restaurant sits in the beautiful Northshore Mall near Sears, Legal Sea Foods, and the Sears Auto Center. Located just off Yankee Division Highway, it has easy access to Lahey Medical Center Peabody, the Salem Country Club, Bishop Fenwick High School, Endicott Square Shopping Center and more.

Top review

maryannVIP

Dined 4 days ago

So delicious and wonderful service! Love going back every Friday night!

Yunnan Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (72)

$30 and under

Chinese

South End

About the restaurant

Boston first authentic Dian cuisine. Serving special recipes from Yunnan Province & comfort classics. Crafted by award-winning chef owner Yisha Siu.

ACCOLADES: James Beard Foundation Award: Best Chef Northeast Nominee 2023, Boston Magazine: 15 New Full-Service Boston Restaurants We Loved in 2022, Boston Globe Expanding Boston’s Culinary Horizons Awards 2022, Sacha Eats: The Best Chinese Food in Boston (By an Asian), Thrillist: The Best Restauants in Boston Right Now, Eater Boston: Yunnan Kitchen Will Bring Dian Cuisine to South End.

Top review

Amanda

Dined on Apr 14, 2025

Delicious food. Huge servings! We were very pleased with our dining experience!

Scholars Bar & Lounge

4.5

4.5 (248)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Crossing

About the restaurant

Located along the historic Freedom Trail, at the heart of Boston’s downtown area, is Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge. Boasting a stylish and vibrant interior, Scholars has established itself as the favored venue for locals and tourists alike. Patrons can savor a mouth-watering selection of food, inspired by regional classics and superbly complimented by our chef’s original approach, late into the night. An extensive selection of tasty cocktails, refreshing beers and fine wines are sure to satisfy any palate. We also serve Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 3pm in addition to our all day menu. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm Scholars features some of Boston's best DJs playing classic hits.

Top review

RickVIP

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

I walked by this place, but never been in. I wish I gone earlier cause the place is great. Had the chicken carbonara and chimichurri steak. Both were excellent. They have a lot of pizzas that I definitely wanna try so hopefully I’ll be back soon. They have pool tables in another bar on the second floor. Seems like a fun place.

Seamark Seafood & Cocktails

4.4

4.4 (47)

$50 and over

Seafood

Everett

About the restaurant

Seamark is a welcoming and luxurious restaurant located at Encore Boston Harbor. Helmed by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Schlow, the menu boasts a bounty of elevated New England seafood favorites, featuring the freshest pier-to-plate cold-water fish, lobster and shellfish available.

Hidden within Seamark is Old Wives’ Tale, an intimate speakeasy inspired by the majesty of the sea.

Children under 5 are not permitted. On Friday-Saturday, Seamark is 18+ after 8pm, and 21+ after 10pm. Old Wives' Tale is 21+.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Birthday 50

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Experience

Old Wives' Tale

Roxanne's

4.3

4.3 (314)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Crossing

About the restaurant

Casual Cocktail Bar; Unique cocktails, craft beer, and wine in a lounge setting. Small plates and snack menu available.
Roxanne's is a 21+ establishment.

Top review

Lisa

Dined on Mar 12, 2025

Delicious smash burger! Great comfortable seats, awesome service! Very timely. Cool atmosphere

Greyhound Tavern

4.3

4.3 (330)

$30 and under

American

Bridgewater

About the restaurant

Greyhound Tavern serves quality and homemade interpretations of classic dishes while offering a relaxed atmosphere to grab a beverage, watch a game or enjoy live entertainment.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was great from walking in the door sitting down and having a great waitress and the food was delicious, so no complaints at all.

Sam Sushi Art & Music

4.1

4.1 (56)

$30 and under

Sushi

Framingham

About the restaurant

Craving for Sushi? The best gastronomic experience in Framingham!
All-you-can-eat every day for lunch and dinner or A La Cart options!
Live music friday and saturday at 7pm!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 14, 2025

Definitely coming back , everything was Amazing , food , music , ambience and drinks was great

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Experience

Get a free all-you-can-eat!!!

Shojo - Boston

4.0

4 (16)

$30 and under

Asian

Chinatown

About the restaurant

Shojo is a trendy Asian fusion spot in Boston's Chinatown, offering a fresh take on modern Asian cuisine with a seasonally changing menu of shareable plates. The vibrant atmosphere features exposed brick, colorful murals, and hip-hop beats, making it the perfect spot for a fun dining experience.

The bar serves a variety of Japanese whisky and tiki-inspired cocktails to complement your meal or enjoy a night out. The menu blends flavors from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond, with dishes like the Shojonator bao burger, Shadowless Duck Fat Fries, and Wagyu Dumplings. Whether for a casual lunch, lively dinner, or late-night hangout, Shojo offers delicious food and a memorable vibe.

Top review

Isabel

Dined 3 days ago

Pros: great vibes, excellent service, creative drinks Cons: at least for vegetarian diners, few options, could have been better flavored, expensive given the portions, shouting to be heard over the noise

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Experience

Say Less Option $35pp

Experience

Jump Off Option $55pp

Premiere on Broadway

4.0

4 (294)

$30 and under

Italian

Somerville

About the restaurant

In search of dinner and a show? The Premiere on Broadway is an exciting new restaurant and music venue located in the historic Magoun Square, Somerville. Featuring delicious cuisine, libations, beautiful artwork and fantastic live entertainment. The Premiere serves an array of Italian and American fare. At our 65-seat bar we offer delicious craft beers and an extensive classic Italian cocktail program; featuring negronis, Americanos, and Bellinis.
We accept dinner reservations through OpenTable and over the phone. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended for full dinner service only. Our bar is first come first serve. Fri and Sat there is a $50 minimum per person for parties of 10 or more. After 8 p.m. I.D.s are checked at the door.
For large party inquiries (private events, buyouts, holiday parties etc.) contact owner Koryn Zammuto at koryn.zammuto8@gmail.com.

Top review

ElenaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great venue, very clean, with excellent food! Service was great too

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