A city nicknamed after its invention of the baked bean has a lot to live up to when it comes to food. Yes, that is correct, Boston – aka Beantown – got there long before that multinational British tinned goods conglomerate did and has been banging on about it ever since. And whilst this hearty stewed snack may appear on a Boston bagel menu or two, it’s fair to say that the state capital of Massachusetts has since expanded its epicurean horizons.
From the tourist-packed pavements of the historic centre, to the film-set-ready streets of Back Bay and the suburbs of student Somerville, Boston’s food scene rivals that of New York and San Francisco, attracting chefs with some seriously impressive credentials. The New England staple dishes still have a place, although the city’s oyster shacks, lobster rolls and clam chowder spots are having to make room for a new wave of culinary experiments and international cuisines. The humble bean, it seems, has taken a back seat. If you find yourself in the city with an appetite, these are the restaurants to visit.