Boston Restaurant Guide: Best Places to Eat with Kids, Friends & Family
From kid-friendly spots to new openings, pizza, dim sum & more — curated by locals.
Boston’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of classic New England fare, international flavors, and kid-friendly favorites. Whether you're a local looking to discover a hidden gem or visiting the city with family in tow, there’s something for every palate and occasion.
This master guide curates some of our favorite restaurant roundups in and around Boston — from dim sum in Chinatown to pizza spots and sweet ice cream stops that kids (and adults) love. Each guide is crafted to help you navigate the city's neighborhoods and dining styles with ease.
A Local Perspective
As a family of lifelong Bostonians (and food lovers), we’ve spent years exploring Boston’s neighborhoods and discovering the best places to eat — with kids, on a date night, before a show, or just because we’re craving something specific (hello, dumplings!).
We created these guides to help families, foodies, and visitors make the most of their time in Boston — and to share the spots we genuinely love and return to again and again.
Explore Our Curated Boston Restaurant Guides
Best Pizza in Boston
Looking for a great slice or a full pie? Our Boston Pizza Guide rounds up top spots across the city and beyond — from North End classics to wood-fired Neapolitan favorites.
Best Dim Sum in Boston
Craving dumplings, buns, and other Cantonese delights? Explore the best dim sum spots in and around Chinatown, Quincy, and beyond with our local favorites list.
Best Ice Cream in Boston
Treat yourself to the coolest ice cream shops around town — perfect for a summer day out or a sweet ending to a family outing.
Kid-Friendly Boston Restaurants
Dining with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. These family-approved restaurants offer great menus, relaxed vibes, and maybe even a little entertainment.
Restaurants Near the Boston Theatre District
Headed to a show? Here are the best places to grab dinner or drinks before or after a performance in Boston’s Theatre District — all within walking distance.
New Restaurants in Boston – 2024 Edition
Looking to try something new? Our roundup of Boston’s newest restaurant openings highlights the latest buzzworthy spots — from trendy food halls to neighborhood gems worth checking out this year.
12 Most Beautiful Boston Restaurants
Boston is famous for its picturesque harbor, breathtaking oceanfront views, and cobblestoned alleyways. But it’s also known for a decked-out dining scene filled with historic restaurants preserving heritage and newcomers serving up innovative interiors. View this guide from OpenTable about these chic spots.
Orlando Culinary Finds (For Traveling Bostonians!)
Taking a break from Boston? If you’re headed to Orlando with the family, don’t miss our hand-picked restaurant recommendations for kid-friendly and unique eats near the parks and beyond.
Boston Dining, Made Simple
Whether you're craving pizza, planning dinner with kids, or looking for the perfect pre-show restaurant, our guides are here to help you find your next great meal. We’re always updating our lists, so check back often — and bring your appetite!
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More Ideas Things to do in Boston!
Find Fun Things to Do on our events calendar and Boston guides for almost any sort of family outing. From a myriad of free things to do, outdoor adventures, to Boston Museums, Rainy Day Ideas and more, you'll find lots of ways to stay busy in Boston.
There are so many fun things to do in Boston - check out our guide for more money-saving ideas for family fun.
You can find lots more family-friendly Boston events each week on the BostonCentral calendar and our popular things to do this week newsletter.
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 25 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area, and share them with you.