Eater Boston has their essential 38, the Boston Globe has their top 53, and Boston Magazine has their top 50. So the food-loving planning committee members of New Center NOW’s Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen, aka the top Jewish food-tasting event in Boston, made a list of their own 18 favorite restaurants in Boston. Some are repeats from other lists because they’re just that good, and a few are uniquely their own. With a manageable 18 on this list, you can check out many of them before the year is up. Here’s to great food in 2015!
Oleana, Cambridge
A Mediterranean favorite of many, this place has long been loved for its dinner and dessert. Chef Ana Sortun has become a local legend, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a meal that reminds you of a trip to Israel, this is the spot.
Mixtura, Somerville (Union Square)
This is Peruvian Latin fusion at its best, and the entire committee agrees that brunch is where it’s at.
Myers+Chang, South End
This place is the standard for Asian fusion in Boston. Trust me when I say that whether you love or hate Brussels sprouts, this place will make you a believer in these mini cabbages. The hot-and-sour soup is also one of the best in town, and well worth the reservation.
Gourmet Dumpling House, Chinatown
If you know and love soup dumplings, then you know this is the place. It’s open until 2 a.m. and is very affordable. They’ve even opened a second location between Central and Harvard squares, and it will not disappoint. Dumplings and kreplach—between the food and the culture, Jews and Chinese just go together!
Legal Sea Foods, Logan International Airport, Terminal C
If you’ve ever found yourself at Logan and want more than the perfunctory slice of pizza, treat yourself to the salmon Reuben in Terminal C. This fish delight is the kosher version of its treif Jewish deli sister and can make you almost forget that you’re eating in an airport.
Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen
(photo by Zev Fisher)
Sarma, Somerville
When this name came up, every head in the room nodded furiously. It has awesome décor, but it’s truly the food that sells it. It’s all small plates with a traveling cart, and some seriously exciting deviled eggs. With mezze that are reminiscent of Oleana, its sister restaurant, this new spot by Ana Sortun is one to try.
The Biltmore Bar & Grille, Newton
Unless you know Newton Upper Falls, you may not even know this place exists. The décor and vibe pays homage to the past, but the food is all fresh, with a pastrami burger that just may outdo a pastrami Reuben!
Alden & Harlow, Harvard Square
This is possibly the most-recommended spot of the year; you need a reservation way in advance to even set foot in this hotspot. Their meat dishes are all the rage, created by past Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen chef Michael Scelfo, but I’m headed there to try the charred broccoli, squash hummus and cheese and cashew crumble.
Angela’s Café, East Boston
I can’t get enough Mexican, and this is the place to get it. East Boston has a great food scene, and this is the perfect place to start your exploration.
T.W. Food, Cambridge
“There’s no parking, it’s hard to find, and it’s a tiny space, but it’s hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in Boston since moving back from New York,” says one of our committee’s dining-out experts. French, Italian and New American meld to create some insane dishes.
Ames Street Deli, Cambridge
Imagine if Journeyman went deli, with amazing food and serious cocktails.
The Kirkland Tap & Trotter, Somerville
Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen mastermind chef Tony Maws has a new spot in town, and it brings the feel of a British gastro-pub to Somerville. If you’ve been to Craigie on Main, you know you need to try this place.
Magnificent Muffin & Bagel Shoppe, Somerville (Teele Square)
Get there early because these namesake muffins and bagel sandwiches will sell out.
Bagelsaurus, Cambridge (Porter Square)
Speaking of bagels, what list created by a bunch of Jews would be complete without a few bagel choices?! Their honey-rosemary cream cheese has a cult following of its own. What started as a pop-up out of Cutty’s (another must-try for the best sandwiches in town) became the most beloved bagel joint this side of the river.
Catalyst Restaurant, Kendall Square
“I don’t even like chicken liver, but the chicken liver mousse is the best thing I ever ate,” says another committee member. If they can do that for chicken liver, imagine what else they can do in this sleek Kendall Square location. A new addition to Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen this year, we could not be happier to have them on board (and you will be, too!).
Kaju Tofu House, Allston
This place is always packed, and for good reason. Many would call it the best spot for tofu soup in the city, and the committee agrees that it’s tops for Korean food in Boston.
Tupelo, Cambridge (Inman Square)
This is legit Southern comfort food in the Northeast. If you know and love Petsi Pies, you’ll know this restaurant by the same owner is one to check out.
Hungry Mother, Cambridge
This is another collective favorite. It’s not necessarily ideal for the kosher set, but this Southern comfort/French fusion spot is the perfect place for a date (and is right next to the Kendall Square Cinema if you want to check out a great film to round out your night!).
Bonus restaurant: Sycamore, Newton
A newer bistro in Newton Centre, this place proves that the ‘burbs have as much to offer as the city. Another new addition to Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen this March, Sycamore is one to have on your radar for an evening out.
Want to try what some of these restaurants have to offer, all in one place? Join New Center NOW at Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen on March 1 and you’ll be able to meet a few of these chefs and sample their Jewishly-inspired creativity! Get tickets and info here.
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