The best restaurants Boston

Timetable

Most restaurants in Boston stay open all day without interruption. They usually close around 10:00 p.m. later on Friday and Saturday nights. You won't have any trouble finding a place to eat, no matter what time of day it is. Only gourmet restaurants open only in the evening or close between lunch and dinner.

Budget & Tips

In Boston, there's something for every pocketbook. Nevertheless, while there are many inexpensive options, such as salad bars, sandwiches sold in cafés or Chinatown stalls, restaurants are still quite expensive. When you sit down to a table somewhere, you can't expect to get away with less than US$20 per person, and often more. As in France, the bill is often high in restaurants serving seafood.

What costs extra

A thorny subject if ever there was one, the tip deserves a few explanations! To begin with, you should know that in the United States, the service is never included in the restaurant (with rare exceptions, in which case the mention "gratuity included" is displayed on the menu). Regardless of the quality of the service, it is therefore required to leave the equivalent of 15 to 20% of the amount of the tip.

To simplify the calculation, multiply by 2 the amount of local tax shown on your bill. Even simpler: use the Tip 'n Split mobile application, which will calculate the tip for you. In any case, the reputation of the French is so well established that, when we've guessed your country of origin, you'll often see the "Tip" box already filled in at the customary rate! Even if you pay by credit card (we see you coming...), you won't escape the tip. In this case, don't forget to write the amount of the tip in the "Tip" box and the total amount of the bill yourself, to avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

Finally, you should also know that prices in restaurants are displayed without tax. In addition to the tip, the local tax (6.25% in Boston) is therefore added to the total amount. After all that, the final score has little to do with the prices on the menu.

The local way

A large glass of water filled with ice cubes is served in all restaurants, diners and gourmet establishments alike. Europeans are often surprised by this, but it's part of basic service in the USA. The other thing that may come as a surprise is the service: American waiters are particularly friendly, so don't be shocked if they ask if you're all right and give you their first name - it's like that in almost every restaurant! As tips are not included, service is generally impeccable, if a little rushed.

You should also be aware that many restaurants, especially the more popular ones, do not take reservations. In this case, it's best to arrive early, and if there's a wait, we'll take your phone number and text you as soon as your table is ready! You'll then have the chance to go for a walk or a drink somewhere while you wait.

Kids

Children are welcome in most Boston restaurants, with the exception of certain gourmet establishments which are not suitable for young children anyway. In almost all other places, you'll have no trouble asking for a high chair to seat your child. However, some restaurants are more kid-friendly than others: just take a look inside to see whether a restaurant is family-friendly or not!

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas, including the restaurant. If you eat on the terrace, don't even think about lighting a cigarette: even without an explicit ban, it is very badly seen and so unusual that your neighbours at the table may make big eyes at you. If you wish to smoke before the end of the meal, get out of the restaurant and move a few metres away so as not to bother the customers on the terrace.