Readers Say

These Boston restaurants should have been on NYT best of lists, according to readers

From neighborhood staples to hidden gems, here’s what readers thought The New York Times missed.

Crispy duck wings with fresh fig, salt roasted beets, purple kraut, shaved fennel and harissa at Urban Hearth in Cambridge. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

By Katelyn Umholtz

September 16, 2025

3 minutes to read

The New York Times has recently had a lot to say about Boston’s restaurant scene with lists about Boston’s top eateries and the country’s best, which Boston claimed two spots.

The paper’s best of Boston list featured 25 restaurants in the region, including the omakase O Ya, Brookline Thai restaurant Mahaniyom, North End classic Neptune Oyster, and Italian restaurant Tonino.

Last week the Times also published its list of America’s 50 best restaurants, which included two eateries in Boston: La Padrona and McGonagle’s.

While these lists gave nods to some solid area restaurants, not everyone’s favorite could make the cut. So we asked readers what was missing.

A 12oz portion of roast pig served with acorn squash and Tuscan kale at Italian restaurant A Tavola in Winchester. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

A Tavola: 34 Church St., Winchester

“So many amazing restaurants are on this list — it’s about time the NYT got it right. A sneaky, out-of-the-way Italian space in Winchester called A Tavola should be on more people’s radar.” – Joe C. from Winchester

Deuxave: 371 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay

“They got Bar Vlaha, Field & Vine, Le Madeleine, Mahoniyom, Pammy’s, Somaek, Sumaio Kitchen, and Toro right. They woefully neglected Deuxave, which I think is the best restaurant in Boston.” – Ellen G. of Sudbury

Arroz con Pollo dish at Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar. Erin Clark/Globe Staff

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar: 240 Moody St., Waltham; 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

“[The Waltham restaurant] should have been included for their creative take on Cuban cuisine.” – Deb M. from Boston

Moëca: 1 Shephard St., Cambridge

“While Giulia is indeed worth the hubbub and accolades it has gotten, its newer sibling and seafood-inspired fare Moëca deserves as much, if not more, buzz than the standard choice.” – Greg W. from Somerville

Gas Station Quail at Season to Taste restaurant in Cambridge. (Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff)

Season to Taste: 1678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

“Without a doubt, Seasons to Taste in Cambridge — especially highlighting their tasting counter!” – Alan N. of Cambridge

Spoke Wine Bar: 89 Holland St., Somerville

“The team consistently puts out food and cocktails that rival anything I’ve eaten in Boston (or New York!), not to mention their eclectic list of superb wines and the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly service of all their staff. They somehow manage to be both a fine-dining destination and a great neighborhood bar, all in one!” – Elizabeth H. from Somerville

The Vermilion Club: 115 Federal St., Downtown Boston

“It’s literally one of the best, most underrated restaurants in Boston. The service is so good, and the food is some of the best in the whole city.” – Emma C. from South Boston

The Winthrop Arms: 130 Grovers Ave., Winthrop

“’The Arms’ is an historic hotel and restaurant in Winthrop. A cozy ambiance is a throwback in time. Great drinks, best in class mac and cheese, and Doc’s chicken pot pie. American dishes, the menu is big and diverse. The food is so delicious you’ll cry tears of joy. The Arms should put a box of tissues on every table. A true hidden gem on the North Shore.” – Bobby D. from Winthrop

Hake at Thistle & Leek in Newton Centre. (Lane Turner/Globe Staff)

Thistle & Leek: 105 Union St., Newton

“A glaring omission is Thistle & Leek in Newton Center, without a doubt.” – Cary H. from Jamaica Plain

Umami Omakase: 2372 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

“O Ya is the typical pick for omakase, but we have a real neighborhood gem in Cambridge, Umami, around the same price point.” – Greg W. from Somerville

Urban Hearth: 2263 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

“The list is incomplete without including Urban Hearth, which is my favorite restaurant in the area and in my opinion is better than any of the restaurants on the list that I’ve eaten at.” – Ray from Lexington

Other reader-recommended best restaurants in Boston:

Bistro 5: 5 Playstead Road, Medford
Blue Ribbon Sushi: 500 Commonwealth Ave., Fenway-Kenmore
Boston Chops: 52 Temple Place, Downtown Boston; 1375 Washington St., South End
Dali: 415 Washington St., Somerville
Frenchie Wine Bistro: 560 Tremont Place, South End
Ilona: 783 Tremont St., South End
Jahunger: 272 Brookline St., Cambridge
Kaia: 370 Harrison Ave., South End
La Royal: 221 Concord Ave., Cambridge
La Voile: 261 Newbury St., Back Bay
Little Donkey: 505 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Ma Maison: 272 Cambridge St., Beacon Hill
Mex Taqueria: 500 Technology Square, Cambridge
MIDA: Multiple locations
Mistral: 223 Columbus Ave., Back Bay
Myers + Chang: 1145 Washington St., South End
Oleana: 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge
Ostra: 1 Charles St. S, Back Bay
Pagu: 310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Porter Belly’s Pub: 338 Washington St., Brighton
Saigon Babylon: 907 Main St., Cambridge
Scutra: 92 Summer St., Arlington
Sorellina: 1 Huntington Ave., Back Bay
SRV: 569 Columbus Ave., South End
Sushi @ Temple Records: 11 Temple Place, Downtown Boston
The Red Fox: 326 Commercial St., North End
Tora Ramen: 99 Harrison Ave., Chinatown
Vinny’s Ristorante: 76 Broadway, Somerville
Woods Hill Table: 24 Commonwealth Ave., Concord
Wusong Road: 112 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge