When it comes to a city with a wide array of international cuisines- Boston takes the cake. Deciding where to eat in Boston is almost as difficult as deciding where has the best lobster roll! Diverse neighborhoods and influences from across the Globe, the city is a cultural melting pot with hundreds of restaurants waiting to be explored.
I spent over 3 months visiting restaurants around the Boston area, to discover the best international cuisines with interiors and vibes that will transport you to another country. Looking for where to eat in Boston? Here are my recommendations!
Making a trip out of it? Discover where to stay around Boston!
Cafe Polonia – Polish Cuisine
Located in; Boston at 611 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127
Walking through the doors of South Boston’s Cafe Polonia is reminiscent of the traditional Polish eateries I visited during my visit to Krakow. Brimming with Eastern European charm, Polonia has been a staple in the neighborhood since opening its doors in 2002.
Like any true European, we began our meal with an assortment of Polish beers. A taste for all palettes, the true standout here was the Lomza Honey Lager. Buttery notes are complemented by a rich honey finish- it’s difficult not to drink several of these, when they taste so good!
Effortlessly smokey in flavor with a soft texture, the Highlander smoked cheese transported me to the quaint log cabin on the mountains of Zakopane- where I first tried this delicacy for the first time. The accompanying lingonberry jam offers a slightly tart and sweet pairing.
Slightly unusual at first, the Kiszka blood sausage is a Polish favorite – a harmonious blend of natural flavorings and spices, producing a savory and earthy taste.
In Eastern European culture, if your plate is empty, then you need more! The Polish plate is a colorful mix of the country’s favorite dishes; hunter’s stew, stuffed cabbage, pierogies, and grilled sausage.
- Gołąbki; boiled cabbage wrapped around a filling of onions, rice, and minced pork/beef
- Bigos; Polish Hunter’s Stew. Smoked/cured meat, wild mushrooms, and sauerkraut
- Pierogi; Filled dumplings with various fillings
- Kielbasa; Smoked Polish sausage
Taberna De Haro – Spanish Cuisine
Located in; Brookline at 999 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446
Deborah Hansen greets me upon entering- something you don’t see often from a Chef-Owner. Since her first trip to Spain in 1983, she has been obsessed with the country’s vast culinary offerings which reflect in the detailed menu. The restaurant team showcases the flavors of Spain, while
An intimate space, Taberna de Haro is reminiscent of the quaint tapas restaurants found throughout Spain. Often difficult to find in the U.S, the outdoor space is inviting- in the way you’ll only truly find in European countries. The cozy exterior is matched with an even cozier interior; dark wood furnishings, burgundy painted walls, and Spanish-inspired paintings. The small details in the bar tiles and gold-framed mirror give a nod towards the colors of Spain and its culture.
Juicy shrimp served sizzling hot, the Gambas are swimming in a perfect blend of garlic and light oil- a kick of spice coming through just at the right moment. Switching it up from the popular Spanish dish of ham & cheese croquetas, we tried the Buñuelos de bacalao. A soft blend of saffron salt-cod housed in a crispy outer shell.
A duck egg with a few wild mushrooms- it doesn’t look like much, but when the yolk flows into the base of the dish, it’s an explosion of flavor. The creaminess of the egg blends well with the garlic notes. Seasonal specials offer rotating main courses.
“My mission has always been to serve the most authentic Spanish cuisine at Taberna de Haro. When it comes to Spanish food, clichés abound; I wanted to dispel these silly myths (overstuffed paellas with 20 ingredients, being the most egregious) and show people how beautiful yet simple the traditional dishes of Spain are,” says Deborah Hanse.
The rabbit dish is a perfect example. Made with mountain herbs, fresh tomatoes, and dried mushrooms the Conejo a la Cazadora was an old favorite in bucolic places where they hunted for their own food. Today, it represents the wholesomeness of a lovely braise made with lean meat such as rabbit.
Bar Vlaha – Greek Cuisine
Located in; Brookline at 1653 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445
An open dining concept with a charming bar area, Bar Vlaha brings the colors of Greece to the Brookline area. Sister to the infamous Krasi Restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Vlaha instantly exudes warmth with its wooden furnishings and burnt orange hues. I instantly feel as though I was in a family home, with Grandma at the helm.
Throw pillows, distinctive wall art, and subtle greenery. In the least stuffy way possible, the team has successfully managed to incorporate small design aspects to leave the space feeling warm and inviting to all who walk through the doors. Photography showcases landscapes and agriculture in Greece, adding to the family-style feel within the restaurant itself.
The bar team has put together an eclectic menu of out of the box flavors inspired to compliment the restaurant’s dishes, like the Kalambaka Fog- an alcoholic twist on the modern day chai; Stray Dog Greek gin, Italicus, earl gray, vanilla bean, nutmeg, oat milk, egg white* (16), or the Lady Angela; Tequila, Paleokerisio, yuzu, mandarin, Greek herb honey (14).
A perfect start to any meal, the dip trio ($18) highlights key flavors within Greek cuisine. Tzatziki, Kopanisti, and Melitzanosalata with grilled sourdough as an accompaniment- a dish so simple packs so many vibrant flavors in one. A gyro ($32) for brunch? say no more. Tender cuts of lamb souvla could stand alone and make the dish. For something light, the Strapatsada ($21) is a beautiful blend of scrambled eggs, wild mushrooms, tomato, feta, and black truffle.
Let the spirits move you. Shots for brunch perhaps don’t sound enticing, but the ‘taste of Greece’ is a true palate cleanser with varying flavors. Sample Idoniko Tsipouro, Barbayanni ‘Aphrodite’ Ouzo, and Kleos Mastiha for a tradtional taste of the Vlachs and Greeks.
xoxo Sushi – Japanese Cuisine
Located in; Chestnut Hill at 1154 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
A transformative experience in the heart of Chestnut Hill, xoxo Sushi successfully blends Edomae-style sushi infused with modern dry aging techniques. A traditional practice from the 19th century that masterfully preserves seafood, you’ll taste the flavors in every bite.
Senses are not only stimulated through the dishes, but through the design of the restaurant’s interiors too. Reminiscent of Japan’s simplicity and color, the wooden furnishings blend in sync with the pops of color, in a way that’s not too over the top. For an intimate experience, guests are invited to sit at the bar area to watch the sushi-making process unfold. Mood lighting and lanterns give the restaurant a traditional feel- easy to transition from day to night.
But when deciding where to eat in Boston, what makes xoxo Sushi stand against the many Japanese restaurants in the city? “Not only do we source the freshest local fish from local distributors, we also import the highest quality fish from Japan as well. Our dry ager stands out as we might be the only place in the Boston area to have one. Despite being a relatively new innovation for most countries around the world, dry-aging fish has been part of Japanese tradition for centuries,” says executive Chef, Kegan Stritchko.
Moldova Restaurant – Moldovan Cuisine
Located in; Newton at 344 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458
In the charming suburb of Newton sits Boston’s only Moldovan Restaurant. If the beautifully decorated patio wasn’t enough, inside exudes a warmth that feels like Grandma’s kitchen. The brainchild of Moldovan natives, Artur and Sandra Andronic, “our main focus is to bring authentic food from our region. Luckily the vendor options and their offerings are very diverse, and we were able to find suitable ingredients that can portray the same taste profile that we remember from growing up,.”
The dark dining room is offset by colorful images of Moldovan landscapes, perhaps portraying the nations historical past and bloom after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Looking closely, every inch of the interior provides subtle nods towards the European country- from the wine bottles lining the walls to the large map of Europe highlighting Moldova.
While most of the foods reflect the country specifically, influences and flavors of Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, and a few others appear on the menu. Per the Chef’s recommendation, the meal had to begin with handcrafted dumplings and a Moldovan pan fried pie- staples of the country. Both meat and veggie options available for both, the two dishes really highlight the simplicity of Moldovan ingredients.
The flavors of the country are also ever-present in its beverage selection- with an array of Moldovan wines and beers available. “Before I moved to work on the restaurant full time I worked in the beverage industry in Moldova, and that’s where I met an ambitious craft brewer whom I quickly became friends with. We bring small amounts about twice a year, both in kegs and in bottle, to keep the beers fresh.”
A blend of fish, meats, and veggies, Moldovan cuisine is rich with varying regional influences. As far as entrees go, the braised lamb ($34) and Mititei ($29) are Chef recommended- but the grilled trout should also be noted. Flavors speak volumes in Moldovan cooking. It’s not just about the ‘show,’ but what you can make of a few simple ingredients put together. Inspired by an old folk tale, ‘Cusma Lui Guguta’ are sour cherry crepes that are a tradition in Moldova. Mini crepes stacked on top of one another to form a triangle or ‘shepherds hat,’ the rich dessert is a must try. The blend of sour and whipping creams ensures the crepes crumble effortlessly, with an almost melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Machu Picchu – Peruvian Cuisine
Located in: Somerville at 307 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
A welcoming corner in Somerville, Machu Picchu exudes culture and charisma. Upon entering, the restaurant is quite humble- with a small bar area and wooden furnishings; however, the decor says it all. Black walls allow Peruvian imagery to pop. Outlines of the country, Machu Picchu, llamas.. it’s easy to envision yourself there while you dine. Nods towards Peru’s love of color can be found in the upholstery against the couch-like chairs and the medium-sized llamas that greet you on the way to the bathroom.
The menu beautifully showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of Peru in every dish. The Kausa ($15) is the perfect palate cleanser to begin. Mashed potatoes seasoned with Aji Amarillo, this dish takes you by surprise as you bite down into the cool chicken salad. The layers break apart almost like a dessert. Typically a Peruvian street-snack, the Anticuchos ($18) are as traditional as you can get. Beef hearts marinated with Aji Panca are moist, flavorful, and delightful paired with spiced potato and choclo (a type of corn). While beef hearts aren’t typically the norm here in the States, the flavor pairings are worth stepping out of your comfort zone for this one.
A favorite, the Ceviche Mixto ($25) is bursting with different ingredients. Tilapia or haddock, shrimp, calamari, sweet potato, choclo, cancha (dried kernels), and rocoto- a dish so good we scooped every last piece. The choices of fish and accompaniments really pair well together and provide just the right amount of ceviche zest. The Lomo Saltado ($26) is a Peruvian staple and must try. Juicy sirloin strips stir-fried with onions and tomatoes. The pop of the tomatoe juice mixes with the seasoning of the sirloin for a party of flavors.
Per our waiters recommendation, to end the evening on a sweet note, we ordered the Pisco Flan. A delicious take on the popular dessert, the word ‘Peru’ was written in a type of syrup on the side. The menu also features purple corn pudding, rice pudding, tres leches, and more.
