Cal Hounds first visit... and a list
Thanks for all of the information on this board. My wife and I will be in Boston for six nights in April. I have made my dining list trying for a combination of great chow $$$$, good chow $$, and a dose of Boston spirit: Mamma Maria, Prezza, Durgin Park, East Coast Grill, Antico Forno, Pizzaria Regina. We will be using public transportation but we love to walk so getting anywhere in the city is not an issue. I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
-
First of all, we're hounds from San Diego...home to many good restaurants but not many to plan a night around. That's especially true for Italian food. Next, thanks for all of your suggestions. My wife laughs that I spend more time reading about restaurants than I do eating. She never complains about good results. After some time looking at archives on this board and elsewhere, many of your ideas sound great. We only have six nights in Boston. If I were to add 10 Tables, Grotto, or Union which do you suggest that I drop from the original list? TopCat said pass on Prezza. We are really looking forward to visiting Boston and know that some very good meals await. Thanks again.
›6 Replies-
re: prock
If I had to drop one of Mamma Maria, Prezza, or Antico Forno, I'd reluctantly drop the last of these. Others may not agree.
Of 10 Tables, Grotto, or Union, if I could only add one, it would be the first of these, especially as you have several Italian spots already (Grotto is Italian).
-
re: bachslunch
Bob Dobalina
Mar 6, 2008 05:54 AM
I love 10 Tables but it is kinda out of the way in JP. Since you said you're taking public transportation, you'd get there by taking the Orange Line to Green Street and walking, but I am worried you'll be left wondering why people sent you way out there.
That said, I have a rez for Wed. :)
-
re: Bob Dobalina
Allstonian
Mar 6, 2008 06:12 AM
Much easier route to Ten Tables - Orange Line (or walk, depending on where your hotel is) to Back Bay station and take the 39 bus from there, or pick up the same bus across Huntington Avenue from the Copley Plaza. Get off at Pond Street and walk back about 200 feet.
-
-
-
re: prock
lissy
Mar 5, 2008 05:49 PM
Prezza is one of my favorite Boston restaurants so I wouldn't drop that one. It's a bit more upscale, not stuffy, really good food. Many here like Antico Forno but for me, I didn't love it. It's one of those places that I'd probably go to if it was in my 'hood, but I wouldn't go out of my way for.
-
-
-
Joanie
Mar 4, 2008 04:44 AM
You've got an awful lot of North End action going on. Unless you really need to stay in one area, I'd add a restaurant in the south end for at least one nite, a million write ups here of various places like Toro, Union, etc. It also helps to know where you're coming from, I assume it's a city without good Italian food. I might also throw in a burger at Bartley's in Harvard Sq. mid weekday afternoon, some Thai food in Brookline or something in Chinatown, maybe Rendezvous or Blue Room in Cambridge. Maybe French food at Petit Robert Bistro in Kenmore Sq. Mix it up a little.
-
-
Beach Chick
Mar 2, 2008 06:14 PM
First time in Boston last September for only 2 days and being a San Diego native, I was so excited to be in Boston.
Friend highly recommended Locke-Ober for dinner but only had time for drinks & app's..it's been around since the late 1800's.
Love this place..pour a great drink.
I'm so glad we went.
www.lockeober.com -
-
A very good roster, if you ask me.
For all except ECG, the closest subway stop is Haymarket on the Orange and Green Line. East Coast Grill is best reached by taking the Red Line to Central, then the 83 bus to Inman Square.
With the exception of Figs (of which I'm not a fan), I'm thinking NiKoLe1625 and Sgt Snackers have provided some very good suggestions. You might also consider hitting some Portuguese places: Atasca is arguably the best and is a short walk from Kendall on the Red Line, while others such as Casa Portugal are close by East Coast Grill. And there are seafood spots, arguably the best of which is Neptune Oyster (also in the North End close by your Italian choices).
›1 Reply-
re: bachslunch
Allstonian
Mar 3, 2008 12:55 PM
ECG is only about 3/4 of a mile's walk out of Central Square, and a pretty easy shot down Prospect Street and left on Cambridge Street. Since the 83 bus runs as little as once an hour, walking may be a better bet. (Or catching the 69 from Harvard Square or from Lechmere.)
-
-
Sgt Snackers
Mar 2, 2008 01:48 PM
Sounds like a great list! I wouldn't argue with any of the choices here. Although, it's awfully "Italian heavy". If you want to branch out a bit, I would suggest checking out Yo Ma (Burmese in Allston) or Gitlo (new specialty dim sum, also in Allston) - both would be great for a reasonably cheap lunch in hole-in-the-wall surroundings. Since you're from CA I'll not go out of my way to recommend Mexican or Chinese, though there are some good spots. You might also want to swap one of your upper-end Italian choices (Prezza or Mama Maria) for something equally as good, but not Italian - good choices being No. 9 Park, 10 Tables, or Franklin Cafe. The latter does not take reservations but if you get there before 7 or so it's not too bad.
Enjoy...
-
NiKoLe1625
Mar 2, 2008 01:32 PM
Mamma Maria is by far the best Italian in the city and the best restaurant in the North End. Some other "great chow" options however are L'Espalier, Clio, Mistral, and No. 9 Park. I only suggest these because you have a lot of Italian on your list, so these might help to mix it up a bit. There are also some very good steakhouses in Boston, namely Grill 23 and KO Prime that you might also want to look into.
I love Antico Forno for very casual Italian. It is pretty authentic rustic Italian food and is definitely one of my favorites. Pizzeria Regina is great, but I would also suggest Figs on Charles Street. While it is not "authentic" Italian pizza, it is still really good.
I cannot attest to Prezza, Durgin Park or East Coast Grill, but I have heard great things! Enjoy Boston!
