Anna's Taqueria ★ 4.2
Anna's Taqueria on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner Brookline has run the city's fast-Mexican benchmark in Boston since 1995. Super burrito $11.
TrySuper burrito
TipSuper burrito $11; split between two. Open until 23:30 daily.
Eat well in Boston for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
Cheap eats worth seeking out
Banh Mi Ba Le ★ 4.6
Ba Le on Dorchester Avenue rolls banh mi in Boston's Vietnamese corridor since 1996. $7 sandwich, baguette baked fresh daily; Boston Legacy Business Award.
TryBBQ pork banh mi
TipCash and card both. Pho is also a budget order, $11 a bowl Cash is faster than card.
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe ★ 4.4
Gene's on Bedford Street has hand-pulled wheat noodles in Boston's Downtown Crossing since 2013. Cash only, $12 cumin lamb noodles the menu order.
TryHand-pulled cumin lamb noodles
TipCash only. The flatbread sandwich is the under-$10 lunch order; the noodles need a seat.
Pho Hoa ★ 4.3
Pho Hoa on Dorchester Avenue has poured beef pho in Boston's Vietnamese corridor since 1992. $13 large bowl, 18 pho varieties on the menu; Boston Magazine.
TryPho dac biet
TipCash speeds the bill at lunch. The 11:30 opening is the easy walk-in seat before the noon office crowd arrives.
Regina Pizzeria ★ 4.3
Regina Pizzeria on Thacher Street has fired brick-oven thin-crust pies in Boston's North End since 1926. The original location, walk-ins only.
TryMargherita pizza, shared
TipNo slices; whole pies only.
Santarpio's Pizza ★ 4.4
Santarpio's on Chelsea Street fires Boston-style thin pies in East Boston since 1933. Located in North End. At 111 Chelsea St. Booking recommended.
TryCheese pie
TipTake the Blue Line to Maverick. Cash only. The lamb skewer-and-pie combo is $25 for one.
Yume Wo Katare ★ 4.3
Yume Wo Katare on Mass Ave in Porter Square Cambridge has poured Jiro-style ramen in Boston since 2012. At 1923 Massachusetts Ave. Booking recommended.
TryJiro-style ramen
TipClosed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday from 16:30; line forms 30 minutes before doors.
Falafel King ★ 4.2
Falafel King on Washington Street has served halal Middle Eastern in Boston's Downtown Crossing since 1998. Falafel platter $12, shawarma plate $14.
TryFalafel platter
TipFalafel sandwich $9 is the takeaway order. Closed Sundays at the Washington Street location.
Life Alive Organic Cafe Harvard Square ★ 4.1
Life Alive Organic Cafe in Harvard Square is a plant-forward, counter-service kitchen. Warm grain bowls and salads made fresh keep it budget-friendly.
TryPlant-based grain bowl
TipThe build-your-own bowl is the best value; the Goddess dressing is the one to add.
Dumpling Cafe ★ 4.3
Dumpling Cafe on Washington Street rolls Taiwanese soup dumplings in Boston's Chinatown since 2009. $13 for 8 mini juicy buns; Boston Magazine Best Dumplings.
TryMini juicy buns
TipOpen until 02:00 weekends. The beef pancake roll at $11 is the under-ordered side.
Book food experiences in Boston
Guided tour · 3 hours
Downtown Boston Food Tour: A Taste of the Freedom Trail
Sample and learn about iconic Boston dishes as you’re treated to the city’s best spots for Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Baked Beans and Brown Bread ...
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Guided tour · 2 hours
Boston: North End & Little Italy Food Tour with Local Dishes
Choose a 2-hour express or 3-hour full Boston food tour. Taste clam chowder, arancini, brick oven pizza, cannoli, and more while exploring the North End’s history and ...
from$86 Check dates
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Boston: Seafood Tasting & Historical Walking Tour
Sample Boston's most iconic seafood dishes on a guided walking tour. Enjoy fresh, local favorites and learn about local history during your adventure.
from$179 Check dates