Best Places to Eat in Dorchester
In recent years, Boston has become a hotbed of amazing international cuisine. And, of all the Boston neighborhoods with excellent ethnic eats, Dorchester stands out as one of the tastiest. Try some of the Dorchester Pads recommendations of the best places to eat in Dorchester. And once your stomach has traveled to Vietnam, the Caribbean, and other exotic locales, use Dorchester Pads to find the perfect rental.
Get a comforting bowl of pho at Pho So 1.
Boston winters may be brutal, but there is no better way to warm up than with a spicy, steaming bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho So 1 is one of the best places to eat in Dorchester thanks to its homey atmosphere and yummy pho offerings. Order a Vietnamese lemon or salted plum soda on the side to make the meal truly authentic.
Or, find a summery Vietnamese meal at Banh Mi Ba Le.
When the weather gets warm, Bostonians crave banh mi, a savory Vietnamese sandwich with meat, head cheese, and pickled veggies served on a fluffy baguette. Banh Mi Ba Le offers a tempting variety of pork banh mi sandwiches, but what really makes them stand out are the baguettes, which they bake fresh in-house. To wash it down, grab a sparkling lemonade, bubble tea, or Vietnamese iced coffee.
Spice things up at Singh’s Roti Shop.
Are you a fan of jerk chicken? Or some other, more adventurous meat option – like goat or oxtail – served up on crispy roti? If so, you should definitely try Singh’s, a friendly Caribbean eatery with a famously hot red pepper sauce. But, if bones in your meal freak you out, be sure to order a boneless option.
Order flawless Mexican takeout from Taqueria Casa Real.
This tasty Mexican menu has all the classics, like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and even some super satisfying carne asada fries. It is a cozy little eatery, so if you are not in the mood to rub elbows with your neighbors, opt for takeout. Either way, Taqueria Casa Real is the perfect local spot for your cheese and beans fix – and one of the best places to eat in Dorchester.
Southern barbecue without leaving Boston at Pit Stop Barbecue.
Are you craving slow cooked ribs, brisket, or pulled pork with all the fixings? Drop into Pit Stop Barbecue, one of the best places to eat in Dorchester serving classic, filling meals out of the smoke pit along with must-have sides like collard greens, cole slaw, and mac ‘n cheese. If you love the sweet, tangy sauce so much, you just have to bring it home, grab a bottle to take with you.
Check out the Indian lunch buffet at Shanti.
There might not be a better, or more reasonably priced, lunch buffet than Shanti. For about $10, you get tons of Indian and Bangladeshi options like curried goat, lamb, and paneer. The dinner menu is also varied and delicious, with plenty of vegetarian options. To up the ante, order a lassi sweetened with rose water. And, do not forget the naan. With all these hearty, perfectly spiced dishes, it is no wonder Shanti is one of the best places to eat in Dorchester.
Grass-fed burgers and one of a kind cocktails at Ashmont Grill.
Ashmont Grill serves upscale American selections like grass-fed burgers, smoked baby back rips, and home-style meatloaf. Sit at the cozy bar and order a creative cocktail with your meal as you admire the local art that lines the walls. Or, on a nice day, settle into the landscaped patio.
And its sister restaurant, Tavolo.
The sister restaurant of the Ashmont Grill, Tavolo, offers an upscale Italian menu with a lively bar scene. You cannot go wrong with pizza or pasta, but Tavolo also has a weekly special of select entrees for $30, if you are feeling adventurous.
Order a Guinness at the Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone is a Boston institution, and the first bar in the country to serve Guinness on draught. Every Boston neighborhood needs a great Irish pub, and the Blarney Stone is just that and more. The menu features everything from chicken tenders to steamed mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce, and even a filling veggie burger. Bring the kids for brunch, or bring your friends for trivia night.
Get some of the best pizza in the neighborhood at Stash’s.
Stash’s Pizza of Dorchester whips up some of the best pizza in the neighborhood, plus hearty sandwiches, spicy wings, and other game night staples. It is a neighborhood favorite, so try to order early in the evening. By the end of the night, the line gets long and chaotic with locals clamoring for their pizza fix.
Trendy and tasty new American cuisine at Dbar.
This wood-paneled lounge serves creative, upscale American entrees in a trendy, yet cozy atmosphere. The dinner and brunch are both delish, but the scene at Dbar shifts as the night wears on. After hours, it becomes a nightclub catering mostly to the local LGBT community. So, if you are just in it for the food, drop in early. If not, go on a Tuesday – there is a weekly showtune singalong.
Rooftop tapas at Ester.
Ester offers up a seasonal menu made from local ingredients in a pretty dining room or big outdoor patio. The produce is grown right on the rooftop garden, and the American tapas are perfect for happy hour. Order a glass of wine with your food, or something stiffer from the bar. It is one of the most picturesque places to meet with friends, and one of the best places to eat in Dorchester.
Live music and Cape Verdean cuisine at Restaurante Cesaria.
This colorful, lively neighborhood fixture is a favorite for colorful, lively Cape Verdean eats. The lunch buffet is an affordable way to sample the food. But, stop in for Sunday brunch to hear live music with your meal. There are also often concerts at dinner on the weekends. To sweeten your meal, pick a glass from the extensive wine list, or a handcrafted cocktail or martini.
