24 Best Restaurants in Boston

"Chef George Mendes’ signature restaurant inside Raffles Boston is a love letter to this city’s Portuguese communities. Seriously: “Amar” comes from the Portuguese verb for “to love,” and is also a play on the word for “sea.” Amar is the first time that Portuguese cuisine has been represented in Boston’s fine dining scene, and Mendes lives up to all expectations and more with a seafood-forward menu replete with authenticity and charm. There are classic favorites such as a generous Arroz de Mariscos for two (a Portuguese take on paella, teeming with local shellfish), and more inventive dishes such crispy bacalhau croquettes fried to perfection. If you’re looking to be impressed–or to impress your date–book a table here." - Todd Plummer, Shannon McMahon