Top 3 Restaurants in Boston Area

I haven't been to many restaurants in the Boston area, but I can tell you which ones I like the most since landing in Needham this past July.

51 Lincoln

The food here is phenomenal. Finally we had a meal that is made with love and care and details. We had reservations at 8 and we sat by 8:07. Glad we did not have stand long because the crowd in the bar was bustling. We sat wedged between two parties... something I hate to do...but surprisingly the noise level was low enough that we could have our own conversation. Next we met our waiter. His name is Eddie and he is a pro at his job. The restaurant was packed, yet Eddie took the time to find out that it was our first trip to 51 Lincoln. He went through the menu and pointed out the chef's specialities and described each one with such detail that I wanted them all. His service for the rest of the night was so on point that we never wanted for anything.

So on to the food. First we had a Caesar Salad, which Eddie had the kitchen split for us. It was gorgeous romaine with a couple of tasty anchovies as well as. Loved it. Next up we choose and artisanal cheese. We only chose one and I assumed it would be super tiny and that we should have ordered two, but I was wrong. The slice was enough for two and it was sooo creamy. Little tasty sides came with as well... I can't remember what they were, but all were yummy. Last up were the main dishes. I ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese and when I did Eddie recommended that I go with the smaller portion. Wow, how great to get a recommendation to go with the less expensive portion. And he was right, the smaller portion was all I needed. And of course again I was impressed. Mmmm so good. My husband had the fish. I can't remember exactly which one, but he was very happy as well. It wasn't a super large portion, but just enough to satisfy. Both of us were so stuffed that we skipped dessert—we hardly ever get dessert anyways. I can tell you that we were so happy with our meal that we went again the following week. I had the same, but my husband had the chicken under the brick. He was less impressed, but said it was a solid entree...chicken just could have been a little juicier. So far the juiciest chicken we've had is at Chez Henri. More on that later. Anyhoo we love 51 Lincoln, just wish we could get a chance to sit at the bar and that it wasn't always so crowded. But good for them. We are happy to see the place doing so well.


2) The Local
3) Eastern Standard

Missing Brooklyn's Restaurant Scene

Northeast Kingdom

Being a new transplant to Boston can be trying when it comes to finding a tasty restaurant. I lived in nyc and brooklyn for 15 years and my taste for good eats and atmosphere have been spoiled by some of the best chefs, bartenders and waitstaff that a city could offer. Oh boy do I miss some of my favorite haunts like Northeast Kingdom, Aurora and Dumont. Why has it been so hard to find a cozy little gastropub with fresh organic ingredients, grass fed beef and not a tv in sight!? Good gosh why does every place need to hang up 3-5 tv's. Anyhoo, my search continues. So far the best restaurant that I've encountered is 51 Lincoln. In my next post I'll tell you why.