Where Boston’s Top Chefs Like to Dine Out
It’s a classic question for chefs: Where do you dine out when you’re not at your own restaurant? In Boston, the answer varies from swanky new Italian restaurants to industry hangouts with great sake lists, and, just like the rest of us, they have favorite date-night spots. Below, find 11 restaurants frequented by the following Boston chefs:
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Sarma
Sarma in Somerville is a place I keep coming back to. Cassie [Piuma] is so talented, and the food is always vibrant, creative, and absolutely delicious. It also has such a cool, comfortable vibe that makes it feel like the perfect spot to settle in and enjoy a great meal. — Karen Akunowicz.
The Lexington
I really love the Lexington and I love going to support Will. I think the food is pretty rad. My favorite dish the last time I was there was probably steak tartare. So clean, delicious. I find a lot of people are making steak tartare that is not the right temperature for me. I want my steak tartare, like, fucking ice cold. — Jamie Bissonnette.
Oleana
You might be surprised to find me at Oleana, indulging in their Middle Eastern-inspired menu. It’s a bit unexpected since it’s outside my own culinary style, but the bold use of spices and unique flavor combinations always intrigue and delight me. — Sumiao Chen.
Ostra
For special occasions, I adore dining at Ostra. The sophisticated ambiance and incredible seafood dishes always make for a memorable experience. It’s a place where every detail — from the service to the presentation — feels elevated and celebratory. — Sumiao Chen.
Uni
I really love the atmosphere at Uni. It feels big and cavernous, but the service is really intimate and the food is really special, and anytime there’s anything to celebrate, that’s the first place I think of. — Rachel Miller.
La Padrona
La Padrona is my favorite restaurant that opened this year. I celebrated my anniversary there with my spouse, and it felt truly special. The atmosphere is intimate even though the space is expansive. The service is so warm and genuine, and the food is exceptional — it’s a perfect place to mark a meaningful moment. Jody, Jon, and Eric have really outdone themselves. — Karen Akunowicz.
No Relation
No Relation is one of my favorite restaurants in the Greater Boston area for its non-traditional kind of modern. I love the room, I love the vibe, and I love the cocktail that we always get before we go into the air-conditioned Eden. I really enjoy all of their sake and wine list, so I love that restaurant a lot. My wife and I go there quite often. — Jamie Bissonnette.
Myers+Chang
I often find myself returning to Myers + Chang. The vibrant atmosphere, creative take on Asian-inspired dishes, and the consistency of flavors make it a favorite. It feels both comforting and inspiring for someone like me in the industry. — Sumiao Chen.
Tonino
We go to Tonino a fair amount, it’s incredible. I’m not the kind of guy who calls friends for reservations, but I get mad when my friends don’t call me. It’s like this weird paradigm. My wife Song will have alerts on for Resy when there’s an opening at Tonino and she’ll text me while I’m at work or call me and ask, ‘Can you take off next Wednesday at 8:30 or can you do Friday at 9:00?’ Yes! Whenever we can get in. I try to move our schedule so we can go. — Jamie Bissonnette.
