7 Best Restaurants in South Boston, Boston

People come to Boston for certain things—colleges, Irish pubs, Fenway Park—and Polish food isn't usually one of them. But, if you do land here, this authentic Polish restaurant in Southie is a must-stop. The menu is rife with an Eastern European culinary heritage in plates like pierogi, beet soup, stuffed cabbage and kielbasa, and there are some tasty Polish beers. You'll be glad you ventured to Andrew Square.

Chef-owner Karen Akunowicz steps up with hearty, traditional Italian food inspired by her time as a chef and pasta maker in Italy. Locals love it so much that in order to score a table, especially on the weekends, you have to book a reservation about a month or so out. But once you get in, you'll realize it was worth the wait to dig into this James Beard Award–winner's carb-heavy fare, like warm focaccia, handmade pasta, pork Milanese, braised lamb, or whole fish. Plates are on the smaller side, so make sure to order with abandon, although your wallet won't thank you for it. At the bar, order the flight of Amaro varieties. 

You won't get many frills at this traditional Italian-style bakery that's tucked a bit off the main drag, but you will get loads of sweets in the form of cream puffs, eclairs, pastry twists, Italian cookies, and loaves of scali bread (braided and coated in sesame seeds). There's also a deli that serves sandwiches to go.

Young professionals living in the area will tell you that this place is a South Boston institution, and they flock here regularly, especially for brunch served every day of the week. Don't expect a quiet meal; the atmosphere here is loud and lively at all hours, and there's often a line at the door to get in.

Diners who appreciate flavor and spice will adore chef-owner Asia Mei's creative kitchen endeavors, which often mix up elements of American, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, and Spanish cuisines. A lively local crowd comes for dinner and to get their hands on such crave-worthy dishes as the tofu-mushroom burger and various street tacos, but the menu does change frequently. The staff cares what you think, and this shows in the impeccable, friendly service and the fact that the chef doesn't just stay in the kitchen—she's often serving dishes herself and asking diners' opinions.

This casual but upscale neighborhood bar and restaurant doesn't attract too much of a crowd, even though it should. The kitchen serves hearty American comfort food made with fresh ingredients. Don't expect the usual fryolator suspects, but do expect a focus on what bartenders are pulling from the taps—that's lots of craft and international beer. 

Family-owned and established in 1951, this beach-style dairy bar---affectionately nicknamed Sully's---serves fried seafood, hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft-serve ice cream at Castle Island every spring, summer, and fall. Don't expect frills or indoor seating—there is no need since its surroundings provide sloping lawns, picnic tables, benches, and beach vistas for lunching. Fries don't automatically come as a side with sandwiches, so if you want them, make sure you order them.