300 acres of Victorian row housing make Boston’s South End the largest in America to still hold this style of architecture intact. The beautiful brownstones and hidden gardens charm pedestrians and the diverse cuisine and bold art presence ignite this neighborhood with a fiery passion. Check out our guide for the best things to do in South End, Boston below!
Best restaurants in South End
A rather diverse neighborhood in Boston that was once predominately Irish, the diversity radiates from the eclectic food scene. Below you’ll find options ranging from French Cambodian to classic Greek. Grab a fork and dig inn!
Myers+Chang
From the mind behind Flour Bakery, is Joanne Chang and husband, Christopher Myers’ Asian-fusion restaurant. Open for dinner and Dim Sum brunch, don’t skip the Lemony Shrimp Dumplings or Surf and Turf Shanghai noodles!
1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Elephant Walk
Here you’ll find one of the most unique flavor profiles in the city. Elephant Walk merges Cambodian spices with the richness for French cuisine for melt-in-your-mouth dishes!
1415 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
Toro
This lively Spanish tapas restaurant is from celebrated Boston chef, Ken Oringer! Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, there is always something new and exciting to sample at Toro! They also serve up a yummy Paella and Bone Marrow.
1704 Washington St, South End, MA 02118
Barcelona
Another favorite for tapas, is Barcelona, which a giveaway from the name is clearly inspired by the cuisine of the beloved Spanish city. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Some of our favorites are the hanger steak, grilled shrimp, and patatas bravas.
525 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116
Frenchie
Tucked away on Tremont Street in Boston, Frenchie is the epitome of a French dining experience in Boston. Ingredients are sourced from France, traditional cooking methods are used, and many of the staff is from France. The greenhouse, open year-round is a lovely place to enjoy an “outdoor” meal regardless of the season.
560 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
Ilona
One of our favorite Greek restaurants in all of Boston, grab some fresh cuisine at Ilona. You’ll be transported to the Santorini coast.
783 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118
Coppa
Another Ken Oringer favorite. The intimate enoteca serves up cozy Italian dishes like homemade pasta, handspun wood-fired pizzas and a rotating assortment of entrees and desserts.
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
B&G Oysters
One of the best seafood restaurants in the city, the lobster roll and fried clams here are scrumptious. And the oysters and wildly delicious. Dine in the B&G enclosed garden patio and you’ll be whisked away from the hustle and bustle.
550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Petit Robert Bistro
Steak frites, moules frites, and all of your French favorites are perfectly executed at this quaint French bistro. You absolutely must finish your meal with Petit Robert Bistro’s Mousse au chocolat!
480 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Mike and Patty’s
A quick grab-and-go dining option in the South End, Mike and Patty’s serves up deliciously grilled sammies oozing with cheese, avocado, or whatever else you can imagine!
12 Church St, Boston, MA 02116
South End entertainment
While the South End is beaming with delicious spots to grab a bite, its also filled with a lively art and entertainment scene! From the Boston Ballet to open art galleries, check out some of the fun creative things to do in the neighborhood below!
Explore art at the Guild
The South End Artist’s Guild is the city’s premiere artistic gallery, displaying hundreds of works. Over 200 artists host open door viewings to explore their most recent creations.
450 Harrison Avenue, Boston
Visit a hidden sneaker store
On the cusp of Back Bay and South End is Bodega. We’ll fill you in on a secret-it’s not s bodega! Step into a mini mart and take a secret back door into a high-street sneaker store. Entering Bodega is akin to living out your Narnia fantasy.
6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115
Try a 15-minute laser facial at Skin Laundry
Pioneering the laser facial movement, Skin Laundry will soon add a new clinic on Tremont Street! Their 15-minute facials are quick, painless and leave you dewy, glowing, and hydrated!
Coming soon to 565 Tremont Street, Suite B
Have a blast at SoWa open market
Running May through October, SoWa is one of the best outdoor markets in Boston. Pick from dozens of food trucks and shop local makers, vintage curators, and fresh-farmed produce at this fun weekly pop-up!
450 Harrison Avenue, Boston
Catch a show at the Boston Opera House
The elegant showroom is home to the Boston Ballet and various other performances! Catch a show and be mesmerized by the stunning ballerinas and classic shows like the Nutcracker.
539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111