The Best Neighborhoods for Ethnic Food in Boston

North America / United States of America / Boston /

Where to Go For Great Ethnic Food in Boston

Boston is known for its abundance of authentic ethnic restaurants, each offering their own unique take on traditional dishes. Boston's diverse population has created an exuberant food scene, where you'll find everything from authentic Mexican and Italian cuisine to Lebanese, Indian, and Jamaican cuisine.
Chinatown - Leather District
Chinatown - Leather District
Boston's Chinatown, the 3rd largest Chinatown in the country, is at the heart of Chinese culture in the city. It's located to the south of the Downtown area and it's the place to go to celebrate Lunar New Year. There are a number of great Chinese restaurants and shops in the area. Head a few blocks to the east and you'll stumble into the small Leather District. This industrial warehouse area gets its name from its roots in leather manufacturing. Today it is home to a number of trendy restaurants.
Boston, MA
Allston
Allston is a popular hangout spot for students in Boston. Many students live in the area, but even those that don't often head here to party with friends. The area is close to a number of Boston colleges and universities so the student population is strong, but in recent years it's also started to attract more young professionals and immigrants. Head to Harvard Avenue between Gardner Street and Commonwealth Avenue to explore the city's unofficial Koreatown. The area has a number of great Korean barbeque restaurants as well as bubble tea shops.
Boston, MA
If you're looking for more information about Boston, read The Best Museums in Boston and A Foodie's Guide To Boston.
East Boston
East Boston has long been a neighborhood of immigrants, and the area's ethnic restaurants reflect its diverse roots. Sitting on the waterfront, it was once the center for shipbuilding in the city but today it is where you'll find Logan International Airport. It's location on the waterfront means it offers impressive views of the city's skyline. You can reach East Boston on the subway's Blue Line or by ferry boat.

Boston, MA
Dorchester
Dorchester is a large and diverse neighborhood with more than 500 acres of green space as well as a zoo. The neighborhood is where you'll find Franklin Park and a large portion of Boston's Emerald Necklace. The population is a diverse mix of long time residents and newer immigrants from countries such as Vietnam, Cape Verde, and Ireland. For the best Vietnamese food, head to Dorchester Avenue between Charles and Victoria streets.
Boston, MA
Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain, often called "JP", is a diverse neighborhood with a number of local businesses and a large amount of green space. Head to Jamaica Pond to take a relaxing walk. This is also a very active neighborhood with a number of great festivals and outdoor concerts. This neighborhood really comes to life during the warmer seasons when the festivals and street fairs are common.
Boston, MA
Mattapan
Named for the Mattahunt Native American Tribe that lived here during the 1600s, today this neighborhood is home to a mixing bowl of African American, Caribbean, Irish, Jewish, and Haitian residents. There are a number of great ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood.
Boston, MA
Roxbury
Roxbury was once a large farming community. Today it is at the heart of Black culture in Boston. The neighborhood has a number of great restaurants along Dudley Street that serve Caribbean, regional African and soul food. This neighborhood is also where you'll find the only remaining country house built by a British Royal Colonial Governor.
Boston, MA
North End
North End
The North End neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists. The neighborhood's Italian-American population are at the heart of the culture and restaurant scene in the area. There are narrow streets, a lively atmosphere, and many of the city's best restaurants and cafes, offering classic Italian fare. Make sure you grab a meal and follow it up with a pastry from one of the local pastry shops. The neighborhood also has a few chill bars that are great for grabbing a beer and hanging out with friends at night. This neighborhood also has a number of historical sites including Paul Revere's house.
Boston, MA
Interested in more travel advice for Boston? Check out The Best Walking Tours in Boston and Hidden Finds in Boston.
How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $90 to $364. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $140. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in Boston

More Ideas for Boston

The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's Historic North EndThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's Beacon HillThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's West End & North Station (Near MGH)The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's Downtown & Financial DistrictThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's Theatre DistrictThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's ChinatownThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's WaterfrontThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals and Apartments in Boston's Seaport DistrictThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in South BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Back Bay, BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's Fenway-Kenmore Neighborhood near Fenway ParkThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Cambridge near Harvard in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Kendall Square near MIT in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Charlestown & Bunker Hill in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in East BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Jamaica Plain in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Dorchester in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Allston in BostonThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Boston's South End Neighborhood?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs

Read More
Planning a trip to Boston? You might also be interested in Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods in Boston and Local Finds and Hangouts in Boston and Neighborhoods in Boston and Quintessential Neighborhoods in Boston and A Foodie's Guide To Boston and The Best Neighborhoods For Shopping in Boston.
Share This Page

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.