Rosa Mexicano may pack the crowds due to its location in the popular seaport District, but customers return because of the stellar service, excellent eats and upbeat atmosphere. Enjoying a meal in this busy spot may require a wait, even during lunch, but a seat at the bar is just as pleasant as in the dining room. Their servers are not afraid to make a recommendation, that you should take because they know the menu well.The table-side guacamole is a must, as is the tuna ceviche and an order of tacos. The decor is more modern Mexican, think subdued tones. Pair their food with a specialty beverage or beer cocktail and you'll have a complete Mexican meal that you won't soon forget.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Rosa Mexicano will curb your craving for Mexican anytime of day.
Jessica's expert tip: Rosa Mexicano is packed with kids on weekends, especially in the afternoon, but leave them behind during later evening dining as you'll find Rosa Mexicano's bar scene heating up.
Gather, open daily at 11:30am and staying open late Thursday-Saturday is District Hall's only full service restaurant. Featuring a sparse, modern interior that compliments the angular shape of the structure it inhabits, Gather is a stunningly simple space. As the name suggests, gather encourages just that, people to gather. Hang with old friends or belly up to the bar and you'll find new friends, either way Gather's light hearted patrons will welcome you. Light bulbs dangle from their long electrical cords providing a bit of twinkle that sparkles against the night sky that seeps in from the floor to ceiling windows. The minimalist decor lets the food shine, as it should, because Gathers chefs whip up plates of comforting American food perfection.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Gather is a an industrial chic space that serves comforting food in a welcoming setting.
Jessica's expert tip: The appetizers are a must: share the dates, chicken and waffles and tuna crudo.
If you're looking to linger over a special lunch or spend time catching up with friends for dinner, Trade lets you to do both. Their Greenway location allows you to step away from the sites and get more than just a minimal afternoon snack. Trade's focus on local cuisine does not dissapoint. The simple flavors of the fresh ingredients shine through in each of the dishes they prepare. Seasonal changes allow diners to discover the best of what Boston has to offer in each and every season. Whether craving a sampling of small plates, or a full meal, Trade can fuel your after lunch excursions.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Trade is perched along the greenway, serves excellent cocktails, and even better food, the casual atmosphere in this upscale spot is warm and welcoming.
Jessica's expert tip: Small plates rule here, try to bring friends who are willing to share.
A low key, chic spot where hotel guests and locals mingle, eat and drink inside and out, Tamo has a following among locals who return as much for the ambiance as they do the food. Enjoy small plates to share, or larger meals for one as well as a specialty cocktail and you'll be treated to some seriously tasty treats. Favorite nibbles among return guests include the pie in a jar, ham and cheese croquettes, and swordfish skewers. Top notch sushi is served as well as tacos, pizza and sandwiches. End your meal with one of Tamo's delightful desserts and you'll have a full meal you'll remember.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Walking distance from the cruise port, Tamo is casual spot to spend time with friends.
Jessica's expert tip: Order a few things to share from Tamo's menu to get the best of what they offer.
A meal at Temazcal is like a tropical escape! The floor to ceiling windows allow diners to take int he view anytime of year. While the creative menu, presented to guests on an iPad, not only explains the dishes being served, but also gives vibrant photos of what will arrive on your plate. Start out sharing their mouth watering appetizers like the fundido. Go out on a limb and order the whole roast suckling pig, or play it simple by enjoying a Mexican favorite like tacos or enchiladas. You won't be disappointed by the food or the drinks, both of which are a pleasure to devour!
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Temazcal offers diners an experience that will transport them to the shores of Cabo.
Jessica's expert tip: Reservations are not always accepted, but the wait at their bar is quite pleasant.
The Atlantic Wharf location of Smith & Wollensky overlooks the historic Fort Point Channel. Their outdoor dining scene is bustling during the warmer months when diners can score a seat for dinner or just drinks at their outdoor bar and take in the sweeping waterfront views. Offering diners prime dry aged steaks, premium seafood, award-winning wines and an extensive cocktail list, it is a hot spot for a business lunch or special dinner. Indulge in their coffee cocoa rubbed filet or one of their dry aged favorites like the melt in your mouth rib eye. Request your steak sliced family stay;e and share a few bites of each or make a meal of their appetizers like the mussels and crab cake.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Smith & Wollensky has a waterfront perch at Fort Point Channel and a patio that allows diners a relaxing upscale meal.
Jessica's expert tip: Smith & Wollensky is known for seafood and steak, and the Atlantic Wharf location is ideal for a warm New England day-nothing beats dinner by the water.
For gravy like grandma made head over to Boston's Greenway where NEBO has made its home. This Italian eatery serves homestyle Italian favorites inspired by their mother's recipes and plates them with pride. A modern industrial space has a cozy feel enhanced by its open kitchen and views of the Greenway outside its doors. A small patio allows for outside seating, while the bar inside allows walk ins, without reservations, the chance to dine in style even on the busies of nights. Dive into a plate of their gluten free pasta with a Neapolitan style bolognese that is packed with flavor and quite similar to the real thing, while their gluten free pizza will have you returning for more.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Homestyle Italian is served by sisters who use family recipes to churn out perfect plates for their guests.
Jessica's expert tip: Dine family style to make the most of your Nebo experience; sample from each section.
Strega waterfront has everything Bostonians love about the North End Italian eatery but with waterfront seating. Here you'll find large plates of Italian specialties sure to fill the super sized appetites that are often found when one exercises a lot, making Strega a hot spot among professional athletes. Strega also boasts a masculine, yet refined setting that is welcoming as well as comforting. Their patio is packed all summer long with those looking to enjoy the outdoors and watching the activity on the water. While the dining room often fills with patrons who love their cocktails as much as their food.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Hearty plates of high end Italian fare are served by charismatic servers in a classy setting where you'll feel like part of the family.
Jessica's expert tip: Order the daily special as it is always the best thing on the menu.
Located in Liberty Wharf, one of the hottest places to dine in the city, Del Frisco's offers something special in terms of food and setting. This Boston steak house is not just stunning inside but also offers a spectacular backdrop for outdoor waterfront dining. Glass walls enclose the patio and make it the perfect spot to enjoy their fabulous food. A meal here will have you encountering more than one extra friendly, helpful waiter whose sole purpose is to make your meal memorable. And believe me memorable it will be because each bite at Del Frisco's leaves you longing for one more. Indulge in appetizers like the calamari and crab cake and be sure to bite into a steak.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Del Frisco's has it all-good food, good service, good views and good wine.
Jessica's expert tip: Del Frisco's serves the best crab cake you'll find; lacking filler and full of crab flavor it is must try.
Read more about Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House - Boston →
Legal Harborside is hot, and very good reason. It is casual, fun, family friendly (avoid prime times with a young family), moderately priced, has a spectacular view and, good basic seafood. Legal Harborside is the perfect spot for enjoying a bowl of their famous chowder or fish n' chips. Located in the Seaport District's Liberty Wharf, Legal Harborside is the flagship location for Legal Seafood. Offering many legal classics as well as newer additions the food often gets overlooked as patrons are focused on the view. Boasting floor to ceiling windows you cannot help but enjoy the waterfront scene unfolding a few feet before your eyes.
Recommended for Restaurants near Cruise Port because: Legal Sea Foods is a Boston legend and their Harborside location offers stunning views along with excellent food.
Jessica's expert tip: Order the wild mushroom and lobster pizza, and the stuffed artichokes; they're quite different and tasty.