Boston is chock-full of incredible restaurants and bars. Every weekend scours of friends, couples, university students, and young professionals flock to dining establishments between Fenway and Seaport in search of the best eats Boston has to offer. For those of you looking to avoid city center while exploring some of the best restaurants around town, take a trip down the Green Line to Brookline. This town has plenty of hidden gems and a few well-known restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a quick bite to eat, the Brookline food scene has it all.
Barcelona
Located in the heart of Washington Square easily accessible by the Green Line lies a wonderfully authentic tapas restaurant known as Barcelona. Diners have a variety of shareable dishes to choose from such as hanger steak, jamon and manchego croquettes, and patatas bravas, in addition to an extensive beer and wine list. Offering a European-ambiance and consistently topping lists of Brookline’s best restaurants, Barcelona is a fantastic option for weekend brunches and date nights alike. Reservations recommended.
Ganko Ittetsu Ramen
Tucked inside an obscure shopping center and arcade you’ll find the hidden gem Ganko Ittetsu Ramen. Offering three variations of traditional Sapporo ramens—Tan Tan, miso, and shoyu—this Washington Square eatery combines powerful flavors with an intimate dining experience. With an ample selection of add-ons, it’s no wonder this ramen spot falls into Brookline’s best restaurants lists. Pro tip: add your name to the waitlist via Yelp to secure a table.
Union Square Donuts
Move over, Dunks, there’s a real donut spot in town. Union Square Donuts on Harvard Avenue has a fantastic spread of sweets inspired by everything from Vietnamese coffee to key lime pie. Thirsty patrons also have a selection of craft beverages and cold brew coffees to choose from. Pro tip: Union Square Donuts offers same-day ordering services so you never have to miss out on your favorite pastries again.
Orinoco Brookline Village
Brookliners don’t have to travel to South America to find authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Orinoco Brookline Village boasts a menu full of traditional Latin dishes such as tequenos, arepas, empanadas, and cachapas. Inspired by the concept of “taguaritas”, rustic roadside eateries found in Venezuela, Orinoco is a warm and inviting dining environment founded by native Venezuelans. Pro tip: the house-made hot sauce will kick your ass. Try it anyway.
Eagle’s Deli
Located at the end of the Cleveland Circle Green Line—technically falling into Brighton territory—lies Eagle’s Deli. Casual and affordable, this sit-down or to-go restaurant features generous portions of burgers (including a 6-pound burger challenge featured on Man vs Food), sandwiches, wraps, salads, and breakfast staples.
The Abbey
One of the only restaurants in Brookline with a late-night menu, The Abbey greets patrons with a cozy atmosphere, fully-stocked bar, and fresh menu options daily. From hangover cures like spicy tomato soup paired with gourmet grilled cheese to hearty entrees such as the bison bolognese, it’s no wonder The Abbey is one of Brookline’s best restaurants. The Abbey does not accept reservations. Pro tip: grab a seat at the bar and place your order.
Taberno de Haro
Chef-owned and operated since 1998, Taberno de Haro boasts a perfectly-curated menu pairing delicious Spanish cuisine with the second-largest all-Spanish wine list in the United States. Incorporating as many local ingredients as possible with regional Spanish recipes has earned Taberno de Haro plenty of accolades in the process. Diners will see staple tapas such as albondigas (meatballs), charcuterie, and croquetas, in addition to larger portions of paella and squid ink pasta. Fun fact: the Straight Line Bar located within Taberno de Haro is the only gin and sherry bar in Boston.
