Five Delicious Reasons to Visit Boston

When a friend asked me to recommend my five favorite Boston restaurants, I found it difficult to narrow down my list. In recent years, a culinary boom has hit my hometown and the choices for delicious eats are more than plenty—could I instead recommend fifty-five I asked? Knowing my friend would only be in town for a quick turnaround, I focused my appetite and recommended these five can’t-be-missed, knee-buckling good eats in Boston.

1. The Helmand
I try to pick a new dish every time I visit the Helmand—really, I do! But there’s something about old favorites at this warm, aromatic Afghani restaurant that brings me back to the Vegetarian Special entree every time. Perfect for gals who love to sample (like me!), this dish offers spiced pumpkin, baked eggplant, savory spinach, whole okra with spicy tomatoes, and a mound of pallow (cinnamon-infused rice with raisins) all on one plate. And I’m not even a vegetarian. I’m sure the other dishes are equally incredible—I’ve had tastes of lamb lawande (lamb with mushrooms, tomato, cilantro, garlic, and plenty of spices), aushak (Afghan ravioli filled with leeks, topped with either chickpeas or ground beef, yogurt sauce, and mint), and kebabs, all packed with flavor, all unforgettable.

Don’t let the restaurant’s nondescript, white-cement exterior turn you off. Inside lies a cozy haven, complete with an open-fire bread oven, comfy upholstered chairs, and soft lighting. Reservations are recommended on the weekends. If you like a bit of a quieter atmosphere, visit on the early or later side during the week.

2. Oleana
For a while, I resisted visiting the much-lauded, universally loved Oleana. How could it be as incredible as everyone said? Well, after my first forkful, I quickly realized I had erred in delaying my visit. It really is that good.

Chef/owner Ana Sortun is dedicated to spices, many of Turkish origin, and her commitment shows in every dish. Subtle yet savory, pungent and mild—the joy here is in the surprise of blended flavors. Hot buttered hummus with tomato, whipped feta with sweet and hot peppers, Brie soup with fried oysters and sage are just a few of the options you may find on the seasonally changing menu. My favorite, however, is the ricotta-bread dumplings, served in a red wine sauce and porcini mushrooms. I wanted to pick up the empty plate and lick off every last dripping, so intense were the commingled rich tastes. And if you really want a decadent experience, order the vegetarian tasting menu to get treated to five small plates and dessert.