Best of Boston Winners South Boston 2024

Boston Magazine just announced its Best of Boston Winners! Here are the winners from the South Boston/Seaport neighborhood! Congratulations! Southie cleaned up!

Best Italian Restaurant – Bar Volpe

With about as many Italian restaurants in Boston as there are pasta types, sometimes it takes a big personality and bold flavor to break through all the noise. Food-TV star Karen Akunowicz is doing just that at Bar Volpe. The restaurant and pastificio is bursting with the colorful flair and attention to detail that the James Beard Award–winning chef is known for (case in point: a fun take on a caviar course that includes ricotta gnocchi with dollops of caviar, chives, and plenty of lemon butter). Regulars know not to skip the snacks — a.k.a. stuzzichini — such as fried ’nduja-and-mortadella-stuffed olives and fritti misti with a spicy Calabrian-pepper spread. 170 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, barvolpe.com.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT, SOUTH BOSTON

Whether you’re tucking into the Ron Swanson–inspired scallion-pancake quesadilla with pulled pork or the over the-top monthly burger special, chef Asia Mei’s cozy Southie joint is certain to wrap you in a warm, comfort-food-filled hug. Bonus points for the Jell-O shot of the moment. 152 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127, moonshine152.com.

BEST RESTAURANT IN A HOTEL

Boston hotel restaurants are usually staid affairs, but the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport broke the mold with its opulent stunner Coquette, particularly after a 2023 culinary revamp from coastal French to broader Mediterranean. The gorgeous room echoes the hip, nightclubby vibe of other spots from COJE Management Group, including Yvonne’s and Mariel. And with superb cocktails and a crowd-pleasing, highly shareable menu, it’s little wonder that Coquette has emerged as an “it” place for girls’ nights out, dress-to-impress dates, and extravagant business entertaining. 450 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210, coquetteboston.com.

BEST BURRITO

Chilacates’ burritos are fresh, authentic, and reliably comforting every single time. The kitchen starts with some seriously generous portions (plenty to save in the fridge for your next meal, trust us.) Then there are the proteins — 12 to choose from, including birria, grilled shrimp, and chorizo, as well as vegetarian options and a breakfast burrito — plus countless sauces and toppings. And unlike most so-called destination burritos out there, with 11 locations, Chilacates is a destination that’s probably pretty easy to get to. Multiple locations, chilacatesmx.com.

BEST DINNER AND A SHOW

Dressed-to-impress crowds come to this sleek supper club for the elaborate cocktails and soulful southern-inspired fare, including fried green tomatoes with fresh mozz and bourbon-peach spare ribs. They stay for the music — live jazz acts tinged with soul, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae — in a glamorous space. 60 Seaport Blvd., Thrid Floor, Boston, MA 02210, gracebynia.com.

BEST SWANKY TASTING MENU

Chef-owner Shi Mei’s intimate restaurant wows over a journey through five courses, described so simply on the menu that the explosion of flavor surprises and delights each time a new plate arrives (see: the “rice and peas” with crawfish and spring veggies). 87 A St., Boston, MA 02127, lenoxsophia.com.

BEST WINE BAR

The low-key vibe at this natural wine bar is matched by approachable menu items like Big Mac–style cheeseburgers and some of the city’s best arancini, plus friendly, down-to-earth servers who’ll chat you up about pét-nat and rare Greek grape varietals while lo-fi ’90s rap plays over the speakers. 615 East Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, grayshall.com.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT, SEAPORT

This new arrival from restaurateur Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli is a sprawling temple to New England seafood (with an adjacent market) that buoys our hopes for a Seaport that’s more Boston than not. Wood-grilled fish dishes are the star of the show here, but don’t miss local classics like lobster rolls and fried Ipswich clams. 10 Fan Pier, Boston, MA 02210, hookandlinebos.com.

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT

You don’t have to be a vegan to love the food at Lulu Green. From the “cheese” on the mezze menu that will make you gasp,“I can’t believe it’s not Brie” to the succulent seitan tacos al pastor, each dish will leave you with the feeling that nothing is lost when the animals are left in the field and off the menu. 246 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, lulugreen.com.

BEST MULTI-LOCATION MAESTRO

It’s time to stop calling Davio’s a “chain” (a term proprietor Steve DiFillippo has said is “a knife in my heart.”) With all 11 locations still fully owned by him and his wife, diners universally acknowledge that the Italian steakhouse has long been a local landmark woven into the region’s tapestry, a place where the staff treats you like family and the signature meatballs and mouthwatering steaks are cooked to perfection every time. Consistency and service, be thy name. Multiple locations, davios.com.

BEST LUXURY CONSIGNMENT

If you’re looking for a classic Chanel shoulder bag, a David Yurman star burstring, or a Burberry pea coat for a fraction of the list price all under one roof, Covet is the place to go. And if you’d rather browse from the comfort of your couch, the store also posts more than a hundred items to its Instagram Stories every day. Just make sure you’re the first one to hit reply in Covet’s DMs, because that bubble gum-pink Gucci bag you’re eyeing will go quickly. Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South Boston, Boston , MA covetboston.com.

BEST OUTDOOR MARKET

There’s something for everyone at this open-air mecca, held monthly on Seaport Common from May through October. Some 40 vendors come out to showcase their one-of-a-kind wares, including beauty and skin-care products, art, jewelry, food, pet accessories, and more. Special themes mark each event: Last year, we enjoyed slushies from the Slushy Lady during “Summer Fun” and face painting, pumpkin decorating, and autumn-inspired treats at “Fall Fest.” blackownedbos.com.

BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUT

Hurston has been honing her talents for nearly two decades, and can achieve everything from long layers to dramatic chops. As such,we experienced zero panic when she cut our hair 5 inches shorter in a bouncy, fun lob. 403 D St., Boston, MA, 02210, loveandmercysalon.com.

BEST WEDDING HAIRSTYLING

East West Salon Co.

Select “A Cinderella Story” from the extensive menu of wedding offerings here, and the bridal party takes over the salon — mimosa bar included. Whether you’re in the market for beachy waves or structured chignons, there’s no look that the all-star team of stylists can’t create, and if you find yourself unable to choose between two hairstyles, you can have both! Just sign up for the “Second Look” add-on, and a stylist will accompany you on your wedding day to transform your hair after the ceremony. 120 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, eastwestsalon.com.

BEST PICKLEBALL CLINICS

So you’re a pickleball virgin, but want to get in on the craze. No worries — you’re totally covered at PKL in Southie, which offers beginner to advanced clinics in a super-cool atmosphere (including full dinner, brunch, and cocktail menus to fortify yourself between rounds). Once you’ve mastered the art of dinking and volleying, you can meet up with your new pickleball buddies for open play, or even join one of PKL’s leagues. 64 C St., Boston, MA, 02127, playpkl.com.