Tufts Blogs

If you’re anything like me and you love food, I have great news - Boston has excellent restaurants which feature a variety of cooking! In this blog, I outline some places you might be interested in going, from sublime to truly worth hitting. Disclaimer: I heavily favor particular cuisines’ profiles, so if you don’t see something which resonates with you, know there are hundreds of other options!

5 stars: Sublime!

4 stars: Excellent!

3 stars: Very good!

2 stars: Good!

Sorellina - ★★★★★ (Italian)

Feeling Italian? This relatively fancy spot in Copley has you covered, so get your evening wear on. I adore the quiet, personal environment; the wait staff know the menu in and out, and the chefs are happy to make any accommodations you’d like - even including making things which are not on the menu! Attention to detail is evident at Sorellina, from the white table cloths to the shined glassware.

My suggestion: foie gras terrine, fazzoletti, and filet. The foie gras is perfectly buttery, while the pasta is made in-house daily. Never has the filet disappointed - last time it came with a red wine sauce supplemented with non-dairy butter and a platter of vegetables. Again, Sorellina changes their menu seasonally. My sister says the gnocchi is to die for - indeed, she came to Boston once explicitly for it!

Tsurumen Davis - ★★★★★ (Japanese)

Allergic to dairy like me? Vegan? Well, this Tufts local restaurant has you covered!

Tsurumen, or “Tsu,” as my friends and I endearingly call it, features authentic Japanese food with its small selection of ramen. Originally, they planned to be open for only 1000 days, representing the idea that “nothing good is forever.” But, they changed their mind, and will be staying in Boston indefinitely. Apparently good things can be forever?

My suggestion: tsukemen, or dipping ramen. The wheat noodles are freshly made and served cold. You dip them into the piping hot, rich broth, and slurp away! I hesitantly admit that last year my friends and I went here approximately… hmmm… 3x a week. Hurry up though, before you know it, the tsukemen might be gone!

Yume Ga Arukara - ★★★★★ (Japanese)

Tucked away in a mall, this Japanese udon restaurant serves you across the counter. Their menu, composed of two soups in spicy/regular variants, has received significant renown from the community. Like Tsurumen, everything which touches your mouth has been made fresh, and the flavors are pleasingly delicate. The owners say this is not a ramen shop, but instead a “dream workshop.” Go, and see if you agree!

My suggestion: I got the classic udon while my sister got the spicy variant. I loved mine, and she did too.

Ma Maison - ★★★★ (French)

A cute restaurant reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Smell the lavender on the table, or crush it between your fingers as you wait for appetizers. The bread is made fresh, and comes perfectly warm, doughy, and sweet. A fantastic place for a casual date or a meal with friends; the service is nice, and the food wonderful.

My suggestion: boneless quail with grapes in a red wine reduction paired with classic duck magret.

Mamma Maria - ★★★★ (Italian)

It would be neglecting my Italian heritage if I did not mention a North End restaurant. Bustling always, Mamma Maria is an incredibly popular spot that will leave you talking about your meal for days after.

My suggestion: Uh oh… their entire menu was revamped since I was there a couple months ago. You’re on your own, but I know you won’t be disappointed ;). 

Menton - ★★★ (Italian/French)

I would reserve this Italian-French fusion for your anniversary or special occasions. The food is unreliable, hence the three stars. Sometimes it is outstanding, but last time, meh. 

My suggestion: anything that appeals to you on the a-la-carte! I’ve particularly enjoyed the wagyu with bone marrow - it appears in a unique presentation, with the bone marrow turned into a fine, delectable powder.

Douzo - ★★ (Japanese)

This modern Japanese spot used to be one of my favorites, but it has become increasingly variable and, unfortunately, expensive. The sushi is good, and the rice bowls are excellent. In a Saturday night pinch, it’s a great place to go!