Are you beat after a long day navigating the charming cobblestone streets of Boston, battling the T, or simply working hard from home? Do you crave a delicious meal that you don’t have to cook yourself? You’re not alone. In a city brimming with history, culture, and yes, unpredictable weather, sometimes all you want is a fantastic takeout meal enjoyed from the comfort of your own couch. Boston’s dynamic food scene delivers on that promise in spades, offering a dazzling array of culinary delights ready to be boxed up and brought home.
This guide is your key to unlocking the best takeout Boston has to offer. We’ve curated a list of standout establishments, from iconic pizza joints to authentic Asian eateries, covering a spectrum of cuisines and price points to satisfy every craving. Our selections are based on a combination of food quality, ease of online ordering, speed of service (both delivery and pick-up), and consistently positive customer reviews. So ditch the dishes, embrace the delivery, and prepare to discover your new favorite Boston takeout spot.
Pizza Perfection: The Boston Slice is Calling
No discussion of Boston takeout is complete without a nod to pizza. From classic New York-style slices to creative gourmet pies, the city boasts a pizza for every palate.
Regina Pizzeria (North End)
A North End institution, Regina Pizzeria has been serving up wood-fired pies since the prohibition era. Their crust is legendary: thin, crispy, and perfectly charred. Expect a wait, even for takeout, but trust us, it’s worth it. They don’t ship so you’ll need to go to the North End to pick this up.
- Why it’s great for takeout: The robust flavors and sturdy crust hold up well during transit.
- Recommended Dish: Giambotta (sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and mozzarella).
- Price Point: $$
Area Four (Cambridge)
While technically in Cambridge, Area Four is a must-mention for its inventive pizza toppings and dedication to quality ingredients. Their sourdough crust is tangy and chewy, and their toppings range from classic pepperoni to unique combinations like roasted mushrooms and truffle oil.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Well-packaged and consistently delicious.
- Recommended Dish: Mushroom & Fontina Pizza.
- Price Point: $$$
Santarpio’s Pizza (East Boston)
Known for its no-frills atmosphere and incredible pies, Santarpio’s is a local favorite. Their pizza is simple, but perfectly executed, with a thin, crispy crust and generous toppings. Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
- Why it’s great for takeout: A classic, unfussy pizza that travels well.
- Recommended Dish: The classic cheese pizza with sausage.
- Price Point: $$
Beyond Pizza: Exploring Italian Delights
Boston’s Italian culinary scene extends far beyond pizza. From hearty pasta dishes to flavorful entrees, there’s plenty to choose from for a satisfying takeout meal.
Giacomo’s Ristorante (North End)
Prepare to queue, but Giacomo’s is worth the wait. This North End gem serves up generous portions of classic Italian dishes at reasonable prices. Their seafood pasta dishes are particularly popular.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Hearty portions and flavorful sauces travel well.
- Recommended Dish: Lobster Ravioli.
- Price Point: $$
Neptune Oyster (North End)
While primarily known for its raw bar, Neptune Oyster also offers a fantastic selection of Italian-inspired dishes that are perfect for takeout. Their lobster rolls are legendary, and their pasta dishes are equally impressive. It is on the pricier side, so be prepared!
- Why it’s great for takeout: High-quality ingredients and carefully prepared dishes.
- Recommended Dish: Lobster Roll (ask for it to be packaged separately to avoid soggy bread).
- Price Point: $$$
Asian Flavors: A World of Takeout Possibilities
Boston’s Asian food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from authentic Chinese cuisine to flavorful Thai dishes and delicate Japanese sushi.
Myers + Chang (South End)
A modern Asian eatery with a focus on sharing plates, Myers + Chang offers a vibrant and flavorful takeout experience. Their menu features dishes inspired by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Southeast Asian cuisine.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Their dishes are designed for sharing, making them perfect for a family meal.
- Recommended Dish: Double Awesome Scallion Pancake Sandwich.
- Price Point: $$
Gourmet Dumpling House (Chinatown)
A Chinatown staple, Gourmet Dumpling House is known for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine and, of course, its incredible dumplings.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Dumplings travel surprisingly well, and their other dishes are equally delicious.
- Recommended Dish: Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao).
- Price Point: $
Montien Thai Restaurant (Downtown Crossing)
For your Thai food cravings, look no further than Montien Thai Restaurant. This place has a solid track record of great food and consistency.
- Why it’s great for takeout: All the usual suspects are present but they are all very flavorful and travel well.
- Recommended Dish: Pad See Ew.
- Price Point: $$
South of the Border: Mexican and Latin American Delights
From flavorful tacos to hearty enchiladas, Boston’s Mexican and Latin American restaurants offer a fiesta of flavors for your takeout enjoyment.
Anna’s Taqueria (Various Locations)
With multiple locations throughout the city, Anna’s Taqueria is a convenient and reliable option for delicious and affordable tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Fast, affordable, and consistently good.
- Recommended Dish: Carnitas Burrito.
- Price Point: $
Orinoco (South End & Brookline)
Serving authentic Venezuelan cuisine, Orinoco offers a unique and flavorful takeout experience. Their arepas (corn cakes filled with various meats and cheeses) are a must-try.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Arepas are perfectly portable and incredibly delicious.
- Recommended Dish: Reina Pepiada Arepa (chicken salad with avocado).
- Price Point: $$
Seafood Sensations: Fresh Catches Delivered to Your Door
Boston is a seafood city, and thankfully, many of its best seafood restaurants offer takeout options.
James Hook & Co. (Waterfront)
Another iconic seafood option, James Hook is known for its high-quality seafood and generous portions. The lobster roll is a must!
- Why it’s great for takeout: The freshness of the seafood shines through, even when enjoyed at home.
- Recommended Dish: Lobster Roll (again, ask for it to be packaged separately).
- Price Point: $$$
Sandwich Satisfaction: Deli Delights and More
Sometimes, all you need is a great sandwich. Boston’s delis and sandwich shops deliver on that promise, offering everything from classic Italian subs to creative gourmet creations.
Monica’s Mercato (North End)
This North End institution offers a wide variety of Italian sandwiches, as well as prepared foods, cheeses, and meats.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Generous portions and high-quality ingredients.
- Recommended Dish: Italian Sub.
- Price Point: $$
Burger Bliss: When Only a Burger Will Do
For those moments when only a juicy burger will satisfy, Boston has plenty of options.
Alden & Harlow (Cambridge)
While known for its upscale cuisine, Alden & Harlow also offers a fantastic burger that’s perfect for takeout. The burger is made with grass-fed beef and topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a special sauce.
- Why it’s great for takeout: High-quality ingredients and a perfectly cooked burger.
- Recommended Dish: The A&H Burger.
- Price Point: $$
Tasty Burger (Various Locations)
With multiple locations throughout the city, Tasty Burger is a convenient and affordable option for a classic burger.
- Why it’s great for takeout: Fast, affordable, and consistently good.
- Recommended Dish: The Tasty Burger (single, double, or triple patty).
- Price Point: $
Curry Cravings: The Best Indian Takeout
Boston has some solid Indian options that serve up a variety of favorites.
Tanjore (Cambridge)
A local favorite, Tanjore serves up consistent Indian fare with a lunch buffet and takeout option.
- Why it’s great for takeout: All the flavorful classic dishes you know and love.
- Recommended Dish: Chicken Tikka Masala.
- Price Point: $$
Tips for Ordering Takeout Like a Pro in Boston
- Embrace the Apps: Take advantage of popular delivery apps like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. However, also check if the restaurant offers direct online ordering through their website, as this can sometimes be more cost-effective.
- Beware of Fees and Minimums: Pay attention to delivery fees and minimum order amounts. Sometimes, it’s more economical to pick up your order yourself.
- Pick-Up vs. Delivery: The Great Debate: Consider the pros and cons of each option. Delivery is convenient, but pick-up is often faster and cheaper.
- Tipping is Key: Remember to tip your delivery driver appropriately. A standard tip is between fifteen and twenty percent.
- Check Those Hours: Always double-check the restaurant’s hours of operation, especially if you’re ordering late at night. Many restaurants have limited hours for takeout.
- Consider Travel Time: Some foods travel better than others. Soups and salads might not be the best choices for long-distance deliveries. Think about how your food will hold up during transit.
Boston Takeout: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Boston’s takeout scene is a vibrant reflection of its diverse culinary landscape. From iconic pizzerias to authentic Asian eateries, there’s a takeout option to satisfy every craving. We hope this guide has helped you discover some new favorites and inspired you to explore the city’s culinary offerings from the comfort of your own home. Now it’s your turn! Try some of our recommendations and share your own favorite Boston takeout spots in the comments below. Boston’s food scene is ever-evolving, and we want to hear about your go-to places for that perfect takeout experience.
The search for the best takeout food Boston has to offer is ongoing, and we’re excited to continue exploring the city’s culinary scene and sharing our discoveries with you. Happy eating!
