Where to Eat in New England | Chefs’ Picks

Sure, you can rely on local buzz and restaurant reviews when choosing a place to eat — but why not check in with people who make their living in the kitchen? That’s what we did when we asked a notable chef in each New England state where he or she likes to go for food after work. Covering everything from steak tartare in Boston to corner-store pizza in New Hampshire, here are their favorite spots for where to eat in New England. (Illustrations by Matthew Allen)

WHERE TO EAT LIKE A TOP CHEF IN NEW ENGLAND

Credit: Matthew Allen

BEN SULKE

Providence, RI WHERE HE COOKS: Birch, Oberlin. WHERE HE EATS OUT: “Mike’s Kitchen for polenta, stuffed artichokes, or the snail salad. At North, try the ‘hidden oyster’ plate, a fried oyster inside a taco or pancake. For Chinese, it’s Chengdu Taste for cumin lamb or fish stew. And New Rivers does beautiful toasts—I love the tomato with goat cheese boursin.”  

TIFFANI FAISON WALSH

Boston, MA WHERE SHE COOKS: Tiger Mama, Sweet Cheeks. WHERE SHE EATS OUT: “I love the steak tartare at Sarma, done Tunisian-style with a soft-cooked egg and harissa chips. For Indian, it’s the okra and chicken vindaloo at Shanti in Dorchester. At Shaking Crab, I order king crab and shrimp with shaking sauce, extra hot.”  

BUN LAI

New Haven, CT WHERE HE COOKS: Miya’s. WHERE HE EATS OUT: “G-Zen for the vegan crab cake (one of the tastiest things I’ve ever put in my mouth) and Bloodroot for vegan quiches. Mamoun’s, with their $3 falafel sandwiches, is probably the most beloved eatery in town. I eat less meat now, but I’ll still go to Sandra’s for chitterlings with hot sauce.”  

CHRIS GOULD

Portland, ME WHERE HE COOKS: Central Provisions. WHERE HE EATS OUT: “I stop daily at Maples— best bagels north of the tri-state area—for a salt bagel with honey-rosemary cream cheese. I love Eventide for oysters and that brown butter lobster roll, Lolita for wood-roasted Maine clams and torchio pasta with ’nduja and peas, and the spicy chicken biscuit sandwich at Dutch’s.”  

ERIC WARNSTEDT

Burlington, VT WHERE HE COOKS: Hen of the Wood. WHERE HE EATS OUT: “Misery Loves Co. is outstanding for modern comfort food. For breakfast, Penny Cluse Café (if you can’t decide, get the Bellber Combo: pancakes, eggs, home fries, bacon). For dessert, the Kitchen Table Bistro beautifully reimagines familiar dishes like apple cake with warm butterscotch.”  

DAVID VARGAS

Portsmouth, NH WHERE HE COOKS: Vida Cantina. WHERE HE EATS OUT: “My local corner store, Suds & More, puts out great pizza slices. Hidden gem Susty’s Café has the most delicious vegan food. The Black Birch has amazing food and staff (and kiddos are welcome). Lastly, Carl’s Meat Market has the hands-down-best burger … but order ahead, because everyone knows it!” Have you ever tried their picks for where to eat in New England? Let us know! These “Editors’ Picks for Food Lovers” originally appeared in the May/June 2018 issue of Yankee. 

SEE MORE: Best of New England | 2018 Editors’ Choice Awards Portland, Maine | Restaurants & Eateries Guide Best of Portsmouth, NH | Restaurants & Dining

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