At the corner of High and Oliver Streets sits one of Downtown Boston’s oldest hot spots: the venerable Fort Hill Square. While a visitor could reasonably assume that Fort Hill Square would be found in the Fort Hill district of Roxbury, the intersection was named in honor of the famous hill on December 15th, 1875. Since then it’s been host to parks, residential facades, the Boston Fire Department, and more.
Today, the gleaming buildings at 1 International Place underline Fort Hill Square’s new role at the heart of Boston’s thriving financial services industry and world-class law offices. Countless Bostonians work within shouting distance of the historic square. And that means plenty of hungry folk looking for a great meal for lunch, or after work. But where’s the best place to get lunch near Fort HIll Square? What are the best restaurants in Boston’s financial district? Questions abound.
To that end, we’ve done our due diligence on the best places to eat in Downtown Boston — hard work, we assure you — and we’ve picked out some of our favorites. So, without further ado and in no particular order, here’s our top 5 restaurants in Fort Hill Square, Boston.
Fóumami
Pronounced “foo-mah-mee,” Fóumami brings an Asian Fusion-influenced flair to the sandwich counter game. If you’re tired of the same old cold cuts, then swing by to try a Curry Tofu, Jalapeno Cheddar Brisket, or Chicken Katsu sandwich on fresh-baked Shao Bing bread.
In the mood for a salad? Fóumami makes it hard to play it safe, but rewards the brave with a wasabi chicken caesar or five spice brisket salad that flips the same old greens on their head to delicious results. Rice and noodle bowls round out the offerings, and bring a more conventional Asian Fusion vibe to the playing field.
The dishes are tasty, and light in a way that makes Fóumami an excellent lunch spot for anyone with an adventurous palate. But whether you’re exploring new culinary frontiers, or swinging by the counter to pick up your favorite sandwich — always served with a pickle and bag of chips — don’t sleep on the ginger ice tea: that stuff is liquid gold.
The Palm Boston
Located at suite 190 at 1 International Point, The Palm brings its nationally-renowned fine dining experience to the financial district with style. A genuine architectural pleasure, The Palm’s high ceilings, marble columns and rich, warm hardwood surfaces blend luxurious sophistication with a relaxed charm that makes every trip feel like an event.
The Palm is famous for its steaks, and Boston’s branch does not disappoint on that front. Sure, you can swing by during lunch for its excellent lobster bisque or a bison burger, but The Palm is at its best when you can take the time to savor a truly excellent meal. The Chairman’s Reserve New York Strip steak is perfect for living large during a business lunch, but come dinner time, The Palm brings out the proverbial big guns. From Prime bone-in-rib-eye steak to center-cut filet mignon, this is a world-class steakhouse for people who like world-class steak.
Broadside Tavern
While it’s technically a block away on the corner of Franklin and Broad by Faneuil Hall, the Broadside Tavern is good enough to be worth the extra distance. In a city full of contemporary Irish sports pubs, Broadside can hold its head high as the right blend of chilled-out atmosphere, cozy decor, and really good gastropub fare.
Catch a game after work, or bring the whole family for some stick-to-your-ribs grub. Located right across Franklin Street from the Downtown Boston Hilton, this pub offers visitors and guests a necessary service: access to some seriously legit New England clam chowder. Whether you’ve never gotten New England clam chowder in, you know, New England, or just have a craving for the classic, Broadside serves up hearty bowls of the good stuff.
Kane’s Donuts
Kane’s Donuts is a Massachusetts institution. In a city with no shortage of award-winning culinary options, it’s worth remembering that not every dining experience needs to be — or should be — a big sit-down affair. Sometimes you just want a donut.
To that end, Kane’s Donuts Boston — the original is still going strong in Saugus — is positively covered in awards. Best Doughnuts 2018, Boston Magazine. 2018 Reader’s Choice, Northshore Magazine. One of the 50 Finest Donut Shops in America, Saveur. Best Honey Dipped Donut in America, Travel + Leisure. The accolades go on and on.
So if you want to treat yourself, Kane’s has you covered. Everything’s good, but we recommend the Creme Brulee, or Turtle donuts if you’re looking to try something a bit left-of-center.
Mike’s Cafe
Every city worth its salt has at least one diner that visitors walk right past, but locals swear by. In the financial district, that place is the unassuming Mike’s Cafe. Located at 190 High Street, Mike’s is the quintessential casual corner diner, but manages to avoid “greasy spoon” status. Lines move fast, and the food is hearty and reasonably priced.
If you fancy ordering pizza for your office, like the idea of grabbing a traditional American diner breakfast before starting your day, or just want to grab a calzone to go, Mike’s is a local favorite for good reason: it’s basically everything you’d hope your local diner would be.
The Best Restaurants in Fort Hill Square, Boston
Whether you’re heading into work, grabbing lunch, or waiting out the rush hour traffic by grabbing dinner downtown, Fort Hill Square — and the surrounding area — is home to plenty of appetizing options, with something for virtually every palate, budget, and occasion for visitors and commuters alike.
And there we have it: our top 5 restaurants in Fort Hill Square, Boston. What do you think: did we miss your favorite spot? Just think that 5 is too short a list? If you’ve got insights, we’d love to hear them: so please, sound off in the comments below!
