Readers Say

These are the 25 restaurants — and tips to consider — to take your visiting parents in Boston

If you're stressing about an upcoming family visit to Boston, here are some tips and restaurant options from our readers to prepare you for a dinner with the parents.

MIDA in Newton
MIDA, its Newton location seen here, is a great spot to take your parents when they visit Boston, according to readers. Erin Clark/Boston Globe

By Katelyn Umholtz

The family visit: a time of joy and celebration for some, but a stressful exercise in itinerary planning for many. 

In Boston, with its population of students graduating or moving in and young adult transplants here for work, it’s very possible that the person reading this is planning, or has planned, a family visit recently. 

I’m one such example. I moved here almost a year ago, and I have four family members visiting me soon, all with different tastes and opinions when it comes to food. The behind-the-scenes work of planning, making reservations, checking that menus accommodate taste buds, and that price points are fair — in Boston, a tough task — has required nightly meditation. 

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But luckily, we can also just ask our readers what they would do. 

Whether you’re planning for a family visit because of a big milestone or just for a summer vacation, here’s what restaurants our readers recommend and what tips they have for anyone planning dinner out with the parents. 

Price

Maybe one of the most important things to consider before dining out with family is price. You could of course shell out big bucks at many Boston area restaurants, but one reader, Caitlin D. of Cambridge, raises the point that your relatives probably spent a good chunk of change to get here. So maybe taking it easy on spending at restaurants is preferable. 

Her suggestion: “If they’re exploring the city, I stick to the North End because there are so many restaurants. It’s easier to find something when you’re tired and hungry but weren’t sure when you’d be eating. It’s also easier to find something in the price range of someone who has just spent a lot on travel.”

Josh M. of Dorchester, however, urges those looking for a reasonable-priced meal with their folks to stay away from the North End. “Find places that they wouldn’t go to on their own if they were just tourists in Boston. Avoid the North End like the plague — the food isn’t worth the exorbitant prices.” 

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He offered another Italian alternative, MIDA in the South End, and recommended sharing some plates.

Reservations

Nothing ruins a night more than when you show up to a restaurant you were excited to take your parents to, only to be told that there are no tables available. 

“Make a reservation ahead of time to save yourself the stress of hoping you get a table,” said Chris F. of West Roxbury.

Bobby D. of Winthrop, who recommends Winthrop Arms, said to especially consider reservations during busier times, like weekends. 

Reservations are also a must if you’re booking for a bigger group at a popular restaurant, like hot-spot Sarma, a recommendation from Tamara W. of Cambridge.

“Walk-ins for large parties will not happen, so we always book weeks out when someone is in town.”

Plan around events

Possibly an important reason to make reservations, there may be an event you want to consider — or stay away from — when dining out. 

Abby of Milton said knowing what’s happening will help you know the vibe of a place, and whether that vibe fits your family’s wants out of a dinner. 

“Get an idea of how loud or quiet it is, and if that matches the kind of vibe you’re hoping for. Also, check if there’s live music or any other special event happening before you go so you know what to expect.”

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You could also plan a night at a restaurant around a meal special your family wants to try, like Chris F. does with family when he takes them to Boston Ale House. 

Dietary restrictions and preferences 

Boston has a wide variety of restaurants, but they won’t work for everyone in your party. 

Kim of Quincy said it’s always important to find out or know your group’s dietary restrictions before picking a restaurant. 

But for Caitlin D. of Cambridge, knowing your audience is also being aware of their likes and dislikes unrelated to allergies. 

“Knowing your audience is important. My parents aren’t foodies but both have long histories in the restaurant industry. My mom enjoys a trendy restaurant, but for my dad it had better be a hole-in-the-wall with bargain prices, unique/authentic, or absolutely top-notch food and service. I also prioritize creature comforts when looking for a parent-friendly restaurant.”

She also notes that the space is just as important as the food, so avoid places with tightly-packed tables, restaurants that are too loud, or eateries with moody lighting. For a parent-friendly, comfortable space, Caitlin suggests The Helmand in Cambridge.

Map: Where to take your visiting family to dinner in and around Boston

List: Where to take visiting family to dinner in and around Boston

These are the 25 restaurants our readers suggested as the perfect spot to take visiting family. Use the map above to find the restaurants, and the list below to check out menus.

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