The words “New England cuisine” might conjure images of gloppy clam chowder and Boston baked beans more than fine dining. But the region (and Boston in particular) is home to an array of distinctive restaurants that take full advantage of their enviable proximity to the Atlantic. Fresh seafood here is a consistent pleasure, of course, but stylish restaurants in the greater Boston area serve all manner of creative dishes drawing on traditions from around the world.

The Block at Woods Hill

»  Creative, seasonal small plates on the water

Opened in June 2025, the Block at Woods Hill in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood has a long harbor-view patio, perfect for warm summer evenings. Like its adjacent sibling, Woods Hill Pier 4, this restaurant focuses on local, sustainable ingredients, often sourced from the company’s farm. The menu incorporates them into creative small plates that draw from a range of culinary traditions. I especially enjoyed the chowder-inspired surf-clam ceviche with coconut leche de tigre, celery, bacon and thick, crunchy potato chips. The slightly spicy lobster-and-’nduja pierogi with corn relish and fresh cream were tasty, if not very lobster-forward. A dry-aged flatiron steak also had flavor aplenty, garnished with huitlacoche butter, chile, lime, queso fresco and creamy grits. And my surprisingly good seasonal cocktail of rye, beet juice and lemon almost felt healthy!