Light Bites in Boston

by Christine Liu - Citysearch Editor - 61 Reviews - 101 Lists

Updated: March 02, 2009

Need a breather from heavy meals? Looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste? The small plates at these restaurants are perfect when you crave intense flavor and variety without the bulk. Though we won't deny our affinity for eye-popping portions and multi-course meals, these lighter meals are vital--your belly (and blood sugar levels) will thank you.

Nibble on This

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Via Matta
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    79 Park Plz, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

    This Italian Park Plaza stronghold is anchored by a lush sidewalk patio and hand-wrought seasonal dishes, but it's all about the nosh. Try small plates of starters--from homemade ricotta with sage to salmon with local radishes--or duck into the enoteca for wine and haute snacks like Tuscan spare ribs or rustic San Danielle prosciutto pizza.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Uni
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    370A Commonwealth Ave (Eliot Hotel), Boston, MA 02215 (map)

    You really can't go wrong with immaculate cuts of sashimi, especially at celeb chef Ken Oringer's sake-soaked brainchild at the Eliot Hotel. Delicate, yet inventive, offerings include salt-water eel tempura with green tea salt and shirred duck egg, and lobster sashimi with pickled hearts of plum. Heart-attack city, this ain't.

  3. 3 Gitlo's Dim Sum Bakery
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    164 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 (map)

    Graze on a few or go out for a full-blown feast at this no-frills haven for delectably top-notch dim sum. Order as you wish on an enormous menu that boasts fluffy barbecue pork buns, lotus leaves stuffed with seafood-studded rice and ethereal shrimp har-gow dumplings.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Small Plates Restaurant Tapas
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    56 JFK St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

    You wouldn't expect anything but the best renderings of its namesake at this Harvard Square nook, right? Savory nibbles run the international gamut (a range as wide as Japanese eggplant with feta and braised Cajun rabbit with baby carrots), with varied platters to share, akin to antipasti viewed through creative, eclectic lenses.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Piattini Wine Cafe
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    226 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

    Play it cool at this hotbed for Mediterranean bites, ideally interspersed with distinct, delicious glasses of wine. In warm weather, relax on the sunny Newbury patio, but year-round the menu warms up with hearty snacks like roasted pepper stuffed with fresh cod, butternut squash ravioli and spinach gnocchi.

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