I have a hard time writing about my home city of Boston. I’m not sure why. Part of it might be is that there is SO much that I have yet to see and do. Maybe that will be part of my 2017 – exploring my Boston more.

If there is any excuse it’s that when I find something I tend to go back again and again. Especially restaurants and I can only eat so much. So while I’m tackling the Eater Boston 38, here are my go-to Boston restaurants to have a cozy meal.

1/ Mamalehs

Mamaleh’s is my number one spot for bagels and smoked fish. And potato latkes. I cannot emphasize how good this place is. I’ll take five orders of carbs, please.

2/ Saltie Girl

Saltie Girl is A new-ish spot for seafood in the Back Bay of Boston. Canned fish, fresh oysters and everything in between. My go-to order is some fresh ceviche, crudo, and pasta with scallops. No joke, I get the same thing every time I go. I want to try new things but it’s hard.

3/ Clover

Clover is an awesome veggie fast health food restaurant. Their falafel sandwich is outstanding. Always throw in some fries and an iced tea. Even if you’re a meat eater, you won’t leave hungry.

4/ Tiger Mama

Tiger Mama is an Asian-inspired restaurant that focuses primarily on Southeast Asian flavors. Get the Pig Rice, Crispy Potatoes, Pad Gra Pow – and really anything else that’s winking at you. Bottomline: prepare to eat some spicy food and enjoy festive tiki cocktails (or a Tiger beer).

5/ Aquitaine

Aquitaine is a classic French restaurant with an excellent wine list. I love the brussels sprout salad, escargot, and steak frites. Oh, and get a bottle of red. (You can read all about my experience at Aquitaine here.) Mmm…

6/ Coppa

I LOVE it here. Coppa is a small and cozy Italian spot and everything is amazing. Meats, avo toast, pasta, pizza – they do food so well. SO WELL.

7/ Brewer’s Fork

Brewer’s Fork is an amazing pizza spot. They also have BOMB charcuterie and a killer beer list. Go here after work or anytime in the warmer months because they have a patio!

8/ Hojoko

Hojoko is located in the Verb Hotel in the Fenway neighborhood. They make super fun Asian food. Get ramen, or try the wasabi roulette. And maybe you’ll luck out and “WIN” wasabi roulette and get a roll full of wasabi like I did. So fun. #somanytears

9/ Little Donkey

Little Donkey is from the same guys who head up Coppa. It’s a globally focused spot that has an awesome small plate menu. Try the chicken sandwich or all of the items which are changed daily. They also have unique cocktails served in unique glasses, like actual grapefruits.

10/ Tatte Bakery

Tatte is a bakery with a few locations throughout Boston. (My faves are in Kendall and Beacon Hill.) Go here for brunch. The serve Stumptown coffee, amazing homemade pastries, and amazing egg dishes, like shakuksa.