Boston’s Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the United States. While the area is small, the restaurants range from classic Chinese to inventive Asian Fusion to James Beard nominated chef-driven, farm-to-table cuisine. Chef Mark O'Leary's Shojo restaurant is located right in the heart of this downtown district and here are his local favorite haunts.
By Chef Mark O'Leary
Pig Bao at Shojo | Photo Credit: Debra Li
BOSTON'S CHINATOWN
Chinatown feels like a world of its own sometimes. Being surrounded by the unique assortment of ingredients lends itself to creativity. That combined with the energy on the streets everyday makes it a fun environment to work in.
My Restaurant | Shojo
We try to change our menu up as much as possible. Working under the Asian Fusion umbrella allows us to be pretty creative with interpretations of the many cuisines throughout the continent. Regardless of how accurate the representation is, we always try to pay homage to the original source by taking the time to make the main component technically sound. Whether it's a specific noodle, bao or sauce, it's important for us to make sure that it's executed with care.
Cocktail at Shojo | Photograph courtesy of Shojo
Shojo is also known for creative cocktails. Our bar manager Markus does a great job utilizing some lesser known ingredients. His drinks are always unique while still being approachable and delicious. We also are lucky enough to have a talented bar staff whose energy is reflected in each cocktail.
9 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.423.7888 | www.shojoboston.com
CHINATOWN LUNCH SPOTS
![Pho Pasteur in Chinatown | Photo Credit: Stephen Kennedy [flickr]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54806d5de4b0a7c95f7b6d01/1439944762385-607NXMKV8W64IYGWM1OF/image-asset.jpeg)
Pho Pasteur in Chinatown | Photo Credit: Stephen Kennedy [flickr]
Photograph courtesy of Pho Pasteur
Vietnamese | Pho Pasteur & Pho Hoa
These are my go-to restaurants for pho noodle soup.
PHO PASTEUR
682 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.482.7467 | www.pho-pasteur.com
PHO HOA
17 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.423.3934 | phohoachinatown.com
Photograph courtesy of Townsman
American | Townsman
The burger at Townsman is a special treat for myself if I've been a good boy.
120 Kingston Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.993.0750 | townsmanboston.com
BOOK A TABLE
AFTERNOON TEA
Photograph courtesy of Tea-Do
Chinese Tea House | Tea-Do
Get the bubble tea here, it is quite nice. I recommend the P5 with popping boba.
8 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111 | T: 617.988.8002 | www.kenshinteado.com
DINNER
Photograph courtesy of Taiwan Cafe
Taiwan Cafe
They nail it with traditional Taiwanese fare. My lovely girlfriend, Angela, hails from Taiwan and tells me that it's spot on.
34 Oxford Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.426.8181 | taiwancafeboston.com
Dumpling Cafe
They make great dumplings and you generally won't have to wait in line.
95 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.338.8859 | www.dumplingcafe.com
Best Little Restaurant
They make tons of great dishes. Might I suggest the Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp with Walnut in Creamy Sauce and the Minced Meat and String Bean with Lettuce Wrap.
13 Hudson Street #A, Boston, MA 02111
T: 617.338.4988 | bestlittlerestaurant.com
LATE NIGHT
Peach Farm
For late night, good ol' Peach Farm usually does the trick.
Open until 3am
4 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111 | T: 617.482.1116
Chef Mark O'Leary
O'Leary is the executive chef of Shojo in Boston, MA. He is an alum of restaurants O Ya and JM Curley. He is also the co-founder of the pop-up dinner series, Guchi's Midnight Ramen and The Future of Junk Food.
Discover our 24-Hour Guides
Boston Features
