Conventions and Cuisine: Boston’s Culturally Diverse Eateries

As we celebrate Juneteenth this week, we recognize Boston's rich culture shaping our city's future. Boston’s culinary landscape is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself, with innovative restaurants leading the way with authenticity. The Seaport District (home to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center) and Back Bay neighborhood (where the Hynes Convention Center resides) are bustling with restaurants offering a variety of exciting cuisines. When your meeting is in Boston, mouthwatering meals are always just a short trip away!

Near the BCEC

Check out these hotspots in the growing Seaport District, a few minutes walk from the BCEC!

Grace by Nia
0.2 miles from BCEC, 2.8 miles from Hynes

Grace by Nia is a soulful, chef-driven restaurant that celebrates Black culinary traditions with a modern twist. Featuring live music and a welcoming atmosphere, the menu boasts Southern-inspired dishes such as shrimp and grits, honey butter cornbread, and creative cocktails. This lively establishment brings a fresh take on comfort food to Boston’s Seaport district.

Nia Grace is a pioneering restaurateur and community leader from Roxbury, Massachusetts, celebrated for her innovative approach to hospitality and her commitment to cultural inclusivity. Prior to Grace by Nia, Grace made her mark in Boston's culinary scene with Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and The Underground Cafe, both known for their soulful cuisine and support of local artists.

Mooo....
0.4 miles from BCEC, 2.5 miles from Hynes

A high-end Steakhouse with an emphasis on quality cuts and impeccable service, Mooo... is a staple for meat lovers. The restaurant’s refined ambience makes it ideal for business dinners or celebratory meals. From the perfectly cooked filet mignon to the indulgent truffle fries, every dish is crafted with precision and care.

From the day that Chef Jamie Mammano opened the doors to Mistral in 1997, his biggest culinary venture yet was destined to become a legend of the Boston dining scene. Mammano served as the chef for the United States Ambassador to Spain and spent 10 years in the kitchens of the Four Seasons Hotel Company, where he honed his culinary skills at the company’s Washington D.C., Seattle, Chicago and Boston properties.

Myers + Chang
0.5 miles from BCEC, 2.3 miles from Hynes

Myers + Chang is a vibrant, Asian-inspired restaurant known for its bold flavors and creative approach to traditional dishes. Co-owned by James Beard Award-winning chef, Joanne Chang, and her husband, Christopher Myers, the restaurant features a menu that blends flavors from across Asia, including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. Standout dishes include their famous crispy Brussels sprouts, pork and chive dumplings, and spicy stir-fried noodles.

Chef Joanne Chang, originally from Houston, Texas, honed her culinary skills in Paris and New York before bringing her talent to Boston. Myers + Chang embodies her philosophy of offering bold, adventurous flavors in a relaxed and inviting setting.

Near the Hynes

These restaurants are a short walk from the Hynes, sprinkled throughout the historic Back Bay neighborhood.

Krasi
0.3 miles from Hynes, 2.7 miles from BCEC

Krasi is an elegant Greek wine bar that puts a contemporary spin on traditional flavors. Their meze-style dining experience encourages sharing, with standout dishes that include braised lamb from the hills of Thessaly and fresh seafood inspired by the shores of Crete. Krasi’s intimate atmosphere and curated wine pairings make it a must-visit for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.

Founder Demetri Tsolakis grew up with a single mother who was born in Greece, and he worked in service and banking before identifying an opportunity to bring more Greek cuisine to Boston. Tsolakis began his first solo restaurant venture with Greco, which highlighted Tsolakis’ heritage by offering fast casual Greek street food. Krasi's Culinary Director, Chef Brendan Pelley, was named Boston Magazine's Best Chef, General Excellence, in 2023.

La Padrona
0.4 miles from Hynes, 2.9 miles from BCEC

Dining at La Padrona is an ode to the simple joys of life. This restaurant brings a sophisticated dining experience to the Back Bay. Steered by a team of passionate chefs, the place offers refined pasta dishes, seafood, and an extensive selection of Italian wines. The ambiance is both elegant and inviting, making it perfect for a celebratory dinner or a relaxed evening out.

Chef Jody Adams is a James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur renowned for her innovative approach to regional Italian cuisine. A graduate of Brown University with a degree in anthropology, Adams transitioned into the culinary world following encouragement from Julia Child and Sara Moulton.

MIDA
0.6 miles from Hynes, 2.5 miles from BCEC

MIDA, an Italian-inspired neighborhood restaurant in Boston’s South End, has become a staple for its handmade pasta and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its crispy arancini with San Marzano tomato sauce and braised pork tagliatelle, MIDA offers a welcoming environment for everyone. The neighborhood spot turns fresh, locally sourced ingredients into delicious and comforting Italian meal.

Chef Douglass Williams brings Italian comfort food to life at MIDA. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Williams was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teenager, which led him to discover the healing power of food. Before opening MIDA, Williams cooked in Thailand and worked at Michelin-starred restaurants Corton (New York) and Akrame (Paris).

Williams is a James Beard Foundation Award semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, 2025, was a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef Northeast, 2023, and was named Massachusetts Restaurant Association Executive Chef of the Year, 2023. Williams also owns APIZZA Boston in Hub Hall at TD Garden.

Looking for more restaurants and venues to explore? Check out our Dining Guide and Interactive Map to discover Boston’s top restaurants near the BCEC and the Hynes, as well as hotels, event venues, and transportation services fit for you.

*This blog post was written by our intern Shriya Choukhani, a senior at Boston University majoring in Advertising with a minor in Hospitality Administration.