Chef And Restaurateur Jamie Bissonnette​'s Guide To Boston

As the chef and owner of notable Boston restaurants Coppa, Toro and Little Donkey, it would be an understatement to call Jamie Bissonnette a culinary expert. With several impressive awards under his belt including the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast, his delicious and diverse cuisine stands out among the best in the city.

Bissonnette earned his degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale at the young age of 19 and spent his early twenties cooking his way through Paris, San Francisco, New York and Phoenix. Since landing in Boston 20 years ago, he's built an empire of eateries, mastered his signature "nose-to-tail" cuisine and has even authored a charcuterie cookbook.

The chef loves Boston's diverse atmosphere, an affection that carries over into his critically-acclaimed restaurants that boast globally-inspired menus (think Barcelona-style tapas and spicy Thai street noodles) and eclectic character.

But the South End resident isn't always in the kitchen. During his rare downtime, Bissonnette can sometimes be found sipping a glass of wine at Island Creek Oyster Bar or exploring the latest exhibits at the Boston Science Museum. Check out more of his all-time favorite spots around Boston:

---

What neighborhood do you live in? I moved to the South End first, then out to Somerville, then Cambridge, then the North End, and finally the South End again.

What’s your occupation? Chef and restaurateur

Describe Boston in three words: Melting pot, proud

What’s your favorite overall Boston restaurant? I’ll never get sick of the Barking Crab.

Best sushi: Uni

Best Italian food: Coppa

Best dessert: Oak + Rowan

Best pizza: Regina Pizzeria in The North End

Best spot for a quick lunch: Myers + Chang

Best spot for a romantic date: Erbaluce

Best glass of wine: Island Creek Oyster Bar

Best Sunday brunch: Little Donkey

Best spot for a power business meeting: The Bristol Restaurant and Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Best cup of coffee: Gracenote Coffee

Best steak: Grill 23 & Bar

Best craft cocktail: Eastern Standard

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? Kimpton Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: All Too Human

Best gym or fitness studio: Saldare Body Therapy

Best spa: Bliss Spa

Favorite charity event or organization: Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a food rescue.

Favorite cultural event: Create Boston by Louis DiBiccari

Favorite cultural institution: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Boston? Boston Science Museum

Best historic or iconic Boston landmark to see or explore: The North End

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Boston? New Golden Gate Chinese restaurant on Beach Street

The best aspect of Boston is: The diversity

---

Image Credit: Jamie Bissonnette