8 Mouthwatering Dishes You Must Try This Spring

When seasons change so do menus. And in anticipation of warmer months hitting the Hub, we checked out Boston eateries as they re-introduce outdoor patios and unveil recipes worth a helping – or two! From succulent crab and fresh fish to juicy burgers towering with toppings, grab a table and try these seven mouthwatering morsels definitely worth dishing about!

The Venus Platter from The Barking Crab – Boston, MA 

Go back to basics with this delectable platter brimming with simple ingredients from The Barking Crab. The fulfilling Venus Platter features 2lbs of fresh Maine Lobster and 1.5lbs of sweet Bairdi crab legs. Served with lemon and butter for drizzling before you gorge, the only side you’ll need for this sea-caught treasure will be extra napkins!

Photo by: Rick Bern Photography

The Highlander Burger from Blue on Highland – Needham, MA

An eclectic suburban favorite featuring al fresco dining options, retro bar and lounge area, Blue on Highland serves modern American fare in it’s chic Needham Heights location. And whether you stop by for lunch, dinner, or to socialize after work, you’ll want to pull up a chair and try the chef-inspired burger named for the place! Featuring 100% Ground Chuck, Cabot Vermont cheddar cheese, braised short rib, roasted garlic Worcestershire demi-glace, red onion strings, Boston lettuce, heirloom tomato, on a toasted brioche roll, this ultra-satisfying dish is best washed down with any of Blue on Highland’s refreshing craft beers on tap.

Burrata Stuffed Ravioli with Layered Eggplant from Piattini – Boston, MA 

Mama Mia! What can we say about this fine Italian dish without drooling? For starters, the chefs at Piattini take ravioli to new heights with this must-try entrée – literally! Layered with eggplant and doused with a creamy truffle sauce, these cooked-to-perfection raviolis offer a delicate yet hearty meal that’s plated elegantly and served to satisfy.

The Prime Burger from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – Boston, MA

Looking for a mouthwatering dish to sink your teeth into? Look no further than Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, home of The Prime Burger. Made with USDA prime beef cooked to perfection and piled high on a fresh brioche bun with sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato and onion, The Prime Burger will satisfy any craving. Enjoy The Prime Burger served alongside double-cut fries or signature onion rings at Fleming’s Boston in the bar, starting at $8 during happy hour.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes from Odyssey Boston (Entertainment Cruises) – Boston, MA

Upgrade your dining experience and treat yourself to Odyssey Boston’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, with red pepper & thyme succotash. Take a bite of this delectable dish, served exclusively on Odyssey’s Boston Harbor dinner cruises, and see why this seasonal entrée is utterly crave-worthy. The cakes are made fresh with jumbo lump crab meat and sweet corn, accompanied by a Cajun cream sauce that balances richness with a hint of acidity. Inspired by summertime flavors, Corporate Executive Chef Brad Parsons designed this entrée with elegance in mind. Pair yours with a signature cocktail or selection from Odyssey’s expert-curated wine list.

The Legendary Burger with Twist & Shout Shake from Hard Rock Cafe – Boston, MA

Legendary Burger:

This is the burger that launched them all! Introduced in 2005, the original Legendary Burger features a 1/2 lb certified Angus Beef patty topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, a golden fried onion ring, crisp lettuce and vine-ripened tomato, served on a toasted brioche bun.

Twist & Shout Shake:

Part of Hard Rock’s cocktail menu focuses on the concept of sweet and savory, including boozy milkshakes like the Twist & Shout. The rich beverage blends Bacardi Oakheart spiced rum, Guinness stout, dark crème de cacao, Monin Salted Caramel syrup, chocolate syrup and Ben & Jerry’s vanilla ice cream. Then, it’s poured into a caramel and chocolate swirled glass, topped with whipped cream, caramel and chocolate swirls – and savory Applewood smoked bacon!

Branzino for Two from Ostra – Boston, MA

The Salt Crusted Branzino for two is one of the best reasons to visit Ostra! Flown in from the Mediterranean, and covered in a classic kosher salt crust, this is a dish you simply must experience yourself. Baked for 40 minutes, filleted and dressed table side with simple accouterments including extra virgin olive oil, lemon and snipped herbs. This light, flavorful dish highlights what Ostra does best; simply elegant dishes made from the highest quality ingredients.

Photo by: Joel Benjamin

Fisherman’s Bowl from Top of the Hub – Boston, MA

If you are a seafood aficionado, this dish was created with you in mind. The exceptional flavors offered by Boston’s local fare are showcased in the new addition to the menu at Top of the Hub. The New England Fisherman’s Bowl features a seasonal local catch simmered in a clam butter broth with lobster, clams, potatoes, kale and chorizo.