

The constant presence of big, noisy family groups makes this small, modestly handsome restaurant near Eastie’s Central Square feel like a nonstop party. It’s not hard to spot the draw: staggering portions of hearty, meaty, mildly seasoned dishes like substantial soups, fried plantain plates and protein pileups like a cazuela of chicharrones, sausage, beans, plantains, potatoes and avocado served with fried egg-topped rice—all at absurdly sweet prices. Breakfast or lunch here might be all you need to eat for the day.
El Peñol
54 Bennington St., Boston • (617) 569-0100
https://loc8nearme.com/massachusetts/boston/el-pe-ol/5053634
Other Winners
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Colombian
2017 Winner: El Kiosco
A stone’s throw from the Orient Heights T stop is this versatile combination of dark, atmospheric bar and sunny, casual restaurant serving traditional Colombian dishes...
- 972 Saratoga St., Boston
- (617) 561-0101