Newton Centre gastropub Thistle & Leek has received recognition from Michelin, one of the culinary world’s most prestigious authorities. It is one of only 26 Greater Boston restaurants so honored.
The Michelin Guide announced on November 18 that Thistle & Leek has been named a Recommended Restaurant in its inaugural Boston edition. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Philadelphia as part of the newly minted Michelin Guide Northeast Cities edition. It comes five months after the restaurant’s fifth anniversary (see Fig City News profile).
The restaurant is one of only two establishments outside of Boston proper, Cambridge, and Brookline to earn Michelin recognition — the other being Nightshade Noodle Bar in Lynn. In total, just 26 restaurants in Greater Boston made the guide.
For chef-owners Kate and Trevor Smith, and co-owner/general manager Brendan Collins, the recognition validates years of dedication that began when they opened the restaurant on Union Street during the pandemic in September 2020.
Reflecting on the honor, co-owner Kate Smith said “It feels amazing, Our whole team works so hard every day and it’s wonderful to be recognized by Michelin.”
Smith said she had no forewarning of being added to the guide beyond being invited to the ceremony. In the months prior, they knew Michelin was coming to the Boston area, but they had no idea if Michelin would venture out of the city, and to this day they do not know when the inspectors came in, or who they were. “We always do our best to take care of all of our guests and staff.”
Michelin inspectors praised Thistle & Leek as “a true neighborhood gem” inspired by London gastropubs. “This is a kitchen that doesn’t cut corners,” the guide states. “Breads, pastas, and ice creams are all made in-house. The tight, eclectic menu is constantly moving, cooking with the seasons day and night.” The inspectors highlighted signature dishes, including toasted sesame focaccia topped with chèvre, fava beans, and mint, and tender lamb meatballs coated in a vibrant tomato-ginger curry.
The Recommended designation means Michelin has recognized Thistle & Leek for serving food to a high level, though it has yet to be awarded a Michelin star. Only one Boston-area restaurant earned a star in the guide — Omakase in the South End — while six others received Bib Gourmand status for offering good quality food at good value.
“This new guide reflects our work to spotlight the culinary excellence of Boston, Cambridge, and the surrounding region,” said Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston, in the announcement. “We know that visitors will travel here specifically to experience our Michelin-recognized restaurants.”
Summing up, Smith said, “We’re just so grateful for the recognition. We’re going to keep doing what we’ve done to get us here, we’re all very proud of what we’ve done and can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Thistle & Leek serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday and offers walk-in-only lunch service Tuesday through Friday. The restaurant is located at 105 Union Street in Newton Centre.
