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Boston’s 12 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants

A photo of Red logo
by Valerie Li Stack
Updated 13 May 2024

Boston is famous for its picturesque harbor, breathtaking oceanfront views, and cobblestoned alleyways. But it’s also known for a decked-out dining scene filled with historic restaurants preserving heritage and newcomers serving up innovative interiors.

Antique furniture and leather banquettes exude quiet luxury inside a Beacon Hill hideaway. At a fun-loving tiki bar, Balinese sculptures and basket lamps spell “tropical getaway.” A seafood mainstay takes cues from all things nautical, featuring curvy boat-like walls and striking ocean-inspired art.

These places pair impeccable ambiances with thoughtful, intentional menus. Read on for a guide to the 12 most beautiful restaurants in Boston.

A photo of 1928 Beacon Hill restaurant
4.4
4.4 (400)
$50 and over
Wine Bar
Beacon Hill
About the restaurant

This cozy spot is the brainchild of antiques dealer Kristin Jenkins. Her passion for all things vintage is on display via pieces like a mural from the French restaurant that used to be here in the 1940s, antique wall mounts, and all sorts of nautical tchotchkes. The menu takes its New England backdrop seriously with hits like lobster rolls and braised short ribs. But you’re most likely at this speakeasy-style escape for the classic cocktails, and, lucky for you, they’re flawless.


Top review
Rachel
Dined 5 days ago
My husband and I loved our first visit to 1928 Beacon Hill last night! We were a little early for our reservation on Saturday night, and expected that we would wait at the bar. The bar was full, but they were able to seat us early. We ordered cocktails, and later wine and beer with dinner. The cocktail and wine list is impressive. My husband had a harder time finding a beer that he recognized, but settled on a Pilsner that he did like. We ordered the coconut shrimp and the wagyu croquettes for appetizers. Both were delicious, but the croquettes were more like pigs in a blanket. They were hot dogs slices wrapped in puff pastry with a honey mustard sauce on the side. They were delicious, but the description was a bit misleading. For entrees, I had the lobster tortellini, which was unbelievably delicious, and my husband had the Cacio e Pepe, also really delicious (I tried a bite). The plating and presentation was beautiful. The service was prompt and efficient, but I can’t say she made a big impression on us. She was very busy. We were seated at the tables in the bar area and the whole room was packed by the time we left (our reservation was at 5:45). Those tables are a little too close together for my liking. Getting up and down is a tight squeeze, and you feel like you’re eating with the people next to you. When I got up to use the restroom I explored the other rooms, which were more spacious and quieter than the busy bar. Next time I would request to sit in the room in the back that’s decorated like a library. There are antique book pages all over the ceiling! The decor was very impressive. It’s got a sexy, fun, yet romantic vibe. Overall we loved everything. Prices are a bit high, but it was a special occasion splurge for us. We really enjoyed everything!
A photo of Terra - Eataly Boston restaurant
4.3
4.3 (3820)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Italian
Back Bay
About the restaurant

This Prudential building restaurant, part of Boston’s Eataly marketplace, channels an Italian greenhouse with an open dining room, lush hanging plants, and rustic wooden furniture. Start your meal with a barrel-aged beer—Terra even has a designated room onsite for wooden barrels—before digging into earthy dishes like grilled quail, meat and vegetable skewers, and sumptuous housemade pastas.


Top review
Ray
Dined 6 days ago
Great food and service, as always. Ambience and location made it a great night.
A photo of Eastern Standard restaurant
4.5
4.5 (782)
$31 to $50
American
Fenway–Kenmore
About the restaurant

Though its original version closed during the pandemic, the hotly anticipated reboot of this beloved brasserie more than delivers. Soaring ceilings, upholstered leather booths, and a marble bar area—which looks like the inside of an oyster shell—add to the wow factor. Eastern Standard is just as great for a splashy night out as it is for an intimate dinner, depending on where you sit. Expect pitch-perfect bistro classics like bone marrow with fresh housemade bread and a killer tuna niçoise salad.


Top review
JasonVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food and drink. Steak frittes was excellent (skirt steak cooked precisely to order), as was the lobster gnocchi. Good service at the bar.
A photo of Limani Grille - Seaport restaurant
4.6
4.6 (537)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Seaport
About the restaurant

Greek and Cypriot staples headline the menu at this glamorous Seaport restaurant. Like its sibling location in Chestnut Hill, Limani’s latest edition evokes a sophisticated Mediterranean holiday with soaring ceilings, fluted velvet banquettes, and a mishmash of greenery. Giant floor-to-ceiling windows with bustling neighborhood views remind you that you’re stateside, but thanks to real-deal ingredients like Peloponnese olive oil and capers from Santorini, a meal here is downright transportive.


Top review
Patrick
Dined on 12 Jan 2025
Amazing food, everything was delicious. Highly recommend to anyone.
A photo of Pammy's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2274)
$50 and over
American
Cambridge
About the restaurant

Pammy’s blends a Greco-Roman vibe with contemporary swagger. Co-owners Pam and Chris Willis sourced much of the decor themselves and the scene-stealer is a stone sculpture of Demeter—the Greek goddess of harvest—that the Willises found in the Hudson Valley. A gorgeous tiled hearth and 14-foot communal table, lined with flower vases, round out the homey scene, setting the stage for hearty Italian American dishes like celery-root gnocchi and mafaldine with tripe and garlic chile oil.


Top review
FatimaVIP
Dined on 6 Jan 2025
Excellent service and food. I would definitely return.
A photo of Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3467)
$30 and under
Regional American (Southern)
Back Bay
About the restaurant

New Orleans inspired both the food—beignets, barbecue shrimp and grits—and atmosphere at this sexy Back Bay spot. With hanging mirrors and live vines, the transportive restaurant is the next best thing to a Southern getaway. There are multiple spaces for lingering, including a dining room with a decorative fireplace and red banquettes and a lounge area with a backlit 3D mural. In the warmer months, Buttermilk & Bourbon opens up its massive outdoor patio—one of the largest in the area.


Top review
Lisa
Dined 2 days ago
I’ve been to the Watertown location and this one in Boston has a more eclectic vibe, loved it! The food is on point just like Watertown. There were certain nuances of the menu that were kind of weird like buttermilk fried chicken, we couldn’t get sauce on the side it had to be on top and a few other silly things but we made it work. The prices are very good and to give you a basic business meal idea (with the 20% gratuity-included for a group of six)with five appetizers, six entrées, and 10 alcoholic beverages. The bill was slightly over $400. There wasn’t a hungry belly when we left and had some to take home with us as well. The portion sizes for the appetizers are all shareable. Do your taste buds a favor and visit either or location, you will not be disappointed! To be honest, I usually take pictures to share with others, but the food was so good and devoured so fast there was no time, lol!
A photo of Krasi restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1820)
$31 to $50
Greek
Back Bay
About the restaurant

Sleek and welcoming Krasi dazzles with Greek-chic interiors that include gray- and white-marbled plaster walls and reimagined portraits of Greek figures—don’t miss the surfer-dude spin on Poseidon. The meze lineup is just as fun, featuring dips made tableside, plus freshly baked breads flavored with thyme and honey. It all pairs exceptionally well with Krasi’s prolific all-Greek wine menu. If you’re craving a cocktail, head downstairs to the restaurant’s cave-like sibling, Hecate.


Top review
HilaryVIP
Dined 3 days ago
I almost never write reviews, but there is a reason you have to book weeks in advance for a table here. Everything was incredible from the moment we walked in. The staff were welcoming, incredibly kind and knowledgeable, and the food and drinks were divine. We had the pleasure of having Maria assist us - thank you Maria for a wonderful evening! We LOVED the fresh catch in the tomato broth with some bread to dip - oh my goodness, delicious - it was our absolute favorite dish of the night. I am gluten free (my family is not) and they made sure I was accommodated every step of the way. We are looking forward to our next time back as soon as we can get in again.
A photo of Wusong Road restaurant
4.6
4.6 (600)
$31 to $50
Dining Bar
Cambridge
About the restaurant

You’re in for a tropical escape when you step through Wusong Road’s Balinese temple-inspired entryway. The two-floor bar is decked with basket lamps, palm-patterned wallpaper, and a large dragon sculpture—owner Jason Doo took cues from his family’s Chinese American restaurant in nearby Malden. Which explains the bar’s selection of retro tiki mugs (Doo’s parents served drinks in similar glassware) and remixed Chinese classics like tater tots with scallion aioli and rum-glazed coconut spare ribs.


Top review
Anna
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent for dinner with friends. Great tasting Asian dishes to share and super cocktails. The decor and lighting, music, this place has a great ambience. Whether eating at high top, the fabulous long bar upstairsor low tables you'll have a great evening.
A photo of Prima restaurant
4.8
4.8 (801)
$31 to $50
Italian
Charlestown
About the restaurant

Even though this old-school Italian steakhouse just opened its doors in 2023, it’s already amassed a loyal following from its Charlestown neighbors—and its sophisticated interiors have a lot to do with that. The dining room is designed with glossy woodwork, leather, and subway tiles, and booths are covered by white and maroon curtains for peak privacy. Come here for a serious feast: The steak program features the choicest cuts, like veal prime rib and tomahawk.


Top review
Reese
Dined 4 days ago
It is the next morning after my visit to Prima and I am already wondering when I can get another visit on my calendar. Everything was phenomenal! Emily M was our server and she was the best! My roommate is gluten free and she shared all of the gluten free options and her personal favorites since she herself was gluten free! It was awesome- she was attentive and always checked in at exactly the right moment. I enjoyed a glass of Savvy B, a Cosmo, and one of the tiramisu espresso martinis and all of them were to die for (don't even get me started on the marscapone cream!!) We both got the Penne Alla Vodka and it was so good I dreamed about it. The chili crunch added the nicest bit of spice to the dish. I am legitimately itching to go back.
A photo of Mamma Maria restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5520)
$31 to $50
Italian
North End
About the restaurant

This North End charmer sits in a 19th-century row house on a small hill, overlooking one of Boston’s prettiest cobblestoned streets. It’s got all the trappings of a special-occasion superstar, from crisp white tablecloths and chandeliers to large windows that offer a panorama of the city skyline. The menu leans northern Italian but shifts with the seasons, and could include housemade ravioli with house-cured lamb sausage or wild black bass with morel mushrooms.


Top review
BenVIP
Dined on 14 Jan 2025
Risotto was unbelievably good. Mozzarella and tomato appetizer was also great. My mushroom ravioli was aa good as I've ever had. Server was excellent. Top, top meal.
A photo of Atlantic Fish restaurant
4.7
4.7 (12000)
$50 and over
Seafood
Back Bay
About the restaurant

Atlantic Fish has served New England’s freshest catch since 1978. The nautical dining room evokes a ship’s interior with curvy wooden ceiling panels, porthole-like mirrors, and murals of the sea on the walls. Bonus points for the enclosed wrought-iron patio, which opens up during the summer months. All the fresh seafood here is sourced directly from the harbor each morning then grilled, pan-roasted, or seared to perfection.


Top review
EdwardVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great service and great dinner. Definitely will be back soon
A photo of LUCIE drink + dine restaurant
4.1
4.1 (452)
$30 and under
American
Back Bay
About the restaurant

This Colonnade Hotel restaurant bills itself as a local bar with a global kitchen, serving everything from mussels mariniere to lo mein noodles with baby bok choy and chile sauce. That cosmopolitan sentiment also applies to its airy and stylish digs: Oversized leather chairs wreath a 360-degree bar and pop-art portraits of celebs like Mick Jagger and Kate Moss are displayed alongside cartoons by Portuguese artist Rui Pinho. It all confirms this lobby-side spot is a destination in its own right.


Top review
JulieVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Good food and a nice atmosphere, but somewhat chaotic service. Clam chowder was fantastic, spicy salmon was not all that spicy, but pleasant, well cooked and accompanied by a delicious braised red cabbage, bread pudding was sinfully delicious. French onion soup was heavy on the bread and the cheese was a bit burned, Caesar salad was small and kind of boring. Service was an issue with two waiters coming by, but not knowing what the other had done, and a third person delivering food. Pacing of courses was very rushed until the dessert/coffee. Location is very convenient to Symphony Hall.
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