Boston’s Back Bay is more than just a picturesque neighborhood; it’s a culinary hotspot teeming with diverse dining options.
From cozy bistros to upscale eateries, this area offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the culinary scene in Back Bay promises a memorable experience.
With so many choices, finding the best spots can be overwhelming. That’s why this guide narrows it down to the 12 best Back Bay restaurants in Boston.
Each of these establishments brings something unique to the table, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
12 Best Back Bay Restaurants in Boston
Back Bay, Boston, is known for its vivid culinary scene with a variety of top-tier dining experiences.
Here are 12 of the best restaurants in Back Bay:
1. Buttermilk & Bourbon
Located at 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, Buttermilk & Bourbon is a must-visit for those who love Southern cuisine.
This vibrant restaurant, led by a local star chef, offers quirky New Orleans-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy a lively dining experience with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
From its classic fried chicken to beignets, Buttermilk & Bourbon has something for everyone. With an average cost of $30–50 per person, it’s a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Over 2,300 reviews on various platforms give it a solid 4.4-star rating, reflecting its popularity and quality.
For those looking to make a reservation, opentable.com provides a convenient way to secure a table. You can find more details and explore the menu on their official website, buttermilkbourbon.com.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this restaurant promises a unique and memorable dining experience in Back Bay.
2. Lolita Back Bay
Located at 271 Dartmouth St, Lolita Back Bay offers a vibrant and trendy dining experience. This Mexican restaurant provides a unique atmosphere with Gothic decor, perfect for a night out. Patrons can expect to spend $30–50 per person, as reported by 423 people.
Lolita Back Bay boasts a robust tequila list and Mexican-inspired eats that delight foodies. The restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating from 3,080 reviews, highlighting its popularity and quality. Open until 2 AM, it’s an excellent choice for late-night dining.
Amenities include dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, ensuring flexibility for guests. Reservations can be made via SevenRooms.com, and further details are available on their official website, lolitamexican.com. For an unforgettable night, Lolita Back Bay is a must-visit.
3. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at 75 Arlington St, Boston, MA 02116, is a high-end eatery known for its extensive menu and refined bar.
Patrons can enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere while indulging in Northern Italian cuisine, including steak, pasta, and seafood dishes.
With a rating of 4.4 stars from 1,328 reviews, it’s clear that guests appreciate the quality and service.
Guests can expect a dining cost of $50–100 per person, making it ideal for special occasions. Davio’s offers dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery options for convenience.
Reservations are recommended and can be made via their website davios.com or by calling (617) 357-4810. For a luxurious dining experience in Back Bay, Davio’s stands out.
4. Faccia a Faccia
Faccia a Faccia, located at 278 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, offers an authentic Italian dining experience.
This upscale restaurant has garnered a 4.3-star rating from 334 reviews and typically costs between $50–100 per person, making it suitable for special occasions.
Featuring a diverse menu, Faccia a Faccia is known for its house-made pasta and classic Italian dishes. The elegant setting complements the culinary experience, attracting both locals and visitors.
Customers can choose to dine in, take out, or opt for delivery services. Reservations are recommended and can be made via resy.com. For more information, visit facciaafacciaboston.com or call (857) 991-1080.
5. Krasi
Krasi, located at 48 Gloucester St in Boston’s Back Bay, stands out with contemporary Greek cuisine. This industrial-chic spot offers specialties like grilled octopus and moussaka, complemented by an extensive wine list.
Diners can expect to spend $50–100 per person. The restaurant boasts a 4.7-star rating from 816 reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Krasi provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Reservations can be made through opentable.com.
For more details, visit their website krasiboston.com or call (617) 536-0230. Known for its modern atmosphere and authentic Greek flavors, Krasi is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
6. Saltie Girl
Saltie Girl, situated at 279 Dartmouth St, is a charming raw bar known for its eclectic seafood offerings, including dishes made with tinned fish.
Boasting a 4.4-star rating from 2,954 reviews, it’s a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. Expect to spend $50–100 per person, making it ideal for special occasions.
Guests can choose to dine in, opt for takeout, or enjoy delivery. The restaurant opens at 11 AM, providing a convenient option for lunch or dinner.
For reservations, visit saltiegirl.com or call (617) 267-0691. Saltie Girl’s unique menu and inviting atmosphere make it a standout choice in Boston’s Back Bay.
7. The Salty Pig
The Salty Pig, located at 130 Dartmouth St in the Tent City Apartments, stands out in Back Bay with its pork-focused menu and American comfort food.
Known for its loftlike ambiance, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a diverse range of charcuterie options and craft beers.
With a 4.5-star rating from 1,716 reviews, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors. Guests can dine in, take out, or opt for delivery.
Meals range from $20–30 per person, making it an affordable yet high-quality option. For reservations, visit resy.com or call (617) 536-6200. The Salty Pig’s distinct offerings make it a must-visit.
8. La Voile
La Voile is an elegant French restaurant nestled in the Newbury Guest House at 261 Newbury St. Guests can savor classic French cuisine with a nightly fixed-price menu, making it a standout in Boston’s Back Bay.
With a rating of 4.6 stars from 981 reviews, its popularity is evident. The dining cost is $50–100 per person, catering to special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts.
La Voile offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Reservations can be made via opentable.com or by calling (617) 587-4200. For more details, visit lavoilerestaurants.com.
9. Luke’s Lobster Back Bay
Luke’s Lobster Back Bay, situated at 75 Exeter St in the Prudential Center, offers an authentic taste of Maine’s seafood.
Known for its mouth-watering lobster rolls served on toasted buns, it also features clam chowder, making it a seafood lover’s paradise.
This popular eatery is rated 4.4 stars by 1,784 reviews, reflecting its appeal and quality. Guests can expect to spend $20–30 per person.
It provides dine-in, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery services. For a delightful seafood experience in Back Bay, visit lukeslobster.com or call (857) 350-4626.
10. Abe & Louie’s
Abe & Louie’s, located at 793 Boylston St, is a high-end steakhouse renowned for its classic steaks and extensive wine list.
Guests can expect to spend $100+ per person, with offerings that include dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
The restaurant boasts a stellar 4.5-star rating from 2,474 reviews, showcasing its popularity and quality. It opens at 11 AM and is perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.
Reservations can be made through their website, abeandlouies.com, or by calling (617) 536-6300. Notable dishes include the bone-in ribeye and truffle fries, making it a must-visit for steak aficionados.
11. STK Steakhouse
STK Steakhouse, located at 222 Berkeley St, Boston, provides an upscale dining experience with a modern twist on classic American steakhouse fare.
Boasting a 4.8-star rating from 5,072 reviews, it is noted for its high-quality steaks, seafood, and innovative side dishes, making it ideal for special occasions with an average cost of $100+ per person.
They offer dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery services. Open daily from 10 AM to 1 AM, reservations are recommended and can be made via opentable.com or by calling (617) 315-8274.
12. Grill 23 & Bar
Grill 23 & Bar is a classy chophouse located at 161 Berkeley St, Boston, offering an exquisite dining experience.
Known for its surf ‘n’ turf classics, this steakhouse boasts an ample wine selection and ornate rooms, perfect for special occasions.
With a 4.6-star rating from 1,864 reviews, it’s clear that guests appreciate the high-quality offerings.
Offering dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery services, Grill 23 ensures convenience for all its patrons. Reported by 305 people to cost $100+ per person, it promises a premium dining experience.
Reservations can be made through opentable.com, and more details are available on their official website, grill23.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a reservation at these restaurants?
Yes, most restaurants in Back Bay accept reservations. Popular platforms like opentable.com are often used for booking. For specific details, check each restaurant’s official website.
Which restaurant has the best rating in Back Bay, Boston?
STK Steakhouse holds an impressive 4.8-star rating from 5,072 reviews. It offers an upscale dining experience with exceptional steaks, seafood, and innovative side dishes.
Are there any seafood-focused restaurants in Back Bay?
Yes, Saltie Girl is known for its eclectic seafood offerings and has a 4.4-star rating from 2,954 reviews. Luke’s Lobster Back Bay is another option specializing in authentic Maine seafood, rated 4.4 stars by 1,784 reviews.
What is the average cost to dine at a high-end steakhouse in Back Bay?
High-end steakhouses like Abe & Louie’s, STK Steakhouse, and Grill 23 & Bar generally cost $100+ per person. These establishments offer premium dining experiences with extensive wine lists and top-quality cuts of meat.
Are there any late-night dining options in Back Bay?
Yes, Lolita Back Bay is open until 2 AM, making it an excellent choice for late-night dining. They feature a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu centered around Mexican cuisine and tequila.
Conclusion
Each restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay offers a unique dining experience, from Southern cuisine at Buttermilk & Bourbon to the Mexican flair of Lolita Back Bay.
Even more choices like Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse and Faccia a Faccia bring elegance and rich flavors to the table.
Seafood lovers can dive into Krasi or Saltie Girl, while The Salty Pig and La Voile cater to varied tastes with their distinct menus.
Maine’s seafood is celebrated at Luke’s Lobster, and high-end diners find joy at Abe & Louie’s, STK Steakhouse, and Grill 23 & Bar.
Back Bay’s culinary scene is diverse, ensuring memorable dining for everyone. Additionally, post-dinner dessert enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to Flour Bakery or Georgetown Cupcake.
Whether you’re craving a savory meal or a sweet treat, Back Bay’s culinary offerings do not disappoint.
Timothy Russell Dewart