Boston’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of diverse and delectable desserts, but few treats can rival the rich, flambéed delight of bananas foster.
Originating from New Orleans, this dessert has found a special place in the hearts of Bostonians, with numerous restaurants and cafes putting their unique spin on the classic dish.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, discovering the best places to enjoy bananas foster in Boston is a must. From traditional recipes to innovative twists, the city offers a variety of options that cater to every palate.
Dive into this guide to uncover the top 12 spots where you can indulge in the finest bananas foster Boston has to offer.
Top 12 Best Bananas Foster in Boston
Bananas Foster is a delightful dessert that originated in New Orleans but has made its way into the hearts (and menus) of many restaurants across the country, including Boston.
This flambéed dish typically features ripe bananas cooked in a rich sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur, served over vanilla ice cream.
In Boston, you can find Bananas Foster in various establishments, especially those offering classic American or Creole cuisine.
Restaurants often prepare it tableside, adding a theatrical element to the dining experience as the rum is ignited, creating a stunning flame that enhances the flavors of the dish.
Here’s a list of 12 of the top spots in Boston where you can enjoy delicious Bananas Foster:
1. Buttermilk & Bourbon
Buttermilk & Bourbon, located at 160 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116, stands out for its New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
This Southern restaurant, led by a local star chef, offers a vibrant dining experience with quirky dishes that captivate the palate.
Bananas foster at Buttermilk & Bourbon is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Made with ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar, butter, and rum, the dish is flambéed to perfection.
The rich, smoky flavors infuse the dessert with a depth reminiscent of its New Orleans roots. This $30–50 per person restaurant ensures that each serving of bananas foster is topped with a generous scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, balancing the warm caramel with a cool, creamy texture.
Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Buttermilk & Bourbon is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of this classic dessert.
Reservations can be made through OpenTable, or you can explore their menu further via their official website.
2. The Friendly Toast
The Friendly Toast, located at 35 Stanhope St, Boston, MA, brings a quirky twist to the classic bananas foster.
Known for its all-day breakfast and trendy atmosphere, this brunch hotspot serves a vegan-friendly version of the dessert.
Ripe bananas are flambéed with brown sugar, butter, and dark rum, then paired with plant-based ice cream to cater to vegans.
Customers rave about this inventive take, contributing to the restaurant’s 4.5-star rating from over 4,800 reviews.
Priced between $20–30 per person, The Friendly Toast offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Reservations can be made online or by phone, making it a versatile choice for dessert enthusiasts.
3. Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar, situated at 1310 Boylston St, offers a cozy English-style pub atmosphere with an impressive whiskey menu.
Their take on bananas foster is a treat not to be missed. The dessert features perfectly caramelized bananas in a rich brown sugar and rum sauce, flambéed right at your table for added flair.
Served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a delicious blend of textures and temperatures.
The dim, inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening in Boston. Known for its busy yet welcoming vibe, it’s advised to reserve a table in advance.
Dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery options available, ensuring you can enjoy their bananas foster your way.
4. French Quarter
French Quarter, located at 545 Washington St, Boston, is a bright Louisiana-inspired restaurant known for adding a twist to classic dishes.
Their bananas foster is a must-try, featuring ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar, butter, and rum, flambéed for a dramatic finish, and served with rich vanilla ice cream.
With a price range of $30–50 per person, diners can enjoy this dessert while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making this dessert accessible whether you’re dining at the restaurant or at home. Reservations and online orders can be made through OpenTable and their official website.
5. Ramsay’s Kitchen
Located at 774 Boylston St, Boston, Ramsay’s Kitchen offers an upscale take on the classic bananas foster.
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s creation includes ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar and butter, flambéed with dark rum, and served with rich vanilla ice cream.
This elegant dessert complements their menu of global bites and British staples. Guests can enjoy a luxurious dining experience with a cost of $100+ per person.
With a 4.0-star rating based on 1,458 reviews, Ramsay’s Kitchen promises a culinary delight. The restaurant is situated on the first floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. Offering dine-in and delivery options, reservations are highly recommended.
6. Rochambeau
Rochambeau, located at 900 Boylston St, Boston, MA, offers an elegant dining experience with its high-end French cuisine.
Their bananas foster is a show-stopper, featuring ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar and butter, then flambéed with dark rum.
This classic dessert is completed with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. Diners can enjoy this treat in plush booths or on the charming terrace.
Priced between $30 and $50 per person, Rochambeau promises a memorable culinary experience.
Don’t miss their event space for special occasions. For reservations, visit rochambeauboston.com or contact (617) 247-0400.
7. Longwood Galleria
Longwood Galleria, located at 400 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, isn’t just a complex of eateries and stores; it also offers one of the best bananas foster in the city.
With a rating of 4.0 from 1,636 reviews and a budget-friendly price range of $10–20 per person, it’s a must-visit spot for dessert lovers.
This food court setting surprises visitors with its decadent bananas foster, featuring ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar and butter, flambéed with dark rum, and served with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Open from 6:30 AM, Longwood Galleria allows both dine-in and takeout options, making it a convenient choice whether you’re grabbing a quick treat or enjoying a leisurely sit-down dessert.
8. Sonsie
Sonsie is a classy American bistro located at 327 Newbury St, Boston, MA. Known for its eclectic menu and wine cellar, Sonsie offers a unique take on bananas foster.
Their version features ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar, butter, and rum, flambéed tableside for a spectacular presentation.
Paired with their homemade vanilla ice cream, it’s a treat that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Open for brunch, Sonsie’s bananas foster is a popular choice that perfectly complements the restaurant’s inviting ambiance and Newbury Street views.
With a 4.1 rating from 1,660 reviews, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving this decadent dessert. Choose from dine-in, curbside pickup, or delivery options for ultimate convenience.
9. LUCIE drink + dine
LUCIE drink + dine, located on the first floor of The Colonnade Hotel, offers a chic yet casual dining experience.
Known for its contemporary, airy ambiance, LUCIE serves an impressive version of bananas foster. They caramelize ripe bananas in brown sugar and butter, adding a splash of rum for that classic flambé effect.
This delightful dessert is then paired with a dollop of rich vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect balance of warm and cold.
Rated 3.6 out of 147 reviews, LUCIE provides dine-in and curbside pickup options, making it a convenient spot for dessert lovers. Visit them at 120 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116.
10. The Westland
The Westland, a hip tavern-style restaurant, offers a stellar version of bananas foster. Located at 10 Westland Ave in Boston, this American restaurant features a cozy wooden interior and a classic bistro menu.
Their bananas foster starts with ripe bananas caramelized in brown sugar and butter. They add a splash of rum and flambé it tableside to perfection. Served with rich vanilla ice cream, this dessert is an indulgence worth trying.
With a price range of $20–30 per person and a 4.2 rating from 366 reviews, The Westland combines ambiance and flavor for a memorable dessert experience. Dine-in or takeout options are available.
11. Bostonia Public House
Bostonia Public House, located at 131 State St, Boston, offers a remarkable take on bananas foster. This New England restaurant, set in a historic building, exudes clubby decor and modern touches, making it a fantastic spot for both locals and visitors.
Known for its $30–50 per person menu, Bostonia Public House has been praised by 595 individuals for its incredible offerings.
Their bananas foster is no exception. The dessert features ripe bananas flambéed in a rich rum sauce, served with a generous scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Patrons enjoy the interactive presentation as the staff flambé the dish tableside, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Bostonia Public House’s refined ambiance ensures every visit feels special on both floors of the establishment. Reserve a table or order online via opentable.com.
12. Bootleg Special
Bootleg Special stands out with its enticing take on bananas foster. Located at 400 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, this trendy, industrial-chic restaurant specializes in Southern-inspired seafood boils but doesn’t shy away from delivering remarkable desserts.
Their bananas foster features ripe bananas flambéed in a rich rum sauce, served over homemade vanilla ice cream.
Rated 4.3 stars by 1,172 reviewers, Bootleg Special offers a vibrant dining experience whether you choose to dine-in, takeout, or get delivery.
Their unique touch on this classic dessert makes it an essential stop for dessert lovers in Boston. With prices that won’t expensive, Bootleg Special ensures that every visit is both delicious and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that originated in New Orleans. It consists of sliced bananas cooked in a sauce made of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The dessert is typically flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream.
How did Bananas Foster become popular in Boston?
Bananas Foster has become popular in Boston due to its unique flavor and the theatrical experience of flambéing. Various restaurants and cafes in Boston have given their own twist to the classic dish, attracting both locals and visitors.
Are there vegan options for Bananas Foster in Boston?
Yes, The Friendly Toast offers a vegan-friendly twist on Bananas Foster, making it accessible for those following a plant-based diet.
Is there an upscale version of Bananas Foster in Boston?
Yes, Ramsay’s Kitchen at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, features an upscale take on Bananas Foster created by celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Can I find affordable Bananas Foster in Boston?
Yes, Longwood Galleria offers a budget-friendly yet decadent version of Bananas Foster. Additionally, Bootleg Special offers an enticing and affordable take on the dessert.
Are there any tableside preparations of Bananas Foster in Boston?
Yes, Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar provides an interactive tableside flambé experience for their Bananas Foster, adding a fun and unique touch to your dining experience.
Is Bananas Foster popular among locals in Boston?
Yes, the dessert has gained significant popularity among Bostonians due to its delightful taste and the exciting flambé preparation. Various local eateries have embraced and adapted Bananas Foster to cater to different tastes.
Conclusion
Boston offers a diverse array of places to enjoy a delectable bananas foster, each with its unique twist on the classic dessert.
From the Southern flavors at Buttermilk & Bourbon to the upscale interpretation at Ramsay’s Kitchen, and the cozy atmosphere at The Westland, there’s something for every dessert lover.
The Friendly Toast caters to vegans, while Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar provides a tableside flambé spectacle.
Bostonia Public House, Rochambeau, and LUCIE drink + dine add a touch of elegance to the experience.
For those seeking both decadence and affordability, Longwood Galleria, Sonsie, and Bootleg Special perfect the balance, ensuring that no palate is left unsatisfied.
Don’t miss trying the inventive version at Bloc Cafe, where the dessert gets a modern twist, or visit Flour Bakery for a comforting take on this classic. In Boston, every bananas foster experience promises delight.
Timothy Russell Dewart