Boston’s culinary scene is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts, and for those who crave the delicate, flavorful nuances of beef tartare, the city offers a myriad of exceptional options.
From upscale dining establishments to hidden gems, Boston’s chefs craft this classic dish with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Whether you’re a seasoned tartare aficionado or a curious newcomer, discovering the best beef tartares in Boston promises a delectable adventure.
Dive into this guide to explore seven standout spots where the beef tartare is not just a dish but an experience.
Top 7 Best Beef Tartares in Boston
Boston is known for its culinary diversity, and beef tartare, a classic dish of finely chopped raw beef, often mixed with seasoning and served with a variety of accompaniments, is a favorite at several high-end restaurants.
Here are the top 7 spots for the best beef tartare in Boston:
1. Deuxave
Deuxave, located at 371 Commonwealth Ave, is a modern French restaurant celebrated for its elegant approach to classic dishes.
Their beef tartare, priced at $100+ per person, is crafted with top-notch ingredients and precision. This luxurious dish features a blend of finely chopped, high-quality beef, perfectly seasoned with a mix of shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard.
The presentation is chic, often accompanied by a quail egg yolk and beautifully plated with house-made potato chips.
Diners have praised Deuxave for its consistent quality and the intimate ambiance, making it an ideal spot for celebrations.
To experience this culinary delight, consider making a reservation as the restaurant is popular and can be busy, especially during dinner hours.
2. Petit Robert Bistro
Petit Robert Bistro brings a touch of Paris to Boston with its classic French ambiance. Located at 480 Columbus Ave, the bistro creates a cozy, intimate setting perfect for savoring their highly-rated beef tartare.
Priced between $50–100 per person, the tartare here showcases expertly finely-chopped, high-quality beef. The chef enhances the flavor with a mix of shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard, maintaining the French culinary tradition.
This dish is garnished elegantly, often served with toast points that add a crisp contrast to the tender beef.
Patrons frequently highlight the balanced seasoning and freshness of the ingredients. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Petit Robert Bistro is a must-visit for tartare aficionados.
3. STK Steakhouse
STK Steakhouse, located at 222 Berkeley St, Boston, offers a luxurious twist on beef tartare. Priced at over $100 per person, it’s a standout in Boston’s culinary scene.
Their tartare features premium chopped beef, perfectly seasoned with shallots, capers, and a touch of truffle oil for an added layer of decadence. Topped with a quail egg yolk, it comes with house-made crisps that provide the perfect crunch.
The sleek interior of STK Steakhouse creates an upscale dining experience, making it ideal for special occasions.
Open for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery, they ensure flexibility for all diners. With a rating of 4.8 from 5,130 reviews, STK Steakhouse is a must-visit for beef tartare enthusiasts.
4. La Voile
La Voile, located at 261 Newbury St, offers a refined rendition of beef tartare in an elegant French setting.
Known for its classic French cuisine, La Voile has a menu priced between $50–100 per person. The beef tartare here features high-quality, finely chopped beef, meticulously seasoned with shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard.
Diners can expect a beautifully plated dish, often accompanied by traditional toast points for a delightful crunch.
This establishment, situated in the Newbury Guest House, operates with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
La Voile boasts a stellar 4.6 rating from 984 reviews, making it a favored destination for those seeking an authentic tartare experience in Boston. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
5. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille, located at 900 Boylston St, serves an upscale version of beef tartare in a refined, clubby setting.
Priced at over $100 per person, their tartare features finely chopped, high-quality beef complemented by shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard.
A fresh quail egg yolk provides a luxurious touch, while house-made crisps offer texture to balance the dish. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, The Capital Grille has earned a solid 4.6 rating from 1,269 reviews.
Ideal for business dinners or special occasions, the ambiance ensures a memorable dining experience. Be sure to reserve a table to enjoy their expertly crafted beef tartare in Boston.
6. Cafe sauvage
Cafe Sauvage, located at 25 Massachusetts Ave, offers a relaxed French dining experience with an excellent beef tartare.
Priced between $20–30 per person, their tartare features finely chopped, high-quality beef seasoned expertly with shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard.
Distinguished for its sidewalk dining and inviting ambiance, this Black-owned restaurant presents the dish with a creative twist, often accompanied by crispy toast points.
They provide dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making it a versatile choice for diners. Open from 9 AM on Tuesdays and praised with a 4.6 rating from 620 reviews, Cafe Sauvage is a must-visit for tartare enthusiasts seeking quality and value in Boston.
7. Bar à vin 1855
Situated at 259 Newbury St, Bar à vin 1855 offers an exquisite beef tartare in a refined French setting. Priced between $50–100 per person, their tartare features finely chopped, premium beef seasoned with shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard.
It is elegantly presented with a quail egg yolk and accompanied by house-made crisps for a delightful crunch.
Although temporarily closed, Bar à vin 1855 has earned a solid 4.4 rating from 114 reviews. Patrons appreciate the balanced seasoning and luxurious presentation.
While awaiting their reopening, it’s worth keeping an eye on their menu available at baravin1855.com for updates.
Why Beef Tartare Is Popular in Boston
Beef tartare has become a popular dish in Boston due to a blend of the city’s vibrant culinary culture, diverse dining scene, and appreciation for fine, expertly prepared dishes.
Here are key reasons why beef tartare thrives in Boston:
Sophisticated Palates and Culinary Exploration
Boston’s dining scene attracts food enthusiasts with refined tastes who appreciate gourmet and globally-inspired dishes. Beef tartare, a delicacy often associated with French cuisine, fits right into the city’s culinary landscape.
Its appeal lies in its combination of high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and the delicate balance of flavors, which resonate with Boston diners who enjoy exploring sophisticated food options.
Cultural Influence of French Cuisine
With a rich history of French culinary influence, Boston boasts many bistros and upscale restaurants that draw on classic French techniques and dishes, like beef tartare.
Restaurants such as Deuxave, La Voile, and Petit Robert Bistro have been pivotal in introducing and perfecting traditional dishes such as beef tartare, elevating them to a level of culinary artistry that resonates with local diners.
Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Boston is a city that prides itself on fresh, high-quality ingredients, whether it’s seafood, meats, or local produce. For beef tartare, the freshness of the raw beef is crucial.
The access to locally-sourced, premium cuts of beef makes it easier for restaurants to offer a superior tartare that Boston food lovers have come to expect.
High-end spots like STK Steakhouse and The Capital Grille thrive in offering top-tier dishes that rely on freshness and quality.
Innovative Chefs and Modern Interpretations
Boston is home to innovative chefs who are constantly pushing boundaries and creating modern spins on traditional dishes.
Chefs in the city experiment with different flavor profiles, adding contemporary touches such as quail eggs, truffle oil, and unique seasonings to elevate the dish.
Establishments like Ostra and Bar à Vin 1855 serve beef tartare that blends the traditional essence with modern twists, attracting both food adventurers and traditionalists alike.
The City’s Love for Seasonal and Small Plate Dining
Beef tartare fits seamlessly into Boston’s growing trend of small plate dining and farm-to-table experiences.
Restaurants are incorporating more shared, seasonal dishes, allowing beef tartare to shine as an appetizer or small plate option.
Diners can indulge in this delicacy as part of a multi-course experience, which has become increasingly popular in Boston’s high-end and casual dining scenes.
Connection to Boston’s International Food Scene
As Boston continues to emerge as a global food destination, beef tartare offers a connection to international cuisine, especially French and Italian influences.
The city’s chefs are inspired by world-renowned culinary capitals like Paris and Rome, bringing those flavors and techniques to the local food scene.
This international flair makes beef tartare an appealing choice for those looking to experience global cuisine without leaving Boston.
Boston’s Affluent Dining Community
Many of Boston’s diners seek out fine dining experiences, and beef tartare, with its reputation as a luxury dish, is a natural fit in the city’s upscale dining culture.
With many business professionals, academics, and tourists seeking high-end meals, restaurants cater to a clientele that appreciates the artistry and refinement of dishes like beef tartare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is beef tartare?
Beef tartare is a dish made from finely chopped or ground raw beef, often seasoned with ingredients like shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard. It’s typically served with a raw egg yolk and accompaniments like toast or potato chips.
Where can I find the best beef tartare in Boston?
Some of the best places for beef tartare in Boston include Deuxave, Petit Robert Bistro, STK Steakhouse, La Voile, The Capital Grille, Cafe Sauvage, and Bar à vin 1855.
How much does beef tartare cost in Boston?
Prices vary by restaurant, with options ranging from $20–30 at Cafe Sauvage to over $100 at establishments like Deuxave, STK Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille. Petit Robert Bistro and La Voile offer mid-range pricing from $50–100.
What makes Deuxave’s beef tartare special?
Deuxave’s beef tartare is notable for its elegant presentation featuring finely chopped, high-quality beef seasoned with shallots, capers, and Dijon mustard. It’s adorned with a quail egg yolk and accompanied by house-made potato chips.
Are there affordable beef tartare options in Boston?
Yes, Cafe Sauvage offers a more affordable beef tartare priced between $20–30, making it one of the more budget-friendly options in Boston.
Is Bar à vin 1855 currently open?
No, Bar à vin 1855 is currently temporarily closed.
What unique twist does STK Steakhouse offer on beef tartare?
STK Steakhouse provides a luxurious twist on beef tartare by incorporating premium chopped beef with a touch of truffle oil, enhancing the flavor profile.
How does Petit Robert Bistro differentiate its beef tartare?
Petit Robert Bistro offers a classic Parisian ambiance and garnishes its highly-rated beef tartare with toast points for a crisp contrast, priced between $50–100.
Conclusion
This article showcased Boston’s best beef tartares, highlighting the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Each venue offers a unique interpretation, from Deuxave’s elegant presentation to STK Steakhouse’s luxurious twist.
Diners have a range of options, whether seeking Parisian charm at Petit Robert Bistro, a refined experience at La Voile, or upscale dining at The Capital Grille.
Cafe Sauvage and Bar à vin 1855 also bring authentic touches, with their high-quality ingredients and distinctive settings.
Boston clearly excels in delivering beef tartare dishes that cater to various palates and preferences, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.
Make sure to explore each establishment, as they all offer something distinct and exceptional. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in Boston’s best beef tartares is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Timothy Russell Dewart