The Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston

When it comes to must-see cities in the United States, Boston sits at the top of the list! Ranking high in cultural offerings, historical value and architectural beauty, it’s no wonder that Boston represents one of the most-visited places in the country. Even as the largest city in New England, Boston prides itself as a walkable metropolis with clean streets. Whether you wander the Freedom Trail, visit the Institute of Contemporary Art or stroll through Boston Common, you can find plenty of ways to enjoy all the wonder Boston has to offer on foot. Not to mention the culinary scene, which measures up to neighboring cities like NYC and Philadelphia, especially for couples in town. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. If you seek a sentimental setting with that special someone, check out our list of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston.

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated 28 January 2021

Restaurants:	Mamma Maria, La Voile Brookline, Ma Maison…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Contemporary French, French…
Neighborhoods:	North End, Brookline, Beacon Hill…

Mamma Maria

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.9

5293 reviews

Mamma Maria is one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston and both locals and visitors keep the place busy all week long. Set in a nineteenth-century brick row house with five private dining rooms, it is a historical and unique setting with undeniable charm. Your date will love the Italian and Mediterranean menu of fresh dishes made with superior local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes every day to reflect what is available, with options like Smoked Mackerel, Grilled Peaches and Gorgonzola, and Lobster Agnolotti Pasta.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

La Voile Brookline

$$$$

Contemporary French

Brookline

4.6

957 reviews

La Voile, meaning “The Sail” in French, is one of the city’s most authentic French restaurants. When you walk in the doors, waiters greet you with a “Bonjour” and a warm smile from the staff. Many consider it one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston and the charming setting in Brookline only helps boost the romantic appeal. The kitchen prepares all dishes from scratch so that they are as fresh as possible. House specialties include the list of foie gras, Les Moules Frites, the Pan seared duck breast and the braised veal stew. The interior has a nautical theme with photographs of old J-class sailing boats and dim lighting.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ma Maison

$$$$

French

Beacon Hill

4.7

2040 reviews

Located in Beacon Hill, arguably the most romantic neighborhood in Boston, Ma Maison is a fantastic place to bring a date or celebrate a romantic occasion. Chef Jacky Robert delivers an exceptional menu of authentic French food and you’ll feel as though you’re in Paris for the evening. Enjoy the intimate and elegant ambiance as well as the professional and friendly service. They also feature a boutique wine list and exciting cocktail menu to complement the cuisine. House specialties include the Chicken Coq-au-vin and the Short Ribs Beef Bourguignon.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grotto

$$$$

Italian

Beacon Hill

4.6

2716 reviews

Grotto is the place to go for delicious Italian food in a wonderfully romantic setting in Beacon Hill. Occupying an inconspicuous, subterranean spot on Bowdoin Street, Grotto’s dining room features exposed brick walls covered with artwork from local creatives and the interior has an intimate and cozy feel that is perfect for a first date or anniversary dinner. Go for their 3-course dinner, which includes entrees like Butter Poached Lobster, Spaghetti and Meatballs or Pesce alla Ghiota. And make sure to peruse the extensive list of fine Italian wines - ask the sommelier to help you pair the perfect bottle with your meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Deuxave

$$$$

French

Back Bay

4.7

4263 reviews

Head to the Back Bay for a delightfully romantic date night at Deuxave. Owners Brian Piccini and Christopher Coombs are proud of the inspired, fine dining menu available here and they change options seasonally to reflect available ingredients. Their goal is to work with the finest farms and purveyors in the area so source local ingredients and create inventive menus around them. They rely heavily on the nouvelle techniques of contemporary French cuisine, and menu favorites include Crispy-Skinned Giannone Organic Chicken, Spiced Colorado Lamb Loin and Lamb Sausage.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Euno Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.7

1851 reviews

Located in the heart of Boston’s historic North End, Euno is one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. The interior features exposed brick walls and romantic lighting to create a charming ambiance and the service is extremely friendly and pampering. The menu focuses on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and they also feature an extensive selection of fine wines. Menu highlights include exquisite seafood dishes, Osso Bucco and their famous Pollo Parmigian. This is fine dining in Boston at its best.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BASILE - Fine Italian Kitchen

$$$$

Italian

Back Bay

4.3

503 reviews

BASILE Fine Italian Kitchen is highly recognized and admired in Boston’s stylish restaurant scene. They bring wonderful flavors and ambiance to the South End/Back Bay area. The sophisticated interior is perfect for an intimate date and the newly redesigned space features a comfortable full service bar and open kitchen. The menu here reflects a blend of modern and classic Italian cooking, with house favorites like the Pappardelle a la Da Vinci, Crabmeat Ravioli and the Grilled Colorado Rack of Lamb.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Fat Hen Broadway East

$$$$

Italian

Somerville

4.7

334 reviews

The Fat Hen, located near Tufts University and Assembly Row in the Somerville neighborhood of Boston, is a casual elegant Italian restaurant. Diners love the sophisticated atmosphere and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fine dining experience that doubles as a fun date! The menu features traditional Italian dishes like bowls of fresh pasta, braised meats and locally grown or foraged produce as well as a killer list of Italian wines. Highlights include their pasta dishes, which come with rich, delectable sauces layered over the top.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Forcella

$$$$

Italian

North End

4.6

515 reviews

Forcella, considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston, is the place to go if you’re looking for old school Italian cuisine. Located in the North End, this is a tiny restaurant that’s perfect for a date. The menu includes dishes from all over Italy, with a lean toward Naples, where the owners are from. The most popular main dishes include meatballs, lobster bisque and crispy quail and pastas span the range of linguine to gnocchi with braised rabbit.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Season To Taste

$$$$

American

Cambridge

4.5

1246 reviews

The Table at Season To Taste is a small, swanky restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, intimate environment. Tucked away on a quiet block in a corner of Cambridge, it features Contemporary French and American food prepared by master Chef Carl Dooley. The menu is a mix of light snacks and a la carte dishes paired with choice wines and craft beers. They also have a prix-fixe menu featuring modern renditions of classic French dishes like Steak Tartare. Chefs go out of the way to make sure diners have a good time here, often visiting each table personally throughout the course of the night.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dona Habana

$$$$

Cuban

South End

4.7

1101 reviews

Dona Habana is a great spot for a romantic and carefree date - ask any local! The space looks like a tropical paradise and you’ll feel like you’re in Old Havana, Cuba the second you step inside. The beautiful artwork, low lighting and amazing cocktails are the perfect accompaniments to a night out. Indulge in the fantastic Cuban cuisine and sample their unique fusion of native Taino, Spanish, African and Caribbean food. They have live music in the lounge on weekends, a great time to stop by for dinner and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Brassica Kitchen

$$$$

French American

Jamaica Plain

4.8

1214 reviews

Brassica Kitchen and Cafe is a super trendy restaurant in Boston created by the Whisk Pop-up Group. During the daytime they function as a coffee shop focused on pastries and espresso drinks. By night the restaurant turns into a romantic haven for dinner. They offer a shared tasting menu of delicious French American dishes. Diners can also order items a la-carte. Located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood, it’s the perfect spot to take your date for a special occasion. They also have a full cocktail, beer and wine menu to enjoy with dishes like the Amberjack Donburi, BBQ Pork and Shishito and Bone Marrow fried sticky rice.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Forage

$$$$

Contemporary American

Cambridge

4.6

1164 reviews

If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in Cambridge, head to Forage on Craigie Circle. It’s a warm and cozy neighborhood bistro right off Harvard Square that serves up casual, contemporary American food. They partner with local farmers, fishermen and foragers to come up with delicious dishes and classically crafted cocktails. Forage is the brainchild of Owner Stan Hilbert, chef Eric Cooper and bar manager Joe Choiniere, the team behind Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain. Come in for a comfortable, down-to-earth environment and dishes like Chickpea Socca, Rosemary Pappardelle Pasta and Fried Bluefish.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Dali

$$$$

Spanish

Cambridge

4.8

1115 reviews

For traditional Spanish cuisine in a sultry setting that’s perfect for a date, head to Dali on Washington Street in Cambridge. The interior is romantic and colorful with artwork on the walls, a tin ceiling and warm vibes. Owners Mario Leon and Tamara Bourso create unique dishes that incorporate all the flavors of Spain. Choose from a variety of small plates in order to sample all sorts of proteins, vegetables and flavor combinations that make every dish memorable. House specialties include beef short ribs in a wine sauce, grilled lamb chops and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a number of small plates so you and your date can sample some of the more inventive items on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Venezia Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Neponset Circle

4.6

1826 reviews

Want to impress your date with great food and stunning views? Head to Venezia Restaurant, located in Neponset Circle in a breathtaking setting along the Boston Harbor. Here you will find award-winning food, amazing customer service and waterfront views that will dazzle you while you dine. Chef Gianni Caruso cooks up authentic Italian food and the kitchen promises all homemade pasta and sauces, fresh local seafood, delicious wine from their personal winery and more. House specialties include the Cioppino, a classic seafood stew with white fish, scallops, calamari, shrimp, mussels and clams.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

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