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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown Crossing

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1488)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 62 times today
Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.
A photo of Beehive restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7168)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 61 times today
The Beehive is an underground Bohemian eatery and bar featuring fabulous cuisine, libations, artwork and world class live music. Nestled below the Boston Center for the Art’s historic Cyclorama in Boston’s South End, we are conveniently located to local theaters, the Calderwood Pavilion as well as Boston's Theater district. The Beehive serves the eclectic fare of Chef Ryan Skeen - rustic comfort food infused with American and Mediterranean influences. Join us for dinner, weekend brunch, patio dining, great cocktails at our bars and next level live music. If you like the Beehive you'll love our sister restaurant Cosmica Mexican Food & Bar for elevated Mexican cuisine and cocktails located two blocks away.
A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(112)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 58 times today
Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti, carpaccios and pizzas, to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.
A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2180)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 59 times today
Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.
A photo of Quattro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1393)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North End
Booked 36 times today
Quattro Ristorante, Grille & Pizzeria, is restaurateur Frank DePasquale’s forth restaurant in the North End, hence the name which means 4 in Italian. Quattro is also located on the 4 major corners of the North End, Boston’s Famous Italian Neighborhood. Inspired by Italy’s passion for high quality foods prepared with fresh ingredients, Quattro brings delicious foods from simple locally grown ingredients. Frank DePasquale does something few restaurateurs have every tried, melding a full service restaurant that serves wine, beer and cordials with a kitchen equipped with a rotisserie, a char broiler and an authentic Neapolitan brick style pizza oven. Quality has been the only focus and the essential ingredient at Quattro, from the ingredients to the preparation of the food to the service. Quattro’s unique menu appeals to a wide variety of people by touching on all categories, fresh meats, seafood, pork and poultry prepared right in front of your eyes on our custom built rotisserie.
A photo of The Florentine Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(635)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North End
Booked 29 times today
The Florentine Café is an Italian lunch and dinner café, with a full bar, draft beers, and a great wine selection. Stop by with a friend for drinks and a meal or come to lunch with business colleagues. We now offer outdoor seating, as well as, indoor seating with a great view. When the floor-to-ceiling windows open, they let in a nice breeze, allowing the fresh air to circulate, adding to a beautiful dining experience, in, or out. We also have a separate dining area downstairs that seats up to 50 guests It's perfect for any private event, rehearsal dinner, or business function. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax, and enjoy a meal with fine company. Join us, start with complimentary, home-made Focaccia bread and seasoned olive oil, and you must try our signature dish, Ravioli di Aragosta. Other best dishes include, the Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pollo al Limone, and a new favourite, the Salmone D'estate.
A photo of Joe’s On Newbury restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3038)
Price: Expensive
• American • Back Bay
Booked 69 times today
Joe’s on Newbury, located on Boston’s historic Newbury Street, offers the comfort food you crave. A staple in the Back Bay for over 35 years, the popular spot serves a New England inspired menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beverage list. Joe’s on Newbury offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating as well as an enclosed patio, giving diners the feel of being outside all year long. Delivery and take-out options available.
A photo of Aquitaine - Boston restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3941)
Price: Moderate
• French • South End
Booked 40 times today
Aquitaine, an award-winning French bistro in Boston’s South End, has been a neighborhood gem for over 20 years. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a charming date night, or a sophisticated business lunch, Aquitaine delivers an authentic Parisian experience. Savor French favorites like Steak Frites, Nicoise Salad, Moules (Mussels), Duck Confit, Croque Madame, and Truffle Fries in the recently renovated dining room or on the expanded patio. Known as a wine bar destination, Aquitaine also offers an iconic brunch for those who want to indulge in classic French dishes while overlooking the vibrant Tremont Street.
A photo of Eva restaurant
4.4
Awesome(444)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Back Bay
Booked 34 times today
Please note that our patio is seated on a first come first serve basis; all tables are set for a 90 minute reservation limit.Eva means full of life. It is also the initials to my children, Elias & Vivian Aboujaoude, who are my life. Eva is a space designed to be welcoming and bright, a place for great food, refreshing cocktails and lively conversation. All while sitting back to enjoy and observe the hustle & bustle of beautiful, historic Newbury Street from one of the largest outdoor patios.
A photo of STREGA Italiano – Back Bay restaurant
4.4
Awesome(639)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 10 times today
Strega Italiano Back Bay, located in the beautiful Park Plaza Hotel, is a neighborhood destination that caters to guests seeking a premier location for a business meeting and those winding down after the workday, while simultaneously serving as Boston's epicenter for exceptional, inspiring dishes, creative cocktails and upscale nightlife.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sara
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Wonderful place to see live music and eat before seeing a play next-door at the Huntington. Starting at 6:30, there was a great band that included an electric harp, bass and drums playing jazz which was fun to watch and not to loud so it was good background music. The bean dip was delicious but there was not enough pita bread that came with it. The butternut squash risotto was quite spicy with some kind of chili oil on top that I didn't expect, so I wasn't able to finish it, and I ate some of my husband's pasta dish, which was good but not amazing. Great atmosphere and service but the food was not amazing considering the cost.
    More info
    BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
    4.6
  • Lucinda
    London •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    wonderful. I appreciate that I was able to order a gluten free crust and requested no cheese on my pizza. Very fresh salads. Loved it.
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
    4.3
  • Peter
    Greater Boston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 4, 2025
    My wife and I have had lunch at Quattro several times and found it to be a very pleasant experience. This was our first visit for dinner. The food was very good as always. I enjoyed the steak tips cooked as ordered. My wife had her favorite Margarita Pizza, another choice which is excellent. Our nephew had the bolognese which said was great. The servers were pleasant, efficient and knowledgeable. The atmosphere at lunch is pleasantly busy. At night ii is the opposite. The warm candle light is comforting. Both experiences at Quattro is great
    More info
    QuattroPrice: Moderate• Italian• North End
    4.5
  • Jackii
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 31, 2025
    Had an amazing time! Restaurant is beautiful, drinks were great.
    More info
    Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
    4.7
  • saudi
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 8, 2025
    My husband and I visit Lincoln Tavern often! Specifically on Tuesdays because of the $1 oysters! We have yet to have a bad experience, we always try a new entree we have never been disappointed! The drinks on point food on point service on point! Last night was our anniversary and Victoria was our “server” she was amazing! She was sweet not over bearing, really she was AWESOME! We will not ever not go to Lincoln! We are planning a trip for brunch as the brunch menu calls our name!
    More info
    Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
    4.7
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