Best Historic Restaurants in South End

68 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7138)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 42 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 Banyan Bar + Refuge restaurant

2. Banyan Bar + Refuge

4.7

Exceptional(1364)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • South End

Booked 17 times today

Indulge in a captivating culinary journey at Banyan Bar + Refuge, a fusion of Southeast Asian and New England flavors. Our menu boasts a tantalizing array of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy creations that promise to delight your palate. Immerse yourself in a delightful atmosphere filled with great music and a relaxed ambiance as you enjoy the historic South End.

3. Metropolis Cafe

new

4.8

Exceptional(1562)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 22 times today

Metropolis Café, nestled in Boston’s Historic South End with views of lively Tremont Street, combines fine dining and warm hospitality at casual prices. Our dinner menu features favorites like Rigatoni, Pan Roasted Natural Chicken with foraged mushroom crème and whipped garlic Yukon potatoes, Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts served with house-made buttermilk ranch and celery salad, and our creamy Risottos. Join us for a beloved neighborhood brunch on weekends, where locals and visitors enjoy a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a weekend brunch, Metropolis Café offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Boston’s South End.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

4. Union Oyster House

4.3

Awesome(8665)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 104 times today

The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. This Boston fixture, housed in a building dating back to Pre-Revolutionary days, started serving food in 1826 and has continued ever since with the stalls and oyster bar, where Daniel Webster was a constant customer, in their original positions.

5. Grill 23 & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(8735)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Back Bay

Booked 112 times today

Brandt family beef, New England seafood, seasonal produce, decadent desserts, a world-class wine list, outstanding service and warm hospitality. A truly American experience. Boston’s top steak and seafood grill for more than 30 years. Consistently named Boston's Best Steakhouse by The Improper Bostonian Magazine and Boston Magazine. A 2000+ bottle wine list that encompasses wines from around the world and is the only Boston recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.

6. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(753)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 47 times today

Located on the edge of City Square Park in Charlestown, Prima is an energetic Italian celebration of reimagined classics. Our beautifully restored grand bar and dining room – which overlooks the park as well as the city skyline – strives to honor our building’s past and its prestigious placement at the gate of this historic Boston neighborhood.

7. Estella

4.1

Excellent(604)

Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 57 times today

Estella Restaurant, a culinary gem in downtown Boston, invites you to an exceptional dining experience that fuses flavors from diverse cultures. Founded by George Brandão in tribute to his extraordinary mother, Estella—a beacon of love and dedication—the restaurant embodies unity and diversity at its core. Our signature dish, the Famous Worrell Oxtail Rasta Pasta, is a harmonious blend of tender oxtail and vibrant Caribbean spices, a must-try for food enthusiasts seeking unique flavors. Estella has been featured in prestigious publications such as Eater Boston's Best Restaurants in Downtown Crossing and Best Cocktail Bars in Boston. Located steps away from iconic landmarks like the Boston Common and the historic Freedom Trail, Estella is the perfect destination for locals and visitors seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Join us, where every dish tells a story and every moment celebrates culture, unity, and culinary artistry.

8. Contessa - Boston

4.8

Exceptional(79)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 46 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.

9. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1034)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 34 times today

Italian restaurant using the freshest ingredients and house-made pasta. Focusing on Southern Italian cuisine, we serve a full bar and curated wine list. Located on the historic Freedom Trail overlooking North Square.

10. 75 Chestnut

4.7

Exceptional(2373)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Beacon Hill

Booked 28 times today

75 Chestnut - Nestled amidst the brownstones on the charming streets of Beacon Hill. Features regional American food. Serving our neighborhood for the last 20+ years we are delighted to welcome you to our establishment. We are proud that we can serve our fresh cooked to order foods, specialty crafted drinks and cocktails. Our super friendly staff will make you want to come back again and again. we are the essential Beacon Hill restaurant a must see for residents and visitors alike. Our seafood stew and steak tips have our guests wanting to come back. We serve dinner seven nights a week and we serve brunch and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. the stuffed French toast is something you don't want to miss. during the seasons we always feature food and drink specials and special events. some examples are sweet tooth Tuesdays, wine Wednesdays, green Thursdays, Sunday supper. our Ginger bread lunches are iconic so book soon. we will be happy to serve you .

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
christineVIP
Greater Boston •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
There is no better place to celebrate the Holidays than Grill 23! It's festive and welcoming and the food never disappoints. Christopher, our waiter, was outstanding!
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Grill 23 & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Back Bay
•
4.8
Y
YvonneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was really good from the complimentary cornbread to the Boston cream pie. We had the cold plate with clams, oysters, and shrimp and a cold lobster roll. It was a slow night off-season but still amazing. Our server was attentive and the overall ambiance was nice.
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Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.3
A
Aeneas
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Truly wonderful experience. Jazz band started as we sat down and played at just the right volume to have a conversation and jiggle to the tunes. We were very close to the stage and the waiter was attentive and good humoured. Food was delicious and cocktails were very satisfying. Will be back!
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BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.6
M
MeredithVIP
Greater Boston •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
My favorite place in the south end. Cozy and everyone is always so nice!
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Metropolis CafePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.8
L
LukeVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Seating experience and service could have been faster/more organized
More info
Banyan Bar + RefugePrice: Expensive• Asian• South End
•
4.7

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Best Historic Restaurants in South End

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68 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

2. Banyan Bar + Refuge

3. Metropolis Cafe

4. Union Oyster House

5. Grill 23 & Bar

6. Prima

7. Estella

8. Contessa - Boston

9. Ciao Roma

10. 75 Chestnut

See what locals rave about

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