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Contessa - Boston, Boston, MA

Contessa - Boston

4.8
4.8
78 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 48 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
  • Fancy
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.
Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 741-3404
  • Website
    https://contessaristorante.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    For a party of 9+, please email events@contessaboston.com.
  • Private party contact
    Contessa Boston Events Team: (617) 536-5700
  • Location
    1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
  • Neighbourhood
    Back Bay
  • Cross Street
    Located in The Newbury Hotel at Arlington St. and Berkeley St.
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    The main entrance to the restaurant is located at 3 Newbury Street. If you enter through the hotel, you will need to walk through the restaurant to check in at the host stand.
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access

Experiences

  • Christmas Dinner at Contessa Boston

    US$195.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 25, 2024 only
    This Christmas, celebrate at Contessa with an extraordinary four-course prix-fixe. Start with a variety of anti-pasti like the Burrata with Caviar and the Chianina Carpaccio, before moving into satisfying pastas. Feast on Prime Rib and Grilled Mediterranean Branzino and finish with Nutella Fudge Cake and Panettone. Cancellations may be made up to 1 week in advance at 5pm. Cancellations after that date will forfeit the deposit. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. No shorts, open-toed shoes, or tank tops. Athletic wear and baseball caps are kindly prohibited. If you have any questions, please email holidays@majorfood.com for more information.
    Christmas Dinner at Contessa Boston photo

  • New Years Eve at Contessa Boston

    US$295.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Ring in the New Year at our jewel box in the sky this New Year’s Eve, with the best views in Boston. Gather over an elegant Italian feast with old-world glamour. From Burrata with Caviar to satisfying pastas and Wagyu Ribeye, celebrate with your loved ones at Contessa. Cancellations may be made up to 1 week in advance at 5pm. Cancellations after that date will forfeit the deposit. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. No shorts, open-toed shoes, or tank tops. Athletic wear and baseball caps are kindly prohibited. If you have any questions, please email holidays@majorfood.com for more information.
    New Years Eve at Contessa Boston photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 78 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Greater Boston

    Best Ambience

  • Greater Boston

    Great for brunch

  • Boston

    Best Ambience

  • Boston

    Great for brunch

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Contessa in Boston offers stunning city views, "delicious food," and a "fantastic ambiance." Highlights include the squash carpaccio and sweet corn ravioli. While many praise the "excellent service," some note occasional delays in seating. The elegant decor and vibrant atmosphere make it a "must-visit" for special occasions.

78 Reviews

  1. Kenia

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent!! Service, food , place. .. love it

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  2. Meghan

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great. Views were great. Service was great.

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  3. Brian

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Might be the nicest spot in the city.Take a girl here, you can’t beat it.

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  4. Heather

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Beautiful restaurant but food is over priced for what it is

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  5. Alan

    Greater Boston

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First course was exceptional - squash carpaccio. Second course was ok - veal milanese. Service was outstanding. Tables are VERY close together - zero privacy from neighbors. Decor is vibrant, warm, and rich with natural light. The tight spacing, noise level, and variable food quality eclipse the good parts of Contessa.

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  6. Bridget

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    It is beautiful inside. The sommelier was very kind and helpful. Our server was a bit aggressive and made us feel hurried rather than allowing us to linger over a cocktail and have a little time between courses. Food was delicious.

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  7. Michael

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent place to celebrate a special occasion

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  8. Polina

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was just ok. Honestly not very good. I had a salad added chicken to it. The chicken was awful. Dry and flavorless!

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  9. Katherine

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Contessa in Boston—not once but twice for brunch—and I can confidently say it will now be our go-to spot. From the food to the ambiance, every detail was memorable and delightful. Both times, we indulged in the Panettone French Toast, which was nothing short of exceptional. The toast was thick and beautifully crisped, with a deep golden-brown finish that made for a delectable bite every time. What truly elevated it was the perfect flavoring; you could taste the notes of vanilla in the egg batter, which added a layer of warmth and richness to the dish. It struck the perfect balance between decadent and satisfying. My husband paired his with the smoked salmon and capers, a classic combination that provided a savory counterpoint to the sweet toast. The setting at Contessa is unmatched. Perched on the rooftop, the restaurant boasts stunning panoramic views of the New England skyline. Gazing out over the city’s mix of historic and modern architecture while dining created an unforgettable experience. The natural light pouring through the glass panels only enhanced the beauty of the moment. Beyond the views, the décor is something to marvel at. The mix of chic furnishings, artful design, and sophisticated yet playful touches (like the whimsical artwork and charming wallpaper) make the space feel both luxurious and cozy. From the plush seating to the mirrored accents and plants strategically placed around the room, the attention to detail gives Contessa a vibrant yet elegant personality. The overall ambiance was perfect for a leisurely brunch—refined, yet relaxed. Whether it’s the upbeat, bustling atmosphere of the staff or the impeccable service, everything comes together seamlessly. We’ll absolutely be back for more brunches at Contessa. The combination of incredible food, breathtaking views, and thoughtful design creates a dining experience that is both special and comforting.

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  10. Claudia

    VIP

    Monterrey

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorite places in Boston ! Food is amazing, service is great and the view is like no other !

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FAQs

Contessa - Boston is rated 4.8 stars by 78 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 48 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Contessa - Boston

1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Located in The Newbury Hotel at Arlington St. and Berkeley St.
  • Neighbourhood
    Back Bay
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    The main entrance to the restaurant is located at 3 Newbury Street. If you enter through the hotel, you will need to walk through the restaurant to check in at the host stand.
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access
  • Website
    https://contessaristorante.com/
  • Phone number
    (617) 741-3404
  • Private party facilities
    For a party of 9+, please email events@contessaboston.com.
  • Private party contact
    Contessa Boston Events Team: (617) 536-5700
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