By Emma Royse By Emma Royse | April 10, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
Whisk your other half away for an evening at one of the city’s most dreamy eateries.
Amar
If the views from Raffles Boston’s Amar don’t captivate your special someone, the Portuguese-inspired menu surely will. Indulge in the duck breast, made with spices, matsutake mushrooms and burgundy black truffle, all while sipping the exquisite Rio cocktail. For a sweet finale, share the Pasteis De Nata—a Portuguese egg custard tart with a dash of cinnamon. 40 Trinity Place, amarboston.com
Aquitaine
Experience the city of love without a visit to Logan at Aquitaine. South End’s award-winning Parisian-inspired French bistro serves an array of authentic French delights from sole meunière to escargot bourguignon. The elegant ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for intimate conversations away from the bustle of Tremont Street. Close out the evening at The Little Bar or order the N.V. Pol Roger Brut Champagne to enjoy at the comfort of your table. 569 Tremont St., aquitaineboston.com
Bistro du Midi
At Bistro du Midi, two stunning views converge: the tranquil beauty of Boston’s Public Garden and every dish on chef Robert Sisca’s menu. Boasting locally sourced ingredients, each bite is a symphony of French flavors, from Black River Ossetra caviar to filet mignon. 272 Boylston St., bistrodumidi.com
Bogie’s Place
Peek through a red velvet curtain at the back of Jim Curley’s to find the ultimate speakeasy steakhouse. Encased in dark red walls and adorned with chandeliers, this small, dimly lit haven exudes intimacy. Lean in close to your date as you both savor sips of Cremant D’Alsace. For meat lovers, the Tomahawk awaits, while seafood aficionados can indulge in the ora king salmon. 25 Temple Place, bogiesplace.com
Contessa
Enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the grand rooftop restaurant at The Newbury Boston presents an ideal vantage point for sunset and skyline views. While taking in the colorful Ken Fulk-designed space, listen as a whisper of Frank Sinatra plays in the background, setting the scene for a romantic dinner. Treat your loved one to Northern Italian-inspired cuisines such as prosciutto San Daniele and octopus agrodolce. 3 Newbury St., contessaristorante.com
Grill 23 & Bar
Dark wooden walls, sparkling chandeliers, pristine white tablecloths and gold accents create the ultimate steakhouse ambiance at Grill 23 & Bar. Savory dishes from Scottish Fiordland trout and seared sea scallops featuring parsnip purée, blood orange and fresh white truffle will tantalize your taste buds. As the evening unfolds, pull your partner close while you share dulce de leche bread pudding and sips of Taittinger. 161 Berkeley St., grill23.com
Mistral
Embark on an expedition to Provence as you enter Mistral. The South End eatery’s arched windows and pottery transport diners to the sun-drenched, crisp air of southern France. Curated by chef Jamie Mammano, the award-winning bistro offers French-Mediterranean cuisine with a modern flair: Think bites like the roast rack of Colorado lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, honey-roasted carrots and haricot verts. 223 Columbus Ave., mistralbistro.com
No. 9 Park
Timeless elegance envelopes this historic townhouse nestled in Beacon Hill. Views of Boston Common paired with dark wood floors and shimmering antique chandeliers create a moody, intimate atmosphere. After settling into warm leather and sage velvet banquettes, dine on chef Barbara Lynch’s tasting menu or savor the giannone chicken terrine—a James Beard Award-winning wine list further elevates this culinary journey. 9 Park St., no9park.com
Rochambeau
No culture has mastered romance like the French. For a truly unforgettable evening, secure a table at Rochambeau. Sips like The Wiseguy or a bottle of your favorite French wine pair perfectly with escargot, steak tartare, and lobster frites. End the evening on a sweet note with their profiteroles and crème brûlée. 900 Boylston St., rochambeauboston.com
Sorellina
Immerse yourself in chef Jamie Mammano’s Italian-Mediterranean menu at Sorellina. Plates like the polo, featuring grilled octopus and squid ink couscous, and veal chop will surely take your date’s breath away. 1 Huntington Ave., sorellinaboston.com
Toscano
Situated on Beacon Hill’s charming Charles Street, Toscano fully embraces the neighborhood’s cozy, romantic feel with hand-carved doors, Italian stone walls, illuminated handpainted chandeliers and traditional Tuscan bites. Transport your tastebuds to Italy with fresh seafood, Florentine steak from the Chiana Valley and the popular Rigatoni Toscano with double-smoked bacon, tomato cream and herbs. 47 Charles St., toscanoboston.com
Photography by: Conor Doherty; courtesy of brands