Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Boston

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Willow & Ivy on Exeter

4.8

4.8 (35)

$31 to $50

American

Back Bay

About the restaurant

Welcome to Willow & Ivy, a neighborhood eatery located in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay. Our newly renovated space is full of energy, enhanced by lush greenery and beautiful vaulted windows that fill the room with warm, natural light. Whether you enter from charming Exeter Street or through The Lenox lobby, you will be greeted by our smiling staff and the enticing aromas of our locally curated menu. Your table is all set—sit back and enjoy.

Top review

Jamie

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent experience at this newly opened restaurant. The service was amazing and the food was delicious. Our server was knowledgeable and passionate and the owner came to check on us. I will definitely go back next time I am in town.

Sambalos tapas & Bar

4.9

4.9 (16)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Winthrop

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sambalos, where every dish tells a story and every bite is an adventure! Nestled in the heart of Winthrop, we are dedicated to offering a unique dining experience that blends global cuisines with a local twist.

Our menu features a delightful selection of tapas, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. From the vibrant flavors of Latin America to the comfort of classic American dishes, our offerings cater to every palate. Dive into our customizable tacos, bursting with fresh ingredients and inspired fillings that you won't find anywhere else.

At Sambalos, we believe that food is a universal language, and our innovative fusion of flavors reflects this philosophy. Whether you're stopping by for a casual dinner with friends, a family gathering, or a special celebration, our warm and inviting atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for your culinary adventure.

Join us at Sambalos, where each visit is a taste of the world right here in Winthrop! We can’t wait to welcome you!

Top review

Justin

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Great food and fantastic service, can’t wait to come back!

Wusong Road

4.7

4.7 (704)

$31 to $50

Polynesian

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Wusong Tiki Bar is Cambridge's local tropical Bar serving Chinese American bar bites and tropical Tiki inspired drinks by Chef Jason Doo. Famous for our hand-made baos, crab Rangoons and the best Mai Tai in Boston.

Please note if there are no tables available our ground floor bar and 2nd floor bar are available for guests without bookings--subject to availability and during peak hours there may be a queue.

All reservations are for a 90-minute experience, and we kindly ask that you respect the guests who follow.

Wusong Road is a minority and LGBTQ owned business.

Top review

Amber

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Everyone went above and beyond, and I had such a beautiful time!

One + One

4.8

4.8 (97)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Back Bay

About the restaurant

Start your day in style at the chic and bright One + One Restaurant, located at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. Weekdays feature a refined breakfast experience, while weekends offer Boston's only luxury brunch buffet with delicious brunch favorites and decadent pastries. This modern American restaurant, nestled in the heart of Back Bay, emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients for both breakfast and lunch. With stunning views of the Boston skyline, One + One is perfect for casual dining, special occasions, or indulging in one of the best brunches in Boston.

Top review

BostonVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We didn’t realize ala cart was not available on weekends and made the decision to stay and do the buffet. It’s nice, but wildly overpriced. $65 per person I could see , but 100 person with the restaurant tax and tip. I could have called about it , so I take the blame. Buy geez, I guess if u need to ask the price , you cant afford it.

Contessa - Boston

4.8

4.8 (152)

$31 to $50

Italian

Back Bay

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

TimVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Lovely ambiance and vibes. Great service. Food was just ok and a little overpriced

Mooo SEAPORT

4.9

4.9 (1033)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

South Boston

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mooo Seaport, part of the Mooo... brand from the Columbus Hospitality Group. Located in the vibrant Fort Point neighborhood on Melcher Street, Mooo Seaport offers an exceptional private dining experience for groups of all sizes. Our three private dining rooms, The Hearth, The Study, and The Library, can accommodate groups of 10-70 guests for seated events and receptions up to 100 guests. With flexible spaces that can cater to both intimate gatherings and larger events, Mooo Seaport is the perfect choice for corporate events, social occasions, and everything in between.

Top review

John

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food and service. Worth every penny! Can't wait to go back

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Popular dish

Prime Ribeye

Popular dish

Valrhona Chocolate Cake

Popular dish

American Wagyu Filet Mignon

Offsuit

4.9

4.9 (208)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Leather District

About the restaurant

Offsuit is an intimate cocktail bar. We want everyone to enjoy the Offsuit experience; so visits are limited to 90 minutes. Reservations are only available for 7 days into the future.

Top review

ToddVIP

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

Consistently excellent and original cocktail program with a small but well-curated food menu. Dark and often loud, a great hideout for a drink. Call - don’t knock!

Ciao Roma

4.8

4.8 (1126)

$31 to $50

Italian

North End

About the restaurant

Located in Boston's North End, Ciao Roma offers a unique Southern Italian dining experience with a modern touch. Enjoy authentic flavors with dishes made using fresh, seasonal ingredients while also serving classics such as, Pappardelle Bolognese and Chicken Parmigiana. Pair your meal with our curated wine list and refreshing cocktails. And don't forget to try our award winning espresso martini! Join us for our Italian-inspired weekend brunch or dine al fresco on our patio during the summer. Perfect for date night, birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, our restaurant provides an elegant setting with views of historic North Square.

Top review

MarlaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Oscar our server was outstanding!!! He couldn’t have been more helpful with his suggestions and we all were over the moon with the quality of our food and the service! We will definitely come again next time we are in Boston!

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Popular dish

Rigatoni & Sunday Ragu

4.9

4.9 (510)

$30 and under

American

West Cambridge

About the restaurant

Tucked in a converted greenhouse, Daedalus is a casual restaurant that serves New American cuisine and drinks in spacious surrounds. The restaurant's menu changes to reflect the season. Diners rave about the crab cake sandwich, the buffalo tenders and the Daedalus burger.

A neighborhood favorite, Daedalus boasts a roof deck that delivers a lovely view of Harvard square. It also hosts two bars (one located on each floor)

Top review

JoanneVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

This is a gem in Cambridge. We had a relaxing low key dinner that was delicious. The waiter and Host were warm and attentive. Recommend it highly.

Dotty's Kitchen & Raw Bar

4.9

4.9 (52)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Quincy

About the restaurant

Dotty's is a cozy neighborhood restaurant featuring a bountiful raw bar with oysters from all along the Northeast, along with crispy snacks, chowder, handhelds, and exquisite entrees. The venue offers a diverse menu and a carefully curated wine list, alongside a premium cocktail program with hand-hewn ice. Join us tonight!

Top review

Alexa

Dined 7 days ago

I loved the brunch menu. Drinks were good. Nice place to bring kids as well.

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