Best Historic Restaurants in South End

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BostonBoston Metro South

Neighborhoods

Back BayBeacon HillBrooklineCambridgeCharlestownChinatown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

68 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Metropolis Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(1632)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 18 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.

2. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7228)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 36 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

3. Banyan Bar + Refuge

4.6

Exceptional(1417)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • South End

Booked 4 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.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

4. Union Oyster House

4.4

Awesome(8846)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 144 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. Prima

4.7

Exceptional(1004)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 64 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.

6. Estella

4.2

Awesome(775)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Crossing

Booked 49 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.

7. Contessa - Boston

4.8

Exceptional(157)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 51 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.

8. Ciao Roma

4.7

Exceptional(1133)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 58 times today

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.

9. 1928 Beacon Hill

4.7

Exceptional(553)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Beacon Hill

Booked 29 times today

Welcome to 1928 Beacon Hill — where seasonal, eclectic American cuisine meets worldly flavors in a sophisticated, speakeasy-inspired setting. Under the culinary direction of Culinary Director Chris Maxson, our kitchen crafts innovative dishes designed to captivate the senses and elevate your dining experience.Nestled in the heart of historic Beacon Hill, just steps from the iconic Boston Common and the scenic Charles River Esplanade, we offer a destination dining experience for both locals and visitors. Our intimate dining spaces, featuring vintage-inspired décor, create a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for romantic evenings, gatherings with friends, or special celebrations.Whether you're sipping on our prohibition-era cocktails or savoring world-class wines, 1928 Beacon Hill promises a dining experience that is both memorable and uniquely Boston.

A photo of Petit Robert Bistro Columbus Avenue restaurant

10. Petit Robert Bistro Columbus Avenue

4.6

Exceptional(2773)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • South End

Booked 35 times today

With a casual atmosphere and a classic menu, Petit Robert Bistro feels like an authentic French bistro. Established in 2005 in the South End of Boston, Petit Robert Bistro has become an institution in the neighborhood! Our patio is one of the most beautiful and comfortable places in Boston. Our Chef Chris Ipus HAS created an authentic and very interesting menu that changes every season.Bon Appetit!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jessica
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Best meal out at a restaurant I have ever had in my 47 years!!
More info
Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.4
F
Frances
Greater Boston •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Dined outside. Umbrella provided. Absolutely everything was wonderful.
More info
Banyan Bar + RefugePrice: Expensive• Asian• South End
•
4.6
C
Casey
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Best atmosphere, awesome service. Food was delicious.
More info
BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.6
W
williamVIP
New York City •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 26, 2025
Great food, vibe, service. Consistently good experience
More info
Metropolis CafePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.8
J
Janice
Greater Boston •23 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Food was great. Service was great. Ambience was great. Love this restaurant.
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.7

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