Best Historic Restaurants in East Boston

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Boston

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

72 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

1. Union Oyster House

4.4

Awesome(8905)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 155 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.

2. Prima

4.7

Exceptional(1028)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 75 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.

3. Ciao Roma

4.7

Exceptional(1148)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 102 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.

4. Riccardo's

4.5

Awesome(2858)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 50 times today

Riccardo's Ristorante is a cozy family run business in the historic North End of Boston, since 1994.Follow the Freedom Trail from Faneuil Hall and Rose Kennedy Greenway, across from Paul Revere's house.Try our infamous ricotta stuffed meatballs-shhh, they are not on the menu but available anytime. In addition to the traditional Italian favorite, Chicken Parmigiano, we are known for our delicious Eggplant Rollatini and Seafood Fra Diavlo. We offer Gluten Free pasta to ensure every guest is included-when you walk in, you are part of the family.

5. Estella

4.2

Awesome(786)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown Crossing

Booked 27 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.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Boston restaurant

6. Chart House Restaurant - Boston

4.5

Awesome(5570)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Financial District

Booked 86 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 26 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties and seasonal seafood to slow-roasted prime rib and craft cocktails, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

A photo of Ristorante Saraceno restaurant

7. Ristorante Saraceno

4.6

Exceptional(1655)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 73 times today

Born out of our love of fine wines and traditional food, Ristorante Saraceno Italian/Napoletana style cuisine has become the premiere location for fine dining in Boston’s Historic North End. After traveling the Italian regions and sampling different cuisines, we decided to make our way back home and bring Napoli’s best to Boston. Our biggest challenge was finding the right, high-quality ingredients for the dishes we wanted to serve. We are dedicated to offering only the finest and freshest foods. We have also taken great care in assembling a team of only the best chefs and experienced kitchen and dining staff. Come and taste the experience yourself.

8. Joe’s Waterfront

4.3

Awesome(1960)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • North End

Booked 136 times today

Joe’s Waterfront, nestled at the crown of Boston’s North End Waterfront, showcases the best views of the Boston Harbor amidst some of the city’s most beloved historic landmarks. The menu features creatively flavorful dishes and modern fare made with local ingredients fresh from the ocean, farm, and neighborhood purveyors. Throughout the modernized dining room, nautically themed artwork and décor adorn the walls and surround diners against the gorgeous Boston Harbor backdrop that’s been woven into the story for decades. Upstairs at Joe’s debuts a comfortable new dining, lounge, and bar area with spectacular waterfront views from above. Adjacent to the lounge is a separate private dining area ideal for intimate events. Joe’s Waterfront offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Delivery and take-out options available.

9. Arya Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2825)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 27 times today

Located in Boston's historic North End, Arya Trattoria features a mix of modern and old world Italian cuisine while paying homage to Massimo family roots from abruzzi influences. The menu is built on a foundation of simple, fresh pastas and antipasti, as well as a healthy dose of grilled meats, fish, and poultry dishes. Well-loved favorites like limoncello marinated shrimp, Cavetelli con Agnello, and massimo's grandmother's Porchetta

10. 1928 Beacon Hill

4.7

Exceptional(574)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Beacon Hill

Booked 47 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathleen
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food hit the spot perfectly!!!! Lisa, our services extredinaire was superb ! Thank you!
More info
Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.4
R
Richard
Las Vegas •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
The service was very prompt, the food was very good but it did have a high noise level
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food! My son loved the fettuccine and their chicken Parmesean was out of this world! The sauce with the juicy tomatoes and seasoned just right will keep me coming back! The sangria was delicious!
More info
Riccardo'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.5
B
Brooklyn
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was amazing and our server Samantha was the best! We will absolutely be returning. The intricate details on the cocktails were so memorable.
More info
Ciao RomaPrice: Expensive• Italian• North End
•
4.7
C
Cheryl
Greater Boston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food and drinks are always good. We had a great time.
More info
EstellaPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown Crossing
•
4.2

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