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Bar á vin 1855, Boston, MA

Bar á vin 1855

4.6
4.6
274 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
From our seasonally inspired small plates, to full course meals, we invite you to savor every bite. Deepen your love of French wines by immersing yourself in the flavors and aromas of 1855’s selection of over 250 French wines as our sommeliers procure the perfect pairing for your meal. Our inviting bistro on Boston's popular Newbury Street will immerse you in the world of wine, with chairs crafted by a local carpenter out of wine barrels, and tables made from wooden wine case. Give into temptation and indulge in our new menus for both brunch on the weekends and dinner.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    French, Wine Bar, Breakfast
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 587-4222
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ozzy Rizvi
  • Neighborhood
    Back Bay
  • Cross street
    Fairfield / Gloucester
  • Parking details
    Street parking or Prudential Parking Garage
  • Public transit
    Hynes Convention Center (Green Line), Prudential (Green Line), Copley (Green Line)
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 274 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Boston

    Romantic

274 Reviews
  1. Skip

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of the gems in back at area. Everything about this place is awesome. Service is always impeccable and the food is great. Wine list is one of a kind. They have selections no one else has. I live in NYC and every time I visit Boston, I always visit Bat á vin 1855

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  2. angel

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Cozy space where we warmly greeted right away. Food was expertly prepared and presented. Tables are close together as expected in the Old World feel of Boston. We had a wonderful dinner of duck and steak. Thank you!

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  3. StephenS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went here for dinner for two on a Saturday night. The indoor dining is cozy, but there is room for everyone. The staff included French speakers. We heard a buzz of French around us - but mostly English. The menu is in English, for which we thank the establishment. We had crab croquettes to start along with excellent cocktails, then salad Lyonaisse, which comes topped with poached eggs. We had grilled shrimp on the side with that salad and roasted peppers. Not big eaters, we shared a bouillabaisse which had the best grilled baguette - best because it was bread alone, without butter or garlic. Dinner was accompanied by a glass of red wine - from Lyon - and sangria. I had heard the sangria was good and it was - give it a try before scoffing. Topped off the dinner with a terrific lemon tart, a glass of port and two sips of champagne which appeared at the table gratis. You mileage may vary there. Altogether a very nice meal. Food arrived promptly and hot. We will be back. We both recommend this restaurant.

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  4. ilmg

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A nice dinner on a nice patio, with lovely garden. Food and service were again great ! Thank you A bientôt

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfection through & through We have been dreaming about the food since

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  6. Sarah

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great food, excellent wine list. Loved our server, she was very nice and knowledgeable. Price is a bit more expensive than we'd like to pay for food, but that's downtown Boston for you. The wine prices are very reasonable.

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  7. ilmg

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for a brunch , the food and service are amazing. Lovely patio. A bientôt 🙃

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    Food was mediocre. Our meats were tough, overcooked. We ordered Martinis , sent them back and we were still charged for them… Best of all was the Sommelier and his wine choice for us within our budget. It was delicious !. Would go back just as a wine bar .

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  9. James

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    Two visits, outdoor seating both times - it's a cozy setup on a patio deck on Newbury Street. Great vibes. The menu is solid with classic French offerings, and both the wine and the food were good as well. The only, but major, issue I experienced both times is that service was slow and spotty. During both of my visits, there were ~45 minute gaps during which the server did not check on the table once, and for the second visit, my dish (the Bouillabaisse) took over an hour and a half to come out, despite multiple reminders. Someone in my party had the wrong cocktail be given to her, and her main dish arrived before the appetizers. It was almost perplexing for an establishment that does a solid job on all other aspects. I unfortunately do not think I can recommend this place due to this reason.

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  10. Cage

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service. Great wine recommendation and overall a fun night.

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  11. DavidS

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This was my first time at this quaint Newbury Street Wine bistro. It was a busy Saturday evening but when I arrived for my reservation the high tops on a lower outdoor patio were all open. I chose one of those and it was quite delightful. The service was attentive, the wine list quite good and the food very good. All this at a reasonable value. Highly recommended for a romantic Bistro experience in the heart of Boston.

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  12. Adderley3C

    Greater Boston

    112 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    112 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always great service, wine and food. They know there stuff!!!! Sommelier is top notch!

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  13. LisaS

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The setting is warm and comfortable. I loved the personal feel, friendly staff, professional service. Our meal was delicious! I would love to go back again soon!

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  14. kareng

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The British hostess was lovely and accommodating even though we arrived 30 minutes early. All service Was excellent as was food

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  15. IreneH

    Greater Boston

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    cute spot on Newbury street with a broad wine list and delicious French food. Menu includes a la carte choices or an interesting 3 course offer. My spouse loves the Foie Gras and duck entrée and I love Le Steak. Premium wine pairing is a good option with tasting menu. Servers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about wine and food. Wonderful experience. Would strongly recommend for dinner or drinks.

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  16. Genings

    Warwickshire

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The owner/manager is friendly with expert advice on wines to pair with food.

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  17. Bethany

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful brunch! The staff was so kind and attentive! The food was incredible. Great experience!! Mathieu is the BEST!! :)

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  18. ChrisD

    Exclusive

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    friendly staff, great food/ wine mix; great location

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We were transported to a French neighborhood bistro in the middle of Back Bay for brunch. The extensive wine menu could not be enjoyed at 10am, but the limited brunch menu was rich and magnifique!

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  20. Bergamot

    Greater Boston

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Excellent food and the pace was good. I would definitely come back.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Asparagus appetizer was unique and extremely tasty. Entrées were spot on. And cocktails very well made. Very attentive service.

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  22. StephenO

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a beautiful, warm summer evening and a great evening to be outside. The food, wine, and service matched the great evening.

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  23. Dissatisfied

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Terrible service. Staff came by too frequently upon arrival and then did not come to table for 40 minutes despite trying to get their attention.

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  24. local24

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Always a pleasure to sample the fine food and curated wines here.

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  25. Jolie

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience4
    I was so looking forward to my reservation. My family and friends were in town and wanted a day on Newbury Street. The food was terrible. My sister's risotto was emulsified, sweet, and also sour? One of my friends is vegan and wanted one of the two vegan options on the menu. However, my friend chose the dish that happened to be on the prix fix menu and the waiter would not allow her to order it. Why would we pay for a three-course menu when 2/3 of the prix fix is not vegan? I wish the waiter had taken some time to accommodate my friend's dietary needs. And yes, my friend ordered the other vegan option and it was just a bowl of unseasoned lentils. My father and I had the coq au vin, which is the worst dish I have ever eaten. The pea puree was overly pureed, sour, and salty. The chicken was also sour because the red wine clearly was not reduced enough. My mom had the steak which she found to be okay. We ended the night grabbing food somewhere else. Overall, really disappointing experience as I was so excited for the night.

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  26. Rick

    San Antonio

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were fortunate to be at Bar a vin 1855 on a beautiful day so enjoyed eating outside, but the bar and interior were great as well. The waiter was friendly and very helpful with food and wine selections. The food was fabulous and the recommended wines were perfect. A great evening.

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  27. DanielD

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This was a great place to visit and dine. Very good authentic French food, really nice decor and ambiance, was fun place on a very upscale street

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  28. BigBand

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful meal! The food was delicious and beautifully presented. It is a small venue, but well managed with an excellent staff. We recommend this restaurant very highly.

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  29. JuneM

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic as always

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  30. CheyenneD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience we had was above and beyond incredible. The food was fantastic. Our filet was requested medium rare and we did receive it medium well but we did not alert our server due to everything else being amazing, the cook on the steak was not a big deal to us since it was amazing regardless. Our server was so well verse in his wine knowledge and made our anniversary dinner one to be remembered. We had the prix fix menu and added the wine pairings. If you’re willing to splurge, DO IT!!! I would do it over time and time again if we could. Absolutely amazing.

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  31. StephenO

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect - food, wine, service and atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.

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  32. JayneB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was delicious! We had 8 people in our party and all selections were wonderful.

    1 person found this helpful

  33. Sunny

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. My only issue was that when they brought our main courses, 2 of the entrees were cold. Service was great

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  34. hard2plz

    Greater Boston

    87 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a treat ! Food and service were excellent and a quiet ambience. Too often restaurants open for brunch have loud music as though the party from the night before continues. Not at all what we experienced, and we are looking forward to coming back !

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef and wait staff were very accommodating to a member of our party with a serious health condition. Really appreciated their compassion and technical ability to provide a delicious meal with. O advance warning.

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  36. TerryC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mathieu was superb, and Easter brunch was delicious!

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  37. FaeYuni

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I picked this restaurant as our last hurrah on mine and my friends trip to Boston, and it definitely lived up to our expectations. Our server was amazingly attentive and very cautious of my friend’s gluten allergy. The wine selection was amazing, with plenty of options ranging from inexpensive to quite pricey. The food was delicious, i had to try a bite of all my friends food. My boyfriend got the scallop, and i don’t typically even like scallop but this scallop was delicious. My other friend got the risotto, and I’ma sucker for risotto. I got the duck, which was tender and flavorful. We also all split a charcuterie board which even for a 3 cut plate had a great variety of cheeses and accoutrements. This place was definitely worth the splurge for us and we can’t wait to go back next year.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Food not cooked up to a minimum expected standard. The restaurant keeps bottles of wine ( I was told in a special refrigersted unit) but my wine eas warm when it should have been kept at 18 degrees. The waiter/sommelier very nice and tried to transform our experience to no avail since the food and the wine ehere not up to standard

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  39. Tara

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent for restaurant week! Got the goat cheese salad, chicken, and roasted pear for desert.

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  40. Daisy

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time from being greeted , seated , dinner was delicious. Overall we loved it and will return!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Bar á vin 1855 is rated 4.6 stars by 274 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 PM


Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Bar á vin 1855

259 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116-2402

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Fairfield / Gloucester
  • Neighborhood
    Back Bay
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    French, Wine Bar, Breakfast
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking or Prudential Parking Garage
  • Public transit
    Hynes Convention Center (Green Line), Prudential (Green Line), Copley (Green Line)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ozzy Rizvi
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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