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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Back Bay

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
1. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston
4.4
Awesome(2185)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 106 times today
Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.
A photo of Joe’s On Newbury restaurant
2. Joe’s On Newbury
4.7
Exceptional(3039)
Price: Expensive
• American • Back Bay
Booked 106 times today
Joe’s on Newbury, located on Boston’s historic Newbury Street, offers the comfort food you crave. A staple in the Back Bay for over 35 years, the popular spot serves a New England inspired menu featuring classic dishes and an extensive beverage list. Joe’s on Newbury offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating as well as an enclosed patio, giving diners the feel of being outside all year long. Delivery and take-out options available.
A photo of Little Whale restaurant
3. Little Whale
4.8
Exceptional(772)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Back Bay
Booked 23 times today
Little Whale Oyster Bar is a Classic New England Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar from Chef Michael Serpa on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. An ode to the seaside clamshacks are raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is a casual neighborhood spot focusing on local products and seafood friendly wines.
A photo of Eva restaurant
4. Eva
4.4
Awesome(446)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Back Bay
Booked 32 times today
Please note that our patio is seated on a first come first serve basis; all tables are set for a 90 minute reservation limit.Eva means full of life. It is also the initials to my children, Elias & Vivian Aboujaoude, who are my life. Eva is a space designed to be welcoming and bright, a place for great food, refreshing cocktails and lively conversation. All while sitting back to enjoy and observe the hustle & bustle of beautiful, historic Newbury Street from one of the largest outdoor patios.
A photo of Beehive restaurant
5. Beehive
4.6
Exceptional(7173)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 90 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 Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
6. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1489)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 105 times today
Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.
A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant
7. Contessa - Boston
4.7
Exceptional(113)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 45 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.
A photo of Aquitaine - Boston restaurant
8. Aquitaine - Boston
4.6
Exceptional(3948)
Price: Moderate
• French • South End
Booked 43 times today
Aquitaine, an award-winning French bistro in Boston’s South End, has been a neighborhood gem for over 20 years. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a charming date night, or a sophisticated business lunch, Aquitaine delivers an authentic Parisian experience. Savor French favorites like Steak Frites, Nicoise Salad, Moules (Mussels), Duck Confit, Croque Madame, and Truffle Fries in the recently renovated dining room or on the expanded patio. Known as a wine bar destination, Aquitaine also offers an iconic brunch for those who want to indulge in classic French dishes while overlooking the vibrant Tremont Street.
A photo of Blue Ribbon Brasserie restaurant
9. Blue Ribbon Brasserie
4.5
Awesome(280)
Price: Expensive
• American • Fenway–Kenmore
Booked 23 times today
Blue Ribbon Brasserie is built on the vision that originated over 30 years ago in New York City's SoHo at the legendary original Blue Ribbon, well known as the restaurant "where chefs go to eat." Blue Ribbon is also famously ready to serve here in Boston!The space is highlighted by a 70-foot white Carrera marble bar, an oyster bar, and a 16-seat private dining room. The soaring interior has been designed as a collection of intimate dining spaces featuring cozy leather banquettes, shaded table lamps and bistro tables, and a light-filled solarium with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the neighborhood and beckon inside the Boston community and visitors alike.
A photo of Alden and Harlow restaurant
10. Alden and Harlow
4.6
Exceptional(4881)
Price: Moderate
• American • Cambridge
Booked 109 times today
Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Katerina VIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A very cozy spot. Wonderful food, great wine selection, excellent service.
    More info
    Little WhalePrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Back Bay
    •
    4.8
  • KristenVIP
    Greater Boston •112 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Good Vibes. Food is consistently delish, plenty to choose from hard to limit yourself. Salads, piza, pasta all outrageous!!! Cocktails perfection. Service always always outstanding. We had the pleasure of working with Cindy who was a joy. So sweet, professional, attentive anf fun. Added to the joy of the day. See you soon!! xo
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.4
  • Mariela
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    If you want delicious food in the heart of Boston, this is the best place to go. Table service is amazing, has a bar with food service as well. The chef made us feel at home and gave us an amazing Valentine’s Day dinner!
    More info
    EvaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Back Bay
    •
    4.4
  • Maiyah-Li
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Not only was the food and atmosphere phenomenal, the staff were amazing. Extremely accommodating. Whitney was also an amazing performer and her bands was just as amazing. I would highly recommend this place, everything went perfect. I can confidently say I will be coming back. Thank you to the beehive for such an amazing time!
    More info
    BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
    •
    4.6
  • ThomasVIP
    Greater Boston •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Kat was a terrific server. I was meeting an old friend I had’t seen in 30 years. Kat was attentive, gave us time to catch up before we ordered and after we finished, but never stopped checking on us!
    More info
    Joe’s On NewburyPrice: Expensive• American• Back Bay
    •
    4.7

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