Best Restaurants for People Watching in East Boston

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant

1. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1463)

Price: Moderate

• American • South Boston

Booked 30 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.

2. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7104)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 64 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.

3. Contessa - Boston

4.8

Exceptional(63)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 83 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 Abe & Louie’s - Boston restaurant

4. Abe & Louie’s - Boston

4.8

Exceptional(9150)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Back Bay

Booked 121 times today

Abe & Louie’s, located in Boston’s Back Bay, is the epitome of a classic steakhouse. The iconic establishment sets the standard for elegant dining with superior service, charm, and appeal in a timeless sophisticated atmosphere. Abe & Louie’s, known for premium steaks, serves classic dishes, fresh seafood, shareable sides, and an award-winning wine list. Abe & Louie’s offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Delivery and take-out available.

5. Quattro

4.6

Exceptional(1355)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 31 times today

Quattro Ristorante, Grille & Pizzeria, is restaurateur Frank DePasquale’s forth restaurant in the North End, hence the name which means 4 in Italian. Quattro is also located on the 4 major corners of the North End, Boston’s Famous Italian Neighborhood. Inspired by Italy’s passion for high quality foods prepared with fresh ingredients, Quattro brings delicious foods from simple locally grown ingredients. Frank DePasquale does something few restaurateurs have every tried, melding a full service restaurant that serves wine, beer and cordials with a kitchen equipped with a rotisserie, a char broiler and an authentic Neapolitan brick style pizza oven. Quality has been the only focus and the essential ingredient at Quattro, from the ingredients to the preparation of the food to the service. Quattro’s unique menu appeals to a wide variety of people by touching on all categories, fresh meats, seafood, pork and poultry prepared right in front of your eyes on our custom built rotisserie.

A photo of Ristorante Saraceno restaurant

6. Ristorante Saraceno

4.6

Exceptional(1539)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 9 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.

A photo of The Florentine Cafe restaurant

7. The Florentine Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(608)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 24 times today

The Florentine Café is an Italian lunch and dinner café, with a full bar, draft beers, and a great wine selection. Stop by with a friend for drinks and a meal or come to lunch with business colleagues. We now offer outdoor seating, as well as, indoor seating with a great view. When the floor-to-ceiling windows open, they let in a nice breeze, allowing the fresh air to circulate, adding to a beautiful dining experience, in, or out. We also have a separate dining area downstairs that seats up to 50 guests It's perfect for any private event, rehearsal dinner, or business function. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to relax, and enjoy a meal with fine company. Join us, start with complimentary, home-made Focaccia bread and seasoned olive oil, and you must try our signature dish, Ravioli di Aragosta. Other best dishes include, the Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pollo al Limone, and a new favourite, the Salmone D'estate.

8. La Voile

4.7

Exceptional(5464)

Price: Expensive

• French • Back Bay

Booked 31 times today

La Voile is an authentic French brasserie, opened in Cannes in 1947. After a few years under a new ownership, it relocated to Boston in 2007.

9. Alden and Harlow

4.6

Exceptional(4851)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Cambridge

Booked 46 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.

A photo of Nando Ristorante Enoteca restaurant

10. Nando Ristorante Enoteca

4.6

Exceptional(581)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 14 times today

New Italian restaurant featuring Sicilian and modern Italian dishes. "Where Old World meets New... A Place where Our Famiglia will become Yours!"

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Hollyvip
Tampa / Central Florida West •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our waiter( bartender ) Robbie is always fantastic. Makes excellent drinks. They did not have some thing I wanted. He suggested something different and it was delicious. Food is always amazing. Never feel rushed his personality makes you feel very welcome !
More info
Abe & Louie’s - BostonPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Back Bay
•
4.8
M
Molly
Greater Boston •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We went for jazz brunch before the theater and it was lively and festive. We all ended up getting the Eggs Benedict and a variety of coffee. The waitress was great and accommodated any manner of hot/iced, regular/decaf, with different creamers. She was wonderful. The food came out quick and hot and they also accommodated our desire to get next door to the theater efficiently. The bartenders, too, were lovely while we waited for our table. All in all a quick but fulfilling experience.
More info
BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.6
M
Mary
Greater Boston •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Beautiful red wine. Professional service. Calamari has the right amount of salt. Everyone at our table had excellent entrees. Sadly we did not order dessert.
More info
QuattroPrice: Moderate• Italian• North End
•
4.6
R
Ryan
Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always an excellent experience. High quality of food and service.
More info
Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
•
4.7
M
Maverick
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Absolutely incredible. I went for my 1 year anniversary with my girlfriend and it was well worth the steep price. We had the fresh Burrata as our appetizer, she had the Fettuccine Bolognese, I had the Saered Scallops, and we got 2 desserts… the Coffee Gelato and the Crema di Boston. Food was awesome, server was attentive and nice, but the best part was the ambiance and the view. My god. Super awesome experience!
More info
Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

East Boston

Best Restaurants for People Watching in East Boston

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

2. Beehive

3. Contessa - Boston

4. Abe & Louie’s - Boston

5. Quattro

6. Ristorante Saraceno

7. The Florentine Cafe

8. La Voile

9. Alden and Harlow

10. Nando Ristorante Enoteca

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable