Best Historic Restaurants in Theater District

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

BostonBoston Metro South

Neighborhoods

Back BayBeacon HillBrooklineCambridgeCharlestownDowntown Crossing

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

66 restaurants available nearby

1. Estella

4.2

Awesome(676)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 83 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.

2. Gallery @ W

4.5

Awesome(276)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Theater District

Booked 5 times today

The Gallery provides you with endless possibilities. Located in the hub of Boston’s nightlife, this lofty space features stunning floor to ceiling windows framing the historic Theater District.

3. Prima

4.7

Exceptional(872)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 92 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.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

4. Union Oyster House

4.5

Awesome(8723)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 94 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. Contessa - Boston

4.7

Exceptional(118)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 54 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 Trattoria Il Panino restaurant

6. Trattoria Il Panino

4.5

Awesome(6522)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 155 times today

Trattoria Il Panino is the kind of place that one would expect to find along the Amalfi Coast. It is a warm, friendly, unpretentious and a food-focused environment. From the casual and positive energy of the atmosphere and waitstaff, to the serious and professional energy of the kitchen, the frontand back of the house form a desirable marriage. The entrance on 260 Hanover street has a full liquor license.

7. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1081)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 41 times today

Italian restaurant using the freshest ingredients and house-made pasta. Focusing on Southern Italian cuisine, we serve a full bar and curated wine list. Located on the historic Freedom Trail overlooking North Square.

8. 75 Chestnut

4.7

Exceptional(2428)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Beacon Hill

Booked 48 times today

75 Chestnut - Nestled amidst the brownstones on the charming streets of Beacon Hill. Features regional American food. Serving our neighborhood for the last 20+ years we are delighted to welcome you to our establishment. We are proud that we can serve our fresh cooked to order foods, specialty crafted drinks and cocktails. Our super friendly staff will make you want to come back again and again. we are the essential Beacon Hill restaurant a must see for residents and visitors alike. Our seafood stew and steak tips have our guests wanting to come back. We serve dinner seven nights a week and we serve brunch and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. the stuffed French toast is something you don't want to miss. during the seasons we always feature food and drink specials and special events. some examples are sweet tooth Tuesdays, wine Wednesdays, green Thursdays, Sunday supper. our Ginger bread lunches are iconic so book soon. we will be happy to serve you .

9. Arya Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2775)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 22 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. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7190)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 83 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cristina
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our friend Nabil S., who frequently tours here, recommended Union Oyster House. It was the best recommendation we could've asked for! There is so much history, a great location, amazing food, and wonderful staff! Our waitress, Esme, was an absolute delight.
More info
Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.5
R
RobertVIP
Greater Boston •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
wonderful experience all around -well made creative cocktails, tasty entrees and great service
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.7
N
NajeebaVIP
Greater Boston •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Server was pleasant and all of the food was delicious!
More info
EstellaPrice: Expensive• American• Beacon Hill
•
4.2
G
Gregory
Greater Boston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
When we arrived they told us the restaurant was closed because they were understaffed. The kitchen was still open for the lounge. They found our reservation and decided to seat us anyway. We were able to sit in a nearly empty restaurant. Staff was great, really nice evening.
More info
Gallery @ WPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Theater District
•
4.5
R
Ryan
Greater Boston •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Came here for our anniversary dinner and had a wonderful time. Always love to come here for special occasions.
More info
Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.7

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