15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston for 2025
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a birthday or just a Friday night, having a good list of the most romantic restaurants in Boston top of mind comes in handy. Boston is a fairly small city in comparison to places like New York, Chicago, Atlanta or Los Angeles and the restaurant scene feels a lot more intimate. There are many perfect spots where you can sip chowder and nibble on oyster crackers with the one you love or have a sweet Lady and the Tramp moment over a steaming bowl of spaghetti. When it comes to romantic restaurants in Boston, character and charm are the rule and not the exception.
There are several distinct neighborhoods to search when looking for the most romantic restaurants in Boston including Beacon Hill, Cambridge/Somerville, the South End and Chinatown. And no list of the best romantic restaurants in Boston would be complete without some gems in the Italian neighborhood known as the North End.
Where can you find the best ambiance? Are there restaurants in Boston that have both great views and great food? Whether your idea of a romantic dinner involves candlelight and wine, chopsticks and sake, or raw clams and beer, there’s a perfect table waiting for you at one of the many romantic restaurants in Boston.
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Find the Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston
Boston is a very walkable city, so a great way to explore the food scene is by taking a food tour. Food tours in Boston can help you to scope out convenient lunch counters for refueling while sightseeing as well as romantic restaurants in Boston that are date-night worthy.
15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston
1. Ristorante Euno
There is an endless supply of romantic Italian restaurants in Boston, most of which are located in the North End. Think old-world charm, exposed brick and low-lighting plus an ample supply of red wine. Ristorante Euno is one of those neighborhood gems. Tucked into a quiet spot on one of the oldest streets in the city, Ristorante Euno has been serving up Italian and Mediterranean flavors since 1995.
The Vibe
Even the ceiling is old-world brick, making each table feel cozy and hidden away. There are two good options for date night tables at this romantic Italian restaurant in Boston’s Little Italy. If you go in the warmer months, try to reserve a spot by the front wall of windows that open out onto the street so that you can people-watch while clinking your glasses of Chianti. For a more private dinner, ask for a table downstairs in their candlelit wine grotto.
What to Order
Start with the carciofo Euno, their goat-cheese stuffed artichoke appetizer wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled in balsamic vinegar. Then order one pasta and one meat dish, and take turns feeding each other bites. The linguini alla vongole featuring little neck clams is a great option as is the veal scallopine with lemons, capers and fingerling potatoes.
Ristorante Euno | 119 Salem St., Boston, MA 02113 | $$
2. Myers + Chang
For couples who are already comfortable eating off the same plate, head down to Myers + Chang. This modern Asian-ish bistro offers a shareable Great Date Night menu Monday through Wednesday with meat, fish or vegetarian options and the price is right. If your date is happening later in the week, this is still a great choice for romantic restaurants in Boston because it isn’t the same old wine and pasta affair.
The Vibe
It’s casual but classy. If you need a romantic restaurant in Boston for a first date or a change of pace from the standard seafood and Italian, Myers + Chang is a good choice.
What to Order
The plant-based Great Date Night menu includes an edamame and celery root slaw with candied lemon dressing, a red curry ginger squash soup, potstickers and longevity noodles. Otherwise, indulge in one of the tempting items on their standard dinner menu which include Sichuan rabbit dumplings, tea-smoked spare ribs or wok-roasted lemongrass mussels. They also have a Sunday dim-sum brunch.
Myers + Chang | 1145 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$
3. Bistro du Midi
When it comes to romantic date ideas in Boston, go French or go home. Bistro du Midi is a top choice for romantic restaurants in Boston when you want to be transported out of New England for a little while, at least culinarily.
The Vibe
White tablecloths and Parisian bar stools. Striped front porch awnings in the summer, cozy fireplaces in winter. Artful presentations of elegantly plated food. This romantic restaurant in Boston is ready to help you set the stage for a perfect date.
What to Order
This is the ideal romantic restaurant in Boston for Francophiles. Settle in over the shellfish and caviar options and pair your choice with the foie gras terrine. Linger longer with perfectly executed duck or bouillabaisse du midi. You might even decide to travel farther than France because this romantic restaurant in Boston also serves A5 Japanese wagyu beef and Spanish octopus.
Bistro du Midi | 272 Boylston St., Boston MA 02116 | $$$
4. Asta
If your stomach is in knots thinking about your upcoming date, then the ideal romantic restaurant in Boston for you is Asta. Asta is a tasting menu-only restaurant which means you don’t have to worry about collaborating over appetizer choices and you won’t have the pressure of whether to take the lead on ordering dessert. It’s all included.
The Vibe
The vibe at Asta is pretty laid-back and chill so you don’t have to work very hard on your outfit. This romantic restaurant in Boston has the ideal ambiance for those who get a little queasy at the thought of five-star dining and all the rules that go with it.
What to Order
Tasting menus at this romantic restaurant in Boston change monthly so check out their website to see samples. The best thing about a tasting menu experience is that each course is a small portion. No embarrassing moments of slurping pasta or gnawing through massive chunks of meat.
This romantic restaurant in Boston isn’t the cheapest menu in town, but how much is a stress-free experience for the perfect date worth to you?
Asta | 47 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
5. Oleana
Mix up the typical date night with a flavor explosion at Cambridge’s Oleana. This romantic restaurant in Boston offers a Middle Eastern menu full of exciting dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Depending on the mood you’re going for, you’ll have the option of ordering several shareable plates or choosing individual entrees.
The Vibe
It’s as if this romantic restaurant in Boston was built specifically for date night. The dining room is smart and sparing, and the décor feels more Asian than Middle Eastern. The secret to date night success is to go to this romantic restaurant in Boston in the warmer months and request a table on their garden patio.
What to Order
Start with the halloumi cheese and black olive bread appetizer or chicory and roasted carrot salad. For the best romantic restaurant in Boston experience, order several shareable plates like the Vermont quail kebab, a crab and potato kibbeh and the feta cheese saganaki.
Oleana | 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$$
6. Deuxave
In the spring and summer months, one of the best things to do in Boston is to take a swan boat ride in the Public Gardens and then stroll down the tree-lined streets of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood to admire the Victorian architecture and to visit the historic Trinity Church. Follow that up with dinner at one of the quintessential romantic restaurants in Boston, Deuxave.
The Vibe
Deuxave is sleek and refined. You’ll want to freshen up a bit if you’ve been walking the neighborhood all day before stepping into this romantic restaurant in Boston. It’s definitely a dress slacks and lipstick kind of place. Word on the street is that they have a special table specifically for marriage proposals at this romantic restaurant in Boston, so be sure to ask in advance if that is on your menu.
What to Order
Deuxave is an upscale and modern take on French cuisine. You’ll want one of everything on the menu. They have the standard necessities like duck confit, foie gras, pate and a nine-hour French onion soup. More elevated dishes featuring local Boston foods include a fluke tartare, herb-crusted cod and a lobster gnocchi fricassée.
Deuxave | 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$$
7. No. 9 Park
A staple when it comes to the most elegant and romantic restaurants in Boston is No. 9 Park. This is a coveted reservation and requires advance planning to get one of only 18 candlelit tables. If you are the lucky recipient of an invitation to dinner here, be sure to brag.
The Vibe
The dining space is elegant but understated so as not to interfere with the views of Boston Common from their prestigious address. The restaurant does not require jackets and ties, but you’ll feel most comfortable taking your attire up a notch from your typical fine dining outfit when dining at this romantic restaurant in Boston.
What to Order
The menu for this romantic restaurant in Boston changes fairly frequently, but those who know will tell you the prune-stuffed gnocchi with foie gras and almonds is an absolute must. If you are not on a budget and really want to impress, go with the chef’s six-course tasting menu and wine pairing.
No. 9 Park | 9 Park St. Place, Boston, MA 02108 | $$$$
8. Contessa
If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Boston with a view, head to the rooftop at Contessa. Rooftop dining is the new trend in many cities around the country, but it’s fairly rare in Boston. This romantic restaurant in Boston is located in the elegant Newbury Boston hotel just steps from the best shopping in the city.
The Vibe
Modern, elegant, fresh and fun. Overflowing with bright colors, lush fabrics and a multitude of textures, this romantic restaurant in Boston’s vibe definitely beckons and you won’t want to leave. During daylight hours, you’ll have amazing panoramic views of the Boston skyline and at night you’ll feel as if you’re worlds away from the urban city below.
What to Order
Contessa offers a typical menu for a romantic Italian restaurant in Boston with antipasti, primi and secondi, plus pizza. Dishes not to be missed are the daily imported burrata, the squash carpaccio salad with arugula and pumpkin seeds, a pizza with shaved cremini mushrooms and fontina cheese and the scallops in olive oil with pecorino.
Contessa | 3 Newbury St. Rooftop, Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
9. Puritan & Company
Romance doesn’t always mean super-fancy dining spaces with overly complicated menus. Sometimes romance is about sharing the best seafood in Boston — a couple dozen perfectly chilled raw clams or oysters and a cup of chowdah. For that reason, one of the hottest tables to score is at Puritan & Company in Boston’s Cambridge neighborhood. Puritan & Company is a New England-inspired gastropub and one of the best romantic restaurants in Boston for couples who are already comfortable with each other and just want some low-key quality time together.
The Vibe
The dining room is somewhat puritan meaning the furniture and décor have clean, simple lines yet it still meets the standards for a romantic restaurant in Boston.
What to Order
The menu at this romantic restaurant in Boston is refined but approachable. It has just enough options versus having a menu that is foreign and overwhelming. Try the clam chowder with green onions and applewood bacon followed by their seared cod or New England cioppino for a true city-by-the-sea meal.
Puritan & Company | 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$
10. Giulia
When it comes to romantic restaurants in Boston, sometimes service can really make or break the experience. That’s why when you consistently hear that a restaurant offers good service, you should pay attention. Ask anyone about intimate dining places with great service and you’ll hear Giulia mentioned every time.
The Vibe
This romantic restaurant in Boston manages to squeeze quite a few tables into an intimate but simple dining space, yet diners say that the volume remains moderate so you’ll be able to enjoy your partner's conversation. It’s not overly fancy, so casual dress is acceptable.
What to Order
Giulia’s staff do an excellent job of helping diners navigate the menu to ensure everyone has a great meal. Fans of savory starters will love the chicken liver crostini with green tomato marmellata. Dishes that stand out at this romantic restaurant in Boston are the Martha’s Vineyard bay scallops with celery root crema and winter citrus, the warm Swiss chard and ricotta pie and beef shank tortelli.
Guilia | 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$
11. Cobble
Stray away from the everyday and get a dinner reservation at Cobble. This plant-forward concept is unique in that it is a four-table tasting-menu-only dining room offering one seating per night. This exclusive experience is a top option on the potential list of romantic Valentine’s Day ideas and one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston that isn’t really a restaurant at all.
The Vibe
Just getting here will inspire romance. Follow the cobblestone alley of Brookline’s Coolidge Corner Arcade and arrive in this curated dining space on the second level. The vibe is relaxed and clean but because it’s such a unique experience, you’ll want to dress the part.
What to Order
Your menu will be set for the evening so all you have to do is enjoy. Be aware that this romantic restaurant in Boston does require you to be your own bartender because they are BYOB.
Cobble | Second Floor 318 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446 | $$$$
12. Harvest
When your idea of the most romantic restaurant in Boston includes fireplaces and farm-to-table cuisine, get a reservation at Harvest. A staple of Harvard Square’s upscale food scene since 1975, Harvest’s appetite for new culinary adventures that showcase food grown by local farms is never satisfied.
The Vibe
Harvest is a place to gather for dinner at communal tables as well as an appropriately romantic restaurant in Boston for a special date night. They offer fireside dining both indoors and outdoors, and are happy to help you select a table with just the right mood.
What to Order
Expect menu items at this romantic restaurant in Boston to rotate with the seasons and be based on the availability of ingredients from local purveyors. The smoked eggplant ravioli with braised chickpeas, charred onion chermoula and cocoa won’t disappoint nor will the duck bacon campanelli. Celebrate local with seared Atlantic salmon topped with a dill crème fraîche and garlic-roasted new potatoes. Save room for a cheese plate for dessert.
Harvest | 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$$
13. Woods Hills Pier 4
When you are looking for romantic restaurants in Boston with a view, you’ll want to consider some of the best waterfront options. There are several touristy waterfront dining options close to Quincy Market but when you want something more refined, head to Woods Hill Pier 4 in the South End. Unlike the beer-battered fare served at most harborside restaurants, Woods Hill Pier 4 prides itself on serving food made from quality, sustainable and organic ingredients.
The Vibe
It doesn’t matter what the inside looks like. The best table at this romantic restaurant in Boston is outside where you’re right on the pier overlooking the harbor. If dinner is your preference, the dining room is comfortable and upscale enough for a date.
What to Order
Butter-poached lobster for two with tomato arancini, chorizo, grilled clams, braised leeks and saffron.
Woods Hill Pier 4 | 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210 | $$$
14. Mooo… Beacon Hill
Many of the best romantic restaurants in Boston are all about pasta and seafood, but not Mooo. When your date night calls for hearty meat dishes but not the tired steakhouse menu of the 80s, this Beacon Hill spot has your choice cut.
The Vibe
This romantic restaurant in Boston is classy, warm and modern. Suitable for date night without being pretentious.
What to Order
How about an order of the Japanese wagyu beef dumplings to start, or a roasted bone marrow bordelaise with country bread? Or, just skip straight to their à la carte steak cuts menu and choose between a bone-in filet mignon or a prime porterhouse. Get one of everything on the sides menu because it’s impossible to decide.
Mooo… Beacon Hill | 15 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108 | $$$$
15. Newburyport Lighthouse
We have saved a special table for the last spot on our list of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. In this case, it isn’t a restaurant at all. The charming seaport town of Newburyport, located about 45 minutes outside of Boston, makes a great day trip during the spring and summer months and is becoming a foodie destination in its own right.
There is an abundance of shops and boutiques to browse and cafés to explore, but the ultimate romantic experience is dinner at the top of the Newburyport Lighthouse.
The Vibe
The Newburyport Lighthouse, built in 1873, is a small and intimate dining table at the top of 72 winding stairs finishing with a vertical ladder. You’ll pay a fee for the space itself and the service, plus the cost of your meal. This is a more unique idea than your typical romantic restaurant in Boston when you plan to pop the question.
What to Order
The lighthouse partners with several local restaurants that couples can choose from for their actual meal. Dishes you’ll hear about most often are the seafood risotto from Loretta’s or Mission Oak’s classic filet Oscar.
Newburyport Lighthouse | 61 Water St., Newburyport, MA 01950 | $$$$
First dates, special occasions, making up after a fight or just because. All good reasons to get out and explore the wide variety of romantic restaurants in Boston’s best foodie neighborhoods. From candlelit wine cellars and rustic old-world Italian in Little Italy, Boston to upscale dockside dining and panoramic rooftops, this seafood-centric city has it all. Remember that at the end of the night, the most romantic restaurants in Boston are the ones that lead to another date and a sweet kiss goodnight.
For even more fun ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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