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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Back Bay

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
1. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston
4.3
Awesome(2148)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 76 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(3035)
Price: Expensive
• American • Back Bay
Booked 55 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 Eva restaurant
3. Eva
4.4
Awesome(439)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Back Bay
Booked 16 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 Little Whale restaurant
4. Little Whale
4.8
Exceptional(761)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Back Bay
Booked 15 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 Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
5. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1476)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 49 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 Beehive restaurant
6. Beehive
4.5
Awesome(7146)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 72 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 Contessa - Boston restaurant
7. Contessa - Boston
4.7
Exceptional(87)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 62 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 Blue Ribbon Brasserie restaurant
8. Blue Ribbon Brasserie
4.4
Awesome(275)
Price: Expensive
• American • Fenway–Kenmore
Booked 8 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 STREGA Italiano – Back Bay restaurant
9. STREGA Italiano – Back Bay
4.4
Awesome(631)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 15 times today
Strega Italiano Back Bay, located in the beautiful Park Plaza Hotel, is a neighborhood destination that caters to guests seeking a premier location for a business meeting and those winding down after the workday, while simultaneously serving as Boston's epicenter for exceptional, inspiring dishes, creative cocktails and upscale nightlife. Now featuring Strega After Dark, a new late-night experience where dim lights meet sweet and savory bites! The After Dark menu features our house-made selection of late-night dessert treats to satisfy that something-sweet craving! Or enjoy something savory and cravable with a group of friends (or strangers!) to keep the evening going strong. Enjoy curated, craft cocktails like our S'mores After Dark, our classic Espresso Martini, or other concoctions (with or without alcohol!) from our full bar.now open until Midnight Wednesday thru Saturday at both restaurants!
A photo of Alden and Harlow restaurant
10. Alden and Harlow
4.6
Exceptional(4865)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Cambridge
Booked 73 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
  • Fred
    New York City •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 26, 2024
    Great place to have dinner with family and children. Noise level not excessive but enough to allow you to blend in when you’re making enough noise on your own with young children. The food options were great and delicious. Something for everyone. The service was attentive but not overbearing. We will be back!
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.3
  • Jessica
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 23, 2024
    When you arrive you are greeted by the hostess and almost immediately seated. We were quickly greeted by by PETER P. Peter was absolutely amazing. We were celebrating a birthday and he really made sure we would enjoy our experience. Peter gave amazing recommendations on both beverages and meals. Only complaint would be that my steak was cooked wrong but without hesitation, Peter came over and had them remake it. The manager came out and apologized and asked if the new steak was cooked to my liking. At the end, Peter brought out a mini cake and shared lots of stories with us. Overall, service was spectacular !! constantly checking in on us and having small talk. My significant other and I are definitely looking forward to having lunch again and I will definitely be asking for Peter !!
    More info
    Joe’s On NewburyPrice: Expensive• American• Back Bay
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Greater Boston •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 23, 2024
    This is the second time I've been and it was as good as the first time! This is such a great place, excellent food, great service, cool vibe, no one rushing you, can't recommend this enough, you have to experience yourself, highest recommendations!
    More info
    Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
    •
    4.7
  • DentVIP
    Greater Boston •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    Consistently pleased with seafood dishes i order at this restaurant on Newbury St. and with freshness and quality of raw bar. Great ceviche. Varied menu. Well prepared, tasty dishes. Good bread. No dessert no coffee though. Just seafood.
    More info
    Little WhalePrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Back Bay
    •
    4.8
  • Mareesa
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    The best French toast!! Lovely wait staff. Great food. Loved everything, thank you!
    More info
    EvaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Back Bay
    •
    4.4

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