While food is the core of a memorable meal, atmosphere plays a significant part in the overall experience. The styles of these restaurants – not ranked in any order – vary widely, however, they all offer divine food prepared in a beautiful venue. Keep these 10 eateries in mind next time you’re looking for a meal that will stand out in your memory long after you leave:
1. Red Lantern (Back Bay)
For creative cocktails, steamed buns, and thoughtfully plated sushi in an unforgettable setting, head to Red Lantern. As the name indicates, a stunning array of red lanterns dangle from the ceiling, casting a dim yet warm light throughout the restaurant. This creates a romantic ambiance that’s ideal for date night. Red Lantern is located at 39 Stanhope Street in Boston.
2. Panza (North End)
This snug, intimate restaurant evokes the atmosphere of Italy without feeling clichéd. When it comes to appetizers - such as goat cheese spring rolls and fried calamari - Panza knocks it out of the park. The pasta is as fresh and delicious as you’d expect from a North End eatery. You’ll find Panza at 326 Hanover Street in Boston.
3. Top of the Hub (Back Bay)
While the decor at Top of the Hub is perfectly pleasing, your awareness of the interior fades as soon as you catch sight of the panoramic views over Boston. The vistas are so captivating that it’s hard to tear your eyes away for long enough to read the menu! Top of the Hub is on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower, located at 800 Boylston Street in Boston.
4. Marliave (Downtown)
Wrought iron details, city views, and superb French and Italian fare combine to make Marliave a historic dining destination you won’t want to miss. It is located at 10 Bosworth Street in Boston.
5. Certified Meatball (Southie)
Since meatballs are comfort food, you don’t usually associate them with beauty. However, the interior of this restaurant may change your mind. Rich hues and charming details unite to create a relaxed and quaint dining space. Choose your balls (beef, Korean pork, veggie, chicken, lamb, gluten-free beef), select a sauce, then add a side. You can also get Swedish meatballs and sometimes even turducken at this restaurant, which is located at 429 W Broadway in Boston.
6. Deuxave (Back Bay)
If your design tastes tilt toward clean-lined spaces, you’ll appreciate the subdued elegance of Deuxave. Wine lovers also won’t be able to help but ogle the library of wine bottles decorating this moody space, and once you’ve paired your vino with the locally sourced, modern French cuisine served here, you’ll be convinced that life – and Deuxave - is beautiful. This restaurant is located at 371 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.
7. Koy (Downtown)
If you’re not craving a cheesesteak dumpling or a kimchi burger, it’s probably because you didn’t realize they were on the menu at this inviting Korean restaurant! With its slick interior and vivid artwork, Koy engages all of your senses. You’ll find it at 16 North Street in Boston.
8. Aquitaine (South End)
Parisian charm abounds in Aquitaine, a petite French bistro with an especially appealing bar area. Come for the eggs dishes and glazed cinnamon rolls during brunch or come for dinner and enjoy the steak or duck. This restaurant is located at 569 Tremont Street in Boston.
9. Mamma Maria (North End)
It’s the fetching city views you can enjoy from Mamma Maria that really make this Italian restaurant visually appealing. Inside are five separate dining areas, each with its own flair, but your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the windows. Depending on your table, you may be treated to views of skyscrapers, green copper architectural details, or North End neighborhood scenes. Mamma Maria is located at 3 North Square in Boston.
10. Teatro (Theater District)
For craft cocktails and modern Italian fare in a delightfully Art Deco setting, dine at Teatro. With its open kitchen and dramatic décor, there’s plenty to admire in this unique space. Head to 177 Tremont Street in Boston to experience this restaurant firsthand.
Have you visited any of these establishments? Which other pretty places would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
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