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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown Crossing

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
1. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1491)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 72 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
2. Beehive
4.6
Exceptional(7174)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 52 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
3. Contessa - Boston
4.7
Exceptional(113)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 53 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 La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
4. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston
4.4
Awesome(2189)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 89 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 Quattro restaurant
5. Quattro
4.5
Awesome(1395)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North End
Booked 48 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 The Florentine Cafe restaurant
6. The Florentine Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(638)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North End
Booked 35 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.
A photo of Joe’s On Newbury restaurant
7. Joe’s On Newbury
4.7
Exceptional(3039)
Price: Expensive
• American • Back Bay
Booked 76 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 Aquitaine - Boston restaurant
8. Aquitaine - Boston
4.6
Exceptional(3947)
Price: Moderate
• French • South End
Booked 43 times today
Aquitaine, an award-winning French bistro in Boston’s South End, has been a neighborhood gem for over 20 years. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a charming date night, or a sophisticated business lunch, Aquitaine delivers an authentic Parisian experience. Savor French favorites like Steak Frites, Nicoise Salad, Moules (Mussels), Duck Confit, Croque Madame, and Truffle Fries in the recently renovated dining room or on the expanded patio. Known as a wine bar destination, Aquitaine also offers an iconic brunch for those who want to indulge in classic French dishes while overlooking the vibrant Tremont Street.
A photo of STREGA Italiano – Back Bay restaurant
9. STREGA Italiano – Back Bay
4.5
Awesome(641)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 19 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.
A photo of Little Whale restaurant
10. Little Whale
4.8
Exceptional(772)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Back Bay
Booked 13 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nancy
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Every staff person we encountered was friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious and we were not rushed at all.
    More info
    Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
    •
    4.7
  • KristenVIP
    Greater Boston •112 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Good Vibes. Food is consistently delish, plenty to choose from hard to limit yourself. Salads, piza, pasta all outrageous!!! Cocktails perfection. Service always always outstanding. We had the pleasure of working with Cindy who was a joy. So sweet, professional, attentive anf fun. Added to the joy of the day. See you soon!! xo
    More info
    La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.4
  • Maiyah-Li
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Not only was the food and atmosphere phenomenal, the staff were amazing. Extremely accommodating. Whitney was also an amazing performer and her bands was just as amazing. I would highly recommend this place, everything went perfect. I can confidently say I will be coming back. Thank you to the beehive for such an amazing time!
    More info
    BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
    •
    4.6
  • Erica
    Greater Boston •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Pizza and appetizers are always amazing Pasta was meh Service was fantastic as always
    More info
    QuattroPrice: Moderate• Italian• North End
    •
    4.5
  • Ron
    Greater Boston •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We have heard about Contessa for well over a year and finally got there. It was worth the wait. Ride to the 17th floor of the Newbury and enter another world - one of tastefully sumptuous ambience with superb "welcome to Contessa" service and food to die for. The view is amazing, especially from the tables for two along the windows, but make no mistake, this is not a view restaurant. A little pricey, but fair value, and the food is so delicious that we were sorry when each course came to an end. Parking is a challenge (other than an expensive valet option) but in good weather, nearby garages are less than a 10 minute walk. Give it a try! We are sorry we waited so long to get here.
    More info
    Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
    •
    4.7

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