Best Historic Restaurants in South End

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 82 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 Banyan Bar + Refuge restaurant

2. Banyan Bar + Refuge

4.7

Exceptional(1367)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • South End

Booked 30 times today

Indulge in a captivating culinary journey at Banyan Bar + Refuge, a fusion of Southeast Asian and New England flavors. Our menu boasts a tantalizing array of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy creations that promise to delight your palate. Immerse yourself in a delightful atmosphere filled with great music and a relaxed ambiance as you enjoy the historic South End.

3. Metropolis Cafe

new

4.8

Exceptional(1570)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 58 times today

Metropolis Café, nestled in Boston’s Historic South End with views of lively Tremont Street, combines fine dining and warm hospitality at casual prices. Our dinner menu features favorites like Rigatoni, Pan Roasted Natural Chicken with foraged mushroom crème and whipped garlic Yukon potatoes, Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts served with house-made buttermilk ranch and celery salad, and our creamy Risottos. Join us for a beloved neighborhood brunch on weekends, where locals and visitors enjoy a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a weekend brunch, Metropolis Café offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Boston’s South End.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

4. Union Oyster House

4.4

Awesome(8689)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 55 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. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(777)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 95 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.

6. Estella

4.1

Excellent(617)

Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 59 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.

7. Contessa - Boston

4.7

Exceptional(92)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 29 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.

8. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1042)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 62 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.

A photo of OAK Long Bar + Kitchen restaurant

9. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(1856)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Back Bay

Booked 39 times today

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is an exciting American brasserie restaurant in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. Enjoy specialty, hand crafted cocktails at the exquisite coppertop bar and a farm to table menu featuring local ingredients and purveyors.

10. 75 Chestnut

4.7

Exceptional(2388)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Beacon Hill

Booked 58 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 .

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brittany
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place is a 10/10. I would recommend it to my friends. The daily happy hour is awesome and the portions were good, too. 10 dumplings for $5! I will take that any day! John was also a great waiter!
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Banyan Bar + RefugePrice: Expensive• Asian• South End
•
4.7
M
MargaretVIP
Greater Boston •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went to Beehive for Saturday brunch with live jazz. Service was very friendly and attentive, menu had good and varied choices, food was delicious, music was great. I'll definitely be back.
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BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.5
E
Enrique
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Second time at Prima and as amazing as the first time. Tried the arancini, amatriciana pasta, ribeye and marshals mushrooms and they were all delicious. As for desserts, ordered the torta gialla again and is still our favorite and amazing
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PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8
T
Todd
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food and service, another positive experience at Columbus Hospitality Group restaurants. Highly recommend!
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Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.4
A
ANITAVIP
Greater Boston •55 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Metropolis is our go-to neighborhood restaurant. It is consistently delicious with great service and a good vibe. It's not to large, thus giving a warm, neighborly feel to the diners. Their menu is superb and never disappoints. Good portions too!
More info
Metropolis CafePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.8

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Best Historic Restaurants in South End

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65 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

2. Banyan Bar + Refuge

3. Metropolis Cafe

4. Union Oyster House

5. Prima

6. Estella

7. Contessa - Boston

8. Ciao Roma

9. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

10. 75 Chestnut

See what locals rave about

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