Best Historic Restaurants in Newton

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

BostonBoston Metro West

Areas

Back BayBeacon HillBrooklineCambridgeCharlestownDowntown Crossing

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

70 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Biltmore Bar & Grill restaurant

1. Biltmore Bar & Grill

4.5

Awesome(547)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Newton

Booked 4 times today

PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEThe Biltmore Bar & Grille is a modern American restaurant in Newton, MA with a longstanding history. No corporate restaurant chain or Hollywood set designer could ever recreate The Biltmore Vibe. In 1914, the Biltmore opened and served up breakfast and brew at 7AM for the overnight crews from nearby factories. It came with a 4 lane basement bowling alley that was a local hangout for decades.There was talk of a speakeasy during prohibition. The Biltmore was across the street from a regional rail stop and often hosted private events for dignitaries, politicians and celebrities.Much of original brick front and interior has remained the same over the many reincarnations of this legendary bar. The original old growth wood flooring has stood up to many timeless celebrations as well. Celebrating this neighborhood legend while serving up fresh new takes on classic dishes and drinks is what The Biltmore is all about.

2. Punch Bowl

4.0

Excellent(30)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Brookline

Booked 1 time today

From renowned restaurateurs, Jen and Josh Ziskin, Punch Bowl is inspired by the historic 18th century tavern that Brookline was once famous for. The Ziskins have rekindled the spirit of the Punch Bowl and have recreated a communal gathering place in the heart of the village. Chef Josh Ziskin prepares cuisine that features his contemporary take on traditional New England fare and focuses on a variety of local farms and seafood. Punch Bowl has a slew of signature cocktails influenced by Brookline’s unique history and vibrant location. Enjoy Jen’s all female wine list inspired by the female Inn Keepers of the late 1700’s. Guests feel immersed in the city while seated in the light-filled dining room featuring floor to ceiling windows, an open kitchen and a state-of-the-art bar. For guests who would prefer to dine outdoors, Punch Bowl also offers a large patio area on the ground floor as well as a roof deck terrace with phenomenal views of Brookline and its’ historic Muddy River.

3. Garrison House

4.2

Awesome(168)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Brookline

Booked 4 times today

The Garrison House, in the heart of Brookline Village, blends innovative American cuisine with a lively and social bar focusing on modern craft beer and cocktails. It features the area's only mug club, with members' personalized mugs hanging prominently behind the historic bar. A second unique live entertainment venue, proudly called the Village Social Club, resides in a separate downstairs bar. Conveniently located near the Brookline Village MBTA stop, Longwood Medical area, Beth Israel, Brigham & Women's, Dana Farber, NETA, Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, the MFA and Mass Art.

4. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(849)

$$$$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.

A photo of Trattoria Il Panino restaurant

5. Trattoria Il Panino

4.5

Awesome(6497)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 188 times today

Trattoria Il Panino is the kind of place that one would expect to find along the Amalfi Coast. It is a warm, friendly, unpretentious and a food-focused environment. From the casual and positive energy of the atmosphere and waitstaff, to the serious and professional energy of the kitchen, the frontand back of the house form a desirable marriage. The entrance on 260 Hanover street has a full liquor license.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

6. Union Oyster House

4.4

Awesome(8706)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 83 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.

7. Estella

4.2

Awesome(653)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 34 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.

8. 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.

9. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1071)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 47 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.

10. Wusong Road

4.7

Exceptional(627)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Polynesian • Cambridge

Booked 96 times today

Wusong Tiki Bar is Cambridge's local tropical Bar serving Chinese American bar bites and tropical Tiki inspired drinks by Chef Jason Doo. Famous for our hand-made baos, crab Rangoons and the best Mai Tai in Boston. Please note if there are no tables available our ground floor bar and 2nd floor bar are available for guests without bookings--subject to availability and during peak hours there may be a queue.All reservations are for a 90-minute experience, and we kindly ask that you respect the guests who follow.Wusong Road is a minority and LGBTQ owned business.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
HollyVIP
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The gluten free Monday experience was phenomenal! Highly recommend.
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8
D
Debbie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Went there for my husband’s birthday. It was very busy but we were waited on quickly. The food was delicious. We will defintely recommend this restaurant and can’t wait to go back!
More info
Trattoria Il PaninoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North End
•
4.5
D
Denise
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Biltmore was just what the 8 of us were looking for in a casual Valentine's Day celebration. The food is really tasty pub fare and did not disappoint. The Fried Fluffernella dessert was unbelievably wonderful! Our waitress was super attentive, helpful and friendly and anticipated our every need. This place has the perfect neighborhood feel to it and we love going there.
More info
Biltmore Bar & GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Newton
•
4.5
J
Joseph
Greater Boston •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was wonderful. For the first time in a long time I received steak tips that were prepared to the requested doneness and were so flavorful that I did not need to add any seasoning. The services was impeccable and always with a smile.
More info
Garrison HousePrice: Moderate• American• Brookline
•
4.2
M
Michaela
Orlando / Central Florida East •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 Nov 2024
Delicious salad, dessert, and wine in a relaxed, low key space. Very pleasant waitress. Walking distance from work. I’m happy!
More info
Punch BowlPrice: Expensive• American• Brookline
•
4

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