Best Restaurants for People Watching in South End

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7138)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 32 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 Aquitaine - Boston restaurant

2. Aquitaine - Boston

new

4.6

Exceptional(3918)

Price: Moderate

• French • South End

Booked 33 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 Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant

3. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1475)

Price: Moderate

• American • South Boston

Booked 35 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.

4. Contessa - Boston

4.8

Exceptional(79)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 46 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

5. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston

4.3

Awesome(2123)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 101 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.

6. Joe’s On Newbury

4.7

Exceptional(3017)

Price: Expensive

• American • Back Bay

Booked 87 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.

7. Eva

4.4

Awesome(439)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Back Bay

Booked 19 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.

8. Little Whale

4.7

Exceptional(759)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Back Bay

Booked 7 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 STREGA Italiano – Back Bay restaurant

9. STREGA Italiano – Back Bay

4.4

Awesome(624)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 13 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 Blue Ribbon Brasserie restaurant

10. Blue Ribbon Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(271)

Price: Expensive

• American • Fenway–Kenmore

Booked 12 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Abigail
Greater Boston •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Post Ballet dinner. Both light eaters so we shared starter/entree /side. Fig tart/duck risotto/mushrooms. All lovely. Service was perfect. We were a small tab but treated to great service. The warm crusty french bread was lovely too. We’ll be back!
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Aquitaine - BostonPrice: Moderate• French• South End
•
4.6
C
ChrisVIP
Greater Boston •103 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Papardelle pasta with sausage, brocolini and burratta was oustanding, aswed my cocktail The service, however, seemeed overwhelmed on a busy, but not that crowded Friday night, which they should have been prepared for, Visits from our waitress were almost non-existant to the point of having to seek her out.
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Lincoln Tavern and RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• South Boston
•
4.7
A
Aeneas
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Truly wonderful experience. Jazz band started as we sat down and played at just the right volume to have a conversation and jiggle to the tunes. We were very close to the stage and the waiter was attentive and good humoured. Food was delicious and cocktails were very satisfying. Will be back!
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BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.6
K
Kristen
Greater Boston •108 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Never disappoints. Valentina was incredible. Fun, friendly and professional. Food was delicious. Pizza outrageously tasty, salads simple but so flavorful. You cannot go wrong here. Antipasto fabulous and cocktails always expertly done. So fun and festive.
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La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly BostonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.3
D
DanteVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
incredible experience! attentive service & excellent food!
More info
Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.8

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South End

Best Restaurants for People Watching in South End

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

2. Aquitaine - Boston

3. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant

4. Contessa - Boston

5. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston

6. Joe’s On Newbury

7. Eva

8. Little Whale

9. STREGA Italiano – Back Bay

10. Blue Ribbon Brasserie

See what locals rave about

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