Best Historic Restaurants in South End

67 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 78 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(1368)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • South End

Booked 54 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

4.8

Exceptional(1573)

Price: Expensive

• American • South End

Booked 38 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(8692)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 34 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(783)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 56 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(618)

Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 36 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(93)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 48 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 Trattoria Il Panino restaurant

8. Trattoria Il Panino

4.5

Awesome(6443)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 159 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.

9. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1045)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 54 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

10. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(1857)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Back Bay

Booked 51 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
William
Central and Western MA •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This establishment did an outstanding job at fulfilling our requests and seated us at the table I had specifically asked for. The food was delicious and the prices are fairly reasonable, but the service was above and beyond tonight. Thank you Union Oyster House servers!!!
More info
Union Oyster HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.4
A
AndreaVIP
Greater Boston •98 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place! Good food, nice atmosphere, fine service
More info
Metropolis CafePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.8
M
Matthias
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great place and atmosphere. Service, food really good. Fantastic life music (when playing). Definitely plan to come back
More info
BeehivePrice: Expensive• American• South End
•
4.5
M
MakailaVIP
Greater Boston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Banyan is always a great experience - the team is so friendly and the food is consistently delicious!
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Banyan Bar + RefugePrice: Expensive• Asian• South End
•
4.7
N
NataliaVIP
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Hostesses were not pleasant and not accommodating at all when we got there early and did not show any effort in trying to find us a table. Not exactly what I call customer service. With that being said, we have been there 3 times within the last 2 months because of the lively atmosphere, great Italian food and amazing cocktails and bar staff.
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.8

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South End

Best Historic Restaurants in South End

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67 restaurants available nearby

1. Beehive

2. Banyan Bar + Refuge

3. Metropolis Cafe

4. Union Oyster House

5. Prima

6. Estella

7. Contessa - Boston

8. Trattoria Il Panino

9. Ciao Roma

10. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable