18 Best Fancy Restaurants in Boston, MA for 2025
Fancy restaurants in Boston not only offer exquisite dining experiences but also significantly contribute to the state's economy. According to the National Restaurant Association, in 2024, Massachusetts' eating and drinking places were expected to directly contribute $32.58 billion in output to the state's economy, employing over 314,000 individuals and generating $12.73 billion in total labor income.
This article delves into the top 18 fancy restaurants in Boston, highlighting their unique culinary offerings, ambiance and the exceptional dining experiences they provide. Whether you're seeking a venue for a special occasion or simply wish to indulge in the city's finest cuisine, this curated list offers a comprehensive guide to Boston's upscale dining scene.
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The 18 Fanciest Restaurants in Boston
1. Amar
With sweeping views of Back Bay, the Charles River and Cambridge, Amar boasts an elegant atmosphere with intimate lighting and sleek metal details. At this fancy restaurant in Boston, fortunate diners who secure a reservation are treated to contemporary Portuguese cuisine.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and intimate, this fancy restaurant in Boston offers a refined dining experience with moody lighting, sleek metal accents and breathtaking views from the 17th floor of the Raffles Hotel.
What to Order
The menu changes regularly. If available, try the Alaskan king crab with browned-butter yuzu sabayon. Don’t sleep on the exceptional selection of Portuguese wines.
Amar | 40 Trinity Pl., Boston, MA 02116 | $$
2. Bistro du Midi
Located just steps from the beautiful Public Garden, Bistro du Midi is a popular fancy restaurant in Boston that has been a top dining destination since opening in the winter of 2009.
The Vibe
Chic and inviting, this fancy restaurant in Boston with a view offers two experiences — a relaxed café downstairs and an elegant upstairs space with refined French cuisine and scenic Public Garden views.
What to Order
Try hearty appetizers like the French onion soup or the Spanish octopus. Customers rave about the filet mignon. Finish with the warm chocolate soufflé at this fancy restaurant in Boston.
Bistro du Midi | 272 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
3. Yvonne’s
Located in Downtown Crossing, Yvonne's is a local favorite fancy restaurant in Boston, blending a modern supper club vibe with historic charm. The iconic 19th-century mahogany bar sets the stage for globally inspired shared plates and creative cocktails.
The Vibe
Yvonne’s blends vintage charm with modern elegance. The chic library bar and historic mahogany accents set the stage for a sophisticated night out, so a visit to this fancy restaurant in Boston is a top date night idea in Boston.
What to Order
For a perfect group outing at a high-end restaurant in Boston order the Thai octopus and the rich crème brûlée to share. If you're in the mood for a drink, the espresso martini is a guest favorite!
Yvonne’s | 2 Winter Pl., Boston, MA 02108 | $$$
4. Pammy’s
If you're on the hunt for an Italian fancy restaurant around Boston, Pammy's in Cambridge is a charming, upscale spot that should be at the top of your list. Rooted in Italian flavors yet unrestricted by tradition, the cuisine is approachable, creative and full of bold, delicious tastes.
The Vibe
Cozy yet sophisticated, this fancy restaurant around Boston blends the charm of an Italian trattoria with a modern, romantic feel. A glowing fireplace, warm lighting and an inviting ambiance make it a top spot for an intimate night out.
What to Order
Savor the lumanche Bolognese with gochujang or indulge in the Blackfish paired with baby artichoke. Both are fan favorites.
Pammy’s | 928 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139 | $$$
5. Contessa
Debuting in 2021 on the rooftop of The Newbury, Contessa is a fancy restaurant in Boston with a view that offers a glamorous experience. Indulge in Italian-inspired fare, brunch and wine at this upscale rooftop venue with dreamy views and delicious food
The Vibe
Elegant and timeless, this fancy restaurant in Boston exudes old-world glamour with sun-soaked daytime dining and a romantic rooftop ambiance at night. With sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden, it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Enjoy Italian classics like fusilli Genovese or zesty, unique dishes like spicy lobster capellini at this fancy restaurant in Boston.
Contessa | 3 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
6. Ostra
Tucked in the city’s Back Bay, Ostra is a fancy restaurant in Boston, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu brimming with Mediterranean-inspired seafood.
The Vibe
This fancy restaurant in Boston exudes modern elegance with its sleek design, intimate lighting and upscale atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for a refined night out in Back Bay.
What to Order
This could be your go-to spot when looking for the best seafood in Boston. Don’t miss the oysters, a house specialty accompanied by house-made horseradish cocktail, lemon and tabasco. The tagliatelle with Alaskan king crab is also a top choice.
Ostra | 1 Charles St. S., Boston, MA 02116| $$$
7. o ya
Among fancy restaurants in Boston, o ya has been known for redefining Japanese luxury dining since its debut in 2007. This spot has earned praise across New England for its hospitality and the freshness, quality and variety of Japanese food and sake.
The Vibe
Elegant and intimate, this fancy restaurant in Boston offers a refined dining experience with a warm, understated ambiance. Its serene setting and attention to detail make it a top choice for a luxurious and immersive night out.
What to Order
Explore the omakase menu, where every bite, whether it’s bluefin toro sashimi or foie gras nigiri, is a stunning fusion of flavor and creativity.
o ya | 9 E. St., Boston, MA 02111| $$$
8. The Maharaja
With its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering vibrant views of Harvard Square, The Maharaja brings a unique charm to the city’s food scene, making it one of the most sought-after fancy restaurants in Boston.
The Vibe
Perfect for celebratory gatherings, this high-end restaurant in Boston combines elegant ambiance with bold North Indian flavors, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
What to Order
Dive into the most popular Indian entée, the chicken tikka masala with boneless chicken tenders marinated and grilled in tandoor, cooked in hearty creamy tomato sauce- EVerything in this fancy restaurant in Boston is rafted to satisfy vegans, spice lovers and everyone in between.
The Maharaja | 57 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$
9. Mooncusser
Under Chef Carl Dooley’s expertise, Mooncusser is a Bay Village spot that earns its place among the fanciest restaurants in Boston, offering a rotating menu perfect for unforgettable occasions.
The Vibe
With a charming view above Stuart Street, this sophisticated and globally inspired restaurant in Boston delivers seasonal tasting menus in a chic, intimate setting.
What to Order
With the prix fixe menu, each month brings specialty delights like tuna crudos, grilled fillets and fresh salads, paired perfectly with wine for a truly elevated experience.
Mooncusser | 304 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
10. Zuma
Tucked away in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Zuma is an upscale Japanese eatery redefining fine dining with a creative twist on classic izakaya fare. At this fancy restaurant in Boston delicate seafood, perfectly grilled skewers and innovative cocktails come together seamlessly.
The Vibe
A stylish yet approachable atmosphere where modern elegance meets the energy of a lively izakaya. Sleek décor, dim lighting and a buzzing bar scene make Zuma perfect for both upscale dining and vibrant nights out.
What to Order
Savor melt-in-your-mouth nigiri alongside a curated selection of premium sake for a memorable dining experience.
Zuma | 1 Dalton St., Floor 2, Boston, MA 02199| $$$
11. Deuxave
Set in the heart of Back Bay, at the crossroads of Mass and Commonwealth Avenues, Deuxave stands out among fancy restaurants in Boston for its modern take on French cuisine and its extensive wine selection.
The Vibe
A stunning chandelier-lit dining room exudes sophistication, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal without feeling overly formal.
What to Order
Delight in exquisite dishes like lobster gnocchi fricassée or the spiced Long Island duck breast, paired with one of the many wines available by the glass.
Deuxave | 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
12. Woods Hill Pier 4
Located on the historic site of Anthony’s Pier 4, Woods Hill Pier 4 is a Seaport gem that redefines farm-to-table dining among high-end restaurants in Boston.
The Vibe
Chic yet inviting, with stunning waterfront scenes this is a fancy restaurant in Boston with a view that will keep you coming back for more.
What to Order
Take advantage of the caviar service or the crispy lamb ribs, if you’re not in the mood for seafood. Don’t miss the house-made ice cream to end your meal on a high note.
Woods Hill Pier 4 | 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210 | $$$
13. Mooo…
Since its debut in 2007 at the XV Beacon Hotel in Beacon Hill, Mooo… has sealed its reputation as one of the best fancy restaurants in Boston, reimagining steakhouse classics with a modern twist.
The Vibe
Step into a refined and contemporary steakhouse offering premium cuts, a sleek bar and a curated wine selection for an upscale dining experience.
What to Order
Start with the delicate Wagyu beef dumplings, nestled in a rich, savory broth. For entrées, the perfectly cooked beef Wellington and prime New York strip are standout options that promise to impress.
Mooo… | Multiple Locations | $$$
14. La Voile
A delicious haven in the heart of the city, La Voile is a French-inspired gem quickly becoming known as one of the fanciest restaurants in Boston, with a history built on friendship and a deep appreciation for classic cuisine.
The Vibe
A classy atmosphere offering timeless French décor and warm intimate lighting.
What to Order
Don’t miss the indulgent foie gras highlighted by a nightly prix-fixe menu that elevates any meal. For a true French experience, end your meal with some sweet macaroons.
La Voile | 261 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
15. Little Whale
A swanky seafood spot in the Back Bay, Little Whale offers fresh coastal flavors in a chic, laid-back setting. Bring friends, colleagues or family over to this fancy restaurant in Boston serving classic New England fare, perfect for a refined yet relaxed dining experience.
The Vibe
Chic and coastal, Little Whale balances laid-back charm with refined elegance, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.
What to Order
For a true taste of the best of Boston food, try the Newbury Plateaut featuring a half dozen oysters, shrimp cocktail, salmon crudo, blue crab cocktail and dressed Maine lobster.
Little Whale | 314 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
16. Grill 23 & Bar
A standout among the fancy restaurants in Boston, Grill 23 & Bar has been delivering top-tier steak and seafood since 1983. Head to this upscale venue where classic surf and turf dishes are paired with a stunning wine selection.
The Vibe
Timeless and sophisticated, this fancy restaurant in Boston exudes classic steakhouse elegance with rich wood accents, plush seating and an upscale yet inviting atmosphere.
What to Order
Start with a tuna tartare and then enjoy a 32 oz. prime porterhouse for your main. Customers rave about the delicious coconut cake.
Grill 23 & Bar | 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
17. Smith & Wollensky
With stunning views of Boston Harbor, Smith & Wollensky blends tradition with modern flair, making it one of the top fancy restaurants in Boston.
The Vibe
Perfect for both business and personal occasions, this gem offers a chic atmosphere with renovated dining rooms and a welcoming bar area.
What to Order
The wagyu filet mignon drizzled with bone marrow butter and paired with roasted shallot and asparagus is a must-try. End your meal on a sweet note with the decadent, ten-layer chocolate layer cake.
Smith & Wollensky | 294 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210 | $$$
18. Mistral
A longtime favorite among fancy restaurants in Boston, Mistral brings the flavors of the French Riviera to the city with effortless elegance. Its warm, inviting ambiance and refined Provençal-inspired cuisine have made it a staple for sophisticated dining since 1997.
The Vibe
Chic and timeless, Mistral exudes understated luxury with soft lighting, high ceilings and elegant décor. As one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, it offers a romantic and refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
What to Order
Savor the escargots prepared burgundy style and served with garlic butter and semolina toast, or indulge in the tomato, mozzarella and oregano thin crust pizza.
Mistral | 223 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Boston
Imagine learning to whip up a delicious Boston cream pie or perfect a bowl of creamy clam chowder. Cooking classes in Boston are a great way to explore local flavors while mastering essential culinary techniques. Learn from experienced chefs who share tips, tricks and insider secrets to help you level up your cooking skills.
If you're looking to make a special occasion unforgettable, hiring private chefs in Boston is also a fantastic choice. They bring the best of Boston’s cuisine right to your home, preparing gourmet meals that make any gathering feel extraordinary. While dining out in Boston is a treat, there’s nothing quite like savoring a gourmet meal tailored just for you, right in your own space, with all the flavors of this historic city at your fingertips.
After exploring all these fancy restaurants in Boston, why not bring these high-end culinary experiences to your own kitchen? Experimenting with recipes and recreating your favorite dishes at home can open up new opportunities to indulge in fine dining. Or, if you're still craving elegance, why not explore another city and continue your luxurious culinary journey?
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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