Best Historic Restaurants in Bay Village

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

Boston

Neighborhoods

Back BayBeacon HillBrooklineCambridgeCharlestownDowntown Crossing

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Contessa - Boston

4.7

Exceptional(118)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Back Bay

Booked 54 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 The Banks Seafood and Steak restaurant

2. The Banks Seafood and Steak

4.5

Awesome(1400)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Back Bay

Booked 58 times today

The latest venture from restauranteur Chris Himmel and Executive Chef Robert Sisca, The Banks delivers inspired interpretations of coastal favorites and classic steak dishes in an elegant two-story space in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. Seafood, steaks, and strong cocktails are served against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows, a warm and inviting fireplace, a working wine room, and open kitchen—making this the perfect place to celebrate, indulge, and enjoy New England classics like you’ve never had them before. Swing in for daily oyster hour, or reserve a table for your next celebration.Located on the corner of Clarendon and Stuart Streets, The Banks is within walking distance of the South End and Back Bay neighborhoods, including just a short distance from Boston's famous Copley Square.

3. Gallery @ W

4.5

Awesome(276)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Theater District

Booked 5 times today

The Gallery provides you with endless possibilities. Located in the hub of Boston’s nightlife, this lofty space features stunning floor to ceiling windows framing the historic Theater District.

4. Prima

4.7

Exceptional(872)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 86 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.

5. Estella

4.2

Awesome(676)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Beacon Hill

Booked 84 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.

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

6. Union Oyster House

4.5

Awesome(8722)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 95 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.

A photo of Trattoria Il Panino restaurant

7. Trattoria Il Panino

4.5

Awesome(6523)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North End

Booked 153 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.

8. Beehive

4.6

Exceptional(7190)

$$$$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.

9. Ciao Roma

4.8

Exceptional(1081)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North End

Booked 42 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

4.6

Exceptional(1878)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Back Bay

Booked 52 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

M
Melissa
Greater Boston •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was good but when asked for a specific item added to entree and were told it would be at a much higher price, it was not. They did rectify and not charge but very disappointing.
More info
The Banks Seafood and SteakPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Back Bay
•
4.5
R
RobertVIP
Greater Boston •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
wonderful experience all around -well made creative cocktails, tasty entrees and great service
More info
PrimaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Charlestown
•
4.7
N
NajeebaVIP
Greater Boston •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Server was pleasant and all of the food was delicious!
More info
EstellaPrice: Expensive• American• Beacon Hill
•
4.2
G
Gregory
Greater Boston •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
When we arrived they told us the restaurant was closed because they were understaffed. The kitchen was still open for the lounge. They found our reservation and decided to seat us anyway. We were able to sit in a nearly empty restaurant. Staff was great, really nice evening.
More info
Gallery @ WPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Theater District
•
4.5
R
Ryan
Greater Boston •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Came here for our anniversary dinner and had a wonderful time. Always love to come here for special occasions.
More info
Contessa - BostonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Back Bay
•
4.7

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