Boston has no shortage of fine dining, but locating a place with the perfect atmosphere for a romantic meal can be a bit daunting. From fancy French cuisine in a formal dining room to cozy little hideaways and seductive Spanish tapas, here’s a list of award-winning romantic restaurants and neighborhood favorites in Boston to put your special someone in the mood for romance.
1. Café Fleuri
Situated beneath an impressive six-story glass atrium, this brasserie-style Mediterranean restaurant is elegant and sophisticated with a menu that changes with the seasons. And it's worth noting that Café Fleuri is an eight-time recipient of Boston Magazine's "Best Sunday Brunch" because who says romantic meals can only happen at night?
Langham Hotel Boston, 250 Franklin St., Boston
(617) 451-1900
2. Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar
Dali is sure to make everyone's list of Boston's most romantic restaurants. A visual feast as well as a culinary one, Dali's eclectic atmosphere is accented by copper ceilings, candlelight, Spanish music, and alcoves cordoned off by beaded curtains. The Spanish cuisine features small tapas dishes and a wide variety of Spanish wines, sherry, and port.
415 Washington St., Somerville
(617) 661-3254
3. The Hungry I
The Hungry I is the quintessential intimate dining experience. With its basement-level location on Beacon Hill's Charles Street and its three working fireplaces, The Hungry I offers a romantically cozy environment to enjoy good food and good company. And if the weather is nice, enjoy the French cuisine at a table in the outdoor courtyard.
71-1/2 Charles St., Boston
(617) 227-3524
4. Icarus
A South End staple since it opened in 1978, Icarus offers a delightful mix of contemporary international and American cuisine featuring locally grown produce. Listed among the 20 most popular restaurants in Boston by the 2005 Zagat Survey, diners can enjoy an excellent meal and service in the quiet, distinguished, sub-street-level dining room watched over by a statue of Icarus himself.
3 Appleton St., Boston
(617) 426-1790
5. Lala Rokh
Looking for something a little different? Tucked away off Beacon Hill's busy Charles Street, Lala Rokh's low ceilings, warm colors, and fresh flowers, give it an air of unforced intimacy. The Persian menu offers an earthy collection of dishes with spices and combinations sure to make it a memorable dining experience.
97 Mount Vernon St., Boston
(617) 720-5511
6. L'Espalier
This French restaurant in Boston's Back Bay has a reputation for being the romance hot spot. Housed in a converted townhouse, L'Espalier's fine French cuisine and elegant, formal setting makes it a popular place for proposing, celebrating anniversaries, or simply making a great first impression.
30 Gloucester St., Boston
(617) 262-3023
7. Les Zygomates
Located near Boston's South Station, this charming wine bar and bistro offers casual French dining and a selection of wines in an inviting atmosphere. The jazz side offers live music, but for quiet romance you may want to stick to the bistro dining room with its exposed brick walls and low lighting. Les Zygomates is open late, making it the perfect spot to eat after a show or concert.
129 South St., Boston
(617) 542-5108
8. Marco Cucina Romana
Everyone knows that if you want Italian, look no further than the North End. And if you're looking for a little romance with your linguini, check out the secluded setting of Marco Cucina Romana. Located on a second floor, this restaurant offers authentic home style Italian meals in a setting that is both classic and modern, with brick walls, a working fireplace, modern lighting, and wood-beamed ceiling.
253 Hanover St., 2nd Floor, Boston
(617) 742-1276
9. Rialto
Large floor lamps, wood accents, and glass doors give this restaurant a classy yet comfortable ambience. Located in Harvard Square, the Rialto serves up creative Mediterranean cuisine that Esquire magazine called "food to swoon over."
Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge
(617) 661-5050
10. Top of the Hub
If you want to make a lasting impression, look no further than the Top of the Hub. A Boston landmark at the top of everybody's romantic dining list, this restaurant on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center offers sweeping views of the Boston skyline. Enjoy local dishes and seafood while listening to live jazz and watching the sunset through the dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows.
Prudential Center, Boston
(617) 536-1775
