Top 15 ⭐️ 5-Star Restaurants in Boston That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty

Boston is so much more than its prestigious universities and red brick buildings. Of course institutions like Harvard and MIT are impressive, and Boston’s rich history makes it an American treasure… but would you be surprised to learn that Boston also has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country?

If you’re looking for a 5-star restaurant experience, you won’t have too much trouble finding one here. The restaurants on this list are all pretty unique, but they all serve up top-rated dishes and boast rave-worthy customer service. Here’s a sneak peek at what we have in store for you:

• Posh Italian restaurants (including one that’s totally devoted to charcuterie… but I mean same)
• Quirky breakfast restaurants where you can start (or end) your day on the sunny side
• Super fresh seafood restaurants you won’t soon forget
• Expensive restaurants where you can enjoy the best food in Boston
• Fancy restaurants perfect for a special occasion!

Share Your Favorite Boston Restaurant with GiftYa ⭐️

Boston is home to an exciting array of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and other popular cultural sights. Don’t keep them to yourself! The next time you’re out searching for gifts for your loved one, check out GiftYa’s wide selection of virtual gift cards. Within seconds, you can send your loved one a GiftYa card to some of the top spots in Boston You can even add a custom message before sending out the gift card. Check out our full selection of cards now!

1. Neptune Oyster

Serving Oysters with a “Strong Taste of the Sea” That Even Hemingway Would Approve Of

Buy a Neptune Oyster gift card

📍 63 Salem St | North End | neptuneoyster.com

The one and only Ernest Hemingway wrote glowingly about oysters in his posthumously published A Movable Feast: “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.” So we can only assume he was eating oysters as fresh as the ones you can find at Neptune Oyster in Boston’s North End, just a few blocks from the water.

Here you can enjoy all sorts of fresh seafood, from the aforementioned oysters to lobster rolls, octopus, scallops, an even sea urchins. But if the food you’re craving comes from dry land, that’s okay too! Neptune Oyster also serves a mean sandwich and some of the best burgers in Boston. 

“fantastic service topped only by the best seafood i ever had and im 80!!!! the variety of oyster dishes where a connoisseur delight thank you, Frank”  – Yelp Review 

Buy a Neptune Oyster gift card

2. Tresca

Upscale (+ Expensive) Italian Restaurant in Boston’s Trendy North End 

Buy a Tresca gift card

📍 233 Hanover St | North End | trescanorthend.com

Tresca is not your casual neighborhood Italian joint. The food is unpretentiously delicious, but you can expect the bill to be quite a bit higher than say, a dinner at Olive Garden. But boy, what it buys you!

Table 77 is probably one of the most romantic dining spots in all of Boston. Located on the balcony, you and your date can share stuffed mushrooms and soak in the hustle and bustle of Hanover Street. Since it is so sought after, you’ll have to reserve a dinner at Table 77 months in advance, but honestly, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

“An amazing dining experience! The service was incredible. Highlighted by a few personal visits from Richard Anzara the restaurant's Chef and owner… For locals this should be on your bucket list… there is not a better Italian restaurant in Boston. Five stars!” – Yelp Review

Buy a Tresca gift card

3. The Friendly Toast - Boston

Quirky Breakfast & Brunch Spot for a Colorful Meal

Buy a The Friendly Toast gift card

📍 35 Stanhope St | Back Bay | thefriendlytoast.com

Boston has a lot of amazing restaurants, so it’s pretty impressive for a brunch spot to be so high on the list. But this one is for the breakfast lovers – at  The Friendly Toast, you can order your favorite breakfast foods all day long, and they’re not your mama’s eggs and toast, either. 

Creative menu. One of a kind drinks. Totally unique retro future atmosphere… the only way to really understand the experience of grabbing a bit at The Friendly Toast is to do it!

“WOW! I absolutely loved entering this establishment, it's an adorable, cozy, quirky, retro vibe that you can't help but love being in… Everything was delightfully tasty, but the shining star for sure was the french toast!!! …Highly recommend, 5 stars all the way!” – Yelp Review

Buy a The Friendly Toast gift card

4. The Salty Pig

Neighborhood-Focused New American with Skyline Views Open Late

Buy a The Salty Pig gift card

📍 130 Dartmouth St | Back Bay | thesaltypig.com

Calling all charcuterie lovers! Located on the line between Boston’s iconic Back Bay and South End neighborhoods, The Salty Pig invites you to “pig out” on salty meats like you never have before. With a focus on fresh, locally grown ingredients, what’s on the menu is always changing… but the five star reviews? Those aren’t going anywhere.

Not to mention the views of the Boston skyline!

“Wow - there are really no words for how amazing my dinner was at The Salty Pig… Great experience! I highly recommend The Salty Pig if you're in Boston!” - Yelp Review

Buy a The Salty Pig gift card

5. SRV

Fancy Bacaro & Wine Bar Specializing in Cicchetti (Small Bites)

Buy an SRV gift card

📍 569 Columbus Ave | South End | srvboston.com

Serene Republic of Venice (SRV) is one of the swankiest an highest rated restaurants in Boston. This is the third restaurant opened by the Coda Group – who already brought us The Salty Pig. Made to order risotto… pasta made from fresh milled flour… everything here is a celebration of Italy and its tradition of culinary excellence.

Locals love the polpette and squid ink risotto, but the smoked sea trout and olive fritte aren’t far behind. No matter what you order, save room for dessert – the tiramisu truly is an unforgettable pick me up! You can also pair your meal with selections from the all-Italian wine list or Italian-inspired cocktails to complete the experience.

“SRV is one of Boston's best restaurants, hands down. Everything on the menu is fantastic, staff are wonderful, and the restaurant itself is very nice.” – Yelp Review

Buy an SRV gift card

6. Menton

Inventive French-Italian restaurant that offers a relaxing and luxurious setting for guests

📍 354 Congress St | Waterfront, South Boston | mentonboston.com

Modern fine dining comes to life at Menton Boston. This classy restaurant has been recognized in numerous publications over the years, including Bon Appetit, Esquire, and The Boston Globe. It also earned a James Beard Foundation Award nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2011. So you can expect top-of-the-line cuisine from this posh, upscale restaurant.

Menton offers several different menus: a la carte, chef’s tasting, and beverages. The a la carte menu features fresh dishes like the Vermont Wagyu and Muscovy Duck. The chef’s tasting menu also has inventive and savory plates like the Pheasant and Venison, and can be paired with a select wine bottle. If you don’t go with the chef’s tasting menu, cocktails, beer, and wine are also available and are perfect for pairing with your delicious meal.

“What a phenomenal dining experience!! We arrived senior citizen early (at 5pm) and were received by the most welcoming staff. The dining hall was gorgeous, the food taste, palette combinations of delectables, and presentation was outstanding!” - Yelp Review

7. Deuxave

Modern restaurant that serves delicious French plates made with ingredients sourced from local farmers

📍 371 Commonwealth Ave | Back Bay | deuxave.com

Deuxave offers a classy, upscale dining experience for guests. Inside, you’ll find a modern, dimly-lit dining room filled with comfortable booths and tables. It’s the perfect environment for hosting special outings with friends and family members. 

Now for the food. The menu is filled with flavorful and inventive French dishes. All of the plates are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. The Chef’s Favorites section features popular dishes like the Crispy Duck Confit and Herb-Crusted Cod. In the mood for a drink? Deuxave also has a world-class wine program full of options that will go perfectly with any plate. Bon appetit!

“Had a delightful anniversary dinner here! Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The rosemary and olive focaccia was served warm and I think they mentioned the butter was housemade, so good!” - Yelp Review

8. Sorellina

Posh restaurant that boasts an exciting selection of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine

📍 1 Huntington Ave | Back Bay | sorellinaboston.com

Located in the heart of Copley Square, Sorellina is the perfect destination for date night or a fancy dinner with friends. At Sorellina, you can enjoy fresh, savory plates of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine inside an elegant dining room. 

The menu boasts hearty and savory plates like the Filet Mignon, Ravioli, and Gnocchi. Sorellina also offers an extensive wine list to enjoy alongside its award-winning meals. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sorellina also offers delicious desserts like Tiramisu and Biscotti. 

“Love, love, loved this place. My beau took me out for a date night. The food was superb, the service might be even better, and the seating is still distanced to a comfortable level.” - Yelp Review

9. Ostra

Contemporary Mediterranean seafood restaurant located in Boston’s Back Bay

📍 1 Charles St S | Back Bay | ostraboston.com

Ostra is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant located in the Back Bay area. It’s known for its fresh seafood dishes and luxury lounge, which features live piano entertainment on a regular basis. If you’re planning a special event, Ostra offers a private room that can accommodate up to 42 people for a seated event and 70 for a cocktail reception. 

On the menu, you’ll find a fine selection of raw and cooked seafood dishes. Some of our favorite dishes include the Broiled Maine Lobster, Pan-Seared Cod, and Grilled Spanish Octopus. Dessert and drinks are also available to roun out the fancy dinner of your dreams. Eat up!

“Ostra was quite possibly the highlight of a recent Boston trip - and that's saying a lot, considering my boyfriend and I were in town for the Laver Cup, museum hopping, and plenty of other restaurants! We came here for an early dinner one night prior to the Laver Cup - wish we had more time to spend here since the food was quite possibly some of the best I've had in the recent few months!” - Yelp Review

10. Zen Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar

Charming, low-key sushi spot located in Downtown Boston

📍 21A Beacon St | Downtown, Beacon Hill | zensushibar.com

In the mood for some sushi? Head by Zen Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar. This rustic, laid-back sushi bar has an abundance of delicious appetizers, rolls, bowls, and entrees. Guests can order sushi a la carte or try one of the restaurant’s many specials or combos. 

Want something hot? Zen also offers savory rice bowls, poke bowls, noodle dishes, and entrees. If you come by for lunch, you can order one of their lunch specials like the Maki Special A or Curry Katsu. Whatever you order, you are sure to be delighted and satisfied with your meal. 

“Had the Philadelphia roll, pan-fried pork gyoza, and the shrimp yaki udon. Everything was prepared perfectly (the noodles were especially good), and our server was so helpful. We forgot to ask for separate checks, and he was able to go back and get new bills for us without any complaints. Can't wait to go back!”- Yelp Review

11. Giacomo's Ristorante

Top-rated Italian restaurant situated in Boston’s North End

📍 355 Hanover St | North End | giacomosboston.com

Giacomo’s Ristorante is considered to be one of Boston’s top Italian restaurants by both locals and critics alike. This family-owned and operated restaurant has served as a popular fixture in Boston’s North End for years. As soon as you try a dish here, you’ll understand why. 

The menu boasts mouth-watering plates like Homemade Fusilli, Chicken and Broccoli Ziti, and Clam Ravioli. Wine is also available to enjoy alongside your dish! Before you go, just make sure you have some cash in your wallet, as the restaurant is cash-only. 

“This place is amazing. They don't take reservations and you just have to wait in a line until a table becomes available but it's seriously so worth it. I got the frutti de mare and the seafood couldn't have been more fresh.” - Yelp Review

12. Mistral

Stylish French bistro that boasts a romantic dining room

📍 223 Columbus Ave | Back Bay | mistralbistro.com

Need a new date night spot? Add Mistral Bistro to your list of potential restaurants. This chic bistro even looks expensive… and it offers savory and inventive French-Mediterranean plates that highlight the finest ingredients of the season. 

Some of our favorite dishes include the Braised Lamb Osso Buco, Half “Whole Roasted” Duck, and Pan Roasted Cod. Mistral is also known for its dessert menu, which boasts delicious options like the Belgian Chocolate Sorbet and Classic Creme Brulee. You’ll definitely be leaving with a full stomach!

“They have the best service, and the best tuna tar tar I have ever had! I went there on my Birthday and ever since, I wanna go every weekend, although that would be a dream, it's impossible. I try to go at least every month. I love it there.” - Yelp Review

13. Sarma

Unassuming, yet colorful eatery offering popular Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes

📍 249 Pearl St | Somerville | sarmarestaurant.com

Sarma is the perfect spot for group gatherings. Modeled after traditional restaurants or “meyhanes” in Turkey, Sarma offers an extensive menu filled with savory small plates. All of the dishes are designed to be shared with fellow guests. 

Feta Cheese Gnocchi, Lamb Kofte Sliders, and more delicious plates await you at this popular restaurant. Cocktails, craft beer, and wine are also available. Don’t forget to order dessert! Sarma offers sweet desserts like Maple Frozen Yogurt and Ricotta Loukoumades to help finish off your meal.

“This place was so awesome! My friends and I went on a double date here and did the vegetarian tasting menu + drinks and the tip. It was $65 each vs $75 each for the non-vegetarian menu. It was so great the feta cornbread was to die for. I also absolutely loved the strawberry frozen yogurt and don't usually have a sweet tooth.” - Yelp Review

14. Asta

Modern, upscale restaurant that is known for its fixed-price tasting menu

📍 47 Massachusetts Ave | Back Bay | astaboston.com

Last, but definitely not least, on our list of the best 5 star restaurants in Boston is Asta. Advertised as a “culinary adventure,” Asta’s famous fixed-price tasting menu offers upscale dishes like Seared Foie Gras, Venison, and Salt Cod Fritter. The chefs put great care in both the preparation and presentation of each plate. While the menu is pre-set, they will still accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies you or your guests might have. 

“Every single dish is so well thought out and truly a work of art. It is so easy for a restaurant like this to feel pretentious but the staff is so welcoming and they make sure that you feel right at home.” - Yelp Review

15. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

Upscale steakhouse offering breathtaking views of the Boston skyline

Purchase a Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse gift card

📍 250 Northern Ave, Ste 200 | Waterfront, South Boston | delfriscos.com

Looking for a special, one-of-a-kind dining experience? Make a reservation at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. Located in the historic Liberty Wharf, Del Frisco’s offers stunning harbor views and a lavish waterfront patio. Inside, you’ll find an expansive dining room that boasts a gorgeous art collection.

If you’re coming with a group, we recommend ordering the Seafood Tower. This massive tower is perfect for sharing, offering delicious foods like chilled lobster tails and iced jumbo shrimp. Some of our other favorite dishes include the Filet Mignon, Dry-Aged Prime Strip, and Seared Chilean Sea Bass. But you really can’t go wrong with anything here. 

“Steak was amazing!! Cooked to perfection, as always medium-rare. The sides were incredible. Del Frisco's does not disappoint. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. And the view from the restaurant at night looks very beautiful. Subtle yet elegant decor and very clean!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse gift card

That’s a wrap on our list of the best restaurants in Boston!

If we could go out every night in Boston, we would. But until then, we’ll slowly make our way around its popular restaurant scene. What 5 star restaurants on the list do you plan to visit? Let us know in the comment section below!