12 most romantic restaurants in Boston

What is it? If you’re all about a neighborhood vibe, Frenchie’s your spot. Its greenhouse has plenty to spare with year-round, almost-outdoor dining that gives off a lush garden feel in warmer months and is reminiscent of a twinkling jewel box in the winter.

Why go? The easy-going wine bar is perfect for a date. Most of the spot’s plates are shareable plates and they’re all marvelous.

We love: Their charcuterie boards and raw bar are perfect for cozying up to, while the “French Comfort” menu shows nothing but love for the cuisine with dishes such as Escargot Toast, cassoulet, and lamb ribs.

Address: 560 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118

Opening hours: Dinner Tues.-Sat. at 4pm; Brunch Thurs. and Fri. 11am, Sat. and Sun. 10am

What is it? A playful destination champagne and wine bar located on top of the CitizenM Hotel in the Back Bay, there is not a more romantic view of Boston than that afforded to you by a table at Bubble Bath Boston. It was even just named one of the best places to pop the question in Boston Common magazine.

Why go? Chef Tiffani Faison has everything from a stellar cocktail list to a caviar cart, baby grilled cheeses, and cannolis and a wine program that is sure to make any couple fall in love after one glass.

We love: This is an over 21 spot, so you won’t have to worry about rowdy tables ruining your quiet time for sweet nothings.

Address: 408 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Sun.-Thurs. 5pm-Midnight; Fri. and Sat. 5pm-1am

What is it? The bright and cheerful space occupies one of the city's most enviable addresses, right across the street from the Public Garden.

Why go? The sweeping views, impressive wine list and sophisticated, New England-inspired French fare all make for a delightfully romantic meal.

We love: The salmon crudo is a beautiful signature dish, while the French onion soup will warm you up. Chef Partner Robert Sisca has a new phenomenal edible "Oyster" on his tasting menu for the next couple months, and it is by far one of the prettiest and most inventive dish we have seen in a while. Order the chocolate soufflé for a perfect finish.

Address: 272 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Check here for hours

What is it? Most of us will probably save a trip to O ya for a special occasion, like a big number anniversary, and deservedly so. This is one singular dining experience to be savored.

Why go? Owners Tim and Nancy Cushman set a new bar for special-event dining with o ya’s opening in 2007; even today, the restaurant regularly wins accolades as one of the best restaurants in all of New England. While the price tag is high, you’ll get over-the-top touches of truffles, caviar, and gold leaf to go with perfect cuts of fish in an intimate space.

We love: Settle in for the nightly omakase, a chef’s choice menu of 20 courses, from nigiri to cooked dishes. Is it expensive? Does it take a long time? Is it worth it? The collective answer to all: Oh ya.

Address: 9 E St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Tues.-Sat. 5-8:30pm

What is it? Want to get lucky in love? Rare Steakhouse at Encore Boston Harbor is one of the most luxurious restaurants in the area and offers some of the best steakhouse options in the city – surprisingly inside Everett’s bustling casino.

Why go? It has some show-stopping desserts that are works of art, like the baked Alaska and delicious cocktails, as well.

We love: This is a masterclass is steaks. One of the most uniquely curated steak program in New England, it includes exclusive Japanese cuts from Kobe (one of 10 restaurants nationwide with true Kobe beef, Rare is the sole registered Kobe Beef Federation user in Massachusetts) and the Kagoshima prefecture, as well as American wagyu. Not to mention the carefully curated 300-label wine list - an oenophile's playground.

Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149

Opening hours: Thurs.-Sun. 5-10pm

What is it? This timeless classic sitting nearly atop Boston Common might have changed ownership, but those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling views in its front dining room remain a must for a romantic dinner. The former mansion's good looks are only bolstered by exquisite service—from the remarkable bartenders to the splendid sommeliers.

Why go? The French cuisine (with nods to unique influences from surrounding European countries) is elegant and ever-changing, and worth the splurge for the five course tasting menu.

We love: The caviar service is divine (and sexy), and the entrees are bold flavors - the Duck Confit Tortelloni and the nine Burger are popular choices. Nine is proud home to Boston’s first gin palace, a nod to the 1830s’ lavishly decorated public houses, offering a curated selection of gins from around the world.

Address: 9 Park Street Place, Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: Tues.-Sat. 5-9pm

What is it? Holding court in the Fort Point neighborhood of South Boston, Citrus & Salt is one of Boston’s most romantic restaurants. Especially when it's "photos of it didn't happen." Known as one of Boston’s "most Instagrammable restaurants," there are floral installations, pink walls, neon signs and so many more playful places to take snaps of your loved one.

Why go? This Baja-inspired restaurant oozes romance, with drinks named Kiss and Tell and Beautiful Liar. The menu is all about Chef Jason Santos' love for the coastal fare of Southern California and Mexico.

We love: France may have cornered the market on romance for some, but everyone feels joy when they dig into plates of tacos, ceviche, fundido, and guac. Isn't that what love is all about?

Address: 319 A St, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Check here for hours.

What is it? Set in the Seaport, Woods Hill Pier 4 offers one of Boston’s best outdoor dining backdrops. Waterfront views set the mood with sunsets and starry nights.

Why go? Adding to this restaurant’s stunning vista and harborside ambiance is chef Charlie Foster’s innovative farm-to-table menu, which sources many of its ingredients from Woods Hill’s own farm in New Hampshire. There’s also the new Block at Wood's Hill next door.

We love: The caviar service is stellar, as is one of our favorite entreés - the Squid Ink Casarecce with lobster and crab ragu, confit tomatoes and broccoli rabe. Try the ultimate cozy share - a 45 Day Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak for Two. During the winter they also have fondue that's perfect for romantic date night, as well as hot cocoa bombs which are served table-side. 

Address: 300 Pier 4 Blvd. Retail Space 2, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Brunch Sat. and Sun. 11am-2:30pm; Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 5-9pm; Fri. 5-9:30pm; Sat. 4:30-9:30pm; Sun. 4:30-8:30pm

What is it? Deuxave’s glamorous, chandelier-lit dining room creates a special occasion-feel, as does its location on one of the most picturesque corners in town—but there isn’t a hint of stuffiness at this welcoming Back Bay eatery.

Why go? Complemented by a lengthy wine list, Chef Zichella's sumptuous dishes come out of the kitchen the likes of lobster gnocchi fricassée, Lavender Rohan Duck Breast, and the restaurant's famous nine-hour simmered French onion soup.

We love: This restaurant is quietly luxurious, while still serving some of the most decadent meals in Boston. So leave your pretention at home. 

Address: 371 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Sun.-Thurs. 5-9:30pm; Fri. 5-10pm; Sat 5-10:30pm

What is it? You can’t get much more romantic than the North End for a fun night out in the city, and Bricco is one of the best spots to dine after a stroll around the neighborhood.

Why go? Reserve a seat in the back room for a perfect cozy dinner by the fireplace.

We love: Share some zucchini flowers and the restaurant's beloved ricotta pillows, while you sip from glasses of some of the most ingredible vintages in town or perhaps their famous espresso martini. 

Address: 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113

Opening hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 4-11pm; Fri. 4pm-2am; Sat. noon-2am

What is it? Situated between Central and Harvard Squares, this beloved trattoria—from the husband and wife team of Chris and Pam Willis—gives a slightly retro feel, thanks to the amber glow of its globe lights.

Why go? The Italian-accented, prix-fixe menu includes a mix of creative handmade pasta dishes and intricate small plates ripe for your choosing. 

We love: Grab a romantic leather banquette, or huddle by the white ceramic, double-sided fireplace and sample from a well-curated wine list featuring small producers from both the New and Old World.

Address: 928 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9:30pm; Fri. and Sat. 5-10:30pm

What is it? Brick walls and candlelight keep the mood cozy at this Cambridge gem run by chef Michael Pagliarini and his wife Pamela Ralston.

Why go? Savor one of the delicately handmade pastas, such as pappardelle with wild boar or spaghetti alle vongole, and end the night on a sweet note with the sumptuous chocolate terrine.

We love: They have our favorite glistening treasures - unicorn pink stripe oysters - alongside sfizi dishes of warm semolina cakes and chicken liver crostini. To romanticize your meals even further, add up to six grams of fresh black perigord truffles to any dish. The dessert list is lengthy, with delights such as basil-cinnamon gelato, ricotta cheesecake with parmesan, roasted pineapple gelato and black walnut streusel, and affogato with toffee stracciatella.

Address: 1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5:30-9pm; Fri. and Sat. 5:30-10pm