Beacon Hill is rich in history and rich in food. There are a wide variety of elegant and rustic options to choose from: serving traditional Tuscan dishes, elevated pub delicacies, locally sourced charcuterie, decadent Italian plates, New England dishes, and classic French cuisine. Here are a handful of the best restaurants to enjoy and frequent in the neighborhood.
1. 75 Chestnut: This neighborhood bar & grill is a neighborhood favorite. You will enjoy simple American and refined New England dishes in a cozy upscale pub atmosphere. It’s a great place to gather with friends for drinks and dinner. The menu includes many healthy options and vegetarian selections. The Nantucket Seafood Stew (with shrimp, scallops, pei mussels, salmon, swordfish, garden vegetables, and bliss potatoes in a saffron-tomato broth) is on the healthy options list. You can also enjoy Grilled Pork Rib Chops, Filet Mignon, and Beer Batter Fish and Chips for a slightly more robust dining experience. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served daily from 5:00pm-11:00pm.
The 75 Gingerbread House Party is featured in December to usher in the holiday season. The two course lunch includes an assembled gingerbread house you and your younger family members can decorate with the provided candy and icing. A holiday tradition in the making is waiting for you in Beacon Hill.
2. Ma Maison: French classics are offered daily by Chef Jacky Robert at 272 Cambridge Street. He left France as a young man to help his uncle open Maison Robert (a popular restaurant serving Boson’s elite including regulars Julia Child and the Kennedy family). Following a storied career that took him across the country, Chef Jacky continues serving classic French cuisine in Beacon Hill. Start your meal with Semi Boneless Quail, Uncle Lucien’s Country Pâté, or Six Burgundy Escargots. Chicken Coq Au Vin (with buttered noodles) Duck Magret (a l’Orange with asparagus) and Short Ribs Beef Bourguignon (with potato croquette) are nightly favorites. The restaurant celebrates Bastille Day with a prix fix dinner menu in July. Vive la France!
3. Bin 26 Enoteca: The restaurant takes its name from a common term used in Italy “enoteca” referring to a place where you can find simple foods to accompany the wine. The brother and sister team have created a menu designed for snacking and sharing to complement their extensive international wine list … though a full multi-course meal is also available. Chicken Saltimbocca (with goat cheese and prosciutto) and Whole Roasted Branzino (with red pepper purée) are available nightly. Handmade pasta includes Pappardelle (with ground sausage, walnuts, and truffle cream) and Tagliatelle (with scallops, sofrito, and cherry tomato). The restaurant holds special wine dinners. They pair international wines with exquisite and aromatic entrées to explore the land, vineyards, and unique flavors they represent. The brother and sister team strives to support the small family-run farms in New England bringing local flavors through seasonal ingredients to the menu nightly.
4. Toscano: Enjoy the simple flavors and traditions of a Tuscan meal, the best Italy has to offer, at Toscano. There are two locations, one in Beacon Hill and one in Harvard Square. Private dining areas are available in Beacon Hill for 12-24 guests. The menu brings together locally sourced seasonal ingredients and rare imports including freshly caught seafood, wild game, and handmade cheese from Parma. Nightly offerings include Merluzzo in Acquapazza (Georges Bank cod filet with cherry tomatoes in crazy water over piselli), Pollastrello al Mattone (brick-pressed cornish hen with arugula and tomato), and Ravioli Anatra (handmade spinach ricotta ravioli in a ground duck sauce).
5. Kured: If you’re simply looking for a box of cured meat, pickles, cheese, and sandwiches this is the spot! You can build your own charcuterie box in store or online with locally sourced quality meats and cheeses. The shop is a recent addition to the community stemming from one of the founder's semesters studying abroad. The co-founder learned the important part charcuterie plays in Madrid, Spain, and European culture and returned to Boston intent on sharing. The shop was opened in 2021 and received praise from The Boston Globe, Eater Boston, and Boston Magazine. A summer charcuterie class is offered in August for beginners (ticket price includes instruction, one box, and seasonal drink pairing). Catering is available for weddings, events, and parties as featured on their online menu.
6. Grotto: The contemporary Italian cuisine is decadent. The dining experience is cozy. The location is inconspicuous. Discover why this restaurant receives high praise delighting the palate of patrons and the palettes of artists time and time again. Local artwork is displayed on the restaurant's exposed brick walls for your viewing pleasure as you savor the Gnocchi (with short ribs, mushrooms, gorgonzola, and red wine sauce) and Pettine (seared diver scallops, mixed mushroom, sweet potato, arugula, and lemon). Or keep it simple with a delicious plate of Spaghetti & Meatballs (with Grotto’s insanely fabulous tomato sauce). The restaurant also features a three course prix fixe dinner seven days a week.
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