14 Best Restaurants in Beacon Hill and Boston Common, Boston

No. 9 Park

$$$$ | Beacon Hill Fodor's choice

Welcome to the first and now flagship restaurant in acclaimed chef Barbara Lynch's empire. Even after 25 years, No. 9 Park continues to win rave reviews for Lynch's stellar, unique interpretation of fine French and Italian cuisine. The wine list bobs and weaves into new territory, but is always well chosen, and the savvy bartenders are of the classic ilk, so you'll find plenty of classics. This is Boston's fine dining at its best.

Tatte Bakery & Café

$ | Beacon Hill Fodor's choice

This upscale bakery and café with several locations in Boston takes pastries to the next level. From tea cakes to the Jerusalem bagel, expect hearty baked goods with an air of elegance and influenced by the owner's Israeli heritage. Fantastic coffee drinks, including the house's signature halva latte. A breakfast, lunch and brunch menu features hearty plates all day, from breakfast sandwiches to salads, bowls, and shakshuka (an egg dish with tomatoes and peppers). The café's vibe welcomes those who appreciate attention to detail in both the food and the bright, lively atmosphere—so expect to wait in line. Tatte started as a single location in 2008; today it has expanded with locations across Boston.

The Paramount

$ | Beacon Hill Fodor's choice

Don't be surprised to see a queue at this neighborhood hot spot, no matter the time of day. Regulars happily line up for waffles topped with fresh fruit, caramel and banana french toast, huge salads, and hefty sandwiches, all made to order as you do from the counter. Newbies should note The Paramount's unspoken rule: Don't take a seat until after you wait in line, order, and pay.

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1928 Beacon Hill

$$$$ | Beacon Hill

Just off bustling Charles Street, this cozy neighborhood gem is filled to the brim with New England charm in the form of antique-chic decor that celebrates Boston's history. The menu of elevated American classics, from wedge salad to lobster rolls and filet mignon, is well curated, and the cocktails shine.

Anna's Taqueria

$ | Beacon Hill

Inspired by the authentic Mexican takeout readily available in West Coast cities, Anna's owner moved to Boston and opened shop more than 25 years ago. This small, local chain has been a hit ever since for its burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Diners can select from 10 different meat and veggie-based toppings, from grilled steak and marinated pork to slow-cooked chicken.

Harvard Gardens

$ | Beacon Hill

A Beacon Hill legend, this was the first bar in the city to get its liquor license after the repeal of Prohibition. It opened in 1930, and was owned by the same family until the 1990s. Patrons sit at the dark-wood bar and high tops to watch a Celtics game and dig into a menu of tasty burgers, sandwiches, and a scrumptious brunch, including a spectacular Bloody Mary. The place is often packed with doctors and nurses from nearby Mass General enjoying post-shift drinks.

316 Cambridge St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
617-523–2727
Known For
  • a killer, house-made Bloody Mary mixed with the bar's own peppercorn vodka
  • a Reuben sandwich stuffed with corned beef that's made in-house
  • casual, comfortable vibe that's a little bit different from a typical Beacon Hill experience

Lala Rokh

$$$ | Beacon Hill

A rotating gallery of Persian art adorns the walls of this pearl-gray eatery specializing in home-style Iranian dishes. Along with classics such as fesejan, duck leg in a satiny pomegranate-walnut sauce, you'll find brain fritters, smoky eggplant puree, pollo (rice dishes), kebabs, and richly spiced lamb stews, including one seasoned with dried lime. The staff obviously enjoys explaining the menu, and the wine list is well selected for foods that often defy wine matches.

Mooo....

$$$$ | Beacon Hill

Do dress nicely for a visit to Mooo...., a luxurious, refined steak house inside the swanky XV Beacon hotel that remains civilized despite the restaurant's somewhat whimsical name. Prime, dry-aged steaks are served à la carte, and, although the Japanese A5 Wagyu sirloin will set you back $190, portions are as exaggerated as the prices. The menu also features a few seafood dishes and a poultry option; vegetarians and vegans are easily accommodated by request. The impressive, award-winning wine list boasts more than 500 entries, including a few very special bottles.

Peregrine

$$$ | Beacon Hill

Owner and chef Josh Lewin serves up a sophisticated take on rustic, coastal Mediterranean food, and diners are meant to rest, order slowly, and enjoy a meal in multiple stages. Everything is made from scratch in the kitchen, and although the preparations are Italian-based, there's a nod to New England ingredients and seasonality. Inside the dining room, the vibe is modern, with blues and browns, and a gorgeous wood floor.

Savenor's Market

$ | Beacon Hill

In need of snacks for a cocktail party or something for the grill, Beacon Hill residents pop over to this market famous for being Julia Child’s favorite butcher and known for procuring exotic game meats. Tamer choices include sandwiches, prepared salads, outstanding cheeses, breads, tinned fish, hummus, dips and more—this place is a foodie’s nirvana. Visitors enjoy coming in to browse around and pick up ready-made items for a lunch on-the-go—in nicer weather, perhaps a picnic on the nearby Charles River Esplanade.

160 Charles St., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
617-723–6328
Known For
  • supplying established and emerging chefs with inspiration
  • delicious sandwiches to-go
  • exotic meat and game selections at its butcher counter
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

The Sevens Ale House

$ | Beacon Hill
This classic dive bar has been serving beer and wine (no liquor) since 1933. Today, it's pleasantly untrendy and an easygoing alternative to Beacon Hill's tony stuffiness, with its battered dark wood bar and booths, simple setup, dartboard, perfectly poured pints, and great pub food. On a weekday afternoon, you might see a few regulars fraternizing at the bar and with the slightly salty, well seasoned bartender; evenings and weekends tend to be much busier.
77 Charles St., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
617-523–9074
Known For
  • great selection of small producer craft beers in addition to the usual suspects
  • a tasty French dip
  • a no-frills environment

The Tip Tap Room

$$ | Beacon Hill

Befitting its name, chef Brian Poe's casual Beacon Hill restaurant focuses on two main things: meat and interesting beers on tap. But, Poe's menu of meat goes beyond steak and chicken staples, and depending on the season and what's readily available from purveyors, dinner entrées may feature bison, camel, ostrich, emu, kangaroo, snake, yak, elk, or antelope. There are plenty of options for the less adventuresome, too. TipTap's vibe is lively, and the bar draws an after-work crowd from Government Center and the State House. The industrial space shows off a wall mural of Boston's past mayors, cedar shingles, and garage doors that open to the street in warmer weather.

The Upper Crust Pizzeria

$$ | Beacon Hill

Walk into the Upper Crust's first location, and you'll see the staff pulling scratch-made dough in the open kitchen. The Neapolitan-style pizza—you can order by the slice (they're huge) or by the pie—is really tasty, and toppings go creatively beyond a classic cheese or pepperoni. We recommend ordering at the Beacon Hill shop and eating at the few stools there or taking it to-go and heading for Boston Common, which is just a short walk away, rather than utilizing the delivery service.