Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to celebrate the people who mean the most to you. Whether you’re toasting to a significant other or planning a festive Galentine’s Day night out with your besties, Boston’s vibrant food scene makes it the perfect city to celebrate in. If you’re looking for delicious cuisine like savory Italian food, zesty Mediterranean, or a good old-fashioned burger, look no further than our list of Boston’s best restaurants to make this Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day special.
Gigi in South End
Gigi, conveniently located between Back Bay and South End, offers an array of flavorful pasta dishes, seasonal salads, and a curated wine and cocktail menu. Described as “a warm and inviting Italian neighborhood restaurant where authentic flavors meet a cozy atmosphere,” Gigi is the perfect place for an intimate dinner with a lively ambiance. Customer favorites include their rigatoni alla vodka and caesar salad. Don’t forget to try their decadent tiramisu for dessert!
Oleana in Cambridge
Oleana, easily accessible via the MBTA Red Line to Alewife or Green Line to Union Square, is known for their award-winning Mediterranean flavors. Their website advertises an array of beers, spritzes, and mocktails, but the stars of the show are their dishes celebrating the cuisine of Turkey and the Middle East. Fan favorites include the spinach falafel, warm buttered hummus, and the lamb and eggplant moussaka. And what’s a better way to end a celebratory meal than with some baked alaska filled with coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel!
Mariel in Downtown Boston
Dedicated to the “lush decadence and energetic spirit of pre-revolutionary Havana,” Mariel is a modern Cuban restaurant with a classic cocktail bar and vibrant lounge. A fifteen-minute walk from Emerson’s campus, Mariel has been serving up their diverse menu in Downtown Boston since 2019. While their larger dishes can be a bit more expensive, Mariel is the perfect place to sample a variety of tapas and share one of their renowned street pizzas, with toppings like chorizo and spicy feta. Don’t want the night to end after dinner? Head downstairs into Mariel Underground, their energetic nightlife space with a bar and dancefloor open late.
Shy Bird in South Boston and Cambridge
Can’t make dinner plans? No problem; Shy Bird, with locations in Cambridge and South Boston, is a no-frills, all-day restaurant, bar, and cafe. They “strive to be affordable, approachable, and accessible while offering craveable food, warmth, and hospitality.” Remember that irresistible burger we mentioned earlier? This is the place to get it. Customers rave about their smashburger, flavorful chicken dishes, and artisan grain bowls. And don’t forget the side of rosemary-pepper fries!
The Red Fox in the North End
And finally, how could we discuss romantic, Italian dinners without mentioning the North End? With red lighting basking the restaurant’s atmosphere, it’s no surprise that the Red Fox is a Valentine’s Day favorite for many Bostonians. Their pasta menu is no joke, offering classics like orecchiette with pistachio pesto and lasagna for two. But our advice: skip the in-house dessert and head down the street to Bova’s Bakery or Modern Pastry for a decadent cannoli!
No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Boston’s restaurants continue to raise the bar. Whether you are spending time with friends, a significant other, or taking yourself out on a solo date, a lively atmosphere makes all the difference. So now that you know a few of the hottest spots in Boston, don’t wait to book a table, indulge in a delicious meal, and surround yourself with love.
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