Restaurants near William Ellery Channing Statue

Nice place, food was appropriate, service was poor at best, staff seemed stressed and poorly trained. This was across the board from our server to bus staff as we as the management

This has been our family's favored Boston restaurant for holiday dinners over the past five years, and the interior seasonal decor was perfect as usual. The service we received earlier this week was magnificent, and the food, as always, was outstanding. Our family ordered beef, chicken and fish entrees, and they were all exquisitely prepared and thoroughly enjoyable. Special kudos to Mac, our waiter, who was one of the best fine dining servers that we've ever had the pleasure to meet, as he deftly handled the late arrival of one of our party's members, as well as the necessary considerations relating to my wife's seafood allergies. Spectacular cocktails and desserts were the icing on the cake. There's little doubt that our family will be returning to Grille 23 & Bar in 2025.

Great food and service, especially for a busy Saturday night. Very attentive and friendly wait staff. Food arrived quickly. Our table for 8 was even ready for us 10 minutes before our scheduled reservation. Short walk from the Boston Common. Will definitely dine here again!

Our sever Liam was amazing. We had theatre tickets so he timed everything perfectly. For three people we had the octopus and shrimp appetizers which were both fantastic. Dinner was monk fish for me which was excellent. My sister had a special of the night a fish stew and my brother in law went for the rib eye. Everyone was happy with their selections. I rarely do dessert but we shared their “egg” dessert. It was really really yummy. Five stars to this place. Think it’s more for special occasions unless you make a lot more money than I do, but no regrets.

From the moment we stepped into Contessa, we were greeted with the warmth and charm that only an exceptional Italian restaurant can offer. Located in the heart of Boston, this dining gem delivers an unforgettable experience, from its stunning ambiance to its mouthwatering cuisine. The setting itself is nothing short of spectacular. The stylish interior, complete with elegant lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate meal or a celebratory dinner. The breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop, especially with the adjacent park lit and sparkling for Christmas, made every bite of our meal feel even more special. The menu at Contessa is a true tribute to the flavors of Italy. We began our meal with the freshest antipasti of Tonnato Crudo. Each bite of this dish consisting of thinly sliced raw tuna, artichoke hearts, and anchovy was a burst of flavor and authenticity. For the primi course, we shared the Spicy Lobster Capellini. Wow! Pasta was cooked perfect al dente; the lobster sauce was amazing. Nice small chunks of lobster throughout. For the main course, we split the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino. Believe me, it was cooked to perfection, flaky and full of delicate flavors. Dessert was the grand finale. The tiramisu was light, airy, and just the right amount of sweet. It was a divine ending to what was already a remarkable meal. What truly sets Contessa apart, though, is the service. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure our experience was nothing short of flawless. They offered wonderful wine pairings and gave great recommendations, making us feel like VIPs throughout the evening. If you’re looking for an elevated Italian dining experience in Boston, look no further than Contessa. Every detail, from the food to the ambiance to the exceptional service, makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers and anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal.