16 best fancy restaurants in Boston for special occasions

Under the direction of Chef Carl Dooley, this Bay Village restaurant offers four-course tasting menus fit for any special occasion. The prix fixe selection, which comes with optional wine pairings, changes every month, allowing guests to always discover new plates and fresh perspectives with each visit.Yes, seafood absolutely still plays a role here, but now fish dishes—like barbecue unagi or potato gnocchi with salt cod—share the spotlights with other, internationally inspired stars, such as Sichuan pork sausage consomme and venison with Hungarian dumplings. Perched above Stuart Street, folks can rest assured that the view from the dining room is just as delicious as the parade of edible delights coming out of the kitchen.

Clear out your bank account and then clear your weekend, because o ya’s singular dining experience is one to be savored. 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. The sushi and omakase menu is a marvel of both flavor and presentation, with every morsel—from the foie gras nigiri to the bluefin tuna and smoked salmon sashimi—a delectable work of art. (If you can't swing the omakase-only o ya, check out gogo ya at Time Out Market for wallet-friendlier sushi from the Cushmans.)

Within the signature restaurant on the 17th floor of the new Raffles Hotel, Michelin-starred chef George Mendes serves up modern Portuguese fine dining to those lucky enough to grab a reservation. Eponymous with “love” in Portuguese, Amar is a love letter to seafood-heavy, classic dishes with the chef’s own twist—Jamon Iberico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de Sá cod, a decadent shellfish custard and an arroz di mariscos for two. The desserts are sublime, including the made-to-order Pão de ló Sponge cake, an Iberian egg-yolk sponge cake with smoked cinnamon ice cream. 

With its scenic environs and sophisticated environs—caviar service, anyone?—Woods Hill Pier 4 brings farm-to-table dining to the Seaport in style. On the site where the iconic Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant once stood, Kristin Canty and the team behind The Farm at Woods Hill create modern, seasonal dishes using ingredients that are organic, non-GMO, and come from local area purveyors. All meat comes from The Farm at Woods Hill and other local farms that raise animals ethically and feed from an organic grass-based diet.

The gorgeously appointed restaurant enjoys one of the city's most enviable addresses, right across the street from the Public Garden. Francophiles enjoy various authentic touches, especially when it comes to the well-stocked wine cellar that includes some amazing finds from Burgundy and Bordeaux. The street-level bistro space offers its own menu of inviting, French-accented fare, while the upstairs dining room pulls out all the stops with a varied assortment of splurge-worthy dishes.

The glamorous, chandelier-lit dining room creates an elevated atmosphere for any special occasion—but there isn’t a hint of stuffiness. This Back Bay eatery, which enjoys a regal perch at the intersection of Mass and Commonwealth Aves, is known for its contemporary French fare, complemented by a voluminous wine list with more than 20 options by the glass. Chef-owner Chris Coombs’s talent for hospitality and sumptuous dishes translates to a sophisticated yet relaxed experience.

Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, the Boston outpost of the globe-spanning Japanese izakaya serves sophisticated plays on sushi, robata skewers and tempura. Enjoy pristine nigiri and top-shelf sake in classy environs.

The 19th-century mahogany bar that once anchored the revered Locke-Ober is still present in this Downtown Crossing restaurant. It’s just as swanky as its predecessor and remains a destination spot for celebratory dining. A cocktail in the classy library bar sets the stage for a high-end meal of small plates and larger “feast” platters, like whole chicken Cordon Bleu or a two-pound Niman Ranch ribeye.

Perhaps the city’s most famous steakhouse, Grill 23 has hosted countless business dinners and special occasions. High ceilings, marble columns, white tablecloths and white jacket-clad waiters all contribute to the big-ticket atmosphere, as do the lawyers and brokers whooping it up over pricey wines and steaks that very nearly cost their weight in gold. The wine program has won national awards, as have the perfectly-prepped steaks.

Located atop The Newbury Boston, this elegant eatery serves more than just comforting Northern Italian fare—it also serves looks in a major way. The inside of this glass-enclosed, rooftop sanctuary seems like it’s a lush garden patio situated on a Tuscan hillside. But if you’re able to pry your eyes away from the beautiful interior for a minute, you’ll also see that this restaurant offers unreal views of the surrounding Back Bay. Take a seat on one of Contessa’s plush chairs, order yourself a selection of salumi and a plate of fresh pasta, and raise your negroni to the cityscape before you. 

From its busy intersection where the Back Bay meets the Theatre District, Ostra dishes out an assortment of sophisticated seafood. The exquisite menu is dotted with Mediterranean touches, and there are plenty of big-ticket items on offer (think caviar service and three-pound lobsters), perfect for special occasions and celebratory business dinners.

With stone floors, high ceilings, enormous windows, and an atmosphere suggestive of Provence, Mistral is both sophisticated and elegantly casual. It’s a sunny fine dining experience marked by an exquisite French-Mediterranean menu and fine wines. Elegant dishes like the Burgundy-style escargots, prime sirloin carpaccio with black truffle aioli, and half roasted duck should not be missed. Service remains superb, making it a distinctive fine dining experience.  

The name of this Beacon Hill steakhouse is the first clue that this restaurant doesn’t take itself too seriously. Boasting a playful style, this local jewel is a go-to for many diners looking to celebrate. The kitchen churns out juicy, perfectly prepped sirloins, rib-eyes and filets—all of which can only become further elevated with its selection of classic sides gone modern, including crisp panko and parmesan onion rings and lobster mac and cheese. Make it a truly indulgent experience with rich add-ons like bone marrow and foie gras!

Situated in the shadow of the State House, this stawart of Boston fine dining offers a head-on view of Boston Common. Sleek and sophisticated, this downtown spot—the fame-making ownership debut for local chef Barbara Lynch—offers a harmonious blend of regionally-inspired Italian and French dishes, served either a la carte or as part of the chef's tasting menu. Don't miss one of the city’s best-known dishes: prune-stuffed gnocchi with foie gras, almond and vin santo. Also of note, this locally beloved institution features one of the city’s most decorated wine lists. 

One of the city’s best steakhouses… is a national chain best known for its seafood? Strange but true. Amidst the raw bar and sushi offerings are top-notch, dry-aged steaks, from a bone-in filet to a 16-ounce ribeye, all seared at 1,200 degrees. Steaks come with “accessories” like black truffle butter or blue cheese crust, along with traditional sides like creamed spinach and asparagus with hollandaise. Add in a glam interior and impeccable service, and Ocean Prime goes head to head with the city’s more traditional steakhouses. 

Brought to us by Chris Himmel and Chef Robert Sisca, The Banks Fish House draws inspiration from their many joint fishing trips over the years. Situated on Stuart Street in Back Bay, this restaurant is committed to breathing new life into beloved local classics. Amongst its elevated menu items: fish and chips (IPA-battered, locally caught haddock with slaw, french fries and remoulade), ​​the lobster bake (a single-pot medley of chorizo, lobster, clams, mussels, potatoes and corn) and a clam chowder flatbread (a thin crust topped with creme fraiche, smoked bacon, clams, potatoes and oyster crackers). When in doubt, celebrate with a seafood tower and some caviar service.