go-to boston restaurants for every occasion
from a casual bite to a luxury experience
hello!
This week, I’m reporting live from a quick few days in Florida. Nothing on the agenda besides relaxing and quality time, which is one of my favorite types of trips!
today’s topic: go-to restaurants for every occasion (boston edition)
As you all know, I’m a big foodie and have loved doing my time on the Boston restaurant scene. After a few too many meals out over the past couple years, here’s a collection of my favorite spots. I’ve listed one for each occasion that comes to mind – and if you’re looking for another specific recommendation, you know I’m always here to help! Enjoy!!
For a first date: Banyan Bar, South End | Banyan is a great first date spot – it’s relaxed but chic, their dishes are delicious and shareable, and they have GREAT lychee martinis (if you haven’t had one, you’re missing out.) It’s always busy, so worth grabbing a reservation or hitting the bar!
For an anniversary: Rare Steakhouse, Everett | If you’re ready to blow your significant other out of the water, take them to Rare. This is easily my favorite steakhouse in the Boston area, and the ambiance is truly unmatched. Their steaks are consistently perfectly cooked, every single one of their sides is delicious, and I can guarantee you’re going to be ordering multiple rounds of their bread offering. So good!
For a family dinner: Coquette, Seaport | Coquette is one of my favorite spots for a group dinner, and it’s perfect for a special occasion or time with family. Their menu is primarily comprised of shareable plates, something to match everyone’s taste, and the restaurant’s décor is truly stunning. It’s consistently great quality (and a great place to take photos, as well!)
For a weekday meal: Rochambeau, Back Bay | Rochambeau just launched their Steak Room, which serves an amazing $36 menu deal including a house salad, fresh baguette, strip steak and unlimited fries. It’s active every day of the week. They also serve weekday brunch! And no matter what meal you’re there for…don’t forget to start with their French onion soup. You won’t regret it!
For a group birthday meal: Committee, Seaport | Committee is such a fun “late-to-later” spot – it’s always popping with big parties, and becomes more club-like the later it gets. Their small plates are absolutely delicious, as are their drinks – definitely a splurge, but one worth making for a birthday! And you’ll be perfectly positioned to hit the town in Seaport after your meal. Ideal birthday sequence!
For a solo dinner: Rebel’s Guild, Theatre District | Located in the Revere Hotel downtown, Rebel’s Guild is a perfect spot to wind down after a day at work, whether or not you have a plus one. Its atmosphere is chilled out and the menu doesn’t miss – they have a great burger that pairs perfectly with their truffle parmesan fries, and their crème brulêé? One of the best I’ve had in Boston.
For a group brunch: Prima, Charlestown | I recently discovered Prima’s brunch and it’s AMAZING – definitely one of the best I’ve had in Boston. The restaurant is light and airy in the front room, and towards the back you’ll find the Rose Room, which is ideal for a date night or more intimate date night meal. If you’re there for brunch, be sure to order a tiramisu espresso martini and the breakfast pizza. Both knockouts – you’ll forget your weekend is almost over!
For a nightcap: The Liberty Bar, Beacon Hill | Located up the main escalator at the Liberty Hotel, this spot is absolutely packed on weekends, and it’s the perfect spot to end a night out with friends. It’s classy (I’ll always recommend a hotel bar) but upbeat until the night is over. Love their espresso martinis!
recipe of the week
I haven’t made a pasta salad in so long (it usually strikes me as more of a summer dish) but I decided to whip something up and it’s proven to be the perfect meal prep transition into springtime. Definitely making this one again - it’s too easy not to!
Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
takes 15 minutes; serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 9-oz package fresh cheese tortellini
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup crumbled feta
1/3 cup mediterranean olives
1 tbsp fresh dill
1 lemon, zested
2 mini cucumbers
Oregano, to taste
Salt & pepper
Preparation:
Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
Dice cucumbers into small discs.
Once slightly cooled, combine cooked tortellini with olive oil, feta, olives, dill, lemon zest, cucumbers, oregano, and salt & pepper.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or serve warm. Enjoy!
current obsession
If protein is the most time-consuming thing for you to incorporate into your meals, I’ve been loving Just Meats as a great alternative to cooking meats from scratch. They offer subscriptions or one-time orders of delicious meats (anything from a basic roasted chicken breast to smoked Texas brisket ) that come fully cooked and just need to be warmed in a pan. Use code KAITLYN10 for 10% off your first Just Meats order!
what’s next?
Subscribe to receive The Pantry Potluck straight to your inbox every Sunday night (otherwise known as peak procrastination time!)
What’s up next:
Things to do in Boston this spring
The best meals I’ve ever had
My March travel highlights
And so much more…let me know what else you’d like to see in a comment below!
See ya next week,
Kaitlyn | The Pantry Potluck ♡
Thanks for reading The Pantry Potluck! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.