Are you looking to indulge at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston for your special occasion? If we, we've compiled a complete rundown of the tastiest spots that are well worth the price tag. The food scene here is second to none, whether you're a seafood fanatic, French-obsessed or simply enjoy the finer things in life.
To put it another way, there’s no shortage of world-class dining at the most expensive restaurants in Boston. So, with that in mind, get your pen ready and start marking your calendar for a high-end evening (or morning) sampling the finest cuisine money can buy in this popular coastal town.
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- 21 Most Expensive Restaurants in Boston
- Other Foodie Experiences in Boston
The 21 Most Expensive Restaurants in Boston
1. The Capital Grille
When it comes to classic dining at the most expensive restaurants in Boston, The Capital Grille is up there with the best. A warm but sleek interior welcomes you for a special anniversary or a milestone birthday party. This high-end steakhouse chain offers a whole lot more than just incredible cuts of meat.
The Vibe
Dark and moody, candlelit tables help to set the mood. As one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, crisp white cloths adorn the tables, with white-glove service adding to the feeling of luxury.
What to Order
Steak, seafood or both. Originally a steakhouse, popular options include the timeless fliet mignon 10 oz. For something from land and sea, the seared tenderloin with butter poached lobster tails is dubbed on the menu as the "ultimate steak and seafood experience."
The Capital Grille | 900 Boylston St., Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA 02115 | $$$$
2. Woods Hill Pier 4
Stunning waterfront views meet downtown vibes at Woods Hill Pier 4, one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. New American cuisine is re-imagined with some classic Boston touches and a commitment to sustainability with farm-to-table style dining. The ingredients used come from a 360-acre farm in Concord, owned by the Canty family.
The Vibe
Modern and simplistic, with hints of blue playing off the stunning waterfront property. Indoor and outdoor seating allows patrons to make the most of the fleeting spring and summer seasons while enjoying one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Squid ink pasta, local lamb ribs or the lobster popover — a popular lunchtime spin on the local lobster roll.
Woods Hill Pier 4 | 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02211 | $$$
3. Rare Steakhouse
With a welcome change to the classic steakhouse menu, Rare Steakhouse has earned its spot as one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. Offering Japanese-style cuts of steak and named after the ideal temperature to enjoy a steak (according to the chef), this is not your typical steakhouse.
The Vibe
Take in beautiful views of the Harborwalk before settling into the gold and cream-toned interior, a change compared to the usual dark hues found in steak restaurants. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a stunning al fresco terrace make this a memorable backdrop for a refined dining experience.
What to Order
As you would expect at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, this steakhouse offers real Kobe beef, so order that along with a glass (or bottle) of your choice from the collection of 700 wines. Surf and turf featuring fresh-caught seafood will also delight your tastebuds.
Rare Steakhouse | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | $$$$
4. O Ya
What is the most expensive restaurant in Boston? Well, this spot has to be near, if not at, the top of the list. Serving up contemporary Omakase with 20 of the chef’s choice featuring nigiri, sashimi and cooked dishes, O Ya is a sushi lover's dream. At $295 per person, you definitely get what you pay for.
The Vibe
Sleek but cozy, exposed brick and soft golden light wrap you in a warm embrace. The décor is minimalist, letting the food shine, as it does at all of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. The space is small, seating about 25, so plan ahead and expect personalized service.
What to Order
The menu changes daily, so no two experiences are the same. The 20 bites are all chef’s choice, but the hamachi with banana pepper mousse is a defining dish, having been on the menu since day one and having helped prove, time and time again, why the establishment earns its spot as one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
O Ya | 9 E St., Boston, MA 02111 | $$$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in Boston Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by Boston's best chefs. Book Now5. Mamma Maria
When you’re craving Italian food, there are so many authentic spots around town to choose from. However, one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, Mamma Maria, elevates a local culinary favorite. Listed among the top 100 most romantic restaurants in America, you can share a "Lady and the Tramp" moment with someone special in a cozy candlelit setting — the perfect date night idea in Boston.
The Vibe
Charming and old-fashioned, the restaurant is set in the North End in a nineteenth-century brick house-turned restaurant. Step into one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston for a romantic evening between lovers or a small gathering with friends or family.
What to Order
The menu changes seasonally to highlight dishes from different regions of Italy, but the rabbit pasta is a beloved dish year-round.
Mamma Maria | 3 N. Sq., Boston, MA 02113 | $$$
6. Bar Mezzana
Enjoy elevated Italian seafood at Bar Mezzana, one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. All the richness of Italian cuisine paired with ultra-fresh seafood makes this a winning spot all year round. The focus is on simple food done right, from classic co*cktails like “the perfect” Aperol spritz to colorful and flavorful appetizers highlighting fresh, local ingredients like homemade ricotta with a swirl of sweet fig jam.
The Vibe
Although it is one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, the restaurant itself is simple and sleek. Muted tones with pops of blue and ambient lighting allow the food to speak for itself.
What to Order
The selection of crudo is award-winning and will make you feel like you're at the most expensive restaurant in Boston, but you can’t go wrong with handmade gnocchi alla vodka sauce and tender, grilled octopus.
Bar Mezzana | 360 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 | $$$
7. UNI
Formerly known as Clio, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston and has been around since the 1990s, serving up sushi, sashimi and Asian street food. Located in the Eliot Hotel, Thursday evenings at UNI are reserved for omakase while other nights offeràla carte dining.
The Vibe
Sleek and simple with dim, warm lighting, the bar offers an eye-popping selection of Japanese whiskeys to choose from. The colorful and ever-circulating plates of fresh sushi add a lively feel.
What to Order
Go on Thursday for the chef’s specially-curated selection of dishes or enjoy the salty and savory wagyu beef dumplings.
UNI | 370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 | $$$$
8. The Palm
Yet another one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston is a steakhouse, but this place is a tradition in and of itself. With several locations across the country, the goal at The Palmremains the same: to treat every guest like family and serve incredible food. The first location popped up in NYC back in 1926, started by two friends, and the tradition continues today.
The Vibe
All about the drama, with marble columns, high ceilings and dark wood throughout the space. Indoor and outdoor dining spaces offer stunning views of the Financial District.
What to Order
Surf and turf, featuring Nove Scotia lobster tails and a super-tender filet mignon.
The Palm | 1 International Pl., Boston, MA 02110 | $$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in Boston Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by Boston's best chefs. Book Now9. Mistral Bistro
Take a culinary journey to the South of France at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, Mistral Bistro. Enjoy a curated experience that transports you to a faraway place, using seasonal ingredients with classic French methods.
The Vibe
Warm yet sophisticated and not overly done, you can expect thoughtful touches at one the inclusion in the most expensive restaurants in Boston, such as handmade pottery and arched windows. Muted but beautiful hand-painted art evokes the feeling of a French country summer house.
What to Order
The seared foie gras or wild mushroom risotto are quintessential French dishes that must be tried while you're here.
Mistral Bistro | 223 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$$
10. Asta
One of the most expensive restaurants in Boston to open in 2010, Astaoffers three unique tasting menus of three, five, and eight courses with offerings that change daily. The owner, Alex Crabb, famously owns Copenhagen’s Noma, formerly the top restaurant in the world, and L’Espalier.
The Vibe
Sleek and cozy with nods to Nordic culture, it is intentionally minimalist, meaning no white tablecloths despite the quality of the food. The wood tables and lack of frivolous décor let the dishes take center stage.
What to Order
Get ready to enjoy one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston by choosing between 3, 5 and 8 courses, with or without wine pairings. The dishes change almost daily, making use of local, foraged goods as well as high-end ingredients flown in.
Asta| 47 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$$
11. Season to Taste
One of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, Season to Taste, is now located just up the road from Harvard Law School. The mid-size space seats around 75 guests, including a counter for the tasting menu only. The menu celebrates local New England ingredients with Southern comfort cooking and some European influence to boot.
The Vibe
Organic and cozy, with plenty of greenery and warm wood throughout. A colorful, well-lit bar backs up to a contemporary dining area.
What to Order
The Maine mussel stew is a vibrant mix of local and international. Alternatively, the crispy pork ribs are downright delicious — as they should be at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
Season to Taste | 1678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$$$
12. No. 9 Park
Enjoy an evening in the iconic Beacon Hill neighborhood at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. At Chef Barbara Lynch’s flagship restaurant, No. 9 Park, you can expect the finest of everything, from A5 wagyu to caviar or stuffed gnocchi. The menu combines French and Italian influences and emphasizes freshness and flavor above all.
The Vibe
Located in a townhouse, you can enjoy an intimate setting for some world-class food befitting of one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. White tablecloths and a dark, moody interior with sparkling antique chandeliers set the tone for a special meal.
What to Order
The prune-stuffed gnocchi adds a new meaning to decadence, while the duet of Rohan duck showcases beautiful French cooking at its finest.
No. 9 Park | 9 Park St. Pl., Boston, MA 02108 | $$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in Boston Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by Boston's best chefs. Book Now13. Contessa
With a stunning city view and some of the most delightful Italian cuisine in town, Contessa offers it all, from brunch to a late dinner, at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. Perhaps you're interested in the best breakfast in Boston — a ritzy brunch complete with delightful co*cktails and thoughtful items like the panettone French toast or carbonara scramble. Pop into Contessa for everything your heart desires.
The Vibe
Bold, almost retro décor will wow you before you take your first bite. A full marble bar and a multi-colored, checkered marble floor sparkle like jewels in the sun atop The Newbury Hotel.
What to Order
The spicy lobster capellini makes great use of local seafood and authentic Italian flavor, and there’s no shortage of sublime antipasti salads to delight your senses.
Contessa | Rooftop, 3 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$$
14. Mastro’s Ocean Club
Bringing fresh, high-end seafood to cities all across the nation, Mastro’s Ocean Club has a swanky New England location that has helped land it a spot on the list of most expensive restaurants in Boston. The name is a nod to their “masterful” menu featuring steak and seafood, and each of their locations enforces a dress code to keep the ambiance elevated.
The Vibe
A classic steakhouse vibe with dark wood and mood lighting, the space is accented by several large chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.
What to Order
The fresh seafood tower has something to please everyone, before moving on to a generous bone-in ribeye or black truffle gnocchi before a few bites of gooey butter cake.
Mastro’s Ocean Club | 25 Fan Pier Blvd., Boston, MA 02210 | $$$$
15. Ostra
Located in Boston’s Back Bay, Ostra is one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston to combine Mediterranean flavor with ultra-fresh seafood for an incredible dining experience. Inspired by both local and European seafood delicacies, enjoy fresh and simple preparations that allow natural flavors to shine.
The Vibe
There’s a sense of lightness and brightness in this almost all-white space. Thoughtful nods to the sea, like subtle murals of sealife, add a touch of playfulness.
What to Order
The seabass tartare is a welcome departure from the classic steak version, and the Snow Egg is a must-try dessert to commemorate a special occasion at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
Ostra | 1 Charles St. S., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$$
16. Deuxave
Another one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston serving up modern French fare, Deuxave sources local American ingredients from fishermen, foragers and farmers and presents them a la Francaise.
The Vibe
A swanky bistro bar with elegant touches like an all-glass wine room and modern, understated décor. Grab a seat at the sleek bar of one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston or enjoy a cozy table tucked away for more privacy.
What to Order
Deuxave's wine program is highly rated, and a nice glass of red pairs perfectly with the crispy duck confit or nine-hour French onion soup on a chilly night.
Deuxave | 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in Boston Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by Boston's best chefs. Book Now17. Faccia a Faccia
Enjoy classic coastal Italian at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston, Faccia a Faccia. Delight your senses with an ever-changing menu delivering mouthwatering bites inspired by the chefs’ travels to Sicily, Liguria, Sardinia and beyond. Al fresco dining is elevated to incredible heights thanks to award-winning chef and restaurateur Ken Oringer and fellow chef Brian Rae.
The Vibe
Exposed, white-washed brick feels at once rustic and modern. Take a seat on the patio surrounded by lush greenery to experience how Italian al fresco dining should be done at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Comforting classics are taken up a notch, like hand-breaded mozzarella sticks topped with caviar, or stuffed olives with anchovy and spicy Italian sausage. The menu is varied and includes ultra-fresh crudo and decadent homemade pastas.
Faccia a Faccia | 278 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$$
18. Oishii
Authentic Japanese food makes its way onto the list of the most expensive restaurants in Boston yet again, courtesy of Oishii. Inspired by the culinary lessons his father passed down to him, Chef Ting Yen first opened Oishii in December of 1998.
The Vibe
Dark and moody, a perfect spot for date night. Dark walls, floors and tables get bathed in a deep blue light, creating a memorable ambiance at the sushi bar. Alternatively, grab a table and enjoy one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston with just your loved ones.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with omakase, the chef’s selection of dishes for the evening, but if you want to goàla carte, the toro nigiri or Sakura smoked ham are a treat.
Oishii | 1166 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$$
19. Harvest
A Boston classic, Harvest is one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston that's been serving up New England cuisine since 1975. Their menu features seasonal ingredients with a focus on local purveyors to create American food that’s both novel and traditional.
The Vibe
Enjoy dinner by the fireplace or under the string lights in a cozy garden patio at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. Soothing earth tones and comfy banquettes add a relaxed feel to the elevated menu.
What to Order
Caviar gougères are sinfully rich and delicious as a starter, and the locally caught raw fluke on brioche with chive oil lightens things up.
Harvest | 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138 | $$$
20. Mooo….
Right in the heart of Beacon Hill, Mooo.... is one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston. It puts a playful twist on the classic steakhouse, serving elevated meaty bites with a relaxed vibe. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here seven days a week.
The Vibe
Sophisticated, yet relaxed with muted tones, arched ceilings and large windows to let in plenty of light.
What to Order
All classic steakhouse dishes are done right this inclusion in the most expensive restaurants in Boston — from lobster bisque to a filet mignon topped with bone marrow, or even beef Wellington.
Mooo…. | Multiple Locations | $$$$
21. Yvonne’s
Last but not least on the list of most expensive restaurants in Boston, Yvonne’s is a modern interpretation of a supper club that’s oozing with personality. The location has been a restaurant since 1862, under other names, and Yvonne’s has maintained and re-imagined the classic architecture. The menu features strong European and Mediterranean influences with fresh, seasonal ingredients as the star.
The Vibe
Guests enter through a secret door at the back of a neighboring blow-dry bar before entering into the dimly-lit space with luxurious and modern décor like a bright-yellow tufted velvet booth. Mirrored walls, large sparkling crystal chandeliers and a classic tin ceiling add to the brooding, moody ambiance.
What to Order
Tunisian chicken with a freshly wood-fired pita base and harissa-spiced meat, or the grilled Viper chop — a 24-hour marinated short rib on a bed of kimchi fried rice.
Yvonne’s | 2 Winter Pl., Boston, MA 02108 | $$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Boston
Some of the most expensive restaurants in Boston can have lengthy wait lists and require months of planning ahead. Why wait and wonder, "What is the most expensive restaurant in Boston?" when you can bring world-class dining to your home or venue of choice? Choose from any of the incredible private chefs in Boston to bring high-end dining to your special occasion. These chefs proudly bring international experience to your table and can create any meal you desire.
Great food doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag, either. Food tours in Boston offer a carefully curated selection of some of the best Boston foods, including hidden gems, food trucks and dive bars. Cheesy burgers or buttery lobster rolls will tempt your tastebuds just as much as a $200 tasting menu.
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With this list in hand, your search for the most expensive restaurant in Boston is over. There are several tasting menus to choose from, with a plethora of other refined options to boot, meaning that if you’re looking for the best bites, the most expensive restaurants in Boston are sure to have something to suit your palate and occasion.
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
