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First Anniversary Dinner Location---in from out of town

I am surprising my husband for our first anniversary with a trip to Boston to see the Red Sox (he grew up there and has been a lifelong fan) and enjoy the city. I would love recommendations for both our anniversary dinner (special, unique location) and for other "can't miss" eateries to hit during our Friday-Monday trip. We are both adventuresome in our food tastes. Proximity to our hotel is a plus (we're staying at the W), but not a requirement.

Cheers, and thanks to all!

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  1. The W Hotel is right in the Theater District, so you are close to the MBTA and lots of interesting places.
    In order to get useful help from this board, you will need to provide a little more information. For example, what kind of food do you want or do not want? What kind of budget are you on? What is your idea of a special dinner?

    3 Replies
    1. re: Delhiwala

      Of restaurants I have been looking at so far, Mistral, Meritage, and Sorrelina look like promising candidates, but I am open to recommendations. We are most interested in contemporary, beautiful, tasty food.

      I do not have a specific pricepoint in mind, and I would like an intimate, warm, and welcoming restaurant (a concern with Mistral, to be honest, though the food sounds amazing). Degustation or tasting menus are welcome, but not a requirement.

      I apologize that this is so open ended; however, I have not been to Boston since I was a child, and my culinary horizons have expanded significantly since then. In addition, we will need recommendations for brunch/lunch/bar activities, as well, so it's hard to narrow down to one specific thing that we are looking for.


      Meritage Restaurant
      70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

      1. re: HotCookingMama

        I have never been SO bowled over by Sorrelina-although everything is fine there. It's just fine to me. Never strikes me as amazing. We have had amazing dinners at Pigalle( which is right near where you are staying). I love its' romantic feel and the food was top-notch!

        75 Charles Street South, Boston, MA 02116

        1. re: MRS

          Thanks! We'll have to check it out. I appreciate the rec!

      1. re: Beachowolfe

        Many thanks. Looks amazeballs. What do you like best about the food/atmosphere?

        1. re: HotCookingMama

          They have an excellent wine list w/ very reasonably priced bottles and 2oz pours if you'd like to try a variety.

          It's been a while since i've gone upstairs for dinner but I remember the roast suckling pig being deliciuos and the service being great. You can see out onto the common from the dining room upstairs as well.

      2. How much do you want to spend on your occasion dinner and the other meals?


        3 Replies
        1. re: MC Slim JB

          Without being sure of the price structure in Boston, it's hard to say. I'd be willing to drop
          $150-ish for a nice dinner for two. Everything else is open.

          1. re: HotCookingMama

            Is that figure inclusive of tax/tip/drinks?

        2. Since you haven't been here since childhood, I would suggest a drink at the top of the hub or 60 state street, do it a dusk if you can so you see the city, then the city lights. I would not suggest eating at either of these places, go for a drink and the view

          2 Replies
          1. re: momoftwo

            I thought 60 State street was a private room used only for events? Did I miss a change? Is it open to the public again?


          2. Maybe, not worthy of your anniversary dinner, but for one of the others, right in your hotel, the Market restaurant is very good. It's contemporary, food is good, service excellent,, prices not crazy.

            You know, Hammersley's Bistro has been a classic for years, but you may want to take a look at it. Really can't go wrong there.