I was just reading another graduation thread which got me thinking that I need to solidify plans for my daughter’s graduation day. It will most likely be four of us (including the graduate) and after sitting through many hours of graduation ceremony I think a very nice late lunch will be in order (ceremony will end around 1 pm). We will all be nicely dressed and I was thinking on splurging for a really nice place. Any suggestions?
My only idea right now is the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons (which I don’t know much about). We don’t like seafood - american or italian is preferred. Someplace where we can make a reservation so we don’t have to wait.
Once I started thinking about it, it’s harder than I thought - nicer places open for lunch that aren’t seafood. My favorite nicer Italian place in the North End is Mamma Maria’s but they don’t open until 5pm. There are a few steakhouses in the downtown area that cater to the business crowd but not sure that’s what you want.
Here’s a few to consider - you might need to get an uber as opposed to walking. Bristol sounds good, too.
Scampo
L’Espalier
Davio’s
Mooo (steak)
Ristorante Toscano
The Meritage in the Boston Harbor Hotel is very nice and has that “special event” vibe. Food is excellent with a beautiful view of the harbor. It’s about a mile (easy walk or quick cab) from the TD Garden.
I’d vote for L’espalier (on Boylston St). IMO it’s one of the best celebration restaurants in Boston–great ambience. Plus, the food is excellent (New England/French)–the chef is a James Beard award winner and he’s big on regional/seasonal food. We went there to celebrate my younger D’s 21st birthday and the staff was great and made it a fun occasion. It is open for lunch during the week, but I don’t know how late.
Maybe you could walk up to the Old North Church area–interesting sight-seeing there–and then stroll down Hanover Street to one of the classic Italian cafes. Followed up by an early dinner somewhere, if you wish.
I used to live on Hull Street. I’d suggest walking along Causeway to Hull. The old burying ground at the top of the hill is fascinating, and then there’s ONC and the gardens around it. Lots of nice old brick buildings.
My new favorite Boston restaurant is Island Creek Oyster Bar. It’s over near Kenmore Square which would be a short ride on the Green Line. They serve lunch. It’s an upscale, fun place with a laid back vibe.
I love Henrietta’s Table too Thumper ( although I only ate there once ) I feel like everyone walking away from TD will gravitate towards the North End since it’s so close. If you don’t mind hopping in a cab and going over to Newbury , there is a little place called Cafeteria that is pretty awesome.
Henrietta’s Table isn’t very good anymore, sorry to say! It’s okay for breakfast, but my last few dinners there have been from mediocre to pretty bad…we stay at the Charles Hotel often, so are usually a captive audience – I go elsewhere if I have the option. The OP will be close to the North End, and many of the restaurants there serve lunch, but I can’t think of any that are special occasion at that hour. Cafe Boulud in the Mandarin Oriental on Boylston is very nice and elegant - they definitely serve lunch, I’m certain…I had lunch there yesterday! The OP may want to consider some of the nicer hotel restaurants - it seems they are the best places for a nice lunch in Boston.
We had a lovely lunch at Cafeteria when we visited S last fall. We ate outside so I have no idea what it’s like inside. Nice menu, iirc and not particularly expensive.
We held a graduation dinner at Taranta in the North End (thanks to CC suggestions!) and it was superb. I don’t know if they are open for lunch, though.