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Best Private Dining Rooms in Boston

Boston is the nation’s academic powerhouse, home to MIT and Harvard, Boston University, and the University of Massachusetts, all producing some of the greatest minds and inventions in history.

table set at boston massachusetts private dining restaurant

Students and academics comprise more than 10% of the total population, providing a diverse and highly intellectual cultural scene.

Consequently, you can bet on an abundance of restaurants and bars to host faculty holiday parties and graduation celebrations.

Of course, students aren’t the only demographic to capitalize on Boston’s diverse array of amazing food in historical, classy settings.

Whether you’re in Boston sightseeing as a family, celebrating a wedding, or looking for a private room to have an important business lunch, Boston’s restaurant scene has plenty of options to host your event.

Private dining in Boston is widely available in numerous settings featuring fabulous global and American cuisines to help make a special occasion memorable.

If you’re looking for the best options for private dining in Boston, read on to explore my list of restaurants, bistros, and chophouses that will accommodate parties big and small with wonderful service and delicious food.


Mamma Maria

3 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-523-0077
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Mamma Maria is a Four Diamond Italian Bistro situated in a historic 19th-century row house with five private dining rooms here in Boston.

Located in the North End one block from the Paul Revere House, Mamma Maria sources all produce, meat, fish, and dairy from local farmers and purveyors to create an authentic menu of regional Italian dishes.

You won’t find a more romantic, New England setting than Mamma Maria, and the food is as special as the venue.

The Boston Globe raves about its Ossobuco, with pasture-raised veal over saffron risotto. I loved their house-made pasta dishes, namely the slow-cooked rabbit over pappardelle pasta with crispy pancetta and fresh rosemary.


Ocean Prime

140 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-670-1345
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Appropriately located right off Pier 4 in Fort Point, Ocean Prime offers fine-dining seafood and a steakhouse with a full cocktail bar.

Owned by the award-winning Cameron Mitchell group, Ocean Prime is an urban-inspired contemporary steakhouse with locations in all the largest metropolises across the U.S.

The unique, fast-paced atmosphere and creative New American menu have garnered acclaim from Zagat, Travel and Leisure, and Boston Common Magazine.

Ocean Prime has three private dining options to accommodate parties of up to 56 people. Their menu displays various global takes on seafood and steak dishes.

I loved the Hamachi Crudo with pickled mango, sweet peppers, cilantro, and sesame ginger vinaigrette.


Grill 23 & Bar

161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-542-2255
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Owned by proud Bostonians and brothers Ken and Chris Himmel, Grill 23 and Bar is a classic steakhouse located inside the old Salada Tea Building a few blocks from Boston Common.

Grill 23 and Bar will celebrate 40 years as a beloved Boston steakhouse and they’ve recently expanded to include a second-floor for private dining.

They use only natural Prime beef and the freshest catches to create an outstanding menu of classic steaks and other New American takes on comfort foods like Prime meatloaf and seafood chowder.

I recommend the Prime New York strip steak served Oscar Style with asparagus, lump crab, and bearnaise.


Menton

354 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-737-0099
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Menton is a modern fine-dining bistro in the Five Point neighborhood that takes inspiration from its juxtaposed surroundings of modern and historic buildings to create a contemporary take on a historic, fine dining experience.

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Award-winning Chef, Barbara Lynch’s unique, seasonal menus, wine lists, and beautiful dining space have won a James Beard nomination, and four-star reviews from The Boston Globe, Bon Appetit, and Forbes.

Menton specializes in modern French cuisine served in artistic presentations as a multi-course, pre-fixe meal.

Each course has various dishes you can choose from, or you can opt for the Chef’s tasting menu to sample Chef Lynch’s best dishes.

I loved the Dray Aged Muscovy Duck, duck croquettes with roasted quince, Belgian endive, and a chestnut souffle.  


Yvonne’s

2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-267-0047
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Yvonne’s is an old-fashioned Supper Club in a 19th-century bar and dining space with antique crystal chandeliers, elaborate floral wallpaper, and marble floors in the heart of downtown and one block from Boston Common.

Its classy old-world atmosphere and a high-end menu of global cuisines make Yvonne’s a popular restaurant for business lunches, holiday parties, and other corporate events. 

Their private dining space is inside an old library with a 19th-century wooden fireplace and an incredible wood-carved ceiling.

The menu features flavors from around the world, whether it be Asian-inspired crispy Korroke with Japanese sweet potato, tonkatsu, curry, mayo, and cheddar, or Greek-inspired seared Haloumi.


Branch Line

321 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-420-1900
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Located in East Watertown right along the Charles River, Branch Line is a cozy, country-chic bar and American restaurant with artisanal beer and a vast wine list to pair with a comforting yet refined selection of regional American dishes.

They have a wonderful outdoor patio surrounded by greenery and potted plants, making for a wonderful spring or summertime event venue.

They have ten beers on tap, plus various artisanal imports from as far away as Japan. They’re famous for their rotisserie chicken that comes with roasted potatoes.

They also make an incredible rotisserie chicken soup with lemon, oregano, and parmesan broth.


Mooo….

15 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-670-2515
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Moo… is a fine-dining steakhouse from the owner and Executive Chef Jamie Mammano who also owns and operates various award-winning restaurants in Boston.

Located in a modern and upscale space in Boston’s Beacon Hill, Mooo… is a contemporary fine-dining steakhouse that offers modern takes on classic steak dishes.

They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as Sunday brunch and have two private dining spaces that can accommodate up to 60 people.

I loved their varied menu of small plates, my favorite being the dry-aged ribeye and sirloin meatballs with ricotta polenta.


Harvest

44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-868-2255
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A Harvard Square staple since 1975, Harvest is a modern farm-to-table bistro in a spacious dining room and outdoor patio, both centered around a gorgeous stone and wood fireplace.

Owned by Chris Himmel, Harvest sources the best seasonal fare from local Massachusetts and New England purveyors. Executive Chef Nick Deutmeyer creates seasonal, farm-driven menus that continue to evolve and wow Cambridge residents.

Harvest has a wonderful selection of cheese plates all sourced from local dairy farms and served with fruit, nuts, and toast, making them a wonderful appetizer platter for large parties.

For the main dish, I loved the New England Redfish and Scallops with root vegetable hash, and whole grain mustard beurre blanc.


Bistro du Midi

272 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-279-8000
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Bistro du Midi is a classic French bistro in a two-story building with country-chic dining spaces overlooking the Public Gardens in Boston’s Back Bay.

Chef and Co-owner Robert Sisca prepares an authentic menu of classic French food from a fabulous open kitchen on the second floor in a refined dining space while the first floor offers a more casual old-school European bistro setting.

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There are separate menus for the downstairs bistro and the more fine-dining upstairs, both offering authentic and beautifully presented multi-course plates.

I loved their decadent Croque Madame with black forest ham, mornay, gruyere, and sunny side eggs from the Bistro.


Lucca Restaurant

226 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-742-9200
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Located in Boston’s North End, Lucca Restaurant and Bar is a fine-dining Italian restaurant and wine bar with an impressive 500-bottle wine list that has won the coveted Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for a decade and counting.

Lucca offers seen private dining options and their impeccable service makes private parties a special and memorable event.

Lucca uses a mix of imported Italian ingredients and local purveyors to create a luxurious and authentic Italian menu.

I recommend starting with the duck confit tart with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and spinach. The house-made three-cheese ravioli with pancetta, baby spinach, and cauliflower was incredible. 


Catalyst Restaurant

300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-576-3000
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Catalyst Restaurant is a hip and stylish modern American restaurant focusing on sustainable cuisine and creative, artistic plating.

Their location in Cambridge’s Technology Square has 1600 square feet of private dining spaces and cocktail lounges with stunning décor, wall-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and the capacity to host weddings or corporate parties up to 200 guests.

Executive Chef William Covel creates a simple yet stunning menu of sustainably sourced plates featuring scratch-made bread and pasta, appetizers, and main plates.

The focaccia with roasted tomato, caramelized onion, whipped feta, Aleppo pepper, and chives is a must-try.


Porto

Ring Rd, Boston, MA 02199
Phone: 617-536-1234
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Located in Back Bay, Porto is a Mediterranean restaurant from James Beard Award-winning Chef Jody Adams. Chef Adams’ menu features Mediterranean dishes from Spain, Italy, Greece, and beyond in a refined yet festive dining space.

Not only has the menu at Porto won a James Beard Award, but it also won accolades from the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and OpenTable.

The craft cocktails at Porto are second to none, with creativity on par with the food menu. I ordered their Elder Peartinin with pear puree, lemon, St. Elder Liquor, vodka, simple syrup, and tonic.

The Shrimp Fra Diavola with harissa, braised tomatoes, and Calabrian chili showcased a stunning Mediterranean fusion of Italian and Middle Eastern flavors.


The Capital Grille

900 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-262-8900
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Another Back Bay neighborhood establishment, The Capital Grille is a nationally acclaimed classic American steakhouse with locations around the U.S. that uphold high standards of luxurious fine dining and quality beef and seafood.

The Capital Grille has aging rooms to dry-age their meat and in-house butchers to cut and cook the finest steaks in town.

The Capital Grille is a seasoned private dining restaurant with an events coordinator to help you plan menus and party schedules in one of their lovely private dining rooms.

The menu is as classic as steakhouses come, with a multi-course meal of fine steaks and seafood. I love their lobster and crab cakes.


Abe & Louie’s

793 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-536-6300
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Abe and Louie’s is one of Boston’s oldest steakhouses, opening under the pioneering vision of Charles F Sarkis in 1965 in Back Bay.

Sarkis named Abe and Louie’s for his father and close friend, intending to create a high-end fine-dining steakhouse that has earned awards as the best steakhouse in Boston from Eater, Business Insider, and Zagat to name a few.

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Abe & Louie’s vast menu of steak, chicken, chops, and seafood uses the finest cuts and New England’s freshest catches.

I loved their New England Clam Chowder. Their 50-day dry-aged New York Strip was a once-in-a-lifetime carnivorous experience.


Mistral

223 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-867-9300
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Another fabulous restaurant from famed restauranteur and chef Jamie Mammano, Mistral is a stunning French bistro in Boston’s South End.

The high-ceilinged dining space with marble columns, arched windows, and southern French countryside décor is a romantic setting for weddings and holiday dinners.

Chef Mammano creates an authentic offering of classic French food from escargot to foie gras.

There are also wood-fired thin-crust pizzas with French-inspired toppings to share. I especially liked the beef tenderloin, mashed potato, caramelized onion, and white truffle oil pizza.

If you’re looking for something more authentic, try the simple yet delicious pan-roasted Cornish game hen with applewood smoked bacon, lemon, and rosemary.


No.9 Park

9 Park St Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-742-9991
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No. 9 Park is James Beard Award-winning Chef Barbara Lynch’s Italian and French bistro in a historical townhouse in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

No. 9 Park has won a four-diamond rating from AAA and a James Beard Award for its wine list. The modern and classy townhome has various dining rooms and cocktail lounges that lend well to intimate parties.

You can choose from a pre-fixe chef’s tasting menu or a small, expertly curated a la carte menu, both of which offer four marvelous courses to pair with an award-winning wine list.

The craft cocktails are also incredible. My favorite main course was the lamb fondue with gorgonzola cheese and brioche.


Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

Multiple Locations
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With its flagship location in Back Bay, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse has become a nationally beloved Northern Italian steakhouse with ten locations around the U.S.

The steakhouse was opened in 1985 by Boston native and Chef Steve DiFillippo. DiFillippo earned his culinary degrees from Cambridge and Boston University and was inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2008.

Both its Back Bay and Seaport locations have wonderful open, airy, and kid-friendly dining spaces with many private dining options.

The menu has a classic Italian format of antipasti, handmade pasta, and a multitude of seafood, chops, and red meat entrees. I recommend the Tagliatelle Bolognese with braised veal, beef, and pork.


Whether you’re celebrating a small wedding, a large corporate event, or graduation from one of Boston’s many famous universities.

When it comes to private dining in Boston, there are an abundance of options you’ll find to host any special occasion.

My list of award-winning, nationally acclaimed bistros, steakhouses, and historic eateries provide stellar atmospheres, impeccable service, and delicious food to enjoy in a private room, lounge, or banquet hall.

If you want more incredible Boston restaurants to explore, check out my list of even more excellent dining spots in Boston.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Tripadvisor.com and Thefoodlens.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60745-zfp63-Boston_Massachusetts.html
https://www.thefoodlens.com/boston/sides/guide/restaurants-with-private-rooms/
https://blog.resy.com/2022/11/boston-private-dining/
https://www.opentable.com/private-dining/?m=7
https://www.partyslate.com/best-of/private-dining-boston/
https://www.tagvenue.com/us/hire/small-private-dining-rooms/boston

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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