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Interior - Contessa - Boston, Boston, MA

Contessa - Boston

4.7 (603)
$31 to $50
Italian
1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Make a reservation

A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant

Contessa - Boston

4.7
$31 to $50
Italian
Back Bay

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 105 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti and carpaccios to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 741-3404
  • Website
    https://contessaristorante.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    For a party of 9+, please email events@contessaboston.com.
  • Private party contact
    Contessa Boston Events Team: (617) 536-5700
  • Location
    1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
  • Neighborhood
    Back Bay
  • Cross street
    Located in The Newbury Hotel at Arlington St. and Berkeley St.
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    The main entrance to the restaurant is located at 3 Newbury Street. If you enter through the hotel, you will need to walk through the restaurant to check in at the host stand.
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    bostonfoodiejournal

    I’ve been trying forever to get a reservation at Contessa and I finally made it recently!! Located in Newbury St the views were amazing! The rooftop is actually enclosed in a glass space, making me think this is one of the few rooftops you can also visit in winter! Ambiance was out of this world and you could really feel the Italian style even in simple things like the paintings! Right away they started us off with some bread, parmesan and these olives that were incredible! Then for drinks we got the raspberry cobbler and the brooklyn, which we absolutely loved! Then for apps we got the beef carpaccio and the whipped ricotta! We absolutely loved the carpaccio which was super fresh, and the ricotta and honey combo was on point! Then for pasta we got the Macaroni con Cinghiale and the Fusilli Genovese! The pasta here was absolutely insane, some of the best I’ve had yet!! The Macaroni con Cinghiale was incredible and one of my friends recommended the Fusilli Genovese, and I ended up loving it! Then we ended the night with the nutella fudge cake which was unreal!! I would 100% come back!! . . . #boston #foodies #collegefoodies #cheatdayeats #zipkick #bestfoodboston #foodporn #northeastern #collegeeats #drunkfood #munchies #bostoncollege #dailyfoodfeed #foodpics #nycfoodie #eatup #viralfood #eatforinsta #visitboston #fwx #bostonfood #foods4thought #tryitordiet #topcitybites #teamhappyfoodies

  • Profile image

    foodiebeccak

    I had Breakfast at Contessa ☕🥐✨ This spot in Boston is beyond cute, and the food? Sooo good! From the amazing hospitality to the gorgeous vibes, I loved every moment. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the city! 🩷🌸 @contessaristorante Location: Rooftop, 3 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 Cost: $$$ Attire: Brunch Attire/Something Cute 🩷 📸- @bxcca.k #boston #bostontiktok #breakfastinboston #placestogoinboston #bostonrestaurantsweek #newburyboston #bellini #breakfastsandwhich

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Menu

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Contessa - Boston.

4.7

4.7
(603)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Boston

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Contessa in Boston offers an "opulent aesthetic" with spectacular city views. Guests praise the "attentive, professional staff" and "exceptional service." The food is described as "absolutely delicious," with standout dishes like the "Spicy Lobster Capellini." The ambiance is perfect for special occasions, making it a "top-tier Boston spot." Reservations are recommended for this "amazing restaurant."
603 Reviews

  1. Leslie

    Greater Boston8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Too hot by the window during lunch! Don’t wear your warm sweater

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sarah

    Dublin1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Extremely overpriced and very disappointing. The food was honestly disgusting and nowhere near the quality you would expect for the price. The staff were good and the view was absolutely fabulous, but unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. Overall, the food quality and experience simply do not justify the prices. Definitely not worth the money.
    Contessa - BostonResponded 3 days ago
    Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to share your honest feedback. We're sorry the food and overall value fell so short of what you expected. That's not the experience we want anyone to have at Contessa Boston. We're glad the view and our team left a good impression, and we'll pass your comments on to our kitchen. If you're open to it, we'd welcome the chance to hear more directly from you. We hope to earn your trust again in the future.

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  3. Lynn Gold

    Greater Boston10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a girls get together luncheon…for 8.. The ambiance was lovely..such a beautiful atmosphere. Waitstaff was very attentive and friendly.. Food was delicious..we shared several items ..the squash carpaccio ,avocado bruschetta and salmon were a few of our favs . As well as a few of desserts ..apple tart ,tiramisu and boston crème dessert were yummy .. The view of the city is amazing ..

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  4. Debra Gold

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant, exceptional food and wonderful service. We will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nadia Gold

    New York City22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Attentive, professional staff. Nice, elegant breakfast option during the work week. I imagine the weekend brunch would be even more spectacular, coupled with a lovely view.

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  6. Kristin Gold

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing and the restaurant is beautiful. Thank you for a perfect experience!
    Contessa - BostonResponded 6 days ago
    Thank you, Kristin! We're so glad the food and the space both delighted you. We'll pass along your kind words to Camilo, and we hope to welcome you back to Contessa Boston soon.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Linda

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server was attentive and food came at the perfect time!
    Contessa - BostonResponded on October 28, 2026
    Thank you so much, Linda! We're thrilled you felt looked after, and we'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Camilo. We look forward to welcoming you back to Contessa soon.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Paula Gold

    New York City13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional service and delicious food with probably one of the best views in Boston
    Contessa - BostonResponded on October 26, 2026
    Thank you so much, Paula! We're thrilled you enjoyed the food and the view, and we're so glad Shanaye took great care of you. We look forward to welcoming you back to Contessa soon.

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  9. Katie Gold

    Los Angeles9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful spot - excellent for a date or brunch with friends. Great drinks and food as well.

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  10. Haley Gold

    New Orleans4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our experience at Contessa was nothing short of spectacular! The weather was absolutely perfect and the city views were incredible. The attention to design shines through from the moment you step off of the elevator. Jewel tones along with beautiful floral arrangements remind me of a Gatsby era opulent aesthetic. Order the Espresso martini creamy. You won’t be mad that you did. I had the Spicy Lobster Capellini and it had the perfect spice for my Louisiana native tongue. Be sure to book a reservation well in advance. This place was a 10/10. Enthusiastically recommended.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 741-3404
  • Website
    https://contessaristorante.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    For a party of 9+, please email events@contessaboston.com.
  • Private party contact
    Contessa Boston Events Team: (617) 536-5700
  • Location
    1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
  • Neighborhood
    Back Bay
  • Cross street
    Located in The Newbury Hotel at Arlington St. and Berkeley St.
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    The main entrance to the restaurant is located at 3 Newbury Street. If you enter through the hotel, you will need to walk through the restaurant to check in at the host stand.
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access

FAQs

Yes, Contessa is a rooftop restaurant, with sunlit, glass‑filled dining and sweeping Back Bay and Public Garden views that guests frequently praise.

Contessa feels glamorous and sunlit, an elegant rooftop dining room with Art Deco and mid‑century modern touches, plush seating, and panoramic city views.

Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished attire rather than formalwear; it’s a comfortable fit for anniversary dinners and special occasions.

Sunday brunch is a popular pick, guests praise Contessa’s brunch (notably the Panettone French Toast) and memorable weekend visits.

Yes, Contessa welcomes private parties, and guests have used the upstairs wine room as an intimate celebration space with planning and custom‑menu support from management.

Many guests find portions generous enough to share or take home, several mention splitting pastas and bringing half of entrées away, and desserts are described as sizable.

Yes, Contessa’s rooftop dining, sweeping Back Bay views and repeated anniversary/date‑night visits make it a lovely choice for a special evening.

Contessa’s brunch is a standout, guests repeatedly rave about the Panettone French Toast and the relaxed brunch experience; one reviewer also singled out a Wednesday lunch as an especially lovely early-afternoon visit.

Contessa sits atop The Newbury as a sunlit, rooftop dining room with sweeping Back Bay views; it also has a lively bar, window tables for skyline views, and an upstairs wine room/private event space for parties.

Yes, families do dine here: at least one reviewer visited Contessa with a 5‑year‑old and enjoyed the meal, indicating children are welcome at the rooftop restaurant.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston
  5. Back Bay

Make a reservation

A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant

Contessa - Boston

4.7
$31 to $50
Italian
Back Bay

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 105 times today
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