Explore the best spots for some elevated Boston dining. From charming waterfront terraces to elegant downtown restaurants with sweeping city views. Known for its incredible seafood-filled dining scene, you can expect elevated restaurants that offers delicacies from the ocean, but also the best of Italian cuisine and seasonal American fare.
Update: This article was updated on May 5, 2025, with new information, new restaurants, updated photos, booking links and insider tips.
Use the booking links provided for each restaurant, to secure your spot!
Our complete and up-to date guide to the 6 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Boston - 2025 feature all info you need about each rooftop, all at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.
For each rooftop, this guide presents:
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Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop dinner, a laid-back rooftop brunch, a vibrant rooftop party or a luxurious hotel rooftop pool, we’ve got you covered.
In short: Inspired by earth and fire, Terra is a wood-burning grill restaurant, located on the third floor of the upscale Italian food destination Eataly Boston.
Food & Drinks: The Terra menu centers around a wood-burning Italian grill, where seasonal and playful plates made perfect to share are created over open flames, allowing the simple flavors to shine. Served daily as lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Terra always take you on a unique journey to Italy. Dishes range from 'Spiedi sul Ceppo' (skewers on a log) and housmade pastas, to 'Whole-Grilled Locally Caught Fish' and 'Bistecca Alla Fiorentina'.
What we think: Truly an urban garden oasis, the rooftop features a beautiful and vibrant interior greenhouse, where lush plants and a glass roof creates a bright and airy feel. During the warmer months, Terra also moves out to the 2,000-square-feet outdoor terrace, a secret oasis where you are surrounded with terracotta planters, abundant greenery, twinkling string lights and the Boston skyline.
Dress code: The Terra at Eataly Boston dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
17 Best Rooftop Bars in Boston
In short: Part of View Boston, covering the top floors of the Prudential Center in Back Bay, The Beacon is a modern bistro, featuring 33 miles of breathtaking views, a 22-seat window facing bar and seasonal beverages and bites.
Food & Drinks: The rooftop menu comes filled with a rotating selection of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. From 'Stuffed Rhode Island Clams' and 'New England Lobster Roll', to 'Braised Short Ribs' and 'Lobster Ravioli'.
What we think: Tickets to View Boston are required to access The Beacon, and the best bet is to book a prepaid experience at the restaurant. Take your lunch break to new heights with 'Savor the Skyline', which includes a priority admissions ticket, one spirit-free beverage and one appetizer, salad, or sandwich. Or enjoy a special evening with 'Beacon Bistro Bites', including a priority admissions ticket, two beverages, one appetizer or salad, and one large plate or sandwich.
Dress code: The The Beacon dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
17 Best Rooftop Bars in Boston
In short: Located on Pier 6 in Charlestown, steps from the oldest commissioned naval ship in the world, this is one of Boston's premier waterfront dining destinations.
Food & Drinks: Serving lunch, brunch and dinner, the Pier 6 menu highlights exciting flavors in some of the most classic New England dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Enjoy something from the raw bar, small plates like 'Steamed Mussels' and 'Blackened Swordfish Tacos', or larger options like 'Pier 6 Cheeseburger' and 'New England Lobster Roll'. There is also a wide selection of drinks, ranging from crafted signature cocktails and frozen creations, to a good selection of beers on draft and wine/champagne both by the glass and by the bottle.
What we think: All you need for some elevated, relaxed and friendly waterfront vibes. Set ove two levels, both the interor dining room and and the outdoor terraces offer amazing and panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor.
Dress code: The Pier 6 dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
17 Best Rooftop Bars in Boston
In short: The crown jewel of the glamorous hotel The Newbury Boston is Contessa, bringing the elegance of Northern Italy to Boston.
Food & Drinks: Offering grand and creative Italian trattoria-style menu's, here you can indulge in everything from 'Meatballs Aldo', 'Spicy Lobster Capellini', 'Classic Veal Milanese' and a selection of pizza. Pair dishes with something from the impressive wine cellar, that holds 749 unique wines.
What we think: Visit the sun-soaked and luxurious Contessa for breakfast, lunch and brunch, or under the stars for signature cocktails and dinner. Floating 17 floors above the heart of the city, the stylish rooftop is inspired by the old-world resorts of Europe and northern Italian estates, and boasts sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden.
Dress code: The Contessa Boston dress code is smart casual. Tailored shorts are permitted indoor and outdoors, but athletic wear and baseball caps are kindly prohibited.
Also featured in:
17 Best Rooftop Bars in Boston
In short: Perched on the 12th floor of the modern YOTEL Boston, the aptly named Deck 12 is a year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop.
Food & Drinks: High above it all, the rooftop offers a rotating series of seasonal and locally inspired dishes. Served daily as dinner, and during weekend also as brunch, there are hot & cold small plates, more filling large plates, and tasty sweets.
What we think: The rooftop holds a sleek interior lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, leading out to a spacious open-air terrace, surrounded with impressive panoramics over the Boston skyline and waterfront. With prime location and prime views, Deck 12 is a versatile place to get an elevated Boston experience. Come for late afternoon snacks and cocktails, a sunset dinner or to munch on the weekend rooftop brunch.
Dress code: The Deck 12 dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
17 Best Rooftop Bars in Boston
In short: Located at Cambridge Crossing, The Lexington offers several restaurants under one roof, including a rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace.
Food & Drinks: Serving both dinner and weekend brunch, The Lexington menu features a tasty selection of comfort food, including dishes like 'Steak Frites', 'Beer Battered Fish Tacos', 'Beef Tartare' and 'Ricotta Gnocchi'. Complemented with signature cocktails, local brews & cider and a nice selection of wine, The Lexington is a prime spot for both after work drinks, fun dinners, or early weekend get-togethers.
What we think: A unique rooftop restaurant in Boston. Designed with an open greenhouse layout, the bright and urban interior leads out to one of the only roof decks in the area, all surrounded with views of The Common.
Dress code: The The Lexington dress code is smart casual.
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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