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Boston Restaurant Blog -- February, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Five Romantic Restaurants That Are Also Hidden
Valentine's Day is almost here, and with it the mad scramble to find a restaurant to go to for a romantic evening out. Well, the truth is, many restaurants cost a lot more on Valentine's Day, and the popular spots can get tremendously crowded (and noisy), making for a less-than-ideal night out with the one you love. But there are a number of dining spots that are lesser-known and that also happen to be cozy, intimate places. We list five such restaurants below, though this list really just scratches the surface.
1) Antique Table, Lynn
Hidden away on a relatively little-traveled road on the Swampscott line, Antique Table is a rustic eatery that features some terrific Italian fare, including orecchiete, fusilli bolognese, and linguini and mussels. The beamed ceiling, stained glass lamps, and rough plaster walls make this seem more like a place that you'd find in Tuscany than in this sprawling old mill city located a few miles north of Boston.
2) Loco Tapas and Wine Bar, South Easton
It seems like Spanish restaurants in general tend to be romantic spots that are ideal for a quiet date, and this upscale dining spot south of Boston is certainly no exception. The deep red walls, Spanish arches, hardwood floor, and copper bar help create a memorable environment, and the small plates that can be ordered here (both hot and cold) are simply wonderful. It may be a bit of a hike from downtown Boston, but perhaps that only adds to the romance, since it is really in an out-of-the-way spot.
3) Shanti: Taste of India, Dorchester
Savin Hill may not seem like the place to go for a quiet, intimate dinner with the one you love, but this Indian restaurant in the heart of this Dorchester neighborhood may change people's minds about that. The moderately-sized dining spot is sultry and exotic with candles and Hindu statues giving it a peaceful overall vibe. And the food is tough to beat at Shanti, with some great tikka masala, vindaloo, and biryani offered.
4) Townsend's, Hyde Park
Irish pubs and restaurants in the Boston area tend range from quiet and moody to fun and vibrant, with many of them being rather romantic in their own ways, especially on a cold, rainy night. Well, Townsend's is a particularly intimate spot, as it is a bit more upscale and quiet than many of the other Irish places around the city, and the use of dark woods, combined with a fireplace, dim lighting, and little nooks and crannies throughout make this little-known restaurant and pub a perfect escape.
5) Vecchia Roma, Newton
An absolutely charming spot in the mostly working-class Nonantum section of the city, Vecchia Roma is a truly special place, with some of the best Italian food in the Boston area along with an atmosphere that is made for couples looking to have quiet conversation. The owner, who is from Italy, will go out of his way to make people feel at home here, and he creates both familiar and more inventive Italian dishes, many of which are nothing short of outstanding.
Again, there are plenty of other romantic restaurants in the Boston area that are also relatively little-known, but these five can hopefully give you a head start if you're looking for an intimate dinner on Valentine's Day at a place that won't be completely out of control either crowd-wise or price-wise.
Related Blog Entries: romantic restaurants
Posted by MH, Boston's Hidden Restaurants, on February 10, 2011.
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