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Contessa Boston Reviews
Contessa remains consistently good.
The squash carpaccio is a must try. As lovely as the view is at night, I think it's even better during the day.
This is a super pretty place and I'm so glad I visited.
I met a girlfriend here for brunch. Great drinks and the food was very good too.
Wonderful dining experience!
My husband and I dined at Contessa during a recent weekend in Boston. We stayed in the Newbury, so it was very convenient. We were seated next to a window where we had an amazing city view. Their butternut squash carpaccio was one of the best dishes I ever had. I enjoyed it so much that I failed to take a photo! My branzino was also very good and my husband enjoyed his lobster pasta. Overall, it was a fabulous dining experience!
Perfect !
One of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve been to. Perfect rooftop location and great atmosphere.. Drinks and food were outstanding. This was my favorite dining experience on my trip to Boston. I will definitely be back.
This seems silly to post a review as I've never been there.
But my adult children and their partners have been and loved it. Menu selection, food and ambiance was all they raved about. I can't wait to go. Pricey though. I'm saving up for a special occasion.
Paul at Contessa is exceptional.
His cocktails are top-notch, and his friendly, professional service made our night. Truly one of the best bartenders in Boston--don't miss a chance to sit at his bar!
Comida otima e ambiente aconchegante, foi uma experiencia
Comida otima e ambiente aconchegante, foi uma experiencia otima. Atendimento bacana e familiar
Matthew was the absolute best (professional, patient, and
Matthew was the absolute best (professional, patient, and sweet) and brunch was so good! Also, a great cappuccino.
Good pasta the fiselli genevese or sum like that was
Good pasta the fiselli genevese or sum like that was suppoooer good good pesto Good restaurant Good view of Boston common go here
Very fancy ambiance! Great for a celebration.
Service was excellent. Food was incredible. Highly recommend the squash carpaccio. Espresso martini was one of the best I've ever had!
I came for brunch yesterday during my bachelorette weekend
I came for brunch yesterday during my bachelorette weekend and received OUTSTANDING service from my waiter, Juan. From start to finish, Juan and the rest of the wait staff made us feel like VIP customers! I highly recommend. The food was great too!
HORRIBLEEE.
I scheduled an 8:45pm reservation over two weeks ago and we were seated past 9:20pm. They did not compensate anything. No discount. Nothing complimentary. No knowledgement. NO NOTHING. They treated us like we owed them something. We came for a bachelorette, I noted this, and they acted like they couldn't care less. DO NOT COME HERE FOOD IS NOT THAT GOOD!!!!!! If I could give them 0 stars I would.
Desserts are great
We came to this restaurant because we received a gift from a friend of ours. We ordered a tuna appetizer, which was delicious., followed by a Bolognese pasta together with some fish similar to a Seabass. The desserts are delicious. All the food is great great service highly recommended.
Love this place, but want to feel heard and valued.
I have been to Contrssa 3 times now- the food and atmosphere are terrific. However, EACH time I have been- they have seated our party next to the waiter station in the back of the restaurant- despite me asking for a window table at the east facing side of the space overlooking the common. I book 31 days in advance- at 10:00 am to get a table in a Saturday night- I plan, I request- I pay the same price for the drinks and food as the Boston A listers/ VIP’s/ and friends and family of the owners- should be taking this personally? I requested to be moved this last time and after many unhappy looks and undertones- we got moved to a window table at the west facing side of the restaurant. I love everything about this restaurant except I feel they ignore my requests each and every time. I want to feel just as important as the others when I go here. My takeaway is that if you want a table with the best view- you have to know someone, be someone, or be and international A lister who owns big buildings in Boston. I’m not sure why-but I just want to feel like I matter a little more when I come here. That’s my only gripe. Otherwise, it’s some of the best food I’ve ever had and would recommend and promote- but when folks ask for something1 help them feel as though they are heard.
Top of the world
My wife and I went to this restaurant for the view and the ambiance. I had read reviews that said the food and service were below average and not worth the cost. After we had lunch I will say that I can rated it as one of the TOP dining experiences that we have had in Rome, Paris, Barcelona or New Orleans. The food and service and friendliness were wonderful. Maybe it was different in the past,but we are foodies and loved the afternoon that we enjoyed there.
Great view but average food.
First of all I would like to say that the view and the staff were amazing. However, the food was very average and in my opinion overpriced.
Great views and service
Great experience. Service was top notch and you can’t beat the views of Boston. You can see the common all the way to the Charles river as the restaurant wraps around.
The restroom was a vibe !
Beautiful location and view! The service was spectacular! Espresso martinis are on point here! The decor is so Instagrammable, especially the bathroom! Great for brunch, then a stroll down Newbury Street after!
A very disappointing experience
We ordered spicy lobster with pasta at €47 each when it came, there was very little lobster so little that I complained the pastor was space to appoint. You couldn’t taste anything. The noise level was awful. The decor look like a diner with flowers. The service was nonexistent.
The food was outstanding but our experience was destroyed
The food was outstanding but our experience was destroyed by a group of very loud young women. We asked for the manager to speak to them but were told he was not willing to ask any patron to temper the volume. Translation, they were obnoxiously loud, ethnic and he did not want to deal with it. He did offer a free drink or a free dessert. I was not interested in extortion. I was interested in a meal with my wife where we could hear one another speak.
A Crown Jewel Of Boston Dining.
Perched atop The Newbury Boston, The Contessa not only serves a great dose of Northern Italian Food, but hospitality good-looks in an estate fashion. The inside of this glass-enclosed, rooftop sanctuary takes on the air of a lush garden patio and offers unreal views of the surrounding back-bay. The Contessa is geared toward all day dining with an inventive menu that delivers classic Italian compositions like: Fusili Genovese, Rigatoni Pomodoro, Fettucine Bolognese, Ribeye Tagliata and more. Drinks also lean Italian with lots of aperitivi, grappa, amari and cocktail classic from Negronis to spritzes. I devoured a trio of Meatballs, Grilled Mediterranean Branzino and Crema di Boston for my sugar fix. I couldn't resist a cocktail in the form of a 'Spritz Contessa'....everything was in grand culinary form. The Contessa is a crown jewel of Boston dining.
I use to love this place but the menu sadly changed.
Taking off the carbonara one of the best things.
Had brunch at Contessa on a recent Saturday.
Beautiful space, but the food is is pretty basic and way overpriced for the quality of the food. we only had access to the brunch menu which was pretty sparse and not particularly appealing and again very basic. I had salmon carpaccio, which is basically salmon you could buy from the store on a plate with some cut up cherry tomatoes, and cut up cucumbers I've done this at much better myself. My friend had granola which was just granola with some fruit, and there was a lot of confusion over whether it had dried fruit (he's allergic to raisins) and the server should've known without having to go check with the Kitchen about it Although everyone is extremely polite the service was not great with during our brunch. They forgot to bring the pastry basket, when they brought it didn't bring any silverware which, and didn't bring any side plates to eat the pastries on which isn't goodService... . . but on the plus side matchbooks who does that anymmore?! I
We stumbled on Contessa by accident and will definitely
We stumbled on Contessa by accident and will definitely return. Outstanding from start to finish. The beautiful cocktails, sumptuous appetizers, amazing entrees and delicious desserts........run don't walk to Contessa. Our server Dan made our dining experience all the more enjoyable with his fun personality and thoughtful menu suggestions. The food came out quickly and temperature appropriate. This rooftop restaurant offers beautiful views of the Boston skyline that will take your break away.
I came to Contessa with my best friend for dinner, drinks,
I came to Contessa with my best friend for dinner, drinks, and views. Due to the long wait time we opted to sit at the bar. We still without a doubt received exceptional service. I ordered the lobster pasta, perfectly combining my love for lobster with the delicious flavors of the pasta. I was impressed by the bartender who knew what I wanted to drink before I did , such spot on great recommendations. Not a Boston local, but a huge Celtics fan, I'll definitely return on my next trip.
Went for lunch, shared the tuna crudo, boar ragu, and
Went for lunch, shared the tuna crudo, boar ragu, and branzino. All were delicious! Great service and atmosphere.
TLDR: WORST service possible, just a grab for money--go
TLDR: WORST service possible, just a grab for money--go anywhere else!!! I dined here a while back and found the food mediocre at best and service poor, rooftop view unable to compensate. I decided to try it out one more time to see if anything had changed. I was running late from another appointment; I forgot to expect a single, rickety elevator at the entrance crowded with guests AND restaurant staff. I FINALLY arrived and there was NO HOST--took several minutes minimum for one to finally appear. I was TWO minutes outside the 15-minute grace period on arrival for a 2:30 pm reservation and was told the kitchen was CLOSED, and our reservation would not be honored. NO APOLOGY or offer to accommodate by the host!!! I inquired how we could have possibly even ordered our lunch if the kitchen closed at 2:45 pm sharp and did not receive a response that made any logical sense. To add to this, I was charged a $100 CANCELLATION FEE FOR ARRIVING TWO MINUTES LATE. I tried calling the restaurant and there is NO CONNECTION TO A LIVE RESTAURANT REPRESENTATIVE. It is VERY clear that the restaurant staff was itching to leave early, and Contessa lines its pockets with cancellation fees. I will add that the RESTAURANT WAS TOTALLY EMPTY and Stephanie's a block away was PACKED with TWO HOSTS AT THE FRONT--and immediately accommodated us. Having dined here previously, I am HIGHLY skeptical of any positive reviews (likely paid!) and the BARE, EMPTY DINING AREA proved it. Here is a list of excellent, high-end establishments on Newbury St I have personally dined at and recommend **with EXCELLENT SERVICE**: -Stephanie's -La Voile -Saltie Girl -Serafina Never, EVER, going back!!!!
Won’t Be Back
This was our 4th visit and we do not plan to return. Service was very slow and food quality was not good. I ordered the lobster pasta. It was presented in a bowl with zero garish such as basil. The presentation of my dish looked like it was for my 3 y/o grandchild.
I had high expectations for Contessa but, sadly, it didn't
I had high expectations for Contessa but, sadly, it didn't measure up. The space is pretty, the food is good and our server was very attentive but nothing was outstanding. Additionally (and this--combined with being rushed through our meal in just over one hour--ruins it for me the most), we were given a table in the very back corner of the restaurant even though 1) I specifically mentioned in my reservation that two of the people in our party had never been to Boston before so I would appreciate a nice table (some will argue that all of the tables/views are good there but sit in the back corner yourself and then report back) and 2) we went at 5:45pm to help make sure we would get a nice table. I would consider going back for breakfast or lunch with friends who like IG-worthy restaurants (and have better luck securing good tables) but can't see myself returning otherwise and that is really disappointing.
The environment is cozy; price is reasonable, we love
The environment is cozy; price is reasonable, we love everything we ordered. Our waitress Maria is friendly; I will definitely come again
We went for drinks two separate nights.
Mid-week, we had the bar much to ourselves but it was bustling Friday night. Both nights just as enjoyable. Bartender was attentive, fun and made some fabulous martinis.
Best in Town💕
This is the best restaurant ! I love it! Fully recommend it The best negroni!The best Bistecca fiorentina Very nice view and professional staff! I love this place💕
New Restaurant in a Classic Setting
Contessa, a fairly new restaurant in a classic Boston location, is great venue for a special occasion. Was there on a Sunday evening to celebrate my wife's birthday. Contessa is located on the 17th floor in what is now The Newbury Hotel which once was the Ritz Carlton Boston. You may have a view of the Public Garden and the Common or you may have a view of the Back Bay depending on which part of the restaurant you are seated. I felt our table was a bit small for two people which is one of concerns. The second concern is that making or changing a reservation does not involve human contact (i.e. no phone number). The service was exceptional in all regards. We were pleased with the hostess, our server, the wine steward, and the bus staff. By the way the chefs created several wonderful meals. Speaking of food we had scallops and a pasta dish. Both were great. The menu also has a series of small plates which allows for varied dining experiences. The wine list is quite extensive and includes several half bottles and wine by the glass. The total experience does come was a hefty cost. We had a wonderful evening and will go back for other special occasions.
Amazing Atmosphere
Would recommend going for breakfast. Great views of the city and the open air was phenomenal. My food ratings below. Pastries-8.8/10 French Toast-8.5/10 Egg Sandwich-9.1/10 Granola and Berries-6.8/10 Cornetto-9.3/10
Contessa Boston -- Believe ALL negative reviews.
Service was pathetic for a restaurant with so much hype. I live in Philly where restaurants either deliver or die. Great restaurants are everywhere, and Contessa is not one. The artichoke salad (supposedly an Italian classic) had a few chunks of artichoke buried UNDER shaved fennel that was so thick you could hardly eat it. Calamari -- heavily breaded and very large -- not delicate and small and delicate. Frankly, the calamari appeared it could have been frozen. Pasta was good. The Chicken Francese was a giant slab of deep fried chicken breast served on a bare white plate with NO garnish, NO sauce, nothing. The chicken was the worst presentation of a dish I have ever seen -- and this is how they do it. How this restaurant maintains the hype is stunning. Go to any great Boston bar in your jeans and a t-shirt and have a great meal for a tenth the price. It was truly pathetic.
Worst Experience
The manager Bill is horribly unpleasant. The customer service was shockingly terrible. Do not go here. There are plenty of other restaurants in Boston with better food and that won’t treat you like garbage.
Great location, food is ok.
Great location and views. The food is decent. Was expecting fine dining, which it is definitely not. That said, it was fine. Nothing great. Some average. Most good.
We visited Contessa for New Year's brunch.
It's situated at the top of The Newbury, an upscale hotel across from the Common. It was decorated festively and the atmosphere was buzzing. We enjoyed the sweeping views of the park and the city while we dined on some great food- a highlight was the pastry basket. The service was prompt, attentive and accommodating- especially important as my party had dietary restrictions. We'll definitely return for a date night at some point soon. New Year's brunch is going to be a tradition moving forward.
Contessa hits it out of the park EVERY.
TIME. The waitstaff are friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is swanky art-deco (but you can wear jeans and no one will look twice at you), and the food was so good I wish we had been on video after every bite; it would have been a great marketing opportunity. Love love love spending my birthday at Contessa.
Great view with commensurate prices
We had an early reservation at Contessa. It’s complicated to find the hostess stand but we were eventually seated. We had the Eggs Florentine. Everything is ala carte so we ordered potatoes and fruit. Prices are high but it’s a relaxing vibe. Service was really good.
My two besties and I were talking about returning here
My two besties and I were talking about returning here (we've had many visits to restaurants in this upscale hotel over the years) and Bestie 1 scored last minute reservations for Sunday brunch. First of all, the atmosphere is brilliant. The interior design is beautiful and because of the way the tables are set up we felt almost like we had a private space. The view is a bit underwhelming because the barricades surrounding are high enough to cut off any thing but rooftops and skyscrapers (and the occasional construction crane). The sky was gorgeous on this crisp Sunday in early March, so that's something. I hear it's spectacular at night. The greeters and waitstaff are friendly and efficient. Our server brought us a peach Bellini (yum), a sauvignon blanc and a champagne. The menu was a bit curious; I expected more breakfast items but there were few. I had my eyes on the Florentine Benedict and the Macaroni with Wild Boar Ragu, and then someone at the next table got the Spicy Lobster Capellini and it was all over for the three of us. I got mine "unspicy" (kudos for having that as an option, Contessa!), my pals didn't, and we all declared the meal scrumptious. I lingered on the dessert menu but left that for another time. I thought the prices would be out of this world but many of the items were reasonably priced; the lobster capellini was more ($44) as were the meat dishes ($55-$65), unsurprisingly. I'll definitely be back!
Vibrant restaurant.
Five star service at the bar. I had a great fruity mocktail. The cocktails looked great too. I also had branzino and garlic broccoli. I will return here with my friends! Fantastic views from the Charles River and Back Bay too. Come for the view and food and stay awhile.
lovely interior, can't wait to come back for a brunch in
lovely interior, can't wait to come back for a brunch in the summer for the views! squash carpaccio was so good and i loved the fusilli genoveses. server was very personable also
Vibrant restaurant and amazing views at this beautiful restaurant.
Vibrant restaurant. Five star service at the bar. I had a great fruity mocktail. The cocktails looked great too. I also had branzino and garlic broccoli. I will return here with my friends! Fantastic views from the Charles River and Back Bay too. Come for the view and food and stay awhile.
Delicious food & spectacular views.
Love it every time we come here. The fusilli is a must order and the salmon was FANTASTIC. Rosemary potatoes also never fail.
Absolutely come for the view and beautiful setting.
So elevated and elegant! Otherwise food wasn't the most special thing in the world, but still good. My brother was a big fan of the eggs benedict. I was pleasantly surprised that they brought me a small birthday dessert on the house - that was a nice touch! I'm glad I came and this is definitely a place to bring someone you're trying to impress!
Go for the view!
Lovely rooftop location on Newbury Street. Beautiful room. Food was good and service was good. Wine list was stunning as were the prices. I could not afford 99% of the bottles. Fortunately, my dinner guests were not drinking so I just had a glass of Sancerre.
The benedict was probably one of the best I've had and had
The benedict was probably one of the best I've had and had a very nice view of the Commons. It was a very nice day too so it was very warm. However, I do think the portion was small and wish the benedict came with sides. You could order additional sides as well but most brunch place I've been, the dishes often comes with a side.
Honestly one of my favorite restaurants in Boston.
I have been here multiple times for dinner and brunch and it never disappoints. The restaurant has a stunning location on the corner of Newbury street overlooking the Boston Public Gardens. The aesthetic and decor makes the experience feel elevated. The menu is not huge but I have enjoyed everything I have tried. The squash carpaccio is perfection. The tuna crudo was also the perfect bite. The meatballs were super tender and decadent. People also enjoyed the calamari & octopus. The whipped ricotta was also creamy and flavorful. For pastas, I love the spicy lobster capellini. For mains, the branzino was great. The butter chicken was a large portion. For desert, I love the hazelnut tart. For a large group, recommend doing family style and trying different pastas & appetizers. Overall, an excellent place to grab some elevated Italian cuisine in a beautiful location in Boston. A go to for when I have friends visiting.
A brunch spot with typical breakfast food but what makes
A brunch spot with typical breakfast food but what makes this experience worthy is the vibe and beautiful interior design of the restaurant. Great spot to catch up with friends over food and coffee as well. We got the croissant, French toast and egg Benedict - all tasted like regular breakfast food, nothing outstanding but it was a great environment to hang out either in small or large group and socialize. Service is quick and friendly and our waiter was very attentive. Food 7/10 Service 9/10 Experience 8.5/10 Value 7/10
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Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Contessa Boston at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Contessa Boston page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
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* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Contessa Boston!
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