Where in Boston to Propose?

[csifitgirl]

Hi Everyone,

A friend of mine who is visiting Boston in a week plans to propose to his girlfriend. He asked me the best places for him to propose and which restaurants are a must to visit while in Boston.
Thanks!!

[MaggieMuffin]

Clio. Real class.

[jajjguy]

If you're willing to drive, the Stone Hedge Inn in Tyngsboro MA is really astounding, and a total surprise out in the boonies. Bonus, you can sleep there too.

[jajjguy]

Another vote for L'Espalier. Also consider Anthony's in Lynn (not Pier 4 in southie, though excellent, it's a different atmosphere).

[Doug Mc.]

Have one of the cranky old waitress's at Cafe Vittoria, stick the ring in a canolli.

[MC Slim JB]

If I were going to propose in a Boston restaurant, I'd do it at L'Espalier, in the Front Room, by the fireplace filled with candles. And I'd let the staff know in advance, so they could -- a la the '86 Red Sox locker room attendants, late in Game 6 of the World Series -- make the champagne disappear if she said "No". I think it's got the overall right combination of romance, ultra-fine dining, and incredible service for this kind of moment.

This, of course, coming from someone who proposed in a bar. (It was a very swanky bar, but still.)

[MB fka MB]

Ditto MC's rec. That's quite the space and the service is full on attentive, but also seamless.

Edit: And oh, the cheese course. Now THAT'S romance. :-)

[Blumie]

L'Espalier is a great choice, but it smacks of "OMG, he's gonna propose to me" (i.e., it's so beautiful and elegant, she'll probably know as soon as they walk in the door). I don't know if that's a reason to go or not to go, but I'll just point out that the GF might have an inkling -- if she doesn't already -- before the question actually gets popped.

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks, please help us keep this board focsed on finding great chow in Boston. While we hope hounds will contiue to offer ideas for restaurants that provide a "proposal-worthy" setting, general advice on where to propose in Boston is off topic. Thanks.

[csifitgirl]

thanks everyone for your quick responses :)

[sailormouth]

On or near the bridge in the Public Garden followed by dinner at nearby would be nice. (Maybe Troquet, Pigalle or Number 9).

[hiddenboston]

Does he want to propose at the restaurant, or propose, then go to a restaurant? If it's the former, I'd say any of the suggestions here are good, plus perhaps the Barker Tavern in Scituate, Five North Square in the North End, or Trattoria Pulcinella in Cambridge.

If it's the latter, Plum Island, the Old North Bridge in Concord, and the Arnold Arboretum are all good places, I think, depending on the weather of course! (Today would be perfect!)

[csifitgirl]

great ideas! I have emailed these to him
not sure if he wanted to propose at a restaurant or outside.
So I sent him everyone's ideas :)

[Bostonbob3]

That lighthouse in Newburyport would be a very cool option, too.

[gini]

And $350 to boot.

[Bostonbob3]

But that IS for two. Granted, not cheap, but it seems like quite the romantic experience.

[Karl S]

Locke-Ober is a beautiful room with great food. As ur-Boston as Delmonico's and 21 used to be ur-Manhattan.

[drb]

When we ate at L'espalier the fellow at the next table got on his knees and proposed to his date. It was particularly of note to us as we were there for our 25th anniversary.

[Sugar04]

Mamma Maria in the North End

[Bostonbob3]

Especially if they can get an upstairs window table. I suspect the maitre'd would give them one if the (hopeful) groom explained the situation.

[hotsauceathlete]

I completely agree with Mamma Maria- excellent, elegant and she'll probably be surprised as the name doesn't reveal anything about the elegance of the place...