658857 Mon Oct 12 10:22:14 -0700 2009 4 12 Boston Area 0 5097156 looking for a casual anniversary tonight. thanks! Mon Oct 12 10:22:14 -0700 2009 12190 gingersnap 1 5097178 Both are excellent. I find Grotto heartier and its Italian. Favorites include the very rich gnocchi with short rib and gorgonzola. BHB a little more sophisticated and the room is prettier if that's important. I think they do a nice job on grilled meats and fish. they are about the same price range Mon Oct 12 10:30:59 -0700 2009 5097156 13803 gourmaniac 2 5097231 I like both as well- though I actually prefer the food of the bistro by just a hair. However -I always find the bistro to be incredibly loud, but Grotto is always beautifully romantic. :-) Mon Oct 12 10:48:17 -0700 2009 5097178 180029 fmcoxe6188 2 5097607 I'd lean towards Grotto. Their food is excellent, and like gourmaniac, the gnocchi with short rib is my favorite. It is dim, intimate and romantic. BUT BHB has a better wine list IMO, and the ambiance is so much prettier. Living in Beacon Hill, BHB is where I'd go more often for a casual dinner but the Grotto for an intimate date with my boyfriend. Hope this helps! Mon Oct 12 13:16:28 -0700 2009 5097178 429926 CreativeFoodie42 1 5097637 I strongly prefer BHB to Grotto. Better food, nicer atmosphere (especially on a chilly night like tonight), much better service, and I've not noticed the noise issue that fmcoxe mentions. Mon Oct 12 13:27:45 -0700 2009 5097156 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps