Contessa was one of the most popular restaurants in Boston in 2021, and just one look at the interior will tell you why. With a chic but unpretentious European vibe, along with a killer brunch menu, it’s the perfect spot to wake up and start your day with a decadent meal.
Perched atop the Newbury Boston, one of Boston’s most glamorous hotels, Contessa is an airy conservatory filled with luscious plants, cozy seating, and lots of sunshine during the day. Its glass roof gives it an open-air feel even during the chilliest of weather, and when it’s warm outside, the retractable glass panel walls open for outdoor dining.
Contessa is located right beside the Public Garden, and from hundreds of feet in the air, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the Boston skyline at any point in the day. But brunch is a particularly special time to visit, as you’ll get the best selections of the menu and a crystal clear view of the picturesque Back Bay neighborhood.
As for food, Italian cuisine reigns supreme at this old world-style establishment. On the menu, you can start off your meal with fresh-baked cornetto with jams or a bread basket. If you’re looking for a lighter, more breakfast-y meal, menu options range from florentine benedict, pannetone french toast, avocado bruschetta, and much more.
Craving some heartier, more standard Italian fare? Burrata, squash carpaccio, and pizza del giorno are all offered as part of the brunch menu, too. For the most extravagant of meals, you can even order veal or ribeye!
As for cocktails, you’ll find some lovely Italian inspired drinks on their menu. They’ve got your standard spritzes and negronis, but they also make the more fun cocktails like the Sgroppino, featuring lemon vodka and sorbet, and the Boston Sour, which is made with Irish Whisky, lemon, egg white, and Lambrusco.
Contessa serves brunch from 7:30am to 2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You can make a reservation up to 30 days in advance on their website.
Find Contessa at 3 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116.
[featured image: contessatrattoria.com]