Boston's Best Romantic Date Spot 2008

The city’s premier dining cruise thrills locals and tourists alike with stunning harbor views.

Reviews:

• “FIVE STAR ALL AROUND!”
• “great anniversary present!”
• “Excellence”
• “WOW!”

Tips: Cruise ticket-holders can park at the neighboring Boston Harbor Hotel at a reduced rate.

Odyssey Cruises or email Odyssey Cruises

One of Boston’s true destination restaurants continues to impress with an outstanding take on modern French cuisine.

Reviews:

• “WTF!!! Bad Review. Radius is awesome!”
• “I almost didn’t go out…”
• “Great spot for business dinners and lunches”
• “Outstanding.”
• “Huge dis-aapontment”

Tips: Bar patrons: Don’t skip the divine apple martini (made with hand-pressed Granny Smith apple juice) or a tasty, Southern-style mint julep.

Radius or email Radius

The famous and trendy may eat here, but well-executed dishes go beyond fashionable fare.

Reviews:

• “Rude clientele but great menu in a nice space”
• “Great lunch and dinner”
• “Excellent!”
• “Great place”
• “Hottest Scene in the city”

Tips: Weekend nights are extremely busy: Make reservations or expect to wait. Or enjoy the same menu and environment on weeknights, which are less crowded year-round.

Sonsie

Romantic setting and a clear focus on all things sweet make this the area’s premier dessert destination.

Reviews:

• “Great desserts, fun place!!!”
• “Waste of Money!”
• “no longer thrilled”
• “way too average for its reputation and pricing”
• “The Worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Tips: Don’t fret if your diet doesn’t allow a sinful slice of cheesecake; there’s at least one fruity dessert (e.g. brandied fruits with a refreshing sorbet) available nightly that won’t bust your belt.

Finale

A decor as stylish as the well-dressed clientele meshes with an eclectic, international menu of contemporary cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Don’t know about Mondays”
• “Nice venue, menu was limited, subpar service”
• “Not good at all.”
• “nice decor, no service”
• “GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!”

Tips: While the dining area maintains a business-casual vibe, you’ll want to dust off your most stylish duds when visiting the lounge.

33 Restaurant and Lounge or email 33 Restaurant and Lounge

The South End’s most stylish all-purpose destination thrills area 30-somethings.

Reviews:

• “Great Vibe”
• “UNPROFESSIONAL manager and doorstaff – as ALL the legitimate reviews state”
• “Never Again…. Terrible Service… uncomfortable in every way”
• “Total letdown”
• “Staff needs to learn about service, food horrible, cool ambiance”

Tips: Befitting its artsy vibe, the Beehive serves its drinks in offbeat holders (wine’s served in brandy snifters, beer in mugs with handles).

The Beehive

Couples head to Somerville for out-of-this-world tapas, served in a most romantic setting.

Reviews:

• “Awesome Atmosphere, but too loud to enjoy dinner and $$$$”
• “excellent all around”
• “My Favorite!”
• “Great place with a character!”
• “Better that going to dine in Spain!!!”

Tips: Expect lengthy waits on the weekends, as reservations aren’t accepted. Stop by and leave a name, then return later to get the next available table.

Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar

One of the Boston power set’s favorite dining destinations combines a thoroughly modern interior with bold, contemporary American cuisine.

Reviews:

• “The Worst ‘Nice’ Restaurant in Boston”
• “Cocktails / Wine / Food…Top notch. Management…lackluster.”
• “Terrible attitude among the staff.”
• “TERRIBLE DOWNSTAIRS CROWD!!!”
• “Romantic – Excellent Service”

Tips: Budget-constricted foodies should stop into the lounge to try Excelsior’s signature lobster pizza, made using celebrity chef Lydia Shire’s original recipe.

Excelsior

A sizzling subterranean lounge heats up Fort Point Channel with retro cool.

Reviews:

• “Had fun but didnt live up to the hype”
• “Bangin’ Steak Tips, Great Service”
• “All-around great night out”
• “Very Disapointed!”
• “Over priced and under satisfied…”

Tips: The bar has no sign out front. Look for a red glow pouring out of its windows, and then find the obscure entrance on the corner of Congress and A streets.

Lucky’s or email Lucky’s

High-end jazz and a great river view in an upscale, elegant setting.

Reviews:

• “This is the best?”
• “Scullers is the best Jazz Club in Boston”
• “Best club in Boston”
• “Excellent Intimate Jazz”
• “Certainly not a 10!”

Tips: Opt for a package including a three-course dinner in the hotel’s Boathouse Grille.

Scullers Jazz Club or email Scullers Jazz Club