Grill 23 & Bar Boston

Grill 23 & Bar sits at 161 Berkeley St. It holds a 2024 Wine Spectator grand award, grounding its reputation in an extensive cellar that dictates the pace of the meal.

While the room runs smart and elegant, the restaurant avoids the trend-chasing restlessness found among the newer arrivals along nearby Newbury Street. It instead leans into the predictability of a classic grill, where the focus remains on substantial cuts and seafood served in a space that feels permanent. Many venues in the city treat wine lists as an afterthought or a quick rotation, but this kitchen uses its selection to define the menu. You choose this table for the consistency of the service rather than for the novelty of the plate. It is a reliable contrast to the younger, noisier kitchens that currently fill the blocks toward the Public Garden.