Brunch Spot in Boston's Back Bay
 

My boyfriend and I will be in Boston the first weekend in March, and we are looking for a good brunch spot near our hotel in the Back Bay. We are staying at the Lenox and would prefer a casual brunch with all the standard favorites (pancakes, french toast, eggs, mimosas, etc.). If at all possible, I'd also like to find a restaurant that takes reservations to avoid a long wait. We would also be willing to travel to another neighborhood, if needed.

We're planning dinners at Il Panino and Fugaku based on recommendations from a friend, but I'd love to hear thoughts on those, as well.

Thanks!

Your hotel is a very nice one and is likely to do a good brunch.

We are not ordinarily brunchers but have met friends at Brasserie Jo on Huntington Avenue before concerts at Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall and had perfectly nice brunchish food there.

Brasserie Jo offers a good brunch. We ate there just last month.

Sel de la Terre also offers a reasonable brunch (@ the Pru), and takes reservation.

Parish cafe gets good reviews, but I don't know if they take reservation.

Slightly farther is Bistro du Midi, which I really want to try but haven't gotten the chance yet.

http://www.stephaniesonnewbury.com/m...er2010rev2.pdf

Stephanie's on Newbury would be a short walk from the Lenox.

For brunch you can also try Sonsie on Newbury Street and also Stephanies on Newbury. Both have fairly traditional brunch items and both take reservations. Neither is over-to-top expensive, as some brunches can be. You can make reservations through www.opentable.com.

I like Sonsie as well. Eastern Standard in Kenmore Sq is another option.

I'm curious about your other restaurant choices. Il Panino would not be high on my list of North End restaurants.

You're going to love The Lenox! I stay there about once a month. Wonderful as it is, their breakfast really can't compare to the amazing brunch/breakfast at STEPHANIE'S on Newbury Street. Stephanie's is only a few blocks away from the hotel. Take Exeter Street toward Newbury, then turn right on Newbury, and Stephanie's is on the right-hand corner. Have fun!

When I go to Boston the one place I just have to go is Regina's for pizza. It is in the North End. A word of caution, wear washable clothes.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful suggestions! After looking through all of the menus, we have made a reservation at Stephanie's. Now I just have to decide what to choose on the menu - it all looks delicious.

Wyatt92 - Il Panino was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Boston. If you have another suggestion for Italian, I'd love to hear it! My boyfriend is Italian and of course thinks it's hard to beat his family's home cooking. I'd love to find something that lives up to his expectations.

Our favorite spot, by far, for brunch is Abe & Louie's.

I live in the North End. I like Monica's (the Vinoteca or the Trattoria) for Italian. They make their own pasta.

Il Panino is OK - part of the Frank DiPasquale empire.

For brunch, I like Sel De La Terre the best. The waterfront location does a prix fixe with a mimosa or bloody mary included but the Back Bay Location (in the Mandarin Oriental) is really close to the Lenox Hotel - practically next door.

In the North End, I'd choose Prezza, Tresca, Lucca or Mamma Maria. Regina for pizza for sure. Or Neptune Oyster for fab lobster rolls (or oysters!). I haven't been to Monica's but it does get great reviews.

Love the Lenox!
Langham Boston has a wonderful brunch at Café Fleuri.
Neptune's for oysters is another great call.
Boston is such a great city..have fun!