After surviving another brutal New England winter and the existential dread of seasonal depression, there’s nothing like that first spring evening when you can finally ditch the parka. It’s time to grab a friend, pretend you know something about terroir, and actually enjoy a glass of wine. These are the spots where you’ll want to do exactly that.
Zuzu’s Petals
$$ | (617) 945-7749 | WEBSITE
It can take a lot to get people to venture into Somerville just for dessert. But with Zuzu’s Petals serving everything from life-changing crème brûlée to a tiramisu with nerocapitano, we suggest you make the trip. With purple touches throughout, excellent records playing, and the coziest ‘you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be’ feeling, there’s no other place in the area quite like this wine bar.
Plus, the menu makes it much more than a place with lovely atmosphere and friendly staff (we love their earl grey mousse and fondue).
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
$$$$ | (857) 995-6122 | WEBSITE
Somerville’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House serves exceptional steakhouse classics and their cocktail program receives high praise from regulars. There’s about as much attention given to the wine list as there is to the perfectly cooked steaks—and you see couples on romantic dinners, celebrating anniversaries, or toasting to a promotion with a perfectly mixed Manhattan.
The upscale steakhouse is ideal for enjoying shrimp dishes, osso buco ravioli, and pretending you’re at a special occasion dinner every night (just with Somerville’s finest service).
Spoke Wine Bar
$$$ | (617) 718-9463 | WEBSITE
The cozy bar setup is the first thing you’ll notice when you walk in, and it’s a pretty intimate scene—there are a few couples sharing plates of celeriac and yams and date-night pairs sipping on old-fashioneds made with ‘old port’ rye. The Somerville wine bar also has plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, like the cabbage and cashew tart with chocolate gelato, so there’s something for everyone in your party.
La Voile
$$$ | (617) 587-4200 | WEBSITE
We adore La Voile in Somerville throughout the year, but there’s something magical about savoring generous portions of mussels, Dover sole, and pan-fried foie gras on their patio during the Summer. They have intimate tables that can seat up to four people, lush greenery, and soft lighting, all within a charming outdoor space (so you can relish the consistently fantastic escargots and duck rillette even on a perfect evening).
Layla’s American Tavern
$$ | (617) 752-4756 | WEBSITE
Like a lot of other American taverns in Somerville, Layla’s has a lively atmosphere with a vibrant setting that keeps the place buzzing. Unlike most other taverns, this one has legitimately good food, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with things like nachos and caprese sandwiches every day of the week. Layla’s also offers attentive service and friendly staff, in case your casual dining experience doesn’t satisfy your urge to have all your menu questions answered thoroughly.
haley.henry
$$$ | (617) 208-6000 | WEBSITE
Yes, we know—this wine bar in Somerville is notoriously difficult to get into. But Tuesday through Thursday you actually have a shot—during the quieter weeknights they open up the bar seating and serve the entire $65 wine flight (tables open up four weeks ahead of time). You may still have a bit of a wait, but the silky tinned tuna belly, garlicky octopus, and endless small plates are worth squeezing into the cozy space for.
Juliet Social Club
$$$ | (617) 718-0958 | WEBSITE
Juliet Social Club has one of the best brunch scenes in the city, and it’s even better when you’re with a group. They have a welcoming atmosphere right in Somerville, and on weekends you can get $15 mimosas to share between you and a few friends. Pair that with their popular brunch menu or a plate from the parent restaurant and you have the perfect reason to make Sunday plans every week until the season changes.
Grill 23 & Bar
$$$$ | (617) 542-2255 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking to indulge in perfectly cooked steaks while enjoying an elevated dining experience, make your way to Grill 23 & Bar’s sophisticated setting. The Somerville spot has a classic American menu that features things like steak frites, fresh oysters, and a few other dishes that will make you appreciate the special atmosphere without needing an occasion.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can settle into their comfortable seating and try their coconut cake that’s layered with rich frosting, moist coconut, and a hint of vanilla.
Prairie Fire
$$ | (617) 396-8199 | WEBSITE
When the weather turns dreary, settling in at Prairie Fire’s bar is a perfect escape. But when the evening calls for something special, it’s prime time for dinner in their inviting dining room. That’s when the warm lighting glows, the atmosphere hums just right, and the scent of delicious sauces fills the air. Bring a friend, order a few of their expertly crafted drinks, and share the squid ink spaghetti (and practically any of the standout veggie dishes on the menu).
Rebel Rebel
$$ | (617) 721-7773 | WEBSITE
Rebel Rebel has one of the most charming courtyards in Somerville—and that’s not just because it’s a cozy wine bar. On a sunny afternoon, this Bow Market gem is as popular as a weekend farmers market. It serves some of our favorite wines in town, so you’ll usually see people sipping on glasses while they pair them with snacks brought from nearby vendors.
Plus, the indoor space has lots of welcoming details, so even a limited by-the-glass selection can’t stop your wine discovery, whether it’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Sunday.
Vinny’s Ristorante
$$ | (617) 628-1921 | WEBSITE
Vinny’s Ristorante has everything you could possibly want in an Italian restaurant: elegant wrought iron decor, homemade pasta and sauces, and generous portions that keep you coming back for more. So, not surprisingly, it’s pretty much the go-to spot for celebrations and gatherings in Somerville.
Even with the cozy space tucked behind a deli, Vinny’s still gets booked up quickly, so your best bet is to make a reservation, settle into the old-school atmosphere, and order enough calamari salad and swordfish stir fry so that you don’t have to worry about the kitchen’s pace for the foreseeable future.
nathálie
$$ | (857) 317-3884 | WEBSITE
From the warm bread with smoked maple butter to the cozy indoor seating and patio tables, Nathálie in Somerville is the neighborhood wine bar you wish you had around the corner. They mostly serve charcuterie plates, snacks and small plates, but everything on the menu is good—especially the wine selections and amazing cocktails on a crisp New England evening.
Fat Hen
$$ | (617) 764-1612 | WEBSITE
Romantic dinners? Absolutely. Cozy atmospheres? Without question. Pasta dishes that miss the mark? Occasionally. But a wine bar that truly understands pairings? That’s where Fat Hen shines. This Somerville spot offers a quiet, relaxed setting complete with impeccable service, well-curated wines, and dishes like shrimp gnocchi that are creamy and filling.
While we can’t speak to every menu choice, we can tell you that their pistachio cake with grapefruit and vanilla ice cream is exceptional, their special multi-course dinners are rewarding, and it’s perfect for a date night where every detail feels considered.
Ma Maison
$$$ | (617) 725-8855 | WEBSITE
Like a hidden gem tucked away in Beacon Hill, Ma Maison is the kind of place you forget about until you need a cozy escape. But once you remember it’s there, it’s the only spot you want to be. Their patio is one of the quieter ones in the area, shaded and peaceful, making you feel like you’ve stumbled into a charming Parisian courtyard.
Order the steak frites and lobster bisque, maybe the duck magret or beef Wellington from their classic French menu, and then take a leisurely walk along the Charles before heading home.
PURO ceviche bar
$$ | (617) 477-7583 | WEBSITE
PURO Ceviche Bar is one of the more fun places to eat in Boston (not to mention one of the best), and their outdoor setup is no different. During the spring and summer, they open up the patio—filled with cozy tables—so you can have incredibly fresh ceviche, artful seafood dishes, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails while taking in the rays.
Make a reservation or walk up and put your name on the waitlist, and do some Newbury Street people watching between bites of ceviche balanced with banana chips, sweet potato chips, and fresh flavors.
Casarecce Ristorante
$$ | (617) 248-3839 | WEBSITE
What makes Casarecce Ristorante one of the most exciting dinner spots in Somerville is their cozy intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a night where you want to enjoy authentic Italian without dealing with the crowds of the North End. The small restaurant has warm wooden tables that feel like you’re dining in someone’s home kitchen, soft lighting that creates a romantic glow over your plate of pasta, and just enough space between tables to have a conversation without shouting.
When you head here with your family for a special occasion, the lobster ravioli is the dish you’ll all be talking about while planning your next visit.
Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant
$$ | (617) 464-4300 | WEBSITE
Even on a regular weeknight, Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant is universally appreciated. But as soon as you discover their impressive and thoughtful wine selection, it goes from being universally appreciated to universally celebrated. And that’s because, while you can show up here any time for everything from a quick glass to a long evening, they offer that perfect date night vibe all year round.
That’s a game-changer—especially when you’re looking for a cozy spot with full-flavored food that doesn’t have an overwhelming wait.
Dear Annie
$$ | (617) 571-1885 | WEBSITE
This wine bar in Somerville is a cozy neighborhood spot year-round, but inside, it feels like a welcoming living room with warm lighting, a communal table adorned with artistic flower arrangements, and a relaxed, inviting vibe. Go for any of their natural wines (we love the curated selection), a grilled cheese, or just enjoy a generous pour in this charming, intimate space.
The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, always ready to assist without interrupting your visit, thanks to the upfront service fee. While the pricing can feel high for just a couple of drinks, the overall experience makes Dear Annie a popular spot for wine lovers seeking a relaxing place to enjoy a glass before dinner.