Back Bay Bistro: Seafood & Cocktail Dining in Boston’s Waterfront

Boston—often called the City of Champions by its fans—now welcomes chef Daniel Boulud with the opening of Bar Boulud, Boston. Inspired by the classic bistros and wine bars of France, the new restaurant has opened at Mandarin Oriental Boston. This marks Boulud’s second collaboration with the Mandarin Oriental group, following the well-received Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park and his city bistro on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The Boston outpost highlights seasonal New England ingredients and charcuterie prepared using recipes from Parisian charcutier Gilles Verot. Designer Adam D. Tihany created a warm, inviting interior that includes a marble-topped charcuterie counter with seating for seven and a glass étagère adjacent to a zinc-topped bar.

The bistro kitchen is led by chef de cuisine Aaron Chambers, who presents a menu rooted in French tradition while embracing local flavors. Menu highlights include coq au vin, handmade pastas, and an assortment of classic terrines, alongside an American favorite: a grilled beef burger. The menu also features inventive pâtés and a selection of signature sausages, reflecting a balance of familiar comfort and culinary craftsmanship.

Wine pairing plays a central role at Bar Boulud, where sommelier Joe Camper has assembled an extensive cellar. The list focuses on notable regions such as Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, while also showcasing selections from Austria, Germany, and the United States. Beverage options extend beyond wine to craft beers and thoughtfully composed cocktails. One featured cocktail, the Boylston Flip, blends ZU Bison Grass Vodka with fresh pear juice, cinnamon, fig, and egg white, finished with a Kübler Absinthe rinse—an example of the bar’s creative approach to balance and flavor.

Bar Boulud, Boston combines the convivial atmosphere of a French bistro with regional New England ingredients and the refined touch of an internationally respected culinary team. The result is a neighborhood destination that celebrates hearty, satisfying dishes and an attentive beverage program in a space designed for both casual meals and special evenings out.