Stanhope Grille at the Back Bay Hotel

Stanhope Grille is tucked into the lower floor of the Back Bay Hotel and doesn’t get a lot of attention but it is a refreshingly low-key find that offers contemporary American bistro food that is sublime even when its simple. The menus reflect Executive Chef Raymond Southern’s skill at coaxing the best from New England ingredients. You see it in the lobster bisque ($9) which is well- flavored with cognac and chunks of Maine lobster. The entrees- such as the grilled roasted salmon with a Meyer lemon, braised leeks and carrots and a scallion mash ($26) and the duck breast served saltimbocca style with tomato and garlic jam ($26) straddle classic and modern effortlessly.  Side dishes like the pan-roasted rabbit sausage with Tuscan beans and spinach ($7)  are terrific too- sometimes even upstaging  the main course. Don’t miss the Taza stone ground chocolate pudding with malted vanilla ice cream ($9). It’s often on the menu and it is profoundly good.

Stanhope Grill is an attractive space done up in warm, earth-tones.  The banquette seating is particularly stylish. Some of the tables are set inside charming nooks – making Stanhope Grille an ideal choice for a romantic rendezvous. This is a professional waitstaff  that is well skilled and friendly- the servers really go out of their way to establish a welcoming experience for all diners. Stanhope Grille’s breakfast offerings range from a hearty Irish breakfast ($19) (the Back Bay Hotel is part of the Irish hotel chain the Doyle Collection after all!)to a lobster frittata ($19); and lunch ups the ante with dishes such as a French-inspired steak and duck frites ($19). When you calibrate the food value to price- the portions are ample and most of the entrees fall into the $25 to $30 range- Stanhope Grill offers a very good value for Boston.

Stanhope Grille, The Back Bay Hotel, 350 Stuart St. (map)

Image Credit: Stanhope Grille

iStopOver Boston received a complimentary meal to review.