A few years ago, no one was whispering about a leafy little restaurant inside The Lenox Hotel—today, locals and in‑the‑know travelers are plotting detours just to snag a table.
Word spread fast as guests discovered a spot that pairs refined comfort food with a fresh, nature-forward vibe right in bustling Back Bay, turning casual hotel meals into “we’re-coming-back-here” kind of evenings. 🌿✨
A Cozy Restaurant That’s Making A Heck Of A Statement
Tucked off Exeter Street in the historic Lenox Hotel, Willow & Ivy morphed from “hotel dining room” into one of Back Bay’s most buzzed-about neighborhood hangs as soon as its lush, plant-filled space and locally driven menu hit social feeds.
Diners came for convenience, then started raving about plates built around New England ingredients and a room glowing with natural light, and suddenly this “hidden” restaurant was anything but. 💫
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Curious eaters scrolling lists of best Back Bay restaurants and new Boston openings quickly added it to their must-try list, helping transform it from under-the-radar to seriously in demand.
As more travelers checked into The Lenox and discovered there was a full‑fledged neighborhood eatery right downstairs, word of mouth exploded across hotel review sites and social media.
Factor in an atmosphere that feels both chic and relaxed—think live greenery, soaring windows, and a central tree—and you get a place that turns an ordinary night in Boston into an event, the kind you start recommending alongside your favorite things to do in Back Bay. 🌱🍸
Food Highlights
Maine Lobster “Pie”: A comfort-meets-luxury showpiece layered with cognac, sweet corn, and parmesan potatoes under a buttery crisp crumb.
Guests love it because it channels classic New England lobster flavors into an ultra-satisfying baked dish that feels special enough for celebrations yet cozy enough for a chilly Boston night. 🦞
It is exactly the kind of plate that keeps getting mentioned on Boston restaurant guides and in enthusiastic hotel bar conversations.
Roasted Local Oysters: These beauties arrive piping hot with leeks, brioche, and double cream, transforming a raw-bar staple into something rich and decadent.
Diners praise them as a must‑order starter that hits that perfect balance of briny, silky, and toasty, ideal with a glass of sparkling wine or a bright cocktail that makes Willow & Ivy worth the reservation. 🥂
Green Apple Brined Free Range Chicken: Frequently singled out by guests who “came back just for the chicken,” this plate pairs juicy, green apple–brined meat with whipped Maine potatoes and a lively roasted corn succotash.
Fans love that it feels like upgraded comfort food—familiar, but with enough nuance to keep every bite interesting. 🍗
Paired with a latte from their partners at Share Coffee Roasters, it turns a simple hotel breakfast into a full‑blown morning ritual.
New England Clam Chowder: A hearty, modern take on a regional classic, this chowder layers crispy slab bacon, Yukon potatoes, baby clams, and a drizzle of saffron oil.
It wins fans by delivering all the creamy, oceany comfort they expect while adding just enough flair to feel like a signature Willow & Ivy staple. 🍲 If you love tracing Boston’s chowder trail, this bowl absolutely deserves a place on your list.
Iceberg Wedge Salad: This is not your average steakhouse wedge, Shropshire blue cheese, brown sugar pork belly, pickled red onion, and a rich Great Hill Dairy blue dressing turn it into a full‑on event.
Diners gush over its mix of crisp lettuce, smoky pork, and bold, tangy cheese, often calling it a surprise favorite of the night. 🥗 It is exactly the sort of dish that convinces skeptics that a so‑called “hotel restaurant” can feel more like a local neighborhood gem.
Atmosphere
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Step inside and you’re greeted by lush greenery, a dramatic live tree, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that flood the room with soft light, creating a vibe that feels like an urban garden party.
The design leans into warm woods, organic textures, and gentle lighting, giving the space a date‑night glow without tipping into stuffiness. 🌳
It’s a place where locals in smart-casual outfits chat over cocktails next to travelers still wearing their marathon medals or museum wristbands, and it all feels perfectly natural.
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The overall effect is relaxed but polished, a backdrop where birthday toasts, business dinners, and lazy brunches all feel right at home. 🥂
Bottom Line
Willow & Ivy is worth a detour for its elevated comfort food, glowing plant-filled dining room, friendly staff, and dishes that make repeat visits feel mandatory.
Come for the lobster “pie,” stay for the cocktails, French toast, and unexpectedly memorable chicken. 🌟
If you are planning a trip, browsing Boston food itineraries, or just craving a new neighborhood favorite, this spot belongs at the top of your list.
Address:
65 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116
📞 (617) 536-5300
🕔 Open daily, Mon 7–11 AM, 5–9 PM, Tues, 7–11 AM, 5–9 PM, Wed, 7–11 AM, 5–9 PM, Thur, 7–11 AM, 5–9 PM, Fri, 7–11 AM, 5–10 PM, Sat, 7 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM, Sun, 7 AM–3 PM, 5–9 PM