See how the sausage is made – almost literally – at these kitchen-side seats where you can watch the culinary goings-on while you eat. From intimate little tables for two that put you right in the middle of the action to first-come, first-served counters, you can see cookers, shuckers, ceviche-makers and sushi rollers doing their thing. Scroll on for 40+ spots where you can dine with a view.
80 Thoreau
Historic Concord’s 80 Thoreau is home to a four-seat counter that overlooks the restaurant’s open kitchen. Dine here on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays and enjoy a five-course tasting menu carefully created and curated by chef Carolyn Johnson and her team.
Alden & Harlow
Alden & Harlow’s high-top chef's table provides the perfect opportunity for curious diners (in parties of two or four) to take a peek under the hood to see how the engine of a restaurant runs. Guests can watch cooks work their culinary magic in the rustic-chic kitchen, all while enjoying a four-course meal.
11 Fan Pier Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210
617-421-4466
Babbo Enoteca e Pizzeria
Belly up to the bars at the Boston outpost of Mario Batali's Babbo. Whether pizza or antipasto is your pleasure, the restaurant provides chef's counter seating so you can see your dish through from start to tasty Italian finish.
B&G Oysters
The shuckers take center stage at B&G Oysters, where guests can watch them in action behind the Oyster Bar. The shellfish experts at the South End spot may even share a tip or two for opening the tasty little bivalves with grace and speed, which is pretty much the name of the game.
Banyan Bar + Refuge
A spot at Banyan Bar + Refuge's chef's counter puts you at the center of this modern Asian gastropub's hustle and bustle. The industrial-style counter and its nearly ceiling-high shelves are adorned with stacks of dishware, lush green plants and a gold mermaid statuette. Surround yourself with this chic decor and watch as chefs effortlessly chop, cook and plate your dishes.
Bar Boulud
Bar Boulud's chef table gives guests a peek at the goings-on in the kitchen from a private perch. As many as eight guests can sit down for a customized, seasonal menu overlooking the chefly happenings, with details on the dishes provided by the chef himself.
Bar Mezzana
At Bar Mezzana you can keep your eye on the kitchen while keeping a comfortable distance (y'know...if you can't stand the heat). Reserve one of the two-tops situated right in front of the open kitchen to watch chef-owner Colin Lynch and his team doing their thing.
BISq
Enjoy the best of both worlds at BISq's chef's counter which looks right into the bustling, open-concept kitchen. You can take in the sights and sounds of the back-of-house hard at work while you bask in the front-of-house ambiance (preferably with a glass of wine).
Bokx 109
BOKX 109 has a chef's table that doubles as a demo kitchen. One side seats eight while the other features a stove, oven, and all the necessary cooking equipment. Make reservations 5 days in advance to enjoy a tasting menu or custom multi-course menu prepared right before your eyes.
Bostonia Public House
See what's cooking - literally - at Bostonia Public House with a place at their kitchen-adjacent dining table. Guests get a peek at the pass and the culinary goings-on beyond from the comfort of their chair.
Capo
Get all the warmth of Tony Susi's Italian kitchen—from a comfortable distance—with a table close to Capo's spacious back of house. You can see the chefs at work, prepping, plating and pizza-making, at any of the tables that border the wood-fired brick oven.
1 Burlington Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01803
781-221-6643
Chopps American Bar and Grill
The dining room at Chopps American Bar and Grill features warm woods, leather furniture and stylish brass accents as well as a chef’s table situated right in front of the open-concept kitchen. With reservations at the table, guests will be able to meet the chefs and look on they prep, cook and plate the night's tickets.
