Bites & Backdrops: Aesthetic Eats in Boston

Pretty Places, Even Prettier Plates

by Annika Gupta 

Graphic by Melissa Lemieux

Whether you’re looking for a chic fine dining spot or a stylish café to fuel your study sessions, these two picks serve up both aesthetic and flavor for when you want a meal that’s just as photogenic as it is delicious.

Pammy’s 

If you ever find yourself roaming near Harvard Square, stop by Pammy’s, a New American and Italian-inspired fine dining restaurant that offers one of the prettiest interiors you’ll find in Boston. With a full-sized marble statue propped in the middle of the bar, stunning flower arrangements, grand mirrors, and ambient lighting, Pammy’s is the perfect place to dress up and come with friends or bring a date. 

Their 3-course Prix-Fixe menu allows you to choose from roughly 14 options, the dishes at the top of their menu are generally smaller, while those on the bottom of the menu are heartier. Menu items rotate but trust that any dish you order will not only exceed your expectations but introduce you to unique flavors and ingredients. One must-try item that generally stays year-round (for a reason!) is the Lumache, a shell-shaped pasta covered in a bolognese sauce and spicy gochujang, a truly revolutionary flavor combination. Pammys’ beautiful interior and even more beautiful dishes are sure to leave you with a dinner you won’t forget.

Shy Bird

Need a break from working at the same old coffee shops on campus? Take a trip to Shy Bird, where a moody, retro interior meets exceptional breakfast and lunch dishes. It’s a huge space with large tables, so you’ll no longer feel cramped working at a table that barely fits your laptop. To add another reason to visit this spot, they have an unbeatable “Work From Shy Bird” deal on weekdays which offers a breakfast or lunch dish and all-you-can-drink coffee, espresso, and tea for $17.95, and includes amenities like free printing, chargers, Zoom-friendly areas, and more. 

They offer satisfying dishes like their Zab’s Spicy Breakfast Burrito, Whipped Mascarpone Stuffed Crepe, and Ranch Fried Chicken Sandwich every dish is as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. And if you’re like most caffeine-fueled college students, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. With a spacious interior that radiates playful vibes, Shy Bird is the ideal pick-me-up that offers a gorgeous ambiance, delicious food, and amenities all at a great price point.  

Why choose between good food and a gorgeous setting when you can have both? Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or hunkering down for a study session, these spots have you covered.