Opera House-restaurant w/veggie options

Question

Going to ballet on a Sunday at 1:30. It’s 3 hrs. So we’ll eat around 5. Can anyone suggest a nice sit-down moderate (maybe Legal Seafood level), restaurant with a few vegetarian options. We have one vegetarian & 2 that are not. Possibly within walking distance? I prefer a bit of a larger venue with windows. Have a hard time with anything small, dark & cramped. Even if farther away I’ll take suggestions!

Thanks very much!

Answer

For a nice sit-down restaurant with vegetarian options, especially close to the Boston Opera House, you have several great choices. Since you mentioned Legal Seafood as a reference point for price and atmosphere, I’ll suggest some places in the moderate price range with both vegetarian options and a comfortable, spacious setting. These places are also generally larger venues with windows and a more open feel, perfect for your preference for a less cramped space. Here are a few recommendations:

1. The Capital Grille (Walkable from the Opera House)

The Capital Grille is a larger, upscale chain with plenty of windows and a spacious dining room. They offer a variety of hearty vegetarian dishes such as a delicious "Grilled Vegetable Salad" and "Lobster Mac and Cheese" (if you're open to seafood). The atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, perfect for a post-ballet dinner.

Grilled vegetable salad
Stuffed mushrooms
Various vegetarian pasta dishes

2. Oleana (A little farther, but well worth it)

Oleana, located in Cambridge (about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute T ride), is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with excellent vegetarian options and a lovely, bright dining room with plenty of windows. While it's a bit farther, the food here is fantastic, and it’s definitely worth the short trip if you’re craving something a bit more unique and flavorful.

Vegetable dishes like "Fried Cauliflower" and "Crispy Chickpeas"
Unique vegetarian mains with Mediterranean spices
Known for innovative, seasonal menus

3. Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf (Close by, very reliable)

If you prefer to stick with a tried-and-true Boston institution, Legal Sea Foods at Long Wharf is not far from the Opera House. While it’s seafood-centric, they do offer a few vegetarian options that are satisfying. The setting is spacious, with large windows and beautiful views of the harbor, making it a pleasant place to unwind after your ballet performance.

Vegetarian pasta dishes
Seasonal veggie sides
Chopped salad with vegetables and a light dressing

4. Mamma Maria (Walkable in the North End)

If you're up for a short walk (10-15 minutes) to the North End, Mamma Maria is a fantastic Italian restaurant with a wide variety of vegetarian options. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a bit of a lively vibe, but it’s definitely not cramped. The large windows give the space a nice, open feel, and they offer great traditional Italian dishes.

Vegetarian pasta dishes like "Penne Arrabbiata"
Vegetable-based lasagna
Fresh salads and hearty vegetable soups

5. The Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center Restaurants (Close by)

The Seaport area has several larger, open-concept restaurants that could work well. Restaurants like "The Barking Crab" (with a spacious outdoor dining area) or "Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse" (which has a huge, modern dining room and offers a few vegetarian sides and lighter dishes) might be good choices. They offer a variety of options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, and the settings are bright and airy.

Barking Crab: seafood with some vegetarian salads and sides
Del Frisco's: upscale steakhouse with veggie sides like roasted brussels sprouts

6. The Bristol (In the Four Seasons Hotel)

For a bit more of an upscale vibe, The Bristol, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, is another great option. It offers a variety of vegetarian dishes in a stylish, open setting with plenty of natural light. The restaurant serves a mix of American and international dishes, and they can easily accommodate vegetarian diets.

Vegetarian risotto
Seasonal vegetable sides
Fresh vegetable-based appetizers like roasted squash

All of these options should have ample vegetarian choices, and most offer spacious dining rooms with windows, perfect for a comfortable post-ballet meal. I hope this helps, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time in Boston!

Opera House-restaurant w/veggie options

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