Somerville’s wine bar scene isn’t overflowing with excellence. If you’re unaware, lucky you—you’ve never had to settle for mediocre pours in this neighborhood. But for those who appreciate a “vinous revelation,” this is exactly where you’ll find it. You can discover remarkable wine bars here—they’re just cleverly hidden. Here are 16 spots to savor a glass when you’re exploring Davis Square.
La Voile
$$$ | (617) 587-4200 | WEBSITE
If all else fails, there’s always La Voile in Somerville. It has consistently fantastic French cuisine, a good wine list, and you’re definitely not going to miss the classic bistro experience. The mussels, lobsters, and Dover sole are popular choices, and the ile flottante dessert is a must-try. The patio in summer provides that private, European feel, and the staff go above and beyond with warm, attentive service.
Whether you’re enjoying escargots, pan-fried foie gras, duck, or entrecôte, the food remains delicious and high-quality. The Taste of France menu offers variety, and they cater thoughtfully to dietary needs. Recent guests praised the wonderful experience, highlighting excellent service and dishes like duck rillette and risotto. With its pleasant atmosphere and friendly waitstaff making visits memorable, La Voile delivers a consistently fantastic meal every time.
Grill 23 & Bar
$$$$ | (617) 542-2255 | WEBSITE
When it comes to steakhouse dining in Somerville, Grill 23 & Bar is our top choice. The menu is full of elevated classics, like perfectly cooked NY strip, dry-aged prime ribeye, and steak frites. Since it’s consistently ranked among the best wine bars in the area, you can plan on it being full of regulars. But guess what, so is the entire dining scene around here.
The atmosphere feels special without needing a special occasion, with warm lighting and comfortable leather seating that makes you want to linger over that last bite of coconut cake. Service is excellent across the board—any minor hiccups get handled courteously by management. Drinks are always well-made, oysters are fresh, and sides like hashbrowns and asparagus receive high praise. At around $50-$60 for mains, it’s not cheap, but you’re paying for that beautiful dinner experience.
Desserts like the chocolate chip cookies and fudge sundae are highly recommended too. Overall, it’s a favorite spot known for amazing food and superb service.
Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant
$$ | (617) 464-4300 | WEBSITE
If you’re planning a date night in Somerville, heading to a wine bar is usually a smart move. Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant is the best cozy one near South Boston. This spot is hard to categorize—it’s not as iconic as some classics, as trendy as newer hotspots, or as corporate as chain venues. But it still serves fantastic food, including the tuna melt and charcuterie board, along with a ridiculously good brie appetizer if available.
And more importantly, it will put you in the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening or group outing.
Frenchie Wine Bistro
$$$ | (857) 233-5941 | WEBSITE
Frenchie Wine Bistro occupies a corner spot in Somerville that used to be a neighborhood cafe. And when you step into the cozy back room with its rustic wooden tables and a view of the lush garden greenhouse, it will definitely feel like a place you should be visiting for a leisurely evening with friends. But the excellent French-inspired dishes on the compact menu should be savored.
Everything is prepared with care–from the rich onion soup that starts your meal to the tender duck served with seasonal vegetables. The salt-encrusted branzino pairs wonderfully with its crisp skin and flaky white flesh, and the creamy crème brûlée will make you realize that you need to order dessert every time.
Juliet Social Club
$$$ | (617) 718-0958 | WEBSITE
If you have friends visiting for a weekend in Somerville, book a table at Juliet Social Club. Though its knowledgeable staff and excellent service give it a polished feel, this restaurant is welcoming enough for any group size where sharing plates and lingering over drinks feels completely natural. Their brunch menu is popular, and that’s what you should focus on while you’re here.
Our favorites are the hearty brunch dishes, creative non-alcoholic beverages, and bottles of wine you can take home to extend the experience.
PURO ceviche bar
$$ | (617) 477-7583 | WEBSITE
For an excellent seafood experience that mixes traditional ceviche with lively Latin American flair, check out this restaurant on Newbury Street. The staff at this spot in Boston’s vibrant neighborhood serves incredibly fresh ceviche with artful presentation, expertly balanced with ingredients like banana chips and sweet potato chips.
Just know that the thoughtfully crafted cocktails and range of margheritas will introduce a Glinda-Elphaba situation: deciding who gets the last sips is the test of any friendship. If you’d rather not share, PURO Ceviche Bar also has Taco Tuesdays with low-priced, delicious tacos served with reggaeton music at max volume for a fun vibe.
The Capital Grille
$$$$ | (617) 262-8900 | WEBSITE
The Capital Grille is a steakhouse and wine bar inside a Somerville dining scene that’s known for special occasions. What’s a wine bar steakhouse, you ask? Taken from their reputation, it’s “an exceptional dining experience with top-notch service and cuisine.” But it turns out it’s not just exceptional—it’s more of an upscale bustling spot that works perfectly for celebrations and impressive dinners.
Plus, the food is amazing, with dishes like Kona crusted filet mignon or rib eye steaks prepared exactly as ordered. The “wine bar” part just means that the drinks are superb, with attentive servers who even inform you of the price before pouring a glass.
Fox & The Knife
$$$ | (617) 766-8630 | WEBSITE
You lost track of time browsing the wine selection at the local shop, and now you’re running behind. You need to know about Fox & The Knife, a cozy spot with a thoughtful Italian-inspired menu. It’s nice enough for a date night, but they’re capable of giving you personalized attention without making you feel like you’re at a stuffy fine-dining place.
Order some starters like the fried bread with mortadella or the broccoli Caesar salad with homemade ricotta, then make sure someone gets the out-of-this-world tortellini with blue cheese. Plus, the chef’s counter seating works for intimate gatherings in case your whole foodie crew is craving something special.
nathálie
$$ | (857) 317-3884 | WEBSITE
If you want some very cozy vibes to usher you into a relaxed state before you head out for a night on the town, hit up Nathálie. This inviting wine bar has snacks like a standout smoked maple butter on warm bread, along with more substantial small plates like zucchini fries and lamb lollipops. The cocktails are praised as amazing for those who aren’t wine enthusiasts, and the attentive staff will help you pick the perfect glass to pair with your charcuterie plate.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot for a date night, after-work gathering, or a girls’ hangout.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
$$$$ | (857) 995-6122 | WEBSITE
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is an upscale steakhouse that’s part of a national chain, and it’s located in Somerville. This place has perfectly cooked steaks and scallops, so focus on those when you’re here. It will also be full of couples celebrating special occasions, but the kind who appreciate a three-course summer menu more than just a quick bite.
Casarecce Ristorante
$$ | (617) 248-3839 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of popular spots in Somerville, like the bustling wine bars along Elm Street. But the efficient service at this cozy restaurant on a side street will ensure you make your reservation time. You can feel like you’re dining in a warm, intimate Italian kitchen while enjoying delicious dishes like homemade lobster ravioli, tender Chicken Cacciatore, or sharing a plate of veal saltimbocca in honor of a family celebration.
Giulia
$$$ | (617) 441-2800 | WEBSITE
This Italian gem opened back when pasta was still considered exotic in America. Ok, it’s not quite that old, but it did open with a commitment to fresh, handmade pasta that sets it apart and definitely has that authentic trattoria feel. You can expect dishes like the delicate erbazzone, grilled rosemary flatbread, and a pretty fantastic yogurt panna cotta with beach rose, toasted coconut, and winter citrus.
Come here for an exceptional meal before enjoying something charmingly Italian, like an opera or a stroll through the North End.
Dear Annie
$$ | (617) 571-1885 | WEBSITE
This cozy wine bar tucked away in Somerville is perfect if you want to enjoy a glass before heading out for dinner elsewhere. Dear Annie feels like a neighborhood gem and the best things here are the natural wines. We appreciate rotating between their carefully curated selections, with the staff always ready to help find something based on your tastes. They serve delicious snacks like grilled cheese and deviled eggs, but the generous pours are a good option if you just want to relax with a glass.
The upfront service fee keeps things simple, though the pricing can feel steep for just a couple of drinks. Still, the artistic flower arrangements and inviting atmosphere make it worth stopping by for wine lovers looking for a satisfying experience.
Zuzu’s Petals
$$ | (617) 945-7749 | WEBSITE
Zuzu’s Petals is nestled in the heart of Somerville, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a sweet escape after exploring the local shops or just need a cozy spot to unwind. This charming dessert and wine bar knows its main draw—purple accents, excellent records, and a warm, inviting atmosphere make you feel right at home. The desserts won’t make you write poetry, but they’re delightful—from the life-changing creme brulee to the must-try tiramisu paired with nerocapitano.
Plus, you can enjoy a lovely weekend experience, though be mindful of the strict cancellation policy and portion sizes relative to the prices.
Krasi
$$$ | (617) 536-0230 | WEBSITE
Wine bars in Somerville can be pretentious or underwhelming, frequently both. Krasi is neither, which is perfect if you just dropped serious money on tickets to a show at the nearby Somerville Theatre. This reliable Greek spot offers tender braised lamb with velvety tomato sauce, standout octopus, and knowledgeable wine pairings. Plus, your seat at that cozy corner booth is only steps from the lively, bustling bar.
Prairie Fire
$$ | (617) 396-8199 | WEBSITE
Though it’s usually not packed, a good number of people dining at Prairie Fire either just came from a show at one of the nearby theaters or are celebrating a special occasion. This means you’ll feel right at home whether you’re dressed up for the symphony or just grabbing a casual bite after work (there’s no shame in ordering those oysters three nights in a row).
This lively spot has a variety of delicious dishes, from fresh oysters to flavorful veggie plates to squid ink spaghetti, along with an excellent wine selection. Plus, since it’s open for dinner, it’s a great place to visit if you’re bringing out-of-town visitors or just want a memorable night out.