Grill 23 & Bar

Grill 23 & Bar has been serving Back Bay since 1983 and describes itself as proudly independent. It is a classic dinner destination on Berkeley Street for business diners, celebrating families and visitors looking for a traditional night out.

The menu is the restaurant's own take on steakhouse standards, with steak and seafood at its centre. A layered potato side, the 1000 Layer Potato, appears among the house photographs, and the seafood dishes make it a good choice for a mixed table where not everyone wants beef. Ask your server about the cuts available on the night, and about portion sizes, which are generous at most steakhouses.

The wine list is one of the restaurant's main strengths and has received a Grand Award, so it is worth taking time over it or asking the sommelier team for a recommendation within your budget. As a general tip, a bottle from a lesser-known region is often better value than the most famous labels on a list of this size.

Dinner is served every day: from 5pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, from 5pm to 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 5pm to 9pm on Sunday. Reservations can be made through OpenTable, and booking is advisable at weekends. The restaurant also has private dining rooms for groups and events, and offers delivery and gift cards through its website. This is a high-end restaurant, so expect prices to match.

Steakhouse portions tend to be large, so sharing sides is sensible, and it is worth asking how each cut is best cooked before ordering. Mention any celebration when you book, and let the restaurant know about dietary needs in advance.

Grill 23 suits couples marking an occasion, business dinners and families with older children. It is less suited to anyone wanting a quick or casual meal. Berkeley Street is in Back Bay, and the Fairmont Copley Plaza lists Grill 23 among its nearby restaurants, so it is convenient for anyone staying in the neighbourhood. As a general tip, ask for a quieter table when booking if you are hosting a business dinner, and allow two hours for a full meal.