This Romantic Boston Restaurant Is For Sale

Want to own a cute Beacon Hill bistro? Now is your chance.

By Jacqueline Cain· 5/31/2018, 2:48 p.m.

The courtyard at the Hungry I restaurant. / Photos via Keller Williams Real Estate

A French bistro is getting out of the Boston restaurant game, creating an opportunity for a new operator to move in on Charles Street. The Hungry I is on the market—both the decades-old Beacon Hill restaurant, and the residential building above it.

Chef Peter Ballarin has owned and operated the Hungry I since 1981, with Old World fare like venison au poivre noir, duck l’orange, and filet of sole. The restaurant has a full liquor license and an entertainment license, which are both part of the sale.

The Hungry I has surfaced on “most romantic restaurants” lists from the likes of Zagat, USA Today, and Timeout Boston. On its website, it suggests the Hungry I has been the site of more marriage proposals than any other restaurant in Boston. We cannot confirm nor deny that claim—but it certainly is adorable.

The small restaurant has three cozy dining rooms, with fireplaces and polished antiques, and seats 49. There is also a secluded, vine-draped patio out back, off the beaten path of Charles Street. Three one-bedroom apartments are above the Hungry I. The listing notes they are “ready for renovations,” which is a bit daunting, but there is no arguing the commercial-residential property on such an iconic block has a ton of development potential.

The entire 3,000-square foot property is for sale for $4 million. We’d love to see the gem of a restaurant space put to good use—contact the sales agent if you’re interested in making the investment. In the meantime, the Hungry I is open nightly for dinner from 5:30-10 p.m., and for Sunday brunch.

For information about the real estate listing, contact Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro, Back Bay, kw.com.

The Hungry I, 71 1/2 Charles St., Boston, 617-227-3524, hungryiboston.com.