About Us
We are the proprietors of Grill 23 & Bar, Harvest, Bistro du Midi and The Banks Fish House.
It is our pride to have delivered decades of acclaimed dining and service, with each of our restaurants earning its place as a neighborhood institution. Founded by Kenneth Himmel and helmed by his son, Chris Himmel, we exist to bring our patrons a world-class experience that must be repeated again and again.
Chris Himmel
President
As the second generation of family ownership at Himmel Hospitality Group, Chris grew up in the restaurant business. Aside from being a lifelong fixture at all four of the group’s Boston concepts, Chris is a graduate of the prestigious Cornell School of Hotel Administration and has trained under two of the best names in hospitality: Danny Meyer and Chef Thomas Keller. Chris’ philosophy is grounded in hospitality and product, with a driving commitment to delivering the finest ingredients and best trained staff at his restaurants.
Himmel Hospitality Group In the News
Boston Common • january 2023
The 11 Most Romantic Restaurants in Boston
Whisk your other half away for an evening at Bistro du Midi and Grill 23.
eater boston • january 2023
Where to Eat New England Clam Chowder in Boston
There’s chunks of pork belly and chive oil in this rendition, and yep, it’s just as good as it sounds.
boston magazine • december 2023
The 51 Most Memorable Meals We Ate This Year
Grill 23 & Bar made Boston Magazine’s list of their best meals in Greater Boston in 2023.
Boston.com • September 2023
What to Order from Grill 23
Chris Himmel highlights his top selections from the Back Bay restaurant's menu.
Timeout • September 2023
14 Best Restaurants in Cambridge
Many of Boston’s best restaurants, including Harvest, are now located in Cambridge.
timeout • September 2023
25 Best Boston Restaurants Right Now
Bistro du Midi, Grill 23, and Harvest are mentioned as hot spots worth checking out this month.
CNN Traveler • June 2023
What's New on Nantucket This Summer
Grill 23, an institution of Boston’s restaurant scene, will pop up, offering all the big-flavor, high-quality menu items its known for.
Boston magazine • June 2023
Where to Eat Spectacular Seafood around Boston
Turns out the team behind one of Boston’s greatest steakhouses also knows a thing or two about seafood.
timeout • June 2023
Best Oyster Bars in Boston
The world is your oyster when it comes to Boston’s seafood-centric dining scene and The Banks’ offers an extensive selection of coastal New England crustaceans.
NBC Boston • June 2023
Grill 23 Pop-Up on Nantucket Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence
NBC Boston talks to Grill 23’s owner Chris Himmel and chef Robert Sisca about the secret to 40 years and what people can expect from the pop-up this summer.
Boston magazine • June 2023
Best of Boston
In their annual ranking of the best businesses in the city, Boston Magazine called out The Banks Fish House as the best restaurant for clam chowder and Grill 23 & Bar as the best steakhouse.
timeout • March 2023
Most Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Boston
If Michelin Guide stars were given in Boston, these restaurants would shine the brightest.
timeout • february 2023
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Boston
It’s no surprise that a city nestled on the Atlantic coast has one of the greatest bounties of seafood. While visitors certainly come to Boston seeking out our classic seafood dishes these days, they’re also likely to find boundary-pushing options in addition to the classics.
infatuation • january 2023
The Best Restaurants in Boston
Sister restaurant to Grill 23 steakhouse, this is a place locals like to hit for a celebration, and delivers all the fancy, party vibes you need for a solid night (or afternoon) out.
Boston magazine • january 2023
Where to Find the Most Romantic Restaurants around Boston
Bistro du Midi and Harvest were included in this guide to the most inviting restaurants around Boston.
timeout • january 2023
15 Most Michelin Star-Worthy Restaurants in Boston
Since 1975, this refined Harvard Square stalwart has been on the forefront of local farm-to-table dining.
forbes • december 2023
How To Explore Boston’s World-Class Drinking And Dining Scene
The Banks Fish House’s lobster rolls and clam chowder are included in Forbes’ guide to eating and drinking in Boston.
Infatuation • September 2023
The 25 Best Restaurants in Boston
Grill 23 is named in their guide to the 25 quintessential places that make eating in Boston what it is.
Yahoo • September 2023
These Are The Best Steakhouses In Every State
Grill 23 & Bar is an ode to the decadent steakhouses of old with excellent service, soft lighting, and a world-class wine program.
Boston globe • June 2023
Restaurateur Chris Himmel celebrates 40 years of Grill 23
Himmel Hospitality Group president, Chris Himmel, celebrates the legacy of Grill 23 and discusses the restaurant’s ongoing pop ups and events.
Opentable • march 2023
23 Restaurants that Define Boston
Boston’s best restaurants may be renowned for their top-notch lobster and clam chowders. But there’s a whole new food world nestled in the city’s labyrinthine streets..
boston magazine • february 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Boston Chocolate
Where to find the tastiest bites of cookies, cake, mousse, and more. Because you can never have enough of that decadent sweetness.
Timeout • January 2023
16 Best Fancy Restaurants in Boston
The best fancy restaurants in Boston have that little something extra—atmosphere, service, creativity—that will make any meal a celebration, regardless of the price.
THE BOSTON GLOBE • MAY 2022
Favorite Restaurants (Old and New) in Boston
At the intersection of “swank Back Bay restaurant” and “New England seafood shack” lies the Banks Fish House, opened in July.
TIME OUT BOSTON • MARCH 2022
The Best Lobster Rolls in Boston
Boston’s newest seafood spot, launched by the team behind local institutions Bistro du Midi and Grill 23, offers their roll hot or cold on a brown butter bun.
Press Release • March 2023
Grill 23 Pops up at White Elephant in Nantucket
Two iconic New England brands celebrating milestone anniversaries collaborate for an exclusive island experience this July.
infatuation • january 2023
The Most Iconic Foods to Try in Boston
When you want white tablecloths, perfect martinis, and an old-school setting that is Boston through and through, look no further than Grill 23.
THE BOSTON GLOBE • APRIL 2022
Hugo Bensimon is a star sommelier at Grill 23, but he’s not too fancy for champagne and fried chicken
Brookline’s Hugo Bensimon, 30, is the beverage manager at sleek steakhouse Grill 23. He oversees its Wine Spectator-approved wine list, including rare bottles from the 1940s that go for over $20,000.