By Kellie Speed Mar. 2nd, 2011

When you first pull up to the valet attendant (service is complimentary) at the Chart House restaurant on Boston's Long Wharf, you will be immediately taken with not only the historic location but its breathtaking water views.

In the warmer months, you can request a table outside for al fresco dining by the sea. The Boston property just might be the most historic Chart House location. Located in the four-story brick Gardiner building that dates back to the 1760s, the building once housed the offices of John Hancock and is today the oldest building still in use on Long Wharf.

Upon entering the restaurant, head over to the main bar area located on the first floor for a glass of cabernet before requesting a table on the second level. Upstairs, the restaurant was bustling on a recent Friday night. The menu here boasts typical New England fare with a heavy seafood offering that included everything from fish and chips and bronzed swordfish to pan seared scallops and steamed Maine lobster.

We started off with a sampling of the East meets West tuna, a beautiful preparation of fresh tuna tartare with wasabi cream paired with seared peppered tuna and avocado served with a side of crispy plantain chips. The shrimp cocktail was as enormous as it was advertised-four jumbo pieces arrived with a side of spicy cocktail sauce for dipping.

Our server suggested we sample the New England style clam chowder and we were glad he did. Loaded with chunks of potatoes and fresh clams in a thick hearty creamy chowder, it was easy to see how it has won so many awards. There is also a good selection of salads on the menu here, including their famous chopped salad along with an Asian chicken and beefsteak tomato.

We wanted to be sure we saved room for our entrees as our server advised us the portions are quite large. The Callahan-cut 16-ounce prime rib was the declared winner of our table-an enormous portion of medium rare perfection swimming in a pool of its own juices.

The ribeye was just as flavorful, although a little tougher than we anticipated. The side dishes more than made up for what the ribeye lacked with a generous sizzling plate of mushrooms, creamed spinach and baked potato providing the perfect complement to our meals.

Be sure to save room for their signature hot chocolate lava cake dessert, which is made to order and takes 30 minutes to prepare. If you are coming to the restaurant with a larger party, don't miss the Grand Marnier soufflé, which can be shared among four people.

While the Chart House's location is somewhat off the beaten path, only a few seem to know about this hidden gem, so be sure not to tell too many friends about your new find.

The Chart House
60 Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02210
617.227.1576
www.chart-house.com