About Us
Welcome to Cunard Tavern, East Boston's premier gastropub where culinary excellence meets rich local heritage.
At the heart of our establishment are two Boston natives whose passion and excellence shape your exceptional dining experience.
Tony Messina, Chef-Partner
Born and raised in East Boston, Tony has been a fixture on the line in Boston restaurants.
In 2010, he joined the opening team of Barbara Lynch’s Menton as Chef de Partie, where he spent a year polishing his formal French technique. Long a fan of Japanese cuisine and its nuanced artistry, Tony later joined the AKA Bistro team as Chef Chris Chung’s Sashimi Assistant in 2011, eventually becoming the Assistant Sashimi Chef himself. Tony’s next move brought him to Ken Oringer’s UNI where he borrowed from cultures around the world, serving innovative sashimi and sushi along with globally inspired street-food-inspired dishes. As Executive Chef and Partner, he was awarded Best Chef: Northeast 2019 in the incomparable James Beard Awards.
Now, Tony returns to his Eastie roots, infusing Cunard Tavern's menu with his signature blend of innovation and tradition.
Phil Frattaroli, Owner
A prominent figure in Boston's hospitality scene, Phil has continued his family's legacy in the restaurant industry. Launched in 1977 by his father, Filippo Frattaroli, the Filmark Hospitality Group has been continuously owned and operated by the family for more than forty years.
Phil has expanded the group's portfolio, bringing his passion for authentic dining experiences to establishments like Ristorante Lucia, Ducali Pizzeria & Caffé, and The Pine Bar.
With Cunard Tavern, Phil honors his East Boston heritage, creating a space that celebrates the neighborhood's rich history and vibrant community.
Our Inspiration
Opened in 2017 in East Boston’s Jeffries Point, Cunard Tavern sits on the site of Frattaroli’s grandfather’s former cabinet-making business* and features "The Layover," a tropical rooftop bar with stunning city skyline views.
Second only to Ellis Island, East Boston was the port of entry for many immigrants who came to its shores in search of opportunity – many of them landing at the former Cunard Wharf. From shipbuilders to carpenters, from welders to longshoremen, Cunard celebrates the people who helped build a great neighborhood.
Our interior design pays homage to this heritage, featuring reclaimed materials and nautical elements that reflect the neighborhood's shipbuilding past. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that honors East Boston's storied history.
Join us at Cunard Tavern, where history, community, and culinary artistry converge to offer an unforgettable dining experience.
*To bring the story full circle, Chef Tony Messina’s mother has furniture in her home, made by Phil’s grandfather’s company.
