Boston Food & Whine

Dining and whining my way through Boston’s latest trends and tastes

Restaurant Reviews

Been There, Done That

Finally the much anticipated — and updated — list of all restaurants I’ve eaten at! Sorry it took so long… And there’s still much work to do, but at least this is a start. Check back frequently for updates!

 

* Don’t Bother

**  Decent

***  Good

****  Excellent

*****  Outstanding!

 

Restaurant

Location

Rating

Kids?

Comments

Cuisine?

28 Degrees

South Ends

***

 

Have only done bar food, not dinner.

 

33 Restaurant and Lounge

Back Bay

**½

a

Hit or miss with the food. Sometimes it’s really good, sometimes it’s not. Fun bar scene.

 

51 Lincoln

Newton

**** ½

 

Very good food, nice atmosphere. Click here for full review.

 

647 Tremont

South End

***

a

Fun for weekend brunch. Dinners not bad.

 

Abe & Louie’s

Back Bay

**

 

Overpriced good ‘ole boy crowd. Good for drinks. Click here for full review.

 

Addis Red Sea

South End

***

 

Very unique experience. Not for everyone. We really liked it.

Ethiopian

Anna’s Taqueria

Brookline
Arlington

***½

a

Ties with Boca Grande for my favorite burritos.

Mexican

Artu

Beacon Hill

***½

 

It’s been a long time. I just remember that the food was good, but I can’t remember the specifics.

 

Assagio

North End

***

 

Tried and true N. End establishment. Always a good, traditional meal. Always packed.

Italian

Atlantic Fish Company

Back Bay

**½

a

Same as all the “other” fish places in Boston. Good, not great. Standard seafood fare.

 

Audubon Circle

Fenway

**

 

College crowd. Decent bar food and scene.

 

Aquitaine

South End

**** 

 

Very good food. Fun atmosphere. Huge wine selection and cool wine rack wall.

French

Aquitaine Bis

Chestnut Hill

***½

 

Very good as well. Atmosphere in S. End is better. This space is a little small.

French

Avila

Theater District

***

a

Good food. Theater crowd. Touristy. Click here for full review.

 

B & G Oysters

South End

**** 

 

Excellent oysters. Pricy, but worth it. I’ve seen infants/toddlers dining there as well. Click here for full review.

 

Baja Betty’s Burritos

Brookline Village

**

a

Decent burritos. Homemade ice cream.

Mexican

Bambara

Kendall Square

***

 

Have only been for large events (holiday party). Food was good. Not mind blowing.

 

Barking Crab

Waterfront

**

a

Overpriced and very casual. Young, drunken crowd. Fun for out-of-towners.

 

Bitch Street Bistro

Roslindale

***

a

Was better when it first opened. Not so great now. Has nice outdoor space for warmer weather.

 

Blu

Chinatown

***½

 

Weird location… inside gym. Good food, hip crowd and decent bar scene.

 

Blue Ginger

Wellesley

**** 

 

Always good. Often see Ming Sai on site. Need reservations.

Asian

Boca Grande

Brookline
Kendall Square

***½

a

LOVE the burritos. Click here for full review.

Mexican

Border Café

Harvard Square

**½

a

Decent Mexican food and margaritas. Young crowd.

Mexican

Bon Caldo

Norwood

***

a

Not bad for a Route 1, suburban place. Sort of cheesy, but pretty good food. Click here for full review.

Italian

Bonfire

Back Bay

***

 

Good food. Steakhouse feel.

 

Boston Beer Works

Fenway

**

a

What you would expect for a bar/restaurant near Fenway. Decent food. Young crowd. Nothing special.

 

Bottega Fiorentina

Brookline Village

***

a

Small takeout place with great pastas. You pick the pasta and the sauce separately. I love this place. They have daily sandwich specials too. My favorite is the pumpkin tortellini with the brown butter sage sauce. Mmm…

Italian

Bukhara

Jamaica Plain

***½

a

Very good Indian food. Good for eat-in or take-out, though I prefer to eat-in. They are well equipped for children as well. Usually pretty busy on weekends.

Indian

Cactus Club

Back Bay

**

a

Run of the mill Southwest/Mexican joint. Big bar scene and good margarita’s. Young crowd. Food is nothing special.

Southwest

Café Vittoria

North End

***½

 

The “IT” place for after dinner drinks, coffee and dessert in the North End. Always packed, not overly awesome… just a fun tradition.

Italian

Cambridge Brewing Co

Kendall Square

***

a

Not bad for one of the local “Brewing Co’s”. Better than Boston Beer Works and in a good location to catch a movie at the Kendall Square Cinema.

 

Capital Grille

Back Bay
Chestnut Hill

***½

 

I don’t care what others say… I still like the Capital Grille, though the Chestnut Hill location is better than the Bay Bay one. Have a Stoli Doli for me… (pineapple-infused Stoli vodka)… my personal favorite.

 

Casa Romero

Back Bay

*** 

 

Very good Mexican food. Go in the warmer weather and request a table on the patio… which is the best part about this place. Sort of difficult to find… hidden down an alley.

Mexican

Casablanca

Harvard Square

*** 

 

Good bar scene. Hopping spot that’s been around for a while in Harvard Square. Decent food. Nothing overly special.

 

Central Kitchen

Central Square

*** 

 

It’s been a while, but I remember our dinner was good. We need to go back.

 

Centre Street Café

Jamaica Plain

*** 

a

Have only been for breakfast. This place is always packed and serves very fresh ingredients – grown by local farmers. Go early and get in line.

 

Cheesecake Factory

Chestnut Hill
Back Bay
Kendall Square

***½

a

If you have been to one, you have been to them all. Always huge portions, good food, decent service and a huge selection of items to pick from the menu. Click here for full review.

 

Chipotle Grill

Dedham

***½

a

Newest burrito chain in town. Not as good as Boca or Anna’s, but I really like them. Click here for full review.

 

Ciao Bella

Back Bay

*½

 

I hate this place. I have had awful experiences here… including having a waitress “check me” (think if ice hockey) while I was standing at the bar (waiting for a table). It was such bad experience, that I cannot even tell you what the food was like.

talian

Cibo

North End

***½

 

It’s been YEARS since I’ve been here, but I used to frequent this place because they always had good meals. Not your “typical” North End fare. Not sure how they are now.

 

Clio

Back Bay

***** 

 

One of my all time favorite restaurants. Very expensive, but worth it. The tasting menu (with wine) is a MUST TRY.

Asian/French Fusion

Comella’s

West Roxbury

*** 

a

Casual, kid-friendly, take-out or eat-in. VERY good pasta dishes. West Roxbury location is working on a beer and liquor license. Click here for full review.

Italian

Cottonwood Café

Back Bay

**½

a

Nice, after work, southwest fare and margarita place. Usually busy, usually decent food.

South West

Craigie Street Bistrot

Harvard Square

*** 

 

Lots of people love this place. We thought it was good, just not great. Parking can be a headache. Click here for full review.

French

Croma

Back Bay

*** 

a

Have only had lunch, outside on the patio. Great for Newbury Street people watching. Food was good and they were very kid friendly.

 

Dali

Somerville

***½

 

I just love both this place and it’s sister restaurant Tapeo’s. Dali has better atmosphere. Both have great tapas, sangria and traditional fare.

Spanish

Davio’s

Kendall Square

***½

 

Always a good meal. Not great atmosphere. Pricey.

Italian

Delfino Restaurant

Roslindale

*** 

 

Always a wait. The locals LOVE this place… they call it “the North End in Rozzie”. I think it’s good… but not outstanding.

Italian

Delux Cafe

South End

**

 

Great for comfort food and a funky setting. Small, eclectic and fun.

 

Deno’s Pizza

West Roxbury

**

a

Best pizza in West Roxbury. This is coming from someone who grew up eating NJ/NY pizza.

 

East Coast Grill

Inman Square

***½

a

Great brunch with make-your-own bloody Mary bar. Known for their spicy, southwest flavors.

Southwest

Essence of Thyme

Hyde Park

**½

a

Very small gift shop with a little kitchen. Many people don’t even realize you can order food here. They have a very limited sandwich menu, but the food is fresh and made to order.

 

Fava

Needham

***½

 

This place was very good. Funky space and in

 

Figs

Beacon Hill

*** ½

a

Great gourmet pizza, interesting combinations and good pastas. Always busy and always a good meal.

 

Finale

Theater District

***½

 

Fabulous, decadent and somewhat pricy desserts. If you have never been, it’s a must try. They also have salads and sandwiches for the pre-theater crowd and a liquor license provides wines and after-dinner aperitifs.

 

Fire & Ice

Harvard Square
Back Bay

**

a

Kind of “chainy and touristy”. Fun for a group though. You pick you meats, veggies and sauce and then watch while the chefs cook it up in front of you. I think it would be fun for kids.

 

Foundation Lounge

Fenway/Kenmore

*** 

 

Food was good, but was a very young and “Euro” crowd (think BC). Click here for full review.

 

Florentina

Kendall Square

*** ½

 

Small, lunch (and dinner I think) take-out or eat-in place. I used to get lunch here all the time when I worked in Kendall Square. They have daily specials and the pasta is always SO good! Love this place!

Italian

Franklin Café

South End

***½

 

Very popular and busy S. End fixture. Good comfort food, good service and always a good time. Usually a wait.

 

Fugakyu

Brookline

***½

a

Some of the BEST sushi in town. Try to get one of the screened-off rooms is you can. Sitting at the sushi bar is also fun. In any case, it’s always very good.

Japanese

Garden of Eden

South End

*** 

a

Good, casual, lunch place. Not sure if they do dinner. Not a huge menu, but kid-friendly and food is fresh. CLOSED NOW.

 

Giacomo’s

North End

*** 

 

Has been a N. End staple for years and years. They now have a second location in the South End. I would probably try the S. End first. This place always has a mile-long line of tourists waiting for a table. The food is very good… but not outstanding.

Italian

Gaslight

South End

*** ½

a

We liked this place. It seems to have a good bar scene. The service is so-so. Click here for full review.

French

Geoffrey’s

Roslindale

*** 

a

We used to frequent this place when it was on Dartmouth Street in the Back Bay and loved that we could bring our dogs on the patio. This new location also has a patio – which is great – which allows dogs. The food is good (not great). The drink menu is fun.

 

Ginza

Brookline

**** 

a

Another excellent sushi place. Has been around for years and years and it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Not sure how it stacks up now against all the new competition.

Japanese

Grill 23

Back Bay

*** 

 

One of the tried and true, original Boston steakhouses. Always packed, big after-work crowd, lots of suits and pretty good food.

 

Hamersley’s Bistro

South End

**** 

 

This French bistro has been around for years. Always a good meal. I believe they have outdoor space now, which considering the location, would be a nice addition to a warm summer meal.

French

Haru Sushi

Back Bay

*** 

 

This place gets lots of good press. We though it was good, but not outstanding. Click here for full review.

Japanese

Himalayan Bistro

West Roxbury

*** ½

a

This local Indian take-out or eat-in joint is very good. Has a large, diverse menu and they deliver. Click here for full review.

Indian

Houlihan’s

Kendall Square

*½

a

Exactly what you would expect from a chain restaurant, that serves pre-mixed frozen drinks, that’s located in a mall.

Irish

Hungry I

Beacon Hill

*** 

 

This place used to always win “Most Romantic” in all the “best of Boston” listings. I’ve only been once, and I remember the food was good, but it’s a very “stuffy” and “traditional” atmosphere (think Toile). I wasn’t super impressed and have had no desire to go back.

French

Icarus

South End

**** ½

 

I love this place. Every time we go the food is fabulous. It’s a large space that has been in business for a long time, so they know what they are doing.

 

Island Hopper

Back Bay

**½

a

This Asian-mix of a restaurant serves up Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian fare. It’s been years since we went here (when it first opened), but I remember the ingredients were very fresh and the food was pretty good.

Malaysian

Ivy

Theater/Ladder District

*** ½

 

I like this place. I’ve been here a few times and have had some good meals. They also have some interesting cocktails and a jazz bar down stairs. Click here for full review.

 

Jae’s Café

Coolidge Corner
South End

*** ½

a

I’ve been to a few of these, including the one that used to be in the Atrium Mall. The food is always fresh and tasty. Both their sushi dishes and their sautéed meals are very good.

sian

Joe’s American Bar & Grill

Back Bay
Dedham
Waterfront/N. End

**½

a

To me, all these places are the same. The food is good, but not great. It’s a young crowd and so-so service. My one gripe with this restaurant group is that the owner also owns the Greyhound racetrack in Wonderland. That definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended).

 

JP Seafood Café

Jamaica Plain

***½

a

Great sushi. Kid-friendly. Always a good meal. Same owners as Village Sushi in Roslindale.

 

Kashmir

Back Bay

*** 

a

Get’s lots of press for being one of Boston’s best Indian restaurants. I definitely like it, it’s always crowded… but I’ve had better Indian food elsewhere.

Indian

Kingfish Hall

Faneuil Hall

*** 

a

Pretty good for a Faneuil hall place. Just too touristy for my liking. The outdoor patio is nice and the inside has some cool décor. It’s hard for me to take a place in this location seriously.

 

Legal Seafood

Chestnut Hill
Back Bay
Kendall Square

*** ½

a

What can I say? People love this place. Everyone who visits Boston wants to eat here. The fish is fresh, the dishes are plain, but tasty and they have great New England Clam Chowder. It’s a bit overpriced and too crowded for me.

 

L’Espalier

Back Bay

**** 

 

I gave this Boston favorite 4 stars because it has held it’s ground as being one of the best French restaurants (in Boston) for many years running. Personally, I think the food and service are excellent, but it’s sort of boring for me. The décor is very old-world, the portion are minute and it’s a bit too stuffy.

French

Longhorn Steakhouse

Fenway

**½

a

Eh. It’s okay.

 

Les Zygomates

Leather District

**** 

 

I really like this place. They have a great wine list, do regular wine pairings/tastings, play great jazz and are in a part of town that is “less traveled”. Definitely worth a visit.

French

Maggiano’s

Theater District

*** 

a

 

Italian

Mandarin Gourmet

Chestnut Hill

*** 

a

Click here for full review.

Chinese

Mantra

Financial District

***½

 

 

French/Indian Fusion

Mary Chung

Central Square

*** 

 

 

Chinese

Masa

South End

***½

 

 

Southwest

Masala Art

Needam

**** 

a

 

Indian

Masona Grill

West Roxbury

***½

a

Click here for my first review and here for my second visit.

Mediterranean

Match Burgers & Martinis

Back Bay

**

 

Click here for full review.

 

Matt Murphy’s

Brookline Village

**

a

Click here for full review.

Irish 

Metropolis Café

South End

**** 

 

 

 

Misono Sushi

Chestnut Hill

***½

a

 

Japanese

Mistral

South End

**** 

 

 

French

No. 9 Park

Beacon Hill

***** 

 

 

French

Oleana

Inman Square

***** 

 

Click here for full review.

French

Olives

Charlestown

**** 

 

 

 

Papa Razzi

Back Bay

*** 

a

 

Italian 

Parish Café

Back Bay

**½

a

 

 

P.F. Changs

Theater District

*** 

a

 

Asian 

Pho Lemongrass

Coolidge Corner

***½

a

 

Vietnamese 

Pho Republique

South End

***½

 

 

Vietnamese

Phuket

West Roxbury

*** ½

 

 

Thai

Piattini

Back Bay

*** 

 

 

Italian

Picco

South End

*** 

a

 

 

Pleasant Café

Roslindale

*½

a

 

 

Pu Pu Restaurant

West Roxbury

**½

a

 

Chinese

 

 

 

Purple Cactus

Jamaica Plain

**½

a

 

Southwest

Rabia 

North End

**** 

 

 

Italian

Radius

Financial District

**** ½

 

 

French

Rattlesnake Bar & Grill

Back Bay

**

a

 

 

Real Deal

West Roxbury

*** 

a

Our favorite W. Roxbury sandwich spot.

 

Red Bones

Davis Square

*** ½

a

 

Southern BBQ

River Street Grill

Hyde Park

**

a

 

 

Rocca

SoWa

*** ½

 

Click here for full review.

 

Rustic Kitchen

Theater District

*** 

a

 

 

Sail Loft

Waterfront/N. End

**½

 

 

 

Salem Beer Works

Salem

**

a

Click here for full review.

 

Sel De La Terre

Framingham

*** 

a

Click here for full review.

French 

Silvertone

Downtown

*** 

 

 

 

Sister Sorel

South End

*** ½

 

 

 

Skipjack’s

Back Bay

**½

a

 

 

Sol Azteca

Fenway

*** ½

a

 

Mexican

Sonsie

Back Bay

**** 

 

 

 

Sophia’s Grotto

Roslindale

*** ½

a

 

Italian 

Spring Blossom

West Roxbury

**

a

 

Chinese

Spring Street Café

West Roxbury

**

a

 

 

Stella

South End

**** 

 

 

 

Stephanie’s on Newbury

Back Bay

*** 

a

 

 

Sugar Bakery

West Roxbury

*** 

a

 

 

Talk & Wok Café

Hyde Park

**

a

Click here for full review.

Chinese

Tamarind Bay

Harvard Square

*** ½

 

 

Indian

Tangerino’s

Charlestown

**** 

 

Click here for full review.

Moroccan

Tapeo

Back Bay

*** ½

 

 

Spanish 

Taranta

North End

***

 

Click here for full review.

Italian

Thai Spice

West Roxbury

*** ½

a

 

Thai

The Beehive

South End

**** 

 

Click here for full review.

 

The Blue Room

Kendall Square

*** ½

 

 

 

The Florentine Café

North End

*** 

 

 

itlian

The Helmund

Kendal Square

*** ½

a

 

Afghanistan

The Nightingale

South End

**** 

 

 CLOSED NOW

 

The Oak Room

Back Bay

**½

a

 

 

The Paramount

Beacon Hill

*** 

a

 

 

Torch

Beacon Hill

*** ½

 

 

 

Tremont 647

South End

*** ½

 

 

 

Troquet

Theater District

**** 

 

 

French 

Turner Fisheries

Back Bay

**

 

 

 

Upstairs on the Square

Harvard Square

*** ½

 

 

 

Vellos

Westwood

**

a

Click here for full review.

 

Via Matta

Back Bay

*** ½

 

 

Italian

Village Smokehouse

Brookline Village

**½

a

 

Southern BBQ

Village Sushi

Roslindale

*** ½

a

 

Japanese

Vinny T’s

Dedham

**

a

 

 

Vintage Restaurant

West Roxbury

*** ½

a

 CLOSED NOW

 

Vox Populi

Back Bay

*** 

 

 

 

Washington Square Tavern

Washington Square

*** ½

a

 

 

West Garden

West Roxbury

*½

a

`

Chinese

West on Centre

West Roxbury

*** ½

a

 

 

Wonder Spice Café

Jamaica Plain

*** 

a

 

Thai

 

 

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