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    Amar

    4.2 (52 reviews)
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    AMAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Brooke C.

    I had a nice diner here! I loved the ambiance in particular. The drinks were all very delicious and the food was solid. The duck was the standout dish for me. Focaccia and asparagus were good but nothing crazy. Great service here

    Halibut
    Jennifer R.

    I made a reservation to celebrate my partner's birthday. Upon arrival everything was great and the staff did a good job acknowledging the occasion. The host was very friendly and we were sat very quickly. We decided to go with the chef choice which was a small bite with 3 course meals. I got the vegetarian version and my partner the regular one. I thought it was a unique touch since we didn't know what we were going to eat. Overall all of the meals were quite tasty, felt fresh and warm. Where the experience felt short was the wait time in between meals. It took roughly 20-35mins which just killed the over all experience. Another thing, our server didn't check in often during those long waits to see if we needed drinks or anything else. The food was good, but the experience not so much. In terms of the ambiance, it felt very cozy and intimate because of the lights, beautiful view and it's also a small space. I asked if it's typical for long waits times and she mentioned because its a curated special option from the chef it usually takes a bit longer, but the response didn't feel authentic considering that we were getting served items that were on the menu, just in a smaller portion.

    Lobster rice entree (good to split)
    Chirag M.

    Came here to say with my wife to celebrate my birthday. The views are great, the ambience is classy and upscale and the service is great. The cocktails were a bit underwhelming for a restaurant with a somewhat limited food menu. The menu does keep changing - we saw a bunch of dishes on the menu online, but those had changed when we dined. The food is pricey but spectacular. We loved the uni toast, the salmon crudo and the lobster rice entree. The lobster entree is pricey at $75 but the amount of lobster was very generous. Perfect to split between 2. We spent a little over $350 for the 2 of us (with 2 cocktails each) so certainly not cheap, but good for a celebratory occasion. I'll likely be back :)

    Croquetas and uni toast
    Cali O.

    Sigh. The service was great. The food was decent. But for a restaurant inside of the raffles hotel, my expectations were pretty high and unfortunately reality fell short. The standout dish we tried was the uni toast. The restaurant and the hotel were stunning, but the flavors of our entrees fell flat. I wanted to love everything but the dishes weren't complex. They weren't memorable. And due to the price and location, I have no desire to return. Sadly.

    sour dough bread
    Winni Z.

    This was a fantastic dining experience. The servers were attentive and friendly. The vibes were formal and private. The food was thoughtfully prepared and each dish had its own unique blend of flavors and texture. A few highlights: the bluefin tuna was refreshing and fun. The rice was pillowy and soft; the duck had the perfect texture, and it had a deep rich flavor. The desserts were also not too sweet. Would definitely recommend dining at Amar.

    Afternoon tea anyone?
    Ted K.

    Went for afternoon tea. Lovely view on the 17th floor of the Raffles Hotel. Had the Silver needle Tea which was delicately but lovely. Also had the Lallier champagne because that's how I do. The scones were phenomenal. The gaviota strawberry entrement was my favorite dessert and the smoked salmon rosette my favorite savory. The service was attentive but not overbearing. Had a lovely time

    Bouillabase
    Umama Q.

    Upscale Mediterranean inspired restaurant that didn't disappoint! The Bouille base was phenomenal with a lot of seafood in it. My husband ordered the duck which was okay. 5 stars for the martini cart as it added to the upscale experience.

    Sunset from amar dining room
    Clark C.

    Amazing place... the setting, the view, the food, the service. Located on the 17th floor of the new Raffles building (between Hancock tower and Back Bay train station), the restaurant has amazing views of Back Bay, South End, Charles River and Cambridge. The service is warm and attentive. The food is superb. They call it Portuguese but it's really just excellent contemporary dishes based on core proteins like lamb, lobster, halibut, beef and some excellent vegetarian dishes. Yes, it is expensive ($20-$30 apps; $40-$50 entrees; $20 cocktails). Don't go if you can't handle the cost. It is excellent but the place is run by humans so don't expect perfection. There are hiccups but they handle them smoothly. Fantastic place. Any of the negative reviews are from people who had bad luck or very unrealistic expectations.

    Holly K.

    New Portuguese fusion restaurant inside the Raffles hotel, on the 17th floor. Ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful- it's clean, modern, and fancy. The space feels big (despite minimal tables), and the floor to ceiling windows give you a great view of the city. Service was friendly and welcoming, gave us great recommendations, and made us laugh several times. Service was the best part of this restaurant, 10/10. I did the Chef's tasting menu ($175), along with the wine pairing. I felt none of the 5 items "wowed" me. The chef used very traditional ingredients from Portugal, very CHEAP ingredients, that he definitely elevated; but at the end of the day, I didn't feel the meal was worth the price. Portion sizes were small, seasonings were lacking, and some of the textures and/or ingredients just felt off. Again though, the service with dinner was again phenomenal- keeping the table clean and switching out utensils between each course. We went during Christmastime too, so the restaurant, as well as the hotel, were beautifully decorated!! Everything felt very festive. The experience itself was nice (despite the food being overpriced and small portions), we enjoyed going to the Long Bar after, and the new speakeasy is finally open upstairs. Not sure why or how it took SO long to get a reservation.

    Pastel de nata
    Monica L.

    This place is gorgeous!! It has a rly nice view of the prudential and the vibes inside are so fancy! The service is also so crazy, they wipe the table for you, clear utensils and plates in between every dish and refill water often. I said thank u so many times haha. For the food: The bread - it was actually so filling. The butter was so creamy, the olive oil was a nice cut against the savory flavors, and the salt felt tangier than usual salt. The bread itself was so soft inside and warm and yummy! It was a bit salty too. Despite the saltiness, this was prob the most fun and tastiest part of the meal for me! The octopus - it came with some rly yummy greens and vinegar-y firm beans. I actually rly liked both of those. The octopus itself wasn't as tender as expected, it was a bit rubbery chewy but still tasty. Also very savory dish Arroz con mariscos - like a soupy rice w seafood in it! It was very flavorful and the seafood was fresh and tender. There were plenty of mussels, clams, and shrimp - as well as one lobster claw. All the seafood tasted high quality and juicy! Finally pastel de nata - Portuguese egg tarts, disappointed that they didn't come out warm haha but they had nice chewy crust, w a really milky creamy rich egg filling. The filling was very sweet but balanced by a sprinkle of salt from the crust. Very nice dessert Takeaway - a beautiful place to dine for a special occasion! The food isn't super impressive in taste (in plating it's beautiful tho) but maybe we ordered wrong. And also for the experience and the vibes maybe worth a shot to try it out!

    Melanie W.

    Why is it hard to get a reservation? I made a reservation 30 days in advance on Thursday at 5:30 when they had just opened. By the time we finished dinner after 7 pm, there were still tables empty. We ordered: Uni toast (It is better to use California uni than Maine uni; it is sweeter and has a creamy taste) Scallop (it replaced the Portuguese carabinero shrimp; I was a little disappointed) Maitake mushrooms (it was a little salty, adding the kombu broth) Shellfish custard (it is better to eat it without the broth; it makes the custard too watery) Arroz De mariscos (similar to risottos but too broth in it) Pao de lo (sponge cake was soft and fluffy, not too sweet; their sorbet with honey taste) - recommend Pasties de nata (custard tart with cinnamon added on top; I wish it served hot or warm; not too sweet) - recommend The services are excellent, and I highly recommend their desserts.

    Pole bean salad w/ sweet corn and peaches
    Tony U.

    Why I'll go back: One of the best service experiences I've had in Boston...ever You HAVE to order: the warm pole bean salad with peaches and sweet corn Tony's Tip: across the 17th floor lobby is the elegant Long Bar and Terrace. Arrive a half hour early (walk-in seating only) and enjoy a cocktail before dinner I have to admit I was not familiar with the venerable Raffles hotel brand, which dates back to the 19th century. It's having a bit of a renaissance, with recently opened locations in London and Boston. Convenient for us, as we live about a 20-minute walk from the Boston Back Bay location. On the advice of friends, we booked dinner for four at Amar, the new Portuguese-influenced restaurant from Michelin-star chef George Mendes (NY-based Aldea, also Portuguese cuisine). It did not disappoint. From the moment you enter the hotel, you are warmly greeted and then made to feel like someone special, even if you're there to just literally poke around. As the elevator opens after a quick trip to the 17th floor, another welcome awaits, followed by sensory overload as you exit into full view of the elegant winding staircase, a tranquil reading room to its left, and the swanky Long Bar, which has an outdoor lounge area with expansive views of the South End and beyond. It's worth arriving early to start your evening there. As for Amar, it is an intimate space, even with the high ceilings and large windows. About twenty tables, many with partial booth seating, were artistically situated throughout the dining room, and they accommodated various party sizes. The noise level is modest (thank you high ceilings) and spacing between tables provides plenty of privacy. Our service from beginning to end was nothing short of spectacular. The greeting, drink orders and turnaround, detailed walk-through of the menu, wine suggestions, spacing of courses, and idle chit-chat in between - all spot on and enhancing the meal at every turn. Speaking of which, the dishes themselves were absolutely delicious! Starters at our table were varied: carabinero shrimp, warm pole bean and sweet corn salad with peaches, salt cod croquettes. All were rich in flavor and reasonable in portion size. Two of us had the duck (accompanied by risotto mixed with braised duck leg and chorizo) while lobster and monkfish with littleneck clams rounded out the entrees. None of us could find fault with any of the mains, and this includes the prices, which I thought were refreshingly reasonable, especially after the sticker shock I've experienced elsewhere in my travels this year. My wife noted that it is very easy to screw up fish by overcooking it. At Amar, everything hit the mark. With bread to start and 1-2 drinks each, we got out of there for about $220 a couple, including tip. You'll be hard-pressed to experience a more affordable meal from a legit Michelin-star chef anywhere in the U.S. We will absolutely be back, and I'll take my own advice by arriving early enough to get the evening started right with a drink across the lobby.

    Rosemary S.

    Decor was gorgeous and the staff was exceptional. They checked up on us a lot, were very professional but also warm and friendly. Dirty martini and Pao cocktail were delicious. However for the price, the food was also just ok. The sourdough bread was probably the best thing we got. The sea bass was just ok, as was the bluefin tuna. For an upscale place with high prices for small portions, I expected a much more flavorful and complex dish. The asparagus was also quite bland. Again, the ambiance was excellent and the staff definitely improved the experience but overall the food was disappointing and not worth the price.

    Uni toast and mushrooms

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    The atmosphere was amazing. View 10/10. Food was magnificent. Service was perfect. Desert was a cherry on top!!! Recommended!!!

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    Ask the Community - Amar

    Does the restaurant have a bar that will serve small bites as well?

    The restaurant does not have a separate bar serving food. However, the Long Bar and Terrace does offer a bar with food service, located on the 17th floor of the hotel.

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    Barcelona Wine Bar South End - Complimentary bread & olive oil

    Barcelona Wine Bar South End

    (1.7k reviews)

    $$

    South End

    This is the star of Boston -hands down one of the most lively and fun restaurants in the city. I'd…read morerecommend coming with a small group so you can get seats by the bar, where all the action is. The bartenders and waiters were super sweet, and they were even giving out free drinks throughout the night. The sangria was delicious, and so was the chocolate cake. Tips: Make sure to make reservations. You will have to wait, if you want to be seated and not just hover around the bar its usually a 10- 20 minute wait after your reservation time. It is loud, so if that isn't your thing, maybe skip it. It is most fun after 10 pm. I've been back many times since.

    I came into Barcelona Wine Bar in the South End with a friend after work on a Monday night and sat…read moreat the bar. The restaurant was pretty dead, so we were expecting a relaxed, smooth experience. The prosciutto and cheeses were great -- but let's be honest, it's hard to mess that up. My friend ordered a cheese and meat board and a steak, and I ordered the mushrooms and mussels. After two or three rounds of drinks, I realized my food still hadn't come out. I asked the bartender about it, and he said it could be out in five minutes. I told him that if it was already on the way, we'd take it -- but if it hadn't been put in yet, that was fine and we didn't want it anymore. His response was basically, "If you want it, it'll be out in five minutes." No explanation, no acknowledgment of what happened, and no apology. It felt more like "do you want it or not?" rather than any ownership of the situation. In the end, I never got my food, and it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Not terrible, but definitely disappointing given how quiet it was. The food we did have was solid, but the lack of communication and basic apology knocked this down to two stars for me.

    Krasi - Halloumi (grilled halloumi, watermelon, basil, dried kalamata, fig balsamic)

    Krasi

    (581 reviews)

    $$

    Back Bay

    Such a yummy greek experience!!! You can't go wrong here but be sure to get a reservation in…read moreadvance! The restaurant is cute but feels a bit small. The food is so delicious!! We ordered the meatballs, the souvla of the day and the salad. Everything was so tasty. You can't go wrong with anything here. The table next to us had the huge sampler which was about $240 but was one of every dish on the menu. This is a perfect choice for six to 8 people. Service was super friendly. They left a large bottle of water on the table, which I love. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. Go here! You won't regret it.

    I would've given Krasi five stars for the bread rolls alone. Almost everyone in my dinner party…read morenominated this as their favorite. The menu refers to these as "Greek cheese bread" but somehow that doesn't do it justice - these were immensely pillowy and cheesy, with an amazing crust, with homemade honey butter on the side. I could have had just these for dinner and been satisfied. They really nailed the bread. My other favorites: 1. Hipiti: spicy whipped feta with crispy potatoes on the side. I don't do well with spice but I absolutely loved this. 2. Marouli: winter lettuce with the most amazing vinaigrette dressing. My only knock to this is, presentation-wise, they serve it with half of the plate empty and the other half with salad. I don't understand why restaurants do this because - one, it only highlights the smaller portion and two, we're just going to mix the salad all around in the bowl anyway. 3. Boudeto: daily catch in a beautiful tomato broth. For a seafood dish at a restaurant in Back Bay, this was priced at a fairly reasonable $28. The only dish that fell a little flat for me was the tzatziki - needed a bit more seasoning. As it was, I was eating mostly just plain yogurt. The table-side preparation was cool, though. The space is its own visual dinner, there's simply a lot to look at (including a drawing of Poseidon riding a surf board). We got the big table in the back, which was a beautiful glass structure with a whole terrarium underneath. We couldn't stop marveling at it throughout the meal. Our waiter was wonderful - very helpful recommendations, came by to check on us often even though we were pretty far in the back, super patient with our questions. Hard to get reservations but worth it! Don't bother driving / trying to find parking unless you're willing to eat a hefty garage fee, it's Back Bay.

    Ma Maison - NY Steak with bearnaise sauce

    Ma Maison

    (580 reviews)

    $$

    Beacon Hill

    Ma Maison is my fiancé and I's favorite French restaurant! It's always at the top of our list when…read moredeciding a restaurant for special occasions. I've also never had anyone tell us they do not like the restaurant once they try our recommendation. It's a small, cozy, dimly lit restaurant located at a corner near MGH. Street parking may be tough but there are garages around. The hospital garage may be a bit pricey; I believe the restaurant can validate for another garage nearby. Our must order items from the menu include seared foie gras (5/5), duck magret a l'Orange (5/5), escargot (5/5), french onion soup (5/5, and steak tartare (4/5). I love using their bread to dip with the escargot and eat with the foie gras as they do not come with carbs. During my last visit, I tried the boneless short ribs Bourguignon, I felt like it was a bit dry. I loved the potato croquette that came with the dish though, creamy on the inside with a crispy exterior. The meat did not fall off and melt, maybe it was just that one day. I will stick to ordering duck as my entree as it has never failed us and the cook and flavors are also supreme. Creme brulee is always great to end the meal! Service is alway is great, every server we've had were always attentive. We were given free champagne one year when we told them it was our anniversary too! Definitely a restaurant I will always recommend and visit every now and then.

    Chose this spot due to good reviews and short distance from our hotel…read more Ordered the: 1.Lobster Bisque. 4.5/5 This was very good. Good chucks of lobster. Bisque was creamy and flavorful. Probably highlight of the meal 2. French Onion Soup. 1/5. Not good at all. Very watered down. The broth was basically lightly seasoned water. Cheese topping lacked flavor. This was very disappointing for a French restaurant. 3. Mussels. 4/5. These were fresh and came with standard sauces. 4. Coq Au vin with pasta. 3/5 Came out hot but seasoning felt off and didn't quite it the mark. Service was good and it's in a cute spot. But Overall, disappointment with our food and wouldn't repeat.

    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    (246 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    Haley Henry Wine Bar is a solid spot for a relaxed but elevated wine night. I went on a Wednesday…read moreevening without a reservation and had no problem getting seated right away for a table of two, which was a great start. The wine selection is excellent and thoughtfully curated -- whites, reds, bubbles, orange wines, and more, so there's truly something for every palate. My friend and I both ordered a red, and it was absolutely perfect. Our server was super friendly and attentive, and she even offered a few samples so we could try before committing to a full glass, which we really appreciated. For food, we shared the hot dog with fried oysters to pair with the wine, and it was surprisingly delicious and a fun, elevated bar bite. Overall, the experience was fantastic -- great wine, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Pricing is definitely on the higher end, with wine glasses around $20 and the hot dog at $14, but the quality and experience justify it. I'd absolutely come back for another wine night.

    I've been a loyal fan of haley.henry for years and have recommended this spot to countless friends,…read moreso I was really excited to finally bring a new coworker here. Unfortunately, this most recent visit didn't live up to the high standards I've come to expect. While a few dishes hit the mark, the majority of our order was a letdown: Tinned Octopus: Surprisingly chewy and lacked seasoning. Mushroom Toast: The texture was rubbery, and the flavor was completely drowned out by an aggressive amount of balsamic. Beets: Had a very overwhelming cumin flavor that threw the dish out of balance. Roast Beef Slider: Served cold and felt a bit uninspired. It's such a cute, intimate space, and I've had so many wonderful nights here in the past, but the execution was just off this time around. I'm hoping it was just an off night, but it was definitely disappointing given how much I usually love this place!

    Grill 23 & Bar

    Grill 23 & Bar

    (1.4k reviews)

    $$$$

    Back Bay

    Food was good but the martini did not have ice all over it like social media made it seem!!read more

    I used to preach to my customer-facing teams that you don't fully learn about the true caliber of…read moreorganizations and people when everything is going smoothly. No, you only gain a clear picture of what a culture is all about when things go sideways, so you can see how everyone comes together to turn things around...or not. Several months ago, I had a less-than satisfactory evening at Grill 23 that was significantly disappointing, both for myself and for several associates who I had invited to celebrate a win. There's no need to dwell on the details, as the goal here is to look through the big piece of glass (the windshield) rather than through the small one (the rearview mirror). Suffice to say that I had no intention of returning and made that clear in written communication. What happened next belongs in a Harvard Business School case study titled "Turning it Around with Excellence." Within relatively short order, I was contacted by Johan Mola, Grill 23's Assistant General Manager. What an impressive young man, one who has clearly benefited from a top-notch upbringing, high-quality professional development and wisdom that he has accumulated through his own intelligence. Johan's communication exuded sincerity and empathy. He was a great listener who never once cut me off. He singlehandedly transformed my frame of mind from one that was slammed shut, to one that was open to giving Grill 23 another chance. It happened that when he reached out, I was in Asia for a month. Over that month, Johan periodically checked in via WhatsApp, just to reassure me that he had no intention of letting the matter go. He was masterful, but it was his authenticity above all that made him so. Fast forward to last night, when I returned to Grill 23 with my wife, hopeful but still apprehensive; I needn't have been. Johan greeted us at the door, effortlessly made us feel at ease, and escorted us to our table. During the meal, he checked in several times, always in an easy, unobtrusive way that just said "I'm here for you guys, whatever it is that you may need." The waiter assigned to us (Garrett) was fantastic, we couldn't have asked for a better person to take care of us. His service was seamless without ever feeling excessive, more like a hospitable friend serving us an incredible dinner at his home. We were also visited by the Director of Operations, Gary Tummings. He made us feel valued and special, it was appreciated. All in all, this was one of the more enjoyable restaurant experiences we've ever had. Of course, the food must be mentioned, because it was flawless! We started with a dozen Cape Cod oysters, the Foie Gras and the Beet Salad, all impeccably presented and delicious. We then welcomed the restaurants two signature steaks, the Porterhouse and the Tomahawk. Both were cooked to perfection (medium rare) and the flavor of each cut was nothing short of world class. The sides (carrots, asparagus and French fries) were all excellent as well, both in preparation and presentation. For dessert we had the coconut cake, which was mouthwatering, and a portion so generous that we had enough for seconds the next day. In short, the fare that we experienced last night was on another level...we absolutely will be back soon. I want to once again thank Assistant General Manager Johan Mola for everything he did to "right the ship" and to provide us with a truly memorable evening. All's well that ends well. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to Philip, the parking valet for the restaurant. We had talked prior and following the first experience and he immediately recognized me over two months later. What sets him apart is that he obviously cares deeply about the restaurant that he works for and the patrons who dine there. A really great, genuine human...I'm grateful for his concern, and my wife appreciated him keeping her dry under an umbrella on a raw and nasty night, all the way to our vehicle! Thank you to all, DC

    Piattini - Rigatoni alla vodka

    Piattini

    (1.2k reviews)

    $$

    Back Bay

    There are restaurants you go to for the food and restaurants you go to for the feeling. Piattini…read moremanages to be both. The Rigatoni Alla Vodka was one of the best things I have eaten in Boston -- rich, perfectly balanced, plated with genuine care. The mushroom ravioli special was extraordinary. But what I keep coming back to is the service: our server knew every dish, every wine, and somehow managed to be present every time we needed something and invisible every time we didn't. The wine education cards are a stroke of genius -- I kept mine. If you haven't been to Piattini, you're missing one of this city's best dining experiences. And if you have been, you already know.

    A stunning atmosphere and incredible service, even if the food missed the mark. I am still giving…read morePiattini 4 stars for the fantastic service, the beautiful ambiance, prime location, and the drinks! The restaurant itself is absolutely gorgeous. They have a great outdoor seating area right on Newbury Street that is perfect for people-watching. Inside, the space is divided into these unique, eclectic nooks. Whether you want to feel right at home or celebrate in their stunning vine-draped dining room (the ceiling is amazing!), the vibe is spot-on. I stopped in on a Wednesday, so it wasn't too busy, and I sat right at the bar. The bartender was fantastic--super attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. I ordered a wine flight, and they gave me these adorable little informational cards detailing the region and tasting notes for every unique bottle I tried. It was such a cute, elevated touch that made the experience feel special! The food came out in a very timely fashion, but unfortunately, it was the weak point of the visit. I started with the bruschetta, hoping for the best, but it was incredibly under-seasoned. The cherry tomatoes were left whole, which meant I was chewing on tomato skins for far too long, and the juices immediately made the middle of the toast completely soggy. Next came the pasta. I truly appreciated that the kitchen can customize anything you want even vegan style. On the plus side, the food arrives piping hot, and the portion size was wonderful! However, just like the appetizer, it was seriously lacking flavor. I had to add as much salt and pepper as I possibly could just to make it worth my while. Ultimately, the overall experience was the best part of the deal--from the gorgeous views to the wonderful wine flight and the stellar service. But as for the meal itself... in the historic Boston Italian vs. Irish rivalry, I think the Irish might have won this round! #Enjoygoodpeople

    Amar - portuguese - Updated May 2026

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