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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.
People recently wondered why Boston got nearly entirely shut out by the Michelin people (only 1 one-star was given); among the places that were said to be in the running was Amar, located in a lovely space in the Raffles Hotel. We have been there twice, and I now will put my brief review. The take-home: if Boston, Raffles, and Amar think they deserve a star, they really need to up their game. I will get one thing out of the way very quickly: the food is spectacular and the wine service was excellent; these are not the reason for my comment. The simple truth folks is that a dining experience is not JUST about the food. It's about ambiance--which includes service and atmosphere, and that is where Amar just falls apart. It would be wrong to not recognize that the individual servers were quite nice and attentive. We had an 830 pm seating--hardly late in most cities, though one might suggest that in Boston that is on the later side (it really isn't folks). Regardless, by 1030-11 pm, the dining room was nearly empty on a Saturday night. At that moment, a server came over to us to alert us the kitchen was closing--which was obviously them saying "get out"--but soon thereafter the smell of cleaning fluid filled the air, and we realized there was a person cleaning the tables--with a cleaning cart, complete with mops, brooms, and cleaning fluid in the middle of the dining room. While people were seated and eating. This is a restaurant with a pricey menu and wine list, and I cannot remember a time when dining in a fine restaurant when something like this EVER happened. We found it funny at first, but while trying to eat our dessert and drink our final cocktails the smell of ammonia really ruined the final experience. In the end, once served with the bill, it was not funny. The bill was around $1000 for 4 people including a nice bottle of wine. So: expensive, nice individual service, good food. But the lack of awareness about how diners paying for an expensive meal feel being rushed, and then the utterly ludicrous presence of a cleaning cart in the middle of the dining room while people were still eating (I posted a photo) makes Amar a laughable memory but nowhere I'd go back to.
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 :)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Amar's afternoon tea, located inside the stunning Raffles Boston, offers an elegant and elevated experience that feels both refined and indulgent. From the moment you enter, the setting makes an impression -- the dining room is decadent and beautifully designed, with rich finishes, dramatic details, and sweeping city views that create a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. It feels special without being overly formal, making it perfect for celebrations or a sophisticated afternoon treat. The tea selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring high-quality blends that range from classic black and green teas to more delicate herbal options. Each tea is aromatic, well-balanced, and served with care, allowing guests to truly savor the experience. The sweet pastries are a standout. Beautifully presented and expertly crafted, they deliver flavor and texture without being overly sweet -- a balance that elevates the entire tea service. Each bite feels refined rather than heavy, allowing you to enjoy the full assortment without feeling overwhelmed. The savory selections complement the sweets nicely, rounding out the experience. Overall, afternoon tea at Amar combines breathtaking views, a decadent and stylish setting, exceptional tea choices, and perfectly balanced pastries. It's a polished and memorable experience that stands out among Boston's luxury dining offerings. $90/person unless you add alcohol. Made reservations read more
Went with a party of four for high tea and was very impressed. Atmosphere/ambience: lightly filled mid day on a Thursday. Absolutely stunning view of Boston on the 17th floor of Raffles hotel. High end decor and artful and elegant setting. Service: Professional, attentive, knowledgeable and easy to find. Tea was warmed. Opinions and pairs offered when asked. Food: lovely tower. Filling -- neither scant nor heavy serving sizes. Sweets were a standout, especially the chocolate kouignette. The savory was very good. Nice dab of caviar on the cucumber sandwich. Drink: we had the mango and greens spritz to start off. So fleshing and subtly complex. I had the grand jasmine tea, and it was a wonderful bouquet on the nose. Price: This will set you back a bit more than some but done better than the same priced or close to it when considering service and ambience. Valet parking is $40. Garage next door is $25. Though if you're paying this price and having this experience, the extra $15 might not matter. I'll be back for special occasions. read more
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 read more
11 months ago
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. read more
9 months ago
People recently wondered why Boston got nearly entirely shut out by the Michelin people (only 1 one-star was given); among the places that were said to be in the running was Amar, located in a lovely space in the Raffles Hotel. We have been there twice, and I now will put my brief review. The take-home: if Boston, Raffles, and Amar think they deserve a star, they really need to up their game. I will get one thing out of the way very quickly: the food is spectacular and the wine service was excellent; these are not the reason for my comment. The simple truth folks is that a dining experience is not JUST about the food. It's about ambiance--which includes service and atmosphere, and that is where Amar just falls apart. It would be wrong to not recognize that the individual servers were quite nice and attentive. We had an 830 pm seating--hardly late in most cities, though one might suggest that in Boston that is on the later side (it really isn't folks). Regardless, by 1030-11 pm, the dining room was nearly empty on a Saturday night. At that moment, a server came over to us to alert us the kitchen was closing--which was obviously them saying "get out"--but soon thereafter the smell of cleaning fluid filled the air, and we realized there was a person cleaning the tables--with a cleaning cart, complete with mops, brooms, and cleaning fluid in the middle of the dining room. While people were seated and eating. This is a restaurant with a pricey menu and wine list, and I cannot remember a time when dining in a fine restaurant when something like this EVER happened. We found it funny at first, but while trying to eat our dessert and drink our final cocktails the smell of ammonia really ruined the final experience. In the end, once served with the bill, it was not funny. The bill was around $1000 for 4 people including a nice bottle of wine. So: expensive, nice individual service, good food. But the lack of awareness about how diners paying for an expensive meal feel being rushed, and then the utterly ludicrous presence of a cleaning cart in the middle of the dining room while people were still eating (I posted a photo) makes Amar a laughable memory but nowhere I'd go back to. read more
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 :) read more
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. read more
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. read more
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 read more
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. read more
10 months ago
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. read more
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. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Holly,…
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! read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Monica,…
3 years ago
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. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Melanie,…
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. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Tony,…
11 months ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
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. read more
Couldn't get a reservation online or over the phone so decided to walk in on a weekday and luckily got a table for 2. The uni toast was so good but the mushroom dish had a weird vinegar taste(the grapes maybe? We got the arroz de mariachis as the entree and though it didn't look like a lot, the rice does soak up the soup and make you full. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Lena,…
1 year ago
3 years ago
Summary: Atmosphere (and crowd) was old, but relaxed; food was a hit or miss; service was good but completely ignored my requests, send considered only my make counterpart's. Details: We were HIGHLY recommended to order the bread because the dishes are small (wtf!).. Food we ordered - - 2 uni toasts (delicious) - the scallops (good but not exciting, salt was very much missing. And also wasn't in the table) - blue fin tuna (tuna was good. Tomatoes were okay. weird, large chuncks of flavorless jello were a big turn off) - mushrooms (chantarel and oyster were served with a weird sauce that was flavorless. A huge disappointment as the mushrooms themselves were very good but were not served with the broth they were cooked in and likely had their amazing flavor. Also, for an unknown reason, someone thought I'd be a good idea to stick there 2 pieces of butternut squash.. very strange and not a well constructed dish) - seafood custard (absolutely perfect! So much great flavor, amazing texture, and the right temperature) - duck (what a disappointment! The rice was good, yet too salty. The duck itself lacked any flavor - again served with a sauce that added nothing to the dish. It was also cold, gamy/chewy, and was simply not interesting. We didn't even finish it). - cake for 2 (which was fun. No more) Bill before tip: $410 Worst part of the evening - my partner ordered rosé, and I asked for more time to think. The server (who was very nice, but turned to be quite mysogenistic) seemed surprised when he brought the wine with 2 glasses and I asked to hold off. Then I ordered my wine, and my partner wanted the same as well. The server brought a new glass for him and then topped me off with another full glass. I didn't ask for it nor wanted more wine. How weird!! read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Shemesh,…
3 years ago
All I can say is wow! This is a chic Portuguese restaurant to have dinner at. To be honest, the food is exquisite and the service is phenomenal. I highly suggest this restaurant. The manager Jordon curated a cool birthday experience for me and I loved it! P.S - if you're hot enough, you'll get invited to the Speakeasy read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Blair,…
9 months ago
The restaurant is absolutely stunning with great view out the window. There's about 20 tables and plenty waitstaff. I like the appetizers better than the main dishes. And food is definitely overpriced. Diver scallops and uni toast are pretty good, although not something that you couldn't get at other restaurants. The duck rice recommended by our waitress was a huge disappointment. The codfish was also very bland, nothing wrong with the taste but didn't taste good either. The bread (Pao) is a total scam. It's just normal bread that you get for free at other places. Food wise, nothing is special here, don't expect too much. Service was great except that our waitress spilled wine on the floor as she walked towards us. read more
1 year ago
Gorgeous dining space with an understated elegance and a spectacular view of the sunset. (The curtains even pull back slowly to reveal a streaky sky at the appropriate time, so it's definitely a highlighted feature of the restaurant!) Service was impeccable (thank you Michael!). The food was good but for the price we paid, I perhaps expected more. Best dishes were the Arroz de Mariscos (shellfish rice - a delicious cross between a paella and a bouillabaisse), and Diver Scallops, which paired well with the bread (which you need to order and comes with sea salt, a very good olive oil, and fresh butter). The Wood-Grilled Beet Salad was good but not too special. The Wild Striped Bass and Kabocha Squash both lacked the flavor and texture I was expecting (the fish was a little chewier and blander than I wanted, and the squash was al dente and lacked the mushy sweetness I was looking for). For dessert, the Serradurra (yuzu-thai basil chantilly, strawberry yuzu sorbet, house made maria cookies) was a delightful choice - light, with the right touch of crunch, sweetness and tang. Together with a cappucino, it made for a satisfying end to the meal. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
When we heard about this restaurant, which is a reimagination of Portuguese fining dining, we were hawking when we could make reservations, which are a month in advance, so we felt fortunate we were able to nail one down as soon as we did. Nestled in the new Raffles Hotel in Back Bay, we were guided to the 17th floor and if you were like us, we didn't know to turn left or right (it's actually right, as the left was the Long Bar and Terrace to be reviewed in the near future). Our coats and jackets were taken before we were led to our corner table, lined with plush pillows, backlit couch seating, and with a view of the Pru. The atmosphere was very relaxing and comforting and the decor didn't come off pretentious but had a quality of reserved elegance and earthy warmth. Upon opening the menu, our eyes were affixed on the Chef's Tasting Menu and that's what we got! When something like this is offered, we would opt for it to allow the chef and his team to showcase their creations to their guests. We were not disappointed. Since I can be a glutton for tequila and mezcal (prefer the latter cuz of its smokiness from its method of preparation), I ordered The Rapidito and very much enjoyed it -- mezcal wasn't hidden but at the forefront. Our Amuse-Bouche arrived - chilled, refreshing, acidic so it cleansed the palate for the start of the menu. The Shima Aji and its fresh fish flavor shown through over its nicely charred skin and picked radish and cucumber yielded a nice contrasting to its texture and flavor as well as the accompanying Osetra caviar. The second course was a playful whim that could be eaten as breakfast where Chef George Mendes, a Michelin-starred chef, shaved white truffles on each of our dishes himself. The crispness of the potatoes, decadence of the truffles, and balanced saltiness of the cod would give you a hankering for more! Next up was essentially a soup with Maine lobster which we felt was on the saltier side but still presented very good texture and flavor -- lobster not overcooked and the quail egg added a bit of creaminess. The Rohan duck breast, although sliced thinly (probably 1/2 inch) was by far one of the best I've ever had and rivals some of the best out there in terms of its texture, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Complementing it was Matsutake mushrooms and burgundy black truffle sauce just sent it over the top. Man, that was great dish! Our experience ended with a citrus flan garnished with a very thin mango slice. Very delicate in flavor and perfect in execution. During each dish, the waitstaff swapped out the utensils and cleaned the tables. Our waiter, Eugene, was kind, attentive and overall great with his service. Don't forget to check out Blind Duck, an adjacent speakeasy, and you'll be amazed at how they utilized the square footage of the two floors. Come by for a date night, anniversary celebration, birthday, or any kind of celebration or a just because since this restaurant will be one to return to! read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Charlie,…
1 year ago
3 years ago
I loved everything about it except the fact that they have a time limit for each party. It's my second time here and I would definitely be going back again very soon. Everything that we ordered and tried was great but the desserts were my favorite. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Karan,…
2 years ago
3 years ago
Everything was absolutely exquisite. Because I'm Portuguese I was holding my breath on some of the options, but everything surpassed expectations. Our favorite item was the uni toast (which I had never had before). It was so great we ordered it twice. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Lila,…
3 years ago
What a memorable evening! As soon as you walk into the hotel you are hit w the smell of fresh flowers and a warm greeting. You enter the beautiful elevator to the 17th floor to begin your dining experience. Once again as soon as the elevator opens more beautiful flowers! We peaked at the Long Bar on our way to freshen up and saw the gorgeous patio. Just the ambiance itself there makes me want to come back. Ok. Now for the real star of the night. The dining room is as exquisite as the pictures. It's opulent but not pretentious. We were quickly sat in a corner booth. Our server greeted us by our names. He promptly came over to get our drink orders. Service in general is more than you can ask for. We have been to much more expensive restaurants that did not provide this level of warmness in their service. Our table had the crumbs swept away and our plates were frequently changed along w giving us new silverware. Our appetizers were the warm sourdough bread and the uni toast. Honestly- the uni tasted like the ocean- unmistakably fresh and just a wonderful way to open the meal. I think I could have eaten 3 orders of that as my dinner! The bread was perfectly crunchy and warm inside. The main courses. I ordered the duck without the chourico and my husband ordered the black bass. The bass had crispy skin and fork tender. It was in an interesting sauce - it was good. I would rate it a 3.5 My duck however gets a 5+. The presentation with the sauce poured over it at the table was a nice touch. The flavors were an explosion in the mouth. It was seasoned on the heavy side. But that fits my personal taste! And finally the dessert. The "cookies" and sorbet. I felt like I was sitting on a beach in Thailand. The sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the sorbet and the crunchy cookie crumbles made it the perfect ending to a memorable evening. I highly recommend this restaurant. All your senses will be tickled. A beautiful place to spend an evening. read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Lisa,…
2 years ago
3 years ago
Absolutely recommend this place! Amazing service with delicious food and an epic view! Would love to come bacj here again! read more
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Grace,…
2 years ago
3 years ago
Business owner information
Aileen H.
Dear Kerry,…
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More info about Amar
40 Trinity Pl
Boston, MA 02116
Back Bay
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(617) 589-1401
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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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3 reviews that are not currently recommended
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