I feel as though my review history is going to look quite skewed after this addition, but this meal is honestly as good as it gets. We were referred here by a friend of the sommelier and I must say it did not disappoint. 8-course tasting + wine pairing was spot on. Not a single miss in anything and all presented with great stories and even a tasteful dose of drama. The true success here is in the details. Tables with drawers that hold enough silver for all of your courses, M83 playing in the background, Drive movie poster in the bathroom, food bars, and a fully open kitchen. One of the top 3 meals I've had - and not just in Boston. Go now before everyone finds out how great it is and getting a table becomes a near-impossibility! read more

Overpriced for a primarily vegetarian dinner - only one protein dish out of eight courses. Wine pairing was good but expensive for the quality of wines. Service friendly but slow. read more

Foodies' food, seasonal menu, intimate not crowded, casual all-ages hip, perfect pre-Fenway or pre-Symphony meeting spot--a delightful discovery. Fun night. read more

Third time here. My new Happy Place. Another adventure with some wonderful old friends on the menu. Without Paige's exquisite tasting pairings you are missing a big part of the experience. After the storm is still a favorite....but the new corn pudding and the carrots with duck are wonderful, the carrot dish is a delight on many levels. The rose chocolate ending was amazing but everything in between was absolutely splendid. My foodie hubby and I really enjoy this place. We wish Alex, Paige, and Shish (sp?) much success. They are on a path to greatness. If you are a foodie....this is really a must. read more

Asta - After the storm.... - New American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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As self proclaimed Boston foodies, Asta has continuously been one of our favorite go to restaurants for nice occasions. Last night we enjoyed the 8 course tasting menu with pairing. Overall it was a strong meal, with 6 out of 8 dishes being hits (the foie gra was very well done, we really enjoyed the squid play on ramen, and the stollen dessert was very festive) and 2 being misses (the frozen lemonaide was one note with the radishes and sage not standing up to the lemon and we found the fish and brusselsprout dish to not be well balanced), but a change we found from previous experiences was a lack of joy from staff. The service was on point but it was very rigid, for example wine was poured with a simple title and location and no other information. Also while we have sat at the bar multiple times it was the first time we have heard the chef near yelling at the other workers. Staff looked stressed in general. Again overall a strong food experience but not the same quirky joyful atmosphere we came to love in past years. read more

The hype and the reality were too far apart: 2 stars. I left hungry. The 8 course tasting menu offered simple ingredients that were creatively charred, carmelized, fried, etc. and but each course was really only a taste. The wine pairings underwhelmed. They progressed from a crisp white to a dessert red with a sake and an ale thrown in but (1) many weren't really paired with the food, (2) a few of the reds should have been scratched from the list or decanted for a few hours before serving and (3) the server described one of the wines as "funky" but I was paying Asta far too much money to get served a "funky" wine. Finally, I was seated near the door and was cold and uncomfortable during my meal. Most restaurants in the area solve this problem by hanging a heavy curtain around the door to block the cold air from coming in. read more

The diner was enjoyable with interesting courses. I have to agree with the other reviews that the meal was over priced with a deception on the added cost of the wine. I paired a $50 per person 5 course meal with my date and was served wine with each of the courses without fully understanding the added cost. The total bill came to $118 per each meal. We were there for over two hours and enjoyed out time so it wasn't a wasted evening, just more expensive than it should have been. read more

5+ stars. My bf took me to Asta for my Bday. It was kinda pricey but the vibe wasn't pretentious at all. Shish was our server who also happened to be the co-owner. She was just so fun and it was contagious. We sat at the bar, the best seat in the house, and watched the chefs do their thing. We did the 8-dish prix fixed option and every dish was mind-blowing. They gave just enough portions to have you leaving full. Chef Alex was great and even stopped by and chatted with us. I just fell in love with the place and would definitely have to go again. read more

Fourth visit recently with a friend at the chef table near the kitchen. This place just continues to deliver the best food in Boston. No exaggeration, if you want dinner theater with exceptional service and the whimsical inventiveness of a star chef and his awesome team, this is your new favorite spot. I can't recommend it enough. Don't miss it. read more

Was excited to go to Asta for a couple of months. We have loved every farm to table multiple seasonal course menu restaurant we have visited. So you can imagine our disappointment with our experience. Restaurant was empty and service was still spotty. There was zero atmosphere or vibe. The food was okay but didn't come close to our expectations. The price vs total experience rated one star. There are much better places to have wonderful dining experiences. read more

Very simple but comfortable interior. New and hip looking without making me feel like I'm not cool enough to sit here. Love the draw for the utensils, genius! Clean and inventive cooking that keeps the integrity of the food. I tend to like more heavy cooking but the attention to detail and freshness definitely wants me to go back for more. The service was amazing. Very professional without being stuck up, please never change! Great wine list and pairings, definitely worth it. Looking forward to next time. read more

We finally got around to trying Asta, and it was a spur-of-the-moment decision so we just walked in on a Tuesday night, but we were not disappointed. Starting off with a glass of sparkling wine as we sat down was an omen of good things to come. We chose the three course dinner which featured a lamb stew with kale on that night, and all courses were excellent. The sommelier was extremely helpful in helping my wife select exactly the wine she was in the mood for. All of the staff were fantastic, and they were playing one of our favorite albums which was the proverbial icing on the cake. Hint: if you can't find your silverware (even if you chose the 8-course meal), check the drawer in your table: a very clever touch. From food to staff, all around Asta was great. read more

We had a nice meal at Asta. We did the 8 course meal with wine pairing and the food was outstanding. Every course was very good. I do appreciate the move towards restaurants of this type. The atmosphere is more "cool" than stuffy, and great fresh, high-quality food. A great addition to the Boston scene. However, I'd encourage them to work on their service (namely attentiveness/responsiveness) just a bit. The service and atmosphere was a bit off the night we went. We waited a long time for everything (including just getting a drink when arriving at a near-empty restaurant). Our meal was 3.5 hours -- long even for an 8 course meal in my view. If they want to charge what they do, the food passes easily but the quality of service and needs some work. read more

I live VERY close, so had to try. Food was great, timing was off. I have heard a few complaints about tough parking. Whoever works at/owns Asata and own a SILVER JEEP stop parking in front of your own restaurant! Law of large numbers says if you are not parking there a potential customer could be!!! read more

I really wanted to love Asta. Indeed the food quality and style are outstanding - felt like I was eating at Venice's Tasting Kitchen. The service was great too. But wow, the price-per-ounce would make a 3-Michelin-star joint blush. The numerator (the number on top of the dividing line) was high, regardless of which prix-fixe option you choose, and the denominator (portion size) was low, throughout the courses. The icing on the cake was my friend, who doesn't eat red meat, trying to sub out the sirloin (one hitch on the whole prix-fixe novelty) - they graciously agreed, and out came the dish ... with one fried egg. I mean, hell of an egg to be sure, but she still paid for the steak. (Wait, we split the bill - I subsidized that egg purchase! Arrghh!) Kitschy place with a couple fun gimmicks, like, "where the heck did they put my silverware?" Good wine. Service spot-on, correctly attentive and pleasant, no one tried to sit down and join the table, etc. Not sure I'm going back honestly. read more

This is one of those secrets that will undoubtedly get out. You're initial expectations are colored by the simple decor. Don't be fooled. The kitchen puts out serious, inventive food. The sommelier is as knowledgable as she is charming. You'll walk by this place 100 times and not notice but stop in you'll be amazed read more

What can I say that has not been said here? Local, fresh, original dishes. You can taste every ingredient in their dishes. It would be a shame not to eat here. I can't wait to revisit every season. read more

Shish, Alex Jane, Lazor, Rachel and Tyson are an awesome team! Incredibly good American fusion food with good pairings. Alex seems to love experimenting with flavors and has some pretty exotic ingredients in every dish. Menu changes pretty often but I loved the sugar beet and beef heart garnish dish and foie gras. Could use some more detail on decor and expertise on presenting each course. Overall great new place and worth it to get the 5 and 8 course with a date. read more

Definitively over priced. Very little protein in a eight course dinner and some of the flavors tested awful.

I've been back a couple times. This is literally the best restaurant in Boston, period. It's expensive, it's not in the best location, but the experience is simply outstanding. Do yourself a favor, try this place! read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Wonderful for special dates and anniversaries. The wine pairings and tasting menu are both excellent, I recommend order two different ones so you can try more dishes read more

Asta is absolutely AMAZING! I took my fiance here for his birthday last week and requested the chef's table. Once we arrived, we were served complimentary champagne. I love that we were both able to get a different prix-fixe - we shared the 5- and 8-course tasting, along with the foie gras supplement. Everything tasted delicious. The dishes were light (for Spring), and we even got an additional free dessert because my fiance mentioned at the beginning of dinner how he's a huge fan of rhubarb, which happened to be featured in the 3-course tasting. So we ended up having 3 desserts! Love this place and look forward to going back. read more

In the beginning, there was gazpacho in a hand thrown bowl, That was my first step on the path which made filled my stomach and soul. With ambiance of chess pieces and bones, all was eclectically styled, No doubt Alex and team had my evening beguiled. There was eggplant with duck confit packed within, And the bread and butter on rocks, such joy must be sin. I was euphoric from course one through the caramel corn, By night's end your cheeks will hurt for your smiles well worn. My palette was challenged and consciousness expanded, My excitement rose as each new dish lightly landed. The attention to detail by all was a sight to behold, Watching their plating tongs dart around would never grow old. I have made other tasting menu restaurant stops, All have great food, but this one was the tops. read more

One of the worst value I have ever had at a restaurant. 5 course menu with wine paring for 2 cost just over $300. Boiled bits of carrots with coffee oil - just as it sounds. No transformation there - just gimmicky. Mackerel and lamb oil. If slightly rancid fish oil and wool is your idea of creativity. Bland lamb medallion with breakfast cereal sprinkled around it. Meticulously prepared boredom. Paired wines are good - the best part of the meal. And a single delightful piece of mussel at the start of the meal was followed by one disappointment after another. It's dishonesty, leaving you wondering how is it possible to make such bad dishes with so much fuss. read more

A solid tasting menu and a nice mostly casual vibe. Had the $95 tasting menu with 8 courses. This started with a great amuse of merguez sausage, then beef broth, cabbage & clams, another course slipping my mind, sugar beet, venison, naughty or nice, and milk chocolate sunchoke. The highlights were the lobster, which was quite simple but very flavorful and kept perfectly hot with the iron pan; cabbage & clams was excellent; naughty or nice is a cheese course with a slightly sweet honeycomb thing that really hit the spot. It had a good combo of sweet and savory, soft and crunchy. The main was venison, and I thought it was a bit disappointing. The venison itself was fine but nothing special, and the dish was mostly jazzed up with the little bits of extras like brussels sprouts and some crunch. So that made up for it and made it a fine dish, but the venison did not stand on its own, and I think for what this restaurant wants to be, a better option would be a truly great venison with virtually nothing else needed to jazz it up. And finally, the petit fours was some really good caramel popcorn. I liked the feel of the place with nice wooden tables, and the 8-person bar is kind of cool because you are set off from the kitchen but have a good view of all the prep. The service was great. I enjoyed the meal, but a slight criticism is that the presentation is a bit cute. They really go all out with a special plate or gadget for each course, in this case the sugar beet came with "campfire vibes" of a burning ember of pine tree and some pine needles. It sets a certainly fun mood and all, and the smoky ember really did give that vibe, but do you really need to entertain that much, or is this trying to make up for food that is good but also a bit short of outstanding? In fact, the best dishes were the ones that had a less showy presentation, and the fancy dishes do not truly fit with the decor and the service, which is more about comfort than show. Naughty or nice also had a fancy presentation with a little "gift wrapping" you take off to reveal whether you got the coal or the gift. Again, a bit too cute, although the cheese course itself was actually great. Note that the $95 is a bit more adventurous, so it is not for people just wanting great food. The chef is pushing boundaries a bit here and there, trying to keep good flavor as opposed to going all out experimental, but it is not at all traditional. I watched all of the 5-course menus go by, and would say that is much more in the solid good food category, or at least looks it since I didn't get to try. Go for the 8+ course only if you are not weirded out by unusual ingredients and combos. I appreciate what they're doing here. They could do with one or two more great dishes and tone down the cuteness, and establish more confidence with the food. read more

Asta is small temple to food lovers. The meal is an orchestrated experience similar in delivery to what you might get from a restaurant that sports Michelin stars (or aspires to). That is something you never get to say in Boston, though one can always dream for a better future where places like Asta will become common. Their menu is fantastically simple. They offer a 3, 5 or 8 course meal and since the chefs are young and competent, following their plan for your dinner is not a bad idea. Some dishes will always be more impressive than others but you are guaranteed to be at least a little bit amazed at each one. It is a nice, welcome detour from your usual Boston dining experience. I would say the ingredients are mostly traditional (and often local) but the results are not. Their inspiration is definitely not Mediterranean and refreshingly I don't think the chefs would care to know where exactly it lies. They seem to have a great time creating of their own accord, a small rebel crew. Watching them is entertaining and I would recommend grabbing one of the few seats at the bar where you sit at a high point and watch how everything is made. Noise levels are low. The regular seating area is easy-going much like the staff (sheep skins adorn some of the chairs). If you have a friend visiting from NYC or Northern California who deserves a culinary smackdown, this is the one place to go. Lacking any hip friends, I'm happy to go just because it's my favorite restaurant in Boston :-) read more

Thoroughly enjoyed the 8-course tasting menu. The staff were fantastic, very welcoming and accommodating. I loved the lobster, buckwheat pasta and more! The atmosphere is perfect for a special dinner out, after work bites, and even a casual meal. I sat at the bar area with a great view of the kitchen. read more

First off, the staff was wonderful and the wine pairing was spot on - very good. I would say for a restaurant that is supposed to be rated three or four in Boston their website Is more than disappointing. The ambience could have been a bit more ramped up as well - although it did set a tone for a different type a restaurant. As far as the food, we had the 8 course menu. The food was good but after spending nearly $800 for dinner and wine, we shouldn't walk away hungry. Had similar at l'espalier but didn't leave hungry. Having bread at the table midcourse through the dinner I felt was just a filler. read more

I had 5 courses including 3 dishes I traditionally don't like: Squid, turnips & lamb. ....nevertheless there was not a morsel left on my plate(s). SWOON. ....have you ever had ginger foam? I'm in love. ....my new place. read more

Had the vegetarian pre-fixed menu and was very disappointed at what we received given the price point. Maybe the non-vegetarian menu is better, but vegetarians, steer clear. It didn't help that our stomachs hurt afterwards. read more

This place gets you started on the right foot with a coup of sparkling white wine immediately when you are seated. My kind of restaurant! The last time I went here, the sommelier was the wife of the chef, who trained at Espalier. Beauty and harmony are achieved in elegantly plated small portions. Multi-course menu only. Vegetarian tasting menu can be requested, and is excellent! Can't wait to have the money to come back here soon! read more

The food and wine pairing were excellent. Service was amazing, friendly, and unpretentious. So glad that I caught a glance of Asta on the way back home via #1 bus. This restaurant is on par with Craigie on Main, Salts, and Bondir. read more

5 star for wine- best wine experience i have ever had 4 star on food- they have a special knack for bringing together two things you wouldn't think of putting together and making it taste fabulous 3 star on ambience read more

I enjoyed a truly remarkable birthday meal at Asta last night. I really don't believe there is any other restaurant in Boston that is doing food like this. My husband and I both opted for the five course tasting, and I had the wine pairing as well. The hostess started us off with complimentary bubbly, and a bit later there was an amuse-bouche that was a take on a blintz with cheese filling. For the five courses, we were first treated to a carrot "risotto" with coffee oil. Sounds awful, right? Except it was delicious... the carrots took the place of the rice, and there were some grains to add texture as well as the essence of coffee. The second course might have been my favorite... maitake mushrooms with kale and cauliflower in an anchovy dressing. Amazing umami from the mushrooms and anchovy. This was followed by a delicious, unctuous sturgeon with spinach dish, and then beef with baby turnips and turnip cake. The quality of the produce really shines through, and it was also clear that the beef medallions were specially sourced; usually I find tenderloin boring, but this had an amazing almost gamey taste. It must be said that the bread served alongside the courses was outstanding; I asked, and apparently they make it in house. It is a delicious whole wheat which was perfectly balanced and devoid of the typical American flaws in wheat bread, which tends to be made either using a really strong sourdough or having sugar. Theirs was perfect, and I asked for seconds which I usually never do with bread. (It's my birthday, right?) The dessert was a delightful surprise... pastry with sour cherry crumble and an egg yolk that broke open over the everything when you dug in. Dinner ended with some extra sweet treats... spicy black sesame and salted caramel corn, and a peanut butter fudge thing that was to die for. Service and pacing of courses were pretty flawless. The chefs bring dishes over from the kitchen themselves, and there are a couple servers/hostesses who also made the rounds. It is very laid back, but utterly attentive and not at all obtrusive as at some high end restaurants. The space is funky... exposed brick, candles... overall, a minimally decorated but intimate atmosphere where the food is the true focus. I observed people eating the three course and eight course menus all around us... every time something came out, I had the feeling of, "Oh, I want to try that, too!" So I guess I'll have to go back. You should go, too. I think this place is somehow flying under the culinary radar and deserves more accolades and attention. read more

I love when people running a restaurant "get it" and this place definitely qualifies. We were greeted warmly at the door and that continued throughout our entire experience. Highly recommended whether you're a Boston-area resident or visiting for the Marathon or a Sox game. read more

Fantastic food and service. This place is a true gem for top shelf meals in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Top 5 dinner spot in the city for us. read more

Went all in for the 8 course tasting meal. Amazing service with really interesting pairings, plus great ambiance. Will return if I ever get a chance!! read more

My husband and I had our best meal in Boston here just a few hours ago. We eat out a lot in various parts of the city, but Asta takes the cake. We had the 5-course menu and it was worth every penny. We will be back. read more

Loved the ambiance, food and service. My friend and I ordered the 5 course menu with the wine pairing. We had an emergency and had to leave mid-way through and the staff was so accommodating and only charged us for the courses we had. The wine pairing was well-selected. It is a small restaurant but is well spaced out. Overall, would give 6 stars if I could! read more

This place was a wonderful surprise. Went here at the recommendation of a coworker, and it was by far the best meal my wife and I have had all year. The courses were creative and every bite was delicious. Many of the flavors I couldn't have imagined, but every bite was amazing. The tasting menu is a leap of faith, but we were we'll rewarded for taking the leap. Highly recommended. read more

Asta - Flowers... - New American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts