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    Bistro 5

    4.3 (310 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Bistro 5 Photos

    BISTRO 5 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Bistro 5

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    Alex K.

    Five stars for Bistro 5. This is a re-re-re-review as it is my fourth review in order to re-re-re-rerave about this exceptional establishment. Rather than detailing the high-quality foodstuffs and wonderful atmosphere here I would like to simply state that Bistro 5 is a true rarity in quality standards for gourmet-type restaurants. The service is exceptional as Bistro 5 has a casual but classy vibe and a wicked intellectual vibe as well. The owner came to our table and inquired as to how our experience is and we assured him that everything was exceptional. Simply put, Bistro is a gem and parking is a breeze too in the nighttime hours. Bistro 5 truly takes pride in all aspects of the dining experience. Treat yourself to a classy and relaxing evening at this small and quiet establishment. It's wicked pissah! :)

    Calamari and Salmon Arancini
    Christina V.

    Impressed by their Dine Out Boston menu, a friend and I met at the bar for a nice 3 course meal. It was hard to decide as all the options looked great, we started with the Salmon Arancini (which I've never seen on a menu) and Fried Calamari. Both were perfectly fried and delicious. I could eat that arancini all day. They also gave complimentary bread with a super rich olive oil. For mains it was an easy choice - Gnocchi w/ Fat Moon Mushrooms and their Bolognese. Both so fresh and flavorful! We ended with a dessert of Crème Brulee and Profiteroles and cappuccinos. We shared everything and left so full. While the service was friendly we felt very rushed even though it wasn't super late and there were plenty of people in the restaurant. The servers kept trying to clear our plates when we weren't done (actually took away calamari we would have continued to enjoy). My friend and I don't meet often and were catching up and wanted a leisurely dinner. Parking is also very tricky but the food was so good I would definitely go back!

    Strawberry and cream dessert cocktail

    We love that Bistro 5 is nearby and serves consistently excellent food and cocktails. We've been coming here for many years and enjoy the creative and reliably high-quality dishes. I love the gnocchi with mushrooms as it cones with an abundance of mushrooms, and the gnocchi isn't heavy. We've enjoyed the duck, branzino, steak, and other entrees. The soups are also always very good, as are the appetizers such as the calamari, fried green tomatoes and burrata, and everything else we have tried. The desserts are good, but the description doesn't always match what you get. Servers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is quiet and nice. I appreciate that they keep some stapme dishes on the menu and also have seasonal specials. There is always something new to try.

    Chocolate Budino
    Cynthia M.

    Had such a nice time for dinner! I went out with my family and we enjoyed it. We came about an hour before closing and they were accommodating. It wasn't too loud and they had some music going on in the background. The place was small and quaint. We also had kids with us and the server brought us kids menu with crayons. (It's the little things) We got a couple drinks and the bartender did not miss! They were delicious. I'd say the price is a little on the higher end so prepare for that. I parked on the street instead of parking further down the block. It was easy to find parking but if you park down the block, it's a bit of a walk. You can't miss it, the sign outside says bistro 5! Overall, it's a nice classic place to go to if you want a bite to eat, a drink, and go home.

    interior of a restaurant with tables and chairs
    Jerry C.

    Local upscale restaurant with a lovely and intimate atmosphere. Arrived early to a mostly empty restaurant but it filled up quickly. Our server was outstanding- friendly, competent and followed-up often. The wine and beer selections are varied but pricey for the area. Our meals were ok. My steak was properly cooked and was sitting on some broccolini with riced pickled cauliflower on top. The veal milanese was attractively presented with roasted butternut squash and a melange of vegetables. The entrees were tasty. The fresh baked bread with olive puree dip was delicious and the profitaroles for dessert were delicious. 4 stars for the food 5 for the service and ambiance.

    Vegan options: Lentil Veggie and Truffle Spaghetti (BOTH AMAZING)

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    3 years ago

    Fabulous drinks! I am a finicky eater so it doesn't cater to the faint of heart. Great ambience and a really nice neighborhood place to go.

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    5 years ago

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    Great place with inspired menu. Highly recommended. Tuesdays they often have oyster specials.

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    2 years ago

    Went there for a girls night out and it was delightful. We had no complaints. The food and service were both on point.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Bistro 5

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    Scutra Restaurant

    Scutra Restaurant

    4.1
    (336 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    As regulars, each visit we see consistency in food, drink and service. It is wonderful to be…read moregreeted and engaged with a dedicated, professional and caring team. This visit we tried butternut squash spring rolls, Caesar and beet salads, cod special, pork ossobuccu, chicken and salted caramel gelato. All are tasty and appropriately portioned. As usual my gettin figgy with it and espresso martinis were delicious. This is a special bistro and community, just go!

    Scutra is in an unassuming location in Arlington on a main road near some other businesses. Once…read moreyou step inside, you'll notice a classy but comfortable atmosphere. The staff are attentive and funny as well. Scutra's menu really impressed me with a broad cuisine consisting of italian pastas, steaks, seafood, and more. I honestly wished I could sample each entree! We started with the fried avocado hearts as an appetizer, which were wonderful and in a nice thick sauce too. We also ordered the lobster avocado tacos which were sublime. Then it was time for the main course, grilled medium rare maple hanger steak, cheddar mashed potatoes, and bacon wrapped haricot vert (green beans). It was bursting with flavor and the sauce was wonderful (maple anything will please me haha) and I got to try someone's rainbow trout with stuffing (including shrimp) which I also really enjoyed. Scutra comes highly recommended for repeat visits to try their diverse menu items, which I hope to do in the future!

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    Grill On the Hill

    Grill On the Hill

    2.8
    (24 reviews)
    34.3 mi
    $$

    A friend made a reservation for the both of us on Easter. She said the reservation was made for…read more2pm. Neither of us had ever been there and we had no expectation. We arrived at 1:45 and walked into disarray. No one to great us, no host or hostess, just a lot of confusion. There was no record of my friend's reservation. We learned there was a 2:30 seating and that took us by surprise. We waited at the bar and had a few drinks. This had me feeling anxious. We heard them discussing table seating for different parties, but when I asked, my friend's name was still not added to a seating list. It seemed there was no one in charge. As 230 approached, we were told we can follow them into the seating area and while other tables had the parties names on small placards, still there was nothing on the two open two-seaters tables. We sat, and waited. On a positive note, we were the first table to be told the food was ready and we could go into buffet. No complaints about the food, it was pretty good. The final irritation was when our bill came, and I handed my credit card to the server. She seemed to be taking a long time to return with my card so I got up and went looking for her. I approached the bar and found her discussing an issue with a co-worker about another diner's bill. All the while holding my card in her hand. I stood at the bar, be ignored until I politely asked if there was a problem with my credit card. They snapped out of their daze and apologized to me. We wrapped up the transaction, and we left. As I said, the food was good, but maybe because it was a special holiday buffet everything was messed up?? Not sure. Not a pleasant experience. Good food can't make up for the ridiculous absence of good service. Doubt I'll return.

    Breakfast with Santa was an amazing time! The food was hot, we got seated efficiently and the music…read morewas rocking. There was also a Photo Booth! The kids made some great crafts- clay snowmen, laminated decor, and freedom to craft without rules ;) They also had a secret gifting bag area that my kids couldn't stop talking about. Highly recommend this type of holiday event!!!

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    Grill On the Hill
    Grill On the Hill
    Grill On the Hill

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    Crystal

    Crystal

    2.4
    (23 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$$$

    I have been to Crystal number of times before Covid . It was a fun place ( live music) and pretty…read moredecent Russian food. Not enough of parking fora such a busy place though.

    Arbat is fantastic. It's very authentic Russian- from the food, to the decor (which borders a bit…read moreon tacky but that's the style!), to the music, everything is pure Russian goodness. If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was in Russia being here- it reminds me of a lot of the standard banquet halls in Russia. I went recently for a friend's birthday party and I'm considering having my next birthday celebration here. The food is served banquet style and it is delicious- especially the shashlik and the potatoes mmm. The servers are super attentive, always stopping by to clear any empty plates or fill any empty pitchers with water or soda. Plus, from what I know, they allowed my friend (the birthday girl) to bring in her own alcohol There is a dance floor and music which is really karaoke style- there were three people (two girls and a guy) singing along to random hits (both Russian and international) -- I personally thought the music was fantastic, they played a lot of my favorites. Everyone has fun- young and old- dancing! There were little girls around age 2 dancing and old dedushka guys (grandpas) dancing too. If you're in the Russian community at all you're bound to run into someone you know here ;) which can always make it even more fun. Another friend of mine is having her birthday here in a few weeks and I am looking forward to returning!

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    Bistro 5 - italian - Updated July 2026

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