I love this little hidden gem! The service was prompt consistent and amazing. The ambiance was very nice as this place was clean, small/intimate, and used real candles! Duck wings - 5/5 Lobster pasta - 5/5 Salmon - 5/5 cooked perfectly as it was requested and large Would definitely come back! read more

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Just left the restaurant, and couldn't wait to leave this review. From the second we walked in, To the second we walked out, we could not have been treated better. Multiple waitress helped us throughout the meal, and the bartender personally delivered each cocktail we ordered. I even had the chance to meet Chef Dave, and thank him personally for his mastery at the stove top. Every food item we ordered- truffle fries, smoked ribs, lamb chops, roasted chicken and the chocolate mousse desert were among the best menu items we've had in any restaurant. While we wish it was closer to our home outside of Providence, we will not hesitate to make the trip back. read more

Awesome food and drinks! Best meal we have had at a restaurant in years. Tiny place, great service.

I truly enjoy Chef Dave's food and have always appreciated the quality of the menu, but today the experience is consistently overshadowed by the behavior of the hostess and part owner, Helen. Her manner is routinely rude and dismissive. Although I made a reservation for seating at the bar, upon arrival Helen imposed several unnecessary stipulations -- including where we could sit and how long we could remain there. Not wishing to feel rushed or unwelcome, we chose to leave. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. This is the third time my party has encountered issues with reservations at this restaurant. On one occasion, we were asked to hurry and finish our meal so that another party could have our table; on another, we were told to take our post-meal wine and stand by the door. It's disappointing to see such poor hospitality in a place with such great food. It seems the restaurant has taken on more reservations than it can comfortably accommodate, and the guest experience suffers as a result. At this point, I would recommend dining next door at Limani, where the atmosphere, service, and food quality are consistently excellent. read more

The quality of the food here is really good . The staff is so warm and welcoming. I come here to treat myself whenever I can . With cocktail, drink and food it is pricey. However it's worth every penny . The service is excellent. The vibe can't be any more friendlier . You feel like your eating at your best friends house that's rich . I really appreciate that vibe it makes me happy . I am happy . I mean happier . You get the feel the people that work here love the job it radiates that . They have a big parking lot so parking is not an issue . read more

Firstly TASTe in everything is excellent. Orange cake has a bit of rind, and super. Pasta excellent pasta and clams I sent back to add red sauce and garlic. The cabinet wine perfect. Lots of staff, we sat at the bar. 100% Oh Mack and cheese, loaded with flavor read more

Oh my. I'm at a loss for words. I went last night with 3 friends, all of whom had been before and I see why. It's a cozy little place in a strip mall on Route 9 with plenty of parking. The web site said no parties over 4 but there was a table set up for 7 so maybe there are exceptions. It *is* a smallish place, a few tables and a bar in the front, some tables further back. But charming, with a cozy friendly ambience. Chef Dave came through as we were getting settled and gave a friendly greeting as he came by. The wait staff was helpful, pleasant and efficient. The bartender is a magician if the French Kiss I enjoyed is any indication. My dining partners had sauvignon blanc which they enjoyed (okay, I had a glass too after I finished my French Kiss). We had many many questions about the menu and the specials and our waiter--wish I had gotten her name--answered patiently and came back multiple times before we were ready to order. We shared a Burrata salad which was delish. I had the Prime Filet with mashed potatoes and haricot vert with a demi glacé. Cooked to perfection! My mouth is watering just remembering. My companions had the pan seared halibut, another similar seafood dish I don't recall--salmon maybe?--and the lemon roasted half chicken. Raves all around. Okay I won't lie, the steaks and a couple of the seafood dishes were expensive so I'll have to pace myself regarding a return, much as I'd love to eat here regularly. But I truly can't wait to return. I envy those whose proximity and budget allow them to be the regulars warmly greeted as we sat there enjoying our meal. Kudos to Chef Dave and the staff! read more

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One of the worst burgers I've ever had. For $40 this is the biggest rip off on the menu. The burger patty is tiny, with a bun that's twice its size. Asked for well done for my pregnant wife, was delivered rare. There is nothing royal or blue about this! Tried to let them know how undercooked it was and they couldn't give two f's that my pregnant wife almost ate rare meat 9months pregnant. The attitude and pompousness of this place is at a level of its own. read more

Went on a busy Thursday evening. It's TINY! Had big expectations...and they were delivered on some fronts, but missed on others. First I will say that the salmon dish we got was EXCELLENT. Drinks were very good. Service was very friendly, but sometimes slow (as mentioned, it was busy...so somewhat forgivable...but it was a bit of a challenge when we needed to check out). Now the bad--two things: 1) The pork chop (the night's special) was waaaaay over. We ordered to chef's specs (medium rare)...and got WELL. To be fair, we could have sent the dish back and given Dave's another shot at getting it right...but, frankly, we were in a bit of a rush (and also it simply shouldn't have come out WELL DONE). 2) PRICE. Holy smokes, I was unprepared for these prices in, essentially, a strip mall in Chestnut Hill (especially when not EVERYTHING was impeccable). The prices were high-end-downtown-Boston-or-NYC prices. As others have suggested, the price point does NOT match the experience. It really feels like Dave's is trying to compensate for a small space at the expense (literally) of the fools who'll pay the high prices. I really wanted to like this place, but definitely not gonna rush back. C'est la vie. read more

Although the food was good ( not outstanding or special) , it was priced above comparably rated restaurants in my mind, earning it I think a generous average review. The room is decent, but not particularly charming. It's located in one of those narrow deep storefronts in Chestnut Hill. The kitchen is located on the back on one side so at the front there is a a room which feels comfortable but the rest of the tables are down a kind of narrow alley with all the traffic going to the kitchen, so not particularly Appealing. Not on our visit again list. read more

Steak was the best I've ever tasted. Appetizers excellent. Service excellent. I wish the restaurant was larger and could accommodate more people at a table. read more

So disappointing. To begin, if you are charging $19 a glass for wine that retails at $23 a bottle, do not use that tacky carafe to fill the glass. Pour the wine at the table for the diner to taste first, then pour the wine from the bottle into the glass directly. And be generous with the pour. At a 4x mark up you can afford to do that. The salad was so overdressed that the lettuce, which was described as field greens but was, in reality, just Boston lettuce, was soggy and drooping. The oven roasted fennel had a texture akin to beef jerky and the crispy beets were limp and flaccid. The only textural counterpoint in the salad was the pepitas which lost much of their crunch due to the tsunami of dressing, which was overly sweet, for no particular reason. Thank goodness I asked that the cranberries be omitted otherwise I would have experienced an insulin spike. The halibut was undercooked and wildly underseasoned. I cut the halibut into three large pieces to determine the extent of the undercooking and discovered it was the entire piece that was still slightly pink. I called over the server who, at this late point, informed me that the chef likes to prepare the halibut medium rare. Ok, I get it. He believes that temperature creates the best flavor and texture. However, it is incumbent upon the server to mention this to the diner and get his/her/their approval at the time the dish is ordered. I would have declined and asked to have it cooked thoroughly, knowing and understanding that is not how the chef prefers to prepare it and also understanding that my cooking preference might alter the outcome of the dish. The server took my plate back to the kitchen when I very politely asked if it could be cooked more thoroughly. Most restaurants would simply fire up a new plate. Not Chef Dave. When the plate was returned, the halibut looked like it had been attacked by a feral cat who had scarfed down more than two thirds of it and had preemptively shredded the remainder of it before relinquishing it to the server. I took one bite, realized it was somehow even more bland than its original presentation, and was now ridiculously overcooked (I immediately recognized the passive aggresive play by Chef Dave) and chose to eat only the spinach and mushrooms. When the server returned to ask if we were "still working on" our meals, and we said we were finished, she did not ask me how my fish was, nor did she comment on the fact that I clearly had not eaten any of it. She simply cleared our plates. When the bill arrived I expected at least an apology that my meal had not been to my satisfaction or perhaps to see that our carafe pour wine had been comped, but it was a no on both counts. My husband's meal was similarly disappointing. Needless to say, we will not be returning. read more

This is my second review of Chef Dave's, and without hesitation, another five stars. I returned for what I now consider my absolute go-to meal: the prime ribeye, cooked medium rare. It arrived with that perfect char on the outside and an impeccable medium rare center, seasoned and prepared with whatever magic Chef Dave works. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly cooked, and bursting with deep, savory flavor that lingered long after the last bite. The grilled asparagus was excellent, tender yet crisp, and full of flavor. We also shared the mashed potatoes, which were laced with just the right touch of horseradish, enough to complement the steak beautifully without overpowering it. Paired with a glass of Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon (full-bodied, smooth, fruity, and remarkably balanced), the entire meal was pure perfection. Honestly, if I had to order a last meal, this would be it. I've now had this same meal more than half a dozen times since Chef Dave's opened in 2022, and not once has it disappointed. That level of consistency deserves acknowledgment. Some reviews have mentioned pricing, particularly questioning the location in a Chestnut Hill strip mall. For me, the quality of the food, the precise execution, and the high-end ingredients put it squarely in line with top steakhouses in Boston or NYC for that matter. You're not paying for flash; you're paying for exceptional food and in my case, exceptional prime ribeye. Chef Dave has transformed the small space into something comfortable, cozy, unpretentious, and intimate. Small setting, big flavors, and a deeply satisfying dining experience. Each visit reminds me why this meal, and this place, have earned my loyalty time and again. read more

Perfect in every aspect ... the ambience and setting was quiet and relaxing. The service was incredible. The food was fresh and savory and reflected the chef's knowledge of culinary art. read more

Best food in Boston! Amazing food, company, and ambiance! My favorite restaurant in the city. . read more

One of the best dining experiences we've ever had! We went a little early soon after they opened and we had the place to ourselves. Service was friendly and accommodating with my husband in a wheelchair. Food was delicious! And the best we've had in recent memory. We didn't order anything special. Chicken Caesar and pasta with shrimp. But it was very very special and incredible! And it made our night out extra memorable. Thank you! read more

Excellent. Highly recommend the French Kiss, crab cakes and lamb chops (which were generously sized). Location was a bit unusual (in the same complex as Star Market) but parking is plentiful so not complaining! Small dining room, call ahead as it can be hard to get tables for that reason. Service was great, our server was personable and attentive even though wait staff was lean. The vibe was refined but not suffocatingly formal. We even met the chef who seemed really down to earth ! Great place for a nice night out with a small group of friends. read more

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Our go to in Newton! We live close and are somewhat regulars here. Staff is amazing and chef Dave is the best! Such a warm classy vibe in there - very cozy. We love the ribs and the veal chop along with everything on the menu! Bar: Antonio always makes the dirty martini of my dreams! Also a great wine selection! So happy we have this gem here! read more

Chef Dave’s - Bar - Wine bottles are arranged on wooden shelves in a bar, illuminated by warm lighting, with additional bottles visible below. - New American Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

We just left and I felt compelled to leave a review. We came to celebrate a birthday - which after being notified they failed to acknowledge. The ambience leaves something to be desired, a little claustrophobic after walking in via the Star market parking lot locale. And the food and wine... Overall good, although the lobster fra diavolo was average at best, tasted like sauce from a jar and lacked lobster meat. Halibut was missing a side for the price. That's the theme overall, this restaurant is good, but could use some price adjusting based on the location, ambience and originality of dishes. read more

Chef Dave’s - Lobster fra diavolo - Lobster fra diavolo pasta with tomato sauce and basil is served on a white plate, with a wooden table and glassware in the background. - New American Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

The food here is very good. Dave is a real chef. But even considering the Chestnut Hill location, inflation, post-pandemic demand, etc., the price point here is nuts- on almost everything. The value argument only goes so far. Yes, you pay more for quality, good service and ambience, but mashed potatoes are still mashed potatotes. And green beans are still green beans. Maybe there are enough Moderna billionaires in the area who don't care, but if Dave wants to succeed,he might consider dropping the prices down a notch. read more

What a find!!!! Great vibe! Incredible food! Duck wings!!! What a surprise! Simple but super fresh and flavorful salads. We also had 12 in strip and lamb of rack... I have to say it might have been the best steak and rack I have ever had! And I have been to many legit steak houses and fancy restaurants... melts in your mouth! Incredible! Definitely leave space for dessert! Unique and absolutely amazing! Oh, and Antonio is a master of drinks! read more

The food was very good. My friend orders the pepper steak which was exceptional. The ribs were average - sauce was fantastic but not a whole lot of meat on the bones and was a bit dried out. I ordered the pork chop but would get the steak next time. Nice but pricey!! read more

Reserved a table well in advance, and was happy/excited to support a black-owned business and have some great food. The restaurant was very tastefully designed, with nice materials and fixtures, and good artwork. It's small but they make very good use of the space. The cocktails were great, wine selections were good, and the appetizers were great. Some of the best crab cakes (more of a croquette) I've ever had, but they didn't come out hot, just warm. Unfortunately the main courses left a little to be desired. The steak was drowning in a salty demiglace, and the Halibut was undercooked with an especially salty miso broth. When I told the waitress the fish was undercooked her immediate and somewhat dismissive response was "it's not, but I'll ask him to cook it well done if you'd like." Yes, I would like my whitefish cooked well done. Maybe I have an unrefined palate, but I've never heard of cooking whitefish anything less than through. This isn't tuna, it's halibut. When it came back it was very good, just doesn't sit right with me the way she immediately responded that my temperature preference was incorrect. Desserts were good. Everything was very pricey. The demographic was all Newton boomers. I'm sure it will do well there. read more

The meal started off fine, with a very good Caesar salad and a pleasant waitperson, but my main course was terrible. The so-called "Indian curry-crusted salmon with baby bok choy" was not edible. The crust on the salmon had no trace of curry flavor but was, instead, burnt way beyond blackened. The soy sauce on the bok choy made the whole plate so salty that I thought I was eating salt water. My mistake was not sending it back, but we had already waited too long to be served after the salad, so I just ate it, with several glasses of water to dilute it. The price was high enough to expect a gourmet meal by a master chef; instead I got an inedible plate of salt and charcoal. read more

Seafood pasta was good. Nicer ambiance. Rib was dry. Duck wings even dryer. Dont order read more

Food and drinks were great. Service was good. The 3-star ding is for the cost-to-value ratio. Even in a post-COVID, inflation-riddled economy, the menu prices felt quite excessive. Perhaps they're trying to compensate for a tiny dining area that only seats ~20 people and a 6-seat bar? read more

Absolutely wonderful food and ambiance! Small and cozy. Antonio the bartender is wonderful! The tomato and burrata salad with freshly made pesto is addictive! read more

Wow, Incredible dinner! We were looking for a special place to celebrate close to home on eve of welcoming our 3rd kid and remembered that we still hadn't tried Chef Dave's. So we arranged care for the older kids and made a reservation for 8pm on Tuesday and were surprised to see the small restaurant was packed when we walked in. The menu was full of great options and then they had specials upon specials to offer and it was almost overwhelming. She ordered the strip steak and I got the surf & turf burger. We were blown away by our dishes as every bite was absolute perfection. We also ordered a field greens salad, some Bordeaux and the orange cake and it was all really good. We can't wait for another special occasion to return! read more

What a wonderful surprise in Chestnut Hill! This food is superb and the tastes are so delicate and creative that it is an experience just to take part in it! Yes its more expensive than we expected but we will most certainly return. He is truly a master chef and its worth keeping him here at the Street so that we can have an artisan practice his craft! Can't wait to return! read more

Food was excellent but service was terrible and drink prices were atrocious. They didn't have the drink I wanted so I had to pay more just to get a drink. No duck wings available so they offered chicken wings. WTH. I ordered the spare ribs. I asked for a wet nap. They laughed. Yes a sophisticated place but come on. I grew up in the South. Nothing wrong in eating ribs with your fingers and needing something to clean them afterwards. Not going back. Chef needs to take some action on some of these issues. And I'm someone who hardly complains. read more

Best new Restaurant in Chestnut Hill. The food is absolutely amazing here. If you haven't been here you need to come try it

Date night out with my wife and was super excited to try out a tiny place in a really surprising location. First expectation that hits as its notably higher priced menu which in a way, sets up expectations for the imagination and quality of the food. Unfortunately they don't converge. There are other reviews that attest to the high price point vs quality of food and our visit confirmed that same feeling. Way too expensive for what was served. To start, $20-3 drinks need either quantity, quality or unique take on ingredients. Didn't happen. Our food course started with Dave's celebrated smoked ribs. 4 small ribs ($20) were over sauced, not meaty with one being so overcooked that should not have been served. They were more sauce than meat. The buratta salad I would swear did not use buratta as neither of the small balls of burrata had a creamy interior. Genuinely sad these were so disappointing after all the reviews. The mains were definitely better. One prime filet ($60)which we cooked perfectly but nothing unique. And one bone-in swordfish. Yes, bone-in swordfish. I had never heard of bone-in for any fish but our server spoke so well of it, I got it and I was relieved it was indeed delicious. Dropping almost $300 on dinner for two with a few drinks, no dessert is just too high to pay for an average dinner. read more

I'm a private chef and a food snob ( but a nice one and I always try to praise in public and give negative feedback in private). I have lived in Brookline/ Chestnut Hill for 20 years and eaten at most of our restaurants at least once . Dave's is one of the very best (and probably soon the best in IMHO). Phenomenal food, great wine and the best tequila and bourbon selection of any restaurant/ bar I have visited anywhere in the world. And the atmosphere is unbeatable- 4 tables outside, 2 tables inside and 7 bar se read more

Chef Dave’s - Grilled shrimp appetizer. - Grilled shrimp served with lemon slices on a white rectangular plate, accompanied by a glass of red wine and a glass of water at a bar. - New American Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This hidden gem is amazing! The staff are outstanding - friendly and knowledgeable! The food is top notch and I highly recommend this place!!! read more

lamb was over cooked, potatoes were burnt and asparagus was ice cold. cocktail was weak. lamb came back cold and raw in the middle 2nd time everything else still cold. $85 for lamb with attitude. $19 for a margarita plus another $19 for just a shot of tequila to make it right. table next to kitchen door unpleasant and had to be propped up so it wouldn't rock. best part was a glass of over priced red wine. read more

This is probably the second Yelp review I have ever left for any establishment, restaurant or otherwise. We are local to this establishment and patiently and excitedly awaited its opening! We were entertaining a guest from out of town and wanted so much to enjoy a nice meal together. I was able to obtain a last min reservation- 4:30 dinner- informed that the restaurant was fully committed starting at 5:00pm. Please note that when leaving at 5:55 - we were still the only party. Where to begin... upon arrival, we arrived separately, I was not greeted in any way although the entire staff including owner chef Dave were seated at the bar- not 5 feet froM the 2 tables on our side. I joined my guest and was offered some lukewarm bottled water by a young smiling server - no welcome or greeting again in any way. We were asked unenthusiastically if we would like to begin with starters - already underwhelmed and a little uncomfortable we ordered our meals. One person in our party ordered a starter as their main course and requested their salad accompany it - unfortunately the other salad for the two other diners was to be split and also came along side the main courses. Not to mention we indicated we were sharing the salad and took for granted it would be split in the kitchen - it was not and when asked for serving spoons our server was confused and did not know where to place them on the table. Let's go on to the food - ribs were excellent- salad nice, Cesar salad subpar. Two different fish entrees were good and accompanied by small greens, asparagus and veg medley respectively. No starch on the entrees and when asked for bread - "we don't have bread" Seriously, as indicated by another review the prices are exorbitant, what does it take to order from a local bakery each day and have a fresh baguette on the table. No one ever asked if we were enjoying our meal or needed anything else. We are not people to ever make a fuss or complain - the food and hospitality business is a hard go and we always understand if one or two things are a little off or people are having a bad day but as the ONLY 3 patrons in the restaurant I was appalled. As I previously indicated - I am never one to review and certainly not negatively but this was an unpleasant experience. We paid our check and upon exit were asked if we'd like to take the half bottle of water as we have already paid for it. No particular thank you for coming in - nothing. Not sure the owner will take note... read more

It is rare that i assign a negative review given it is based on one visit, which may not be representative of the norm. So, if there are one or two omissions in service , less than stellar food, episodes ofrude or indifferent treatment by the owners or upper management. Isolated incidentcan be secondary to unknown circumstances or subjective expectations. Some dishes may not meet overly high expectations in comparison to high end venue . But when all of these boxes were checked, along with exceptionally overpriced, menu with hidden padded charges, it was hard to enjoy the visibly well prepared but otherwise undistinguished food. We were met by a manager or owner who avoided direct eye contact, begrudging directing us to the one available table, right outside the front door. Our server, like all employees, dressed in black clothing, was a nervous young girl was surprising unfamiliar with the actual the content the dishes, was more focused on pleasing her boss. It seemed clear that we were disappointed that we did not order from the extravagantly over priced cocktail menu, whose appeal I never quite appreciatedhh. A black clad staff delivered a luke warm glass of water for my wife, i nodded the Affirmative if I would prefer us "sparkling water." It was delivered by another wraith in an what I suspected was an already salvaged from full quart ope bottle of undistinguished seltzer water. The place itself, a pretentious concept in long bus witha crowded seating plan of what used to be called a luncheonette. They seated us outside on one 4 small cheap half tables and chairs on an unadorned narrow sidewalk overlooking a second rate supermarket black top parking lot, very much what you'd expect that were dining on at $1 hot dog instead of a hunded buck repast of 2 entrees and a shared appetizer. And how about the single unkempt restroom with a single commode The room was was mostly flooded during the hour and a half that we were there. The janitor who was finally called to mop it up, and We boyh shaked our heads with disapproval, Besides with hidden charges, my wife, unlike me, actually checks the bill, and caught a $40 overcharge (a $45 swordfish entree was billed $85) . Perhaps a mistake by the nervous waitress. But a bit of a delay, I got up and pointed out it on the menu it to the owner in person. she did c was handedly corrected the owner directly who seemed, dismissive and unapologetic. For me, I'd rather go 12 times to Latino family storefront kitchen where the mother feeds and blesses me with what's cooking with the rice and beans. Or, get my periodic cravings for curried goat 20 times from the Jamaican guys spill out that spiced elixir emerging briefly and returning to their sacred Reggae chanting. read more

Delicious food with a constantly changing menu. Restaurant has a cool atmosphere and cozy vibe. Chef Dave is charming and friendly. This restaurant is a fabulous addition to the neighborhood. We can't wait to return! read more

A hidden gem. The food is absolutely exquisite! It does not disappoint. A great addition to the area. Everything from the ambiance, service, and food was top notch. I tasted the chicken and it was delectable, the shrimp was flavorful, and the burger is better than any burger you may have tried. The drinks served by Antonio were crafty. What will make you come back is the flavor and service. I did not want to write this establishment a glowing reviews b/c I selfishly wanted to keep it to myself, but it would be a travesty if I didn't tell you how amazing it actually is. Worth every cent. Please support this place, not because I am asking, but because I am TELLING YOU, it is that hidden gem you wish you had in your life years ago. read more

Traveled an hour to meet a college friend. Had a 7pm reservation. Waitress was very pushy to order.....and have us leave. She circled our table, waiting for us to pay the check after about an hour. I have never been so rushed in a restaurant as expensive as this. There were no other reservations after us and the restaurant was not busy and not closing. Would recommend a better waitstaff. read more