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

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

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

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

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

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

Amar's afternoon tea, located inside the stunning Raffles Boston, offers an elegant and elevated…read moreexperience 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

People recently wondered why Boston got nearly entirely shut out by the Michelin people (only 1…read moreone-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.

Located in Hub Hall, we stopped at Now Pouring Wine Bar for some drinks after spending the day in…read moreSalem. It's small but just right. We sat on bar stools, chatted, and drank some beer and cider. No complaints. Loved the ambiance of the place, especially seeing as it was right next to Mike's Pastry. It was easy to get a cannoli and a drink all in one go.

I will say I'm biased - I have been coming here for 3 years. I'm utterly obsessed with the staff…read morewho are attentive and hardworking & the drinks they create! Just got a mango margarita - but I highly recommend looking at their drink menu. There is something for everyone!

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

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

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

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

We started with papas bravas and sangria--both excellent. The shrimp ceviche was fresh and…read moreflavorful, and the mussels in coconut were outstanding. The chicken anticuchos were great--highly recommend them for anyone who doesn't like gamey meats. I'm Peruvian, and at first I thought the menu might not look Peruvian enough. After dining here, I realized it's not just Peruvian--it's packed with bold flavors and thoughtfully explores Central American influences, which made it a greatly surprising experience. The restaurant wasn't full, so we had no wait at all. Service was great and the atmosphere was fantastic. And the churros--wow! You have to get them. So simple, yet so good. Not sure why this place isn't busier--highly recommend!

Wow--I think we've found a favorite restaurant on Newbury Street! We came here for the ceviche and…read moredidn't know they also have $2 oysters on weekends from 12-5 (I think they have dollar oysters during the week too), so that was a nice surprise. We had a few oysters, which were small but very fresh and on the sweeter side. I usually prefer briny ones, but these were very tasty. The tuna ceviche was perfect. The chicken tacos were also juicy and delicious, and the calamari were very nicely flavored and crisp, and come with a mildly spicy sauce. I will definitely be back soon.

Perfect breakfast/brunch spot! The restaurant is small in a way that makes it absolutely cozy. The…read morestaff from the waitress to the food runner went out of their way to make the meal feel welcoming and friendly. The menu has just about everything you'd want or crave for breakfast or brunch, along with daily specials. Pancakes are outstanding with maple butter and the POTATOES! I am unsure how you get potatoes to be soft and smoked, but they are so unique and so delicious! The prices are proportional to the sizes and quality. Didn't feel rushed on a Saturday morning and that is huge!

This is a small cute place that's pretty popular so you should make a reservation…read more We came for brunch on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the neighborhood. It was a good call as the food and service were both good. The menu is fairly small but they have many of your standard breakfast items. I'm not really a big breakfast guy so I had the bagel and smoked salmon which I enjoyed. Others had more traditional breakfast plates and reportedly they were good. Drinks were tasty and we had Bloody Marys and mimosas. It's not cheap but not too expensive considering location and food and drinks. My friend says dinner is also good but I can't personally attest to that. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.

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

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