I loved my time at Dalia! It was a little hard to get a well timed reservation - I had to schedule…read moreit two weeks out, but other than that I really enjoyed my time here. It's right on Broadway so it was easy to get to in the city. Once you walk in, the place is beautiful. It's well decorated and the server I had was so knowledgeable. The drinks were amazing and the food was great. The paella in particular was a table favorite.

VERDICT Dinner with my daughter (2 people) sitting at the…read moreChef's Counter in Oct 2026. 4-stars: Excellent and knowledgeable service, vibrant atmosphere and decor. Three excellent plates, four with flaws. I'd order: Calabaza, Gambas. THE BILL ~$75 per person with drinks, before tip. TOP DISHES 1. Calabaza (winter squash, $15): A warm, rich fall treat. The squash was cooked so it was tender but not overly soft. The anchovy topping added a salty and umami component. We also tasted smoky flavors from the grill and acidic flavors from the sauce to round out the dish. 2. Gambas al Ajillo ($18): The grill cook did an excellent job with cooking the shrimp and retaining their warm tender centers. The garlic, lemon, and sauce were slightly acidic with fresh herbs - so tasty. 3. Tarta Tatin ($12): Baked bananas in a deep rum caramel, soft and rich, with cold vanilla gelato cutting the sweetness. A strong end to the meal. 4. Guisantes a la Brasa ($13): The charred snap peas were crisp, salty, herbal. The salt was spread unevenly, so some bites were overwhelming. Also had: (5) Pulpo ($20), (6) Basque Chorizo ($12), (7) Razor Clams ($14). WHAT MISSED The Pulpo (grilled octopus) was slightly overdone and chewy. The snap peas had heavy concentrations of salt. The chorizo was moderately spiced and oily, and topped with a few pickled peppers. I prefer chorizo with more spice or more texture, so it fell flat for me. The razor clams were gently poached and tender with chopped onions for texture, but a heavy mayo dressing overtook the dish. SERVICE The hostess held our table when we called ahead about running 15 minutes late. Sara (waitress) greeted us shortly after seating and recommended a flavorful glass of La Rioja Alta Alberdi Reserva red wine ($18) to match our intended order. The tapas were delivered at a gradual pace so we could focus on the dishes and conversation. Sara was very knowledgeable about the food and wine menu, including details on the cooking methods and ingredients. Her demeanor was professional, refined, and attentive throughout the evening. ROOM Look: Wood-plank ceilings, a brass-paneled hood over the open kitchen, weathered plaster walls, patterned floor tile, and scalloped fabric lamps give it an antique-filled, old-world feel. The back bar is lit like a display case with vintage china, framed portraits, and green glass bottles. A mantel fireplace with a mosaic-tile surround held fall squash when I visited. Chef's Counter: A marble-topped bar wraps three sides of the grill and meat stations, with padded leather stools with backs. You watch the whole line: raw cuts on trays, fish hanging from hooks, cooks plating. We felt no heat from the cooking stations and could talk easily. The counter is lit brighter than the dining room so the cooks can see; the rest of the room is lower and warmer. PRACTICAL Reservations are highly recommended and we were seated upon arrival. You can book the main dining area or the Chef's Counter via Google Maps (SevenRooms interface) or Dalia's website. Parking: We got a spot in the parking lot across the street and it was free on Sunday evenings, but it was luck. Street parking was metered, and several cars were double-parked. Recommend taking a rideshare or walking. VALUE & RETURN At about $75 per person with drinks, Dalia was worth it for the service, the Chef's Counter seat, and the three best plates (Calabaza, Gambas, Tarta Tatin). The food kept it from five stars: four of seven plates missed (overcooked octopus, unevenly salted snap peas, a flat chorizo, and overdressed razor clams). Dalia opened in April 2026 and I visited about seven months in, which may explain the unevenness. Best for a special-occasion dinner for two; book the counter if you like watching the grill. For comparison, Barcelona Wine Bar in Brookline ran us roughly $30-50 per person, but that was a group of 12 sharing tapas, so it is not a direct price comparison. Barcelona felt more casual, with a warm wood interior and simpler food. Would return: Yes.

Food at Porto is overall pretty good. We were a group of 7, so we got to try quite a bit of the…read moremenu, and everything was good, though nothing necessarily stood out as amazing or something you couldn't get elsewhere. That said, the serving sizes are very small and more tapas-style, which I don't mind, but I did find the portions a little too small for the price. The cocktails were very good, though! I had the pomegranate Hugo (elderflower liqueur, pomegranate, prosecco, club soda) and would highly recommend it if you like your drinks on the sweeter side. Desserts were good, but $15 for a warm chocolate chip cookie felt a little steep. Porto's tiramisu cart was interesting, but I found the pistachio a little underwhelming, and the strawberry tasted more like strawberry shortcake. The classic tiramisu was great. Our server was very helpful in advising us on how much food to order for our group. The patio is also tented and nicely heated, which was great since it was raining when we were there and could barely hear the rain. Validated parking at the prudential garage was $20.

Celebrated the end of Summer 2026 on the Almafi Patio at Porto and couldn't have asked for a better…read moreexperience! The set up is so cute and gave such a great atmosphere to enjoy dinner. Would highly recommend trying the "almafi cocktail" options especially the "sorrento" which is made with delicious Limoncello. Also recommend both the bolognese and the lasagna. Our waitress recommended the lasagna and while it was different (short rib/pesto), it was well worth the try!

We've Found a New Favorite!…read more Sabina Mezcaleria - Back Bay What a wonderful find! Sabina Mezcaleria is a cute, cozy restaurant with impeccable, genuinely warm service and absolutely incredible food. We always prefer eating at the bar--it feels more personal and less transactional, and we've met so many wonderful strangers that way. Last night reminded us exactly why we love it. Luis, our El Cantinero, took us on a spectacular journey through the world of mezcal and tequila. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about what he does. We learned so much from him about tequila and mezcal, and he made the whole experience feel like an adventure rather than simply ordering drinks. And then came the food! I had the Enchilada Mole, and the mole was beautiful--deep, complex, rich, and perfectly balanced, without that powdery quality you sometimes find in lesser versions. The Chicharrones were enormous, thick, and cooked perfectly--almost melting in your mouth while absolutely exploding with flavor. Then came my favorite: the Empanada de Maíz. We had the one with chicharrones, beans, and mozzarella, and I almost cried. Seriously. SO flavorful, with this delicate little crispy coating on the outside that made it extraordinary. From Luis and the bar experience to every plate that came out of the kitchen, this was just an exceptional evening. Warm, intimate, delicious, and memorable. We came up from Providence by train, and Sabina alone is worth the trip. We've found a new Back Bay favorite--and we will absolutely be back!

Last night we went to Sabina Mezcaleria to watch the Mexico vs South Korea World Cup game. It was…read moregreat World Cup atmosphere. I must admit that based on some other Yelp reviews I was expecting the food to be ok but I was so very pleased because everything we ate was absolutely fantastic!!! I didn't take any photos but will say that the following were FABULOUSLY delicious and very much worth ordering. Esquite Tostada Cuadrito de Lechón Mini RibEye Tacos Guacamole with RibEye Chicharron You will need 4-5 of their small plate sized apps for 2 of you to share. BTW I always try to have a Michelada at Mexican restaurants. I ordered at Sabina with a Modelo and theirs was fantastic. All that being said, highly recommend this great place on Newbury Street.

Having eaten in Paris, I can attest to the authenticity of Rochambeau, especially the escargot…read more I've been here a number of times, mostly in the early 2020s where we sat outside during warm weather, and always had great times. It was a treat to finally come back for a family member's birthday dinner. We sat inside which I don't remember having been in, and it's a nice calming space and not too busy. The menu is a bit different from before, but just as impressive. All of us went for this excellent fixed dinner option of NY strip steak in a delicious sauce, baguettes, a great salad, and bottomless frites! You could also substitute the steak for mussels. We also got a side order of spinach and started with lemon garlic herb escargot, which I remember from before and tasted just as wonderful and rich as it always had. Everything was delicious, and the service was great too. They even brought us a slice of butter cake with ice cream which I loved. While it isn't the easiest to find or get to, Rochambeau is a superb restaurant in Back Bay that comes highly recommended.

Lovely brunch at Rochambeau with live music, cute mimosas and yummy food…read more The French onion soup is an absolute must! That cheese and the flavor of the soup is to die for. Just wonderful. Paired with some burrata and oysters and you're all set!

The food at Baleia is outstanding. I went with a friend shortly after they opened and was blown…read moreaway by the quality of the ingredients and the cuisine. It was like a homecooked meal made with care. The staff was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. They customized the level of spice heat and ingredients on request. The Bolinhos de bacalhau were extraordinary. I normally try to to avoid fried food but I tried one and they were crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, flavorful but not overly salty as they usually are. I can't say enough about the duck rice as well, it was the perfect texture, full of flavor, just fantastic. And for dessert, the Tarte de Natas again blew my mind. I've had them before but what made these special was the caramelization on top of the creaminess of the custard. They validate parking under the highway around down the street, so it's easy to park. The experience was so positive that I went back for an anniversary dinner last summer and again had a fantastic meal with great service--and a special "Happy Anniversary" menu--such a nice touch.

I unfortunately was not impressed with the food at all. Especially for the price, I did not think…read morethis meal was worth it at ALL, and it genuinely ruined our anniversary dinner.. The tuna cru is half raw and half seared, which we didn't expect. The flavors were a little too acidic and didn't feel balanced at all. Same with the octopus carpaccio- the flavors didn't blend well and it was the tiniest amount of octopus. The seared cod was fine- the fish was tender but the green sauce tasted like nothing and the chourico felt out of place. The duck rice was maybe the best food item, though the flavors again felt unbalanced; a little too sharp instead of blending together. The sonhos were great, similar to a nice fluffy popover. The service was fine as well. If you get sparkling water, know that they will add $10 to your bill! It's a shame that the food was so meh, considering it's such a cute restaurant and would've been perfect for a date night. I think the items on their menu have potential but the recipes need to be tweaked more. Truthfully I will never go back. You should definitely check out their sister restaurant SRV though!

It's been 4 years since I've visited and my actual rating for this place is a solid 5/5 stars…read more Honestly, I think this is a strong contender for best pasta in Boston. I've had lots of places in the North End and recently had the much-hyped Tonino, but I still dream about that duck confit agnolotti I had 4 years ago (sadly it's no longer on the menu) Heirloom Tomato Crostini (7/10): Reminds of the tapas we had in Spain. Not as tasty, but still pretty good. Raviolo all'Uovo (9/10): Wow, so good. One giant raviolo. The sauce was so eggy and flavorful. It was like a carbonara raviolo. It just worked. Tagliatelle (9.5/10): Pasta was perfectly al dente. So, so delicious. I loved the slight kick in the sauce. They do ragu bolognese so well here!! I was left wanting more. Prices have barely gone up (if at all) in the past 4 years, surprisingly. Insanely overpriced 4 years ago, but a bit less so now. You really get what you pay for in terms of pasta. I'm very sad to hear they'll be closing at the end of 2026...

We got the Lumache Amatriciana and Agnolotti del Plin online for take out…read more I will say the service was fast, our order was ready 10 minutes before it said it was going to. The restaurant was also not very full, so that may have helped. Why I left this review as for the Agnolotti del Plin. I think it's ridiculous that I paid $30 for 17 pieces, barely filling out the container. I was still hungry after eating this. Also the sauce was pretty salty, which was annoying since the filling was already in the pasta. I just think it's wild to charge so much for an entree that doesn't even fill you up. My friend got the Lumache Amatriciana, it was a much better value then my Agnolotti del Plin, which was literally so light in the bag, the Lumache Amatriciana weighed like a pound. It was also a much better flavor balance and was cooked perfectly. This seemed like a great trendy place, I'm just disappointed in my portion.

stopped in for a quick bite and it was perfect! we were the only people there since we came right…read moreat opening, but i love seafood, and this hit the spot.

I stumbled upon this incredibly charming hole-in-the-wall on Newbury Street. It's a cozy and…read moreintimate establishment, making it the perfect spot to sit at the bar. So, I decided to treat myself to a solo lunch. I began with the mixto ceviche, which was a refreshing and vibrant dish. The fish was exceptionally flavorful and perfectly complemented the onion and peppers. The shrimp was fresh, full of flavor, while the octopus was a bit tough, still enjoyable. The sauce was a tad heavy and thick for my taste, and the portion size was a bit small considering the price. On the bright side, the chips were light and incredibly tasty. I also ordered the Costillas de Cerdo. The sauce was excellent, and a few bites were oh so good. The disappointment came in the ribs themselves -- the meat didn't come off the bone easily, which made working through the dish more effort than it should have been. This place truly impressed me with its exceptional service, especially considering my allergies. My server proactively approached the kitchen and communicated directly with them, demonstrating remarkable attentiveness and care. Their prompt response and willingness to accommodate my needs without any hassle made a significant difference. The friendly and accommodating nature of the server throughout the entire dining experience made it feel effortless to enjoy a solo meal. Three stars for now -- great flavors and genuinely caring service, with a few misses on execution and portion for the price.

Sorellina is beautifully decorated and elegant without feeling stuffy. The waitstaff was friendly…read moreand professional, and the food was delicious. The warm bread, carpaccio, and salmon entrée were all 10/10. The octopus and yellowtail were both a solid 8/10. My coworkers ordered the steak and said it was excellent, too. And the little chocolates they serve at the end of the meal? Divine! Such a lovely finishing touch to an excellent dinner. Highly recommend!

We came here an hour before closing with a reservation. The restaurant gives off a similar vibe as…read moreMistral and after taking a look at the menu, it turns out they have a handful of sister restaurants founded by Chef-Owner Jamie Mammano under the Columbus Hospitality Group. It's dimly lit with high ceilings with a mid-high end vibe. We ordered the Gnocchi, Oysters, Fries, and couldn't decide between the Tuna or Crudo so we went with what our server recommended. I think he was confused or misheard us because we ended up getting the one he did not recommend instead. We decided to leave it because it was late and we were just trying to have a quick bite. Gnocchi -- Decent, Mistral's was definitely better and with 2 small pieces of lobster and the tiny portion for $46 is outrageous. Oysters -- The Prosecco Cider and Fuji Apple Mignonette overpowered the taste of the oysters, all we could taste was the cider and the apple. Do not recommend if you're looking for a more balanced oyster. Tuna -- This is just sliced sushi grade tuna with sauce on top. The Mostarda Aioli did not match, it would've tasted better without. For $32, better to get this kind of dish elsewhere. Truffle Parmigiano Fries -- Didn't have much of a truffle or parmesan taste to it. It has a strong potato skin taste though. Would not recommend if you're more into the flavors. I will say that the portion was huge. This alone could've filled me up. To be fair, most of what we ordered wasn't Italian based so we may have not given them a proper chance. I personally don't think they do well with the items we ordered and more than likely would not come back, given the service and food was not anything special for the price you pay.