Boston Restaurants
To no-ones surprise, Boston has become a major hot-spot for exciting and varied dining experiences. Older restaurants continue to thrive, and new restaurants seem to burst on to the scene weekly. Some of the newer dining eateries are reviewed here. Many others can be visited by category through the restaurant index on the left. With so many to check-out, Bostonman.com is on a never-ending search to find fresh restaurant options and worthwhile dining possibilities for your consideration. While we continue to expand on our recommendations list, if you hit some new spot and do not see it listed send me your review. we'd be more than happy to include your comments on this page.
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Bostonman.com just had a sneak-peek of Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale, in the City's downtown Ladder District. Overcoming more than a few bumps along the way, everything seems to be lining up just right. Heck- it survived the Great Fire of 1872... what are a few modern-day glitches?" Stoddard's plans to open the first week of Feburary.
Hearkening back to a bye-gone era of Boston dining, Stoddard's has developed a distinctive dinner menu of updated American classic dishes ranging from Hubbard Squash Soup, Smoked Trout, Chicken Pot Pie and Prime Beef Rib-eye to Roasted Monkfish, the Stoddard Burger, Vermont Rabbit and Pork Tenderloin.
Equally impressive is Stoddard's extensive and well-developed drink menu. Trust me, it will require some time to explore all of your options. Boasting of 55+ mixed cocktails and an even larger offering of ales, beers and wines, you won't lack for libation selections to quench your thirst. In an unexpected touch to their drink preparation, Stoddard's has apparently boxed away the modern-day ice machines for ice blocks and chiseled ice chips. -An impressive treat.Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale
48 Temple Place
Boston, MA
(617) 426-0048
Taberna de Haro
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Muy beuno. Muy beuno.While Taberna de Haro has been serving their inspiring Spanish tapas since 1998, I've just made my first visit and let me just say right off the bat- Taberna de Haro is one of those "off the radar" gems we all go in search of and if you haven't been, you need to put on your coat and get there. This place is the real deal!
A great place to meet family and old friends (or as we did, make new ones), whether it's for a quick stop or an extended stay, Taberna de Haro's authentic Spanish warmth is one you won't soon forget.
I'll go even father...with the arrival of each tapas, we felt magically transported to a taberna (tavern) somewhere in the heart of Spain. Entrancing aromas, scrumptous flavors, a diverse menu and intimate dining setting will have you returning again and again.
Some recommendations include: Sauteed Spinach with pine nuts and golden raisins, Arroz negro (black paella with alo oli), Queso de cabra (warm goat cheese with EVOO and oregano on bread), Beef Tenderloin on toasted bread and cabrales (blue cheese).
Taberna de Haro's extensive menu is matched only by their wine selection. Fortunately, our server was well versed in both. Her recommendations and pairings were perfect. Our table of Goodells had a particular affinity to the Godello (2008) white.
Sharing being a key objective of tapas dining, tapas ranging from $4.00 to around $26.00 makes Taberna de Haro a great dining stop for parties of one, two, four, or....
Taberna de Haro, le veremos pronto!
Taberna de Haro does not take reservations -but an FYI, they do accept en-route calls to reduce your table wait time.
Taberna de Haro999 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA
(617) 277-8272
www.tabernaboston.com
Woodward
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
There are many reasons for dining at Woodward, in the Ames Hotel, downtown Boston. One would be the tender and heart-warming short-rib tortellini. Another, the ocean-fresh sautéed rock shrimp, another, the house-smoked veal pastrami sandwich and yet another, an outstanding duck confit flatbread with goat cheese and dried cranberries. I know because I had them all.
Calling it "New England centric", Chef Mark Goldberg's menu creatively links a wide and diverse selection of regional ingredients and brings wonderfully inventive dishes to the table...dish after dish.
They've also put a twist on the dining experience at Woodward by offering a dinner menu with what they refer to as, a "Share" concept. Individual plates await everyone at the table with the intent that as dishes are prepared and delivered (in no particular order), everyone will share the dish. -It's a "Wandering-fork" practitioners’ dream come true!
However, a so's you know note of caution, the "share" dining format (likened to "tapas" style) lends itself to ordering more than you might realize and with that, as was the case with us, a dinner bill that can sail due-North quickly.
Woodward's dessert list was incredibly tempting, we (surprisingly), with great difficulty, resisted the gentle press of our very attentive and informative server.
Finally, and here's the kicker, while we could not stop "ooo-ing" and "aaah-ing" about each dish over and over and over again...the sound in the room, driven by the music volume was deafening. Creating a less than perfect dining experience. Parties shouting across tables to hear one another led me to comment, "Delicious food - Lip reading required." Perhaps the restaurant's management will consider this concern and adjust the volume appropriately.
In spite of the glitch, I know I will return and certainly recommend you try Woodward for yourselves.
Found at the junction of State, Washington, and Court Streets, at the recently opened Ames Hotel, Woodward serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Reservations for dinner are strongly advised.
Woodward1 Court Street
Boston, MA
(617) 979-8200
Market
Reviewed by Michael Goodell
Open just weeks...Market, at the W Hotel Boston, can immediately take its place at the head table of Boston's best-in-class restaurants. Guided by the creative vision of internationally renowned chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market delivers on its pledge to provide "...cuisine to suit every taste", with a fresh, imaginative and diverse dinner menu that is innovative, layered, visually entrancing and positively; palette pleasing.
All that said, Market is a restaurant where a quickly mystified diner, like myself, mixes easily with the most sophisticated epicurean. Appetizer favorites included a delectable Arctic Char Sashimi, a Foie Gras Brulee and a table pleasing Crisp Clams w/Basil and Salt. Counted among the plate clearing entrees were the Stripped Bass w/Nut and Seed Crust, and Grilled Lamb Chops w/Smoke Chili Glaze. For a side dish, you must consider ordering the Roasted Cauliflower w/pistachios or the Truffle Mash Potatoes...Yum!
To cap-off our experience, we were bowled over with heaven sent desserts such as the Creme Fraiche Cheesecake w/Glazed Figs and Concord Grapes and the Market's decadent Warm Chocolate Cake.
Located in the heart of Boston's Theater District at the aforementioned W Hotel, Market's interiors carry through the hip urban vibe of the hotel with a decor scheme crossing from metal edgy to Zen reflection. Market is a moderately expensive dining experience. However, if you can make a reason or excuse, it will be well worth the visit. Reservations are recommended. Market is also open for breakfast and lunch.
Market100 Stuart Street (on the corner of Stuart and Tremont Ave.)
Boston, MA
(617) 310-6790
Fairly New:
Bistro du Midi
The airy, rustic Bistro du Midi in the Back Bay serves a classic, midpriced French menu of small plates, entrees and housemade pâtés in the two-story space that once housed Excelsior; downstairs boasts exposed ceiling beams, a zinc bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto outdoor seating (and views of the Boston Public Garden), while upstairs, past the glass-enclosed wine cellar, there’s a semi-open kitchen and a dining room with a cozy fireplace.
272 Boylston St.; 617-426-7878
Post 390
Executive chef Eric Brennan cranks out moderately priced American classics from two shining exposed kitchens at Post 390, a saucy urban tavern in the Back Bay from the Himmel Hospitality Group (Grill 23, Harvest). The bi-level space features black glazed columns, wood-slatted walls, a four-sided fireplace, a bar downstairs, private dining and views of bustling Copley Square all around.
406 Stuart St, 617-399-0015
Ginger Park (formerly Banq)
NYC expat chef Patricia Yeo has brought her Southeast Asian street food to the South End at Ginger Park, which takes over the space formerly occupied by Banq to offer a midpriced menu of small plates accompanied by wine and sake; the expansive, elegant setting has stayed the same – including the undulating wood ceiling sculpture – except for the bar, where the back wall has been removed to offer a view of the bustling cityscape.
1475 Washington St. Boston's 10 Best New Restaurants of 2009
Coppa: 263 Shawmut Ave. (the former "Dish"). Italian menu (wood-grilled pizzas, small plates of pasta and wine bar) from Ken Oringer and his partner Jamie Bissonette, one of the newest eateries in the South End.
Stoddard's Fine Food and Ale: 10 Temple Place, latest entry in Boston's Ladder District.
Tupelo: Southern-style food fans will like this casual neighborhood-friendly Inman Square eatery. Fried oysters, beef daubes and hot cornbread.
1193 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
il Casale Cucina Italiana and Bar
With the same chef/owner team that runs Dante in Cambridge, this de Magistris production graciously bestows delicate housemade pastas and exceptional Italian style food. It's become one of the hot suburban destinations.
50 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Ten Tables Cambridge
The second location for the popular and also tiny Jamaica Plain eatery now occupies the former home of Craigie bistro. Chef David Punch is in charge of the seasonal serious menu that is a gourmet delight.
5 Craigie Cir, Cambridge, MA 02138
Sensing
Located in the Fairmont Battery Wharf, a luxury hotel/condo complex adjacent to the North End and overlooking Boston Harbor, the restaurant is now open, marking the end of years of work on a concept that has been stalled by a hotel flag change and other issues. Modeled after his Sensing in Paris, which opened in 2006, Three star Michelin Chef Guy Martin’s new venture has a similar Contemporary French menu but also leaves room for his “cuisine without borders." The first Sensing restaurant opened in Paris in 2006 near the Jardin du Luxembourg. With 80 seats plus a 40-seat terrace overlooking Boston Harbor, the Boston location is Guy Martin's first restaurant in the US.
Review from former restaurateurs (now retired) Jake and Rita
Not Your Average Joe's is a full service operation with most stores open to 10 p.m. weekdays and on Friday / Saturday close at 11p.m.
All stores have a separate attractive lounge/bar area from the dining room. My favorite entree is 16 oz. broiled sirloin tips with veg/starch for $17.00 ( 12 oz. for $14.00 ).Most entrees, which include starch/veg. and the super onsite baked bread, do not exceed $19.00. Daily specials are served and do not exceed $15.00.
We visited the Burlington store Monday and we enjoyed the black angus meatloaf @ $13.50 served with whip potatoes and roasted garden vegetable.There are about 16 restaurants in Eastern Massachusetts.My favorite locations are Burlington, Methuen, and Newburyport , Ma.