Boston's Best Group Dining 2008

Beloved bistro delivers reasonably priced, original interpretations of classic American fare to satisified Davis Square crowds.

Reviews:

• “Outstanding flavors, weaker service”
• “good date restaurant”
• “Great variety”
• “Definitely a date spot”
• “not a great meal”

Tips: Budget-minded diners should head for the bar, where few items on the menu (ratatouille and buffalo-mozzarella sandwich, grilled Asian beef salad) top $10.

Gargoyles on the Square or email Gargoyles on the Square

A decor as stylish as the well-dressed clientele meshes with an eclectic, international menu of contemporary cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Don’t know about Mondays”
• “Nice venue, menu was limited, subpar service”
• “Not good at all.”
• “nice decor, no service”
• “GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!”

Tips: While the dining area maintains a business-casual vibe, you’ll want to dust off your most stylish duds when visiting the lounge.

33 Restaurant and Lounge or email 33 Restaurant and Lounge

Family-friendly restaurant serves up enormous portions of southern Italian favorites in a nostalgic setting.

Reviews:

• “Good but not great food, excellent service however.”
• “mecca for family-style meal”
• “Great Family-Style”
• “Go hungry!”
• “Picture Vinny T’s but less quality, atmosphere and service, but for more money. "

Tips: Half-portions are a good bet; they’re still generous and considerably less expensive.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Wine enthusiasts and power brokers find a haven for adventurous, affordable American favorites in Downtown Crossing.

Reviews:

• “Downtown crossing is closer than you think !”

Tips: The nightly four-course wine-pairing menu ($55) is an impressive bargain, considering that four glasses off the wine list cost about $30.

Vinalia or email Vinalia

A favorite of area families and hungry tourists, delivering gargantuan portions of straightforward Italian fare in kitschy environs.

Reviews:

• “Will never go there again.”
• “they’re too proud of their homemade pasta to provide whole wheat substitute”
• “Don’t bother ordering takeout”
• “Consistently good”
• “Picky Italian eater”

Tips: At the end of a meal, diners get to play “Italian bingo.” You might win a gift certificate worth $50 or $10.

Vinny T’s of Boston – Back Bay or email Vinny T’s of Boston – Back Bay

Authentic Mediterranean fare has a Back Bay home in a subterranean Boylston Street space.

Reviews:

• “Great food at a reasonable price!”
• “Cold european dining”
• “WOW! Vlora is one of the finest restaurants around.”
• “Unusual Yumminess”
• “Awful”

Tips: On Sundays, from 5pm-9pm, Vlora offers a three course, family-style “Sunday Supper” for $30 per person ($20 for kids).

Vlora or email Vlora

The Back Bay’s top spot for tapas serves up plenty of romantic atmosphere and prime people-watching.

Reviews:

• “Coffee Drinkers BEWARE”
• “Great food in a great atmosphere”
• “THIS FOOD IS NOT SPANISH!”
• “nice scene”
• “Loved it here!”

Tips: When the patio is open, waiting times can top an hour. Leave your name on the waiting list and pass the time by window shopping.

Tapeo Restaurant and Tapas Bar or email Tapeo Restaurant and Tapas Bar

All-purpose eatery sits at the heart of Harvard Square and offers a trio of distinct dining environments.

Reviews:

• “Best food tasty and healthy too!!-”
• “Fun but inconsistant.”
• “Sorely Lacking…”
• “very mediocre”
• “Be prepared for rude patrons”

Tips: Not all breakfast items are served all day, but patrons can enjoy items like steel-cut oatmeal, yogurt with granola, sweet crepes and breakfast paninis in the afternoon and evening.

Z-Square or email Z-Square

A classic Italian menu plus an elegant atmosphere equals a most-soothing dinner experience in the North End.

Reviews:

• “Great!”
• “gret place”
• “Bad Food, Good Atmosphere”
• “Food is good but small selection”
• “Most Outstanding Italian dining in Boston!”

Tips: The restaurant’s downstairs mahogany-and-glass wine room provides a quiet spot for private parties.

Lucca or email Lucca

More than thirty varieties of the signature dessert make up only a part of this chain restaurant’s gigantic international menu.

Reviews:

• “BEST CHEESECAAKE ANYWHERE”
• “Excellent food, and they Deliver!”
• “No way!!!”
• “Its a wait, but 100% worth it!”
• “Tons of fun”

The Cheesecake Factory

The Sunset Grill’s Tex-Mex offshoot expands on the original’s exhaustive food menu while maintaining an epic beer list.

Reviews:

• “Don’t go there… "
• “Nachos and beer”
• “great service, great beers!”
• “best tequila selection”
• “Yummy nachos”

Tips: Looking for a free late-night snack? Check out the complimentary “midnight madness” buffet on Sundays-Tuesdays (midnight-1am).

Sunset Cantina

Harvard Square’s largest Irish restaurant and bar serves up decent food and a lively bar scene.

Reviews:

• “Harvard Square find”
• “Great spot in Harvard Square”
• “Great night out!”
• “Great Service, Good Times”
• “favorite bar in the square”

Tommy Doyle’s Irish Pub

A serious, superb steakhouse in the suburbs.

Reviews:

• “maybe not”
• “The worst dinning experience of my life!”
• “Very Disappointing Special Occasion Dinner ! "
• “Fantastic!!!”
• “I was embarrassed!”

Tips: Valet parking is your only option, but it’s complimentary.

The Capital Grille or email The Capital Grille

A new dining concept, involving fresh meats and fish prepared on flavor-infused skewers.

Reviews:

• “great app, cool cocktail”
• “Best ice cream”
• “Has potential”
• “Good in theory…”
• “Nothing to write home about”

Tips: A late-night menu is served nightly until 1am.

Stix or email Stix

Kenmore Square burger joint caters to budget-minded students in search of above-average fast food.

Reviews:

• “Awesome creativity”
• “burger & fries”
• “I love UBurger, reminds me of In and Out on the West Coast, but better!”
• “Has so much potential….but”
• “wow”

Tips: With plenty of area workers and college kids stopping in for a quick bite, expect to wait a bit longer for your burger during weekday lunch hours.

Uburger

Michael Leviton (Lumiere) serves gourmet modern fare with an eye towards sustainability and local ingredients in Fort Point Channel.

Reviews:

• “Cool Vibe, Great Food, and Good Staff”
• “Amazing food, great menu, cool vibe”

Tips: Trendy types pass the time in the stylish bar area playing Wii and Guitar Hero, or perusing the Achilles Project’s stylish duds.

Persephone

Modern Chinese fare goes trendy in the South End.

Reviews:

• “I love it….”
• “Fun Space, Concept and Good Food "
• “Pretty good food, ok service”
• “Oh So Very Trendy”
• “Awesome addition to the South End”

Tips: Beer, wine, and sake are available but unfortunately dessert is not.

Myers + Chang

Powered by Citysearch