Aceituna after dark : We recently booked what was advertised as a open table experience ($$$$), but unfortunately, the overall execution fell far short of expectations.
The event took place in a small room behind a curtain—essentially a bar area inside what is otherwise a fast food establishment. It lacked the ambiance and setting of a proper restaurant, which was surprising given the experience’s price point.
Seating arrangements clearly prioritized fitting in as many guests as possible over providing comfort. Bar stools and small tables—more suitable for children—offered no cushioning and were made of hard wood, making the overall setup uncomfortable and cramped.
Of the four or five appetizer options advertised, one of the main dishes—meatballs—was unavailable, leaving tuna and a selection of vegetarian options. The main course, lamb, was very difficult to cut even with a steak knife and was dry, as though it had either been overcooked or prepared in advance.
While the bartender was attentive and professional, the waiter was slow and at times handed dishes directly to me to place on the table myself.
To make matters worse, a 21% service charge (18% tip and 3% kitchen fee) was automatically added to the bill. Despite this, the payment terminal still prompted for an additional tip without any clear indication that gratuity had already been included—leaving guests at risk of tipping twice.
At this price, we expected a curated, comfortable, and professionally delivered dining experience. Unfortunately, what we received felt more like an overpriced, makeshift setup in an unconventional and ill-suited location.
Bernie Pucker
Tasty food. Not an enticing space.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
المدربة إيمان سمباوه
Excellent restaurant ?? The taste is Lebanese The quantity compared to the price is excellent Delicious and clean ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Raza Asif
Has halal options, spicy chicken was pretty good. Outdoor sitting ambience is ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shawarma
Hajar Basma
I always go there and get the best service from Benjamin (benjy) he makes the best pita roll ??????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
nash bavilea
yummmyyyy ppl here are rly chill
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
shahira hamzaoui
Terrible food. Most of our party got food poisoning. Do better!
Food: 1
Eduardo Cortejoso
Finally managed to go to the Newbury Street location, big fan of the other ones already (Kendall location was my go-to since forever). Happy to say this met that already high bar in a super convenient location!
Drinks were the standout for us with a nice view into Newbury. Especially on a nice summer day, would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Side Tabbouleh Vegan, Chicken Shawarma
Unbounded Time Lapse
So dry… really regret coming & eating here. The people are not very pleasant, but the bad food is the worse part. I would not call what they served “pita”, and the shawarma was so dry, it roughs up your mouth as you chew. Don’t waste your money & a meal on this place! You can do better!!
It seems to me that the food is delicious and clean, and the service is great, according to the comments of the restaurant’s visitors. I have a question regarding the food: Is it halal and suitable for Muslims?
Thanks
Nathan Johnson
Food was great, service was fantastic, the falafel was made fresh, and it was some of the best Mediterranean food I have had in New England. Would recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Cervantes
Excellent food, fast service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad Bar, Hummus, Shawarma, Beef & Lamb Plate
Eyad A.
Excellent experience and authentic Lebanese food and hospitality!! Highly recommended as a Lebanese visiting from North
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melody Cooke
Delicious! Especially love the garlic sauce with the chicken plate
Aceituna after dark : We recently booked what was advertised as a open table experience ($$$$), but unfortunately, the overall execution fell far short of expectations. The event took place in a small room behind a curtain—essentially a bar area inside what is otherwise a fast food establishment. It lacked the ambiance and setting of a proper restaurant, which was surprising given the experience’s price point. Seating arrangements clearly prioritized fitting in as many guests as possible over providing comfort. Bar stools and small tables—more suitable for children—offered no cushioning and were made of hard wood, making the overall setup uncomfortable and cramped. Of the four or five appetizer options advertised, one of the main dishes—meatballs—was unavailable, leaving tuna and a selection of vegetarian options. The main course, lamb, was very difficult to cut even with a steak knife and was dry, as though it had either been overcooked or prepared in advance. While the bartender was attentive and professional, the waiter was slow and at times handed dishes directly to me to place on the table myself. To make matters worse, a 21% service charge (18% tip and 3% kitchen fee) was automatically added to the bill. Despite this, the payment terminal still prompted for an additional tip without any clear indication that gratuity had already been included—leaving guests at risk of tipping twice. At this price, we expected a curated, comfortable, and professionally delivered dining experience. Unfortunately, what we received felt more like an overpriced, makeshift setup in an unconventional and ill-suited location.
Tasty food. Not an enticing space.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Excellent restaurant ??
The taste is Lebanese
The quantity compared to the price is excellent
Delicious and clean ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Has halal options, spicy chicken was pretty good. Outdoor sitting ambience is ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shawarma
I always go there and get the best service from Benjamin (benjy) he makes the best pita roll ??????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
yummmyyyy ppl here are rly chill
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Terrible food. Most of our party got food poisoning. Do better!
Food: 1
Finally managed to go to the Newbury Street location, big fan of the other ones already (Kendall location was my go-to since forever). Happy to say this met that already high bar in a super convenient location!
Drinks were the standout for us with a nice view into Newbury. Especially on a nice summer day, would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Side Tabbouleh Vegan, Chicken Shawarma
So dry… really regret coming & eating here. The people are not very pleasant, but the bad food is the worse part. I would not call what they served “pita”, and the shawarma was so dry, it roughs up your mouth as you chew. Don’t waste your money & a meal on this place! You can do better!!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dry pita and meat. Subpar food quality.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
It seems to me that the food is delicious and clean, and the service is great, according to the comments of the restaurant’s visitors. I have a question regarding the food: Is it halal and suitable for Muslims?
Thanks
Food was great, service was fantastic, the falafel was made fresh, and it was some of the best Mediterranean food I have had in New England. Would recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, fast service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad Bar, Hummus, Shawarma, Beef & Lamb Plate
Excellent experience and authentic Lebanese food and hospitality!! Highly recommended as a Lebanese visiting from North
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious! Especially love the garlic sauce with the chicken plate
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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