Restaurants in Brookline
Best Restaurants
“Decided to go out for dinner with a few friends and it was delicious. I liked the citrus dressing on the avocado salad. The filet mignon was tender and flavorful. For dessert, green tea ice cream is a must!”
“Some of the best Thai food I have ever had. The fried chives were so good. The curries were so different and delicious. The shrimp and pomelo salad along with the green papaya was tasty. They have a bar opening soon and I can wait to check it out!Vegetarian options: Quite a few options to make things vegetarian or that are vegetarian.”
“Visited with my sister as we have heard great things. The place was gorgeous, staff were all so lovely, and the food was beyond brilliant! Highly recommend checking out this amazing and creative new spot, you won’t be disappointed!”
“First visit today, although we live somewhat in the neighborhood and I am already kicking myself for not having got here sooner. Red tabbouleh spicing was very punchy and vivid. Allspice in the stuffed grape leaves make them worth coming back for, not something I think I've ever said about stuffed grape leaves before. Most unforgettable was the red lentil soup with its soft rich velvety texture over two or three layers of different delicious flavors. Great first impression, can't wait to go back, solid A leaning toward A+.”
“This was my first ever Tatte location I went to. It was warm out so I sat outside for a nice view. Got the prosciutto toast with pesto and goat cheese and now it’s my go to Tatte dish. Their honey halva house latte is a must try too - also my go to Tatte drink.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Solid fish and beet salad dinner. Really appreciate their proper style of fish batter - light and crisp. Popped in for an early Saturday night dinner, and I'm glad we got there early as it filled up fast. Strong drinks, great pub food options, and a bustling atmosphere.”
“This review is for the Brookline location of The Abbey. The Abbey doesn't do reservations or call ahead. We showed up around 6:00ish on a Saturday night and were told there was a 20 - 30 minute wait. We were welcome to sit at the bar, but there was no place for four people to sit together, so we lurked near the door and chatted, ducked customers walking in and out and staff taking orders, running food and clearing plates. It's a small space when all the tables are full and people are a few deep at the bar, but that just added to the ambiance. I was seated facing the wall so I didn't see quite how busy it got, but the noise was at "lively" level. We could still have a conversation but needed to speak up to be heard across the table. We were able to snag a table after about 30 minutes. The basics first: The drinks, food and service were fantastic! This is our second time here, the first being ages ago when they had the covered tables outside early in the pandemic. I've been wanting to come back forever, but don't usually get to this part of Brookline. I need to change that or head to Cambridge too! I started with a winter sangria (red wine, brandy, spiced rum, apricot and allspice) that was delicious. They have a pretty extensive gluten free menu, which is nice. My friend wanted the GF pasta Bolognese, but she is dairy free to so that was not an option. We ordered two of the slow-braised short rib "French dip" egg rolls with gruyere, horseradish aioli, and red wine demi for the table. Loved this! I never finish apps and I inhaled this. I was fine with that, I could just put my main in a take home container. We also got the black kale & Brussels sprouts salad, avocado, pepitas, Crispy bacon, and a fried duck egg. Even if you think you don't like kale and or Brussels sprouts, get this dish! I got the "Thanksgiving" panini (house roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cheddar, arugula, cranberry aioli, hand-cut fries). It was delicious and can't wait for the leftovers. The hanger steak frites came topped with watercress and a madeira sauce. It was the most tender steak that I've ever had. For sides my friends also ordered shredded Brussels sprouts and pan roasted cauliflower with capers and pecorino as sides. Not to be missed are the hand cut fries that are the embodiment of French fries perfection. They are a must order, either plain or with truffles and cheese. Fried potato nirvana! As I said, the place was packed, but service was attentive and Ty (sp?), our server made sure allergy info was provided to the kitchen. He made great suggestions for items to try. The Brookline location does not serve dessert (sad panda) but the Cambridge location does. Good to note for next time! Did I mention that the kitchen is open until 1:30 AM every night? Perfect for late night bites.”
“I had heard a ton a really good things about the food and especially the vodka sauce so I was super excited to try the food and it did NOT disappoint! Our server was very nice and attentive! We did go on the earlier side so it wasn't very busy but they did have good music playing and it wasn't too loud which we appreciated because we were able to chat across the table without feeling like we had to be too loud! Very excited to go back!!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“What an amazing place. In these times when we are still not comfortable dining indoors this place rocks. The chef behind these dishes knows a thing or two about bringing beer garden food to a totally new level. Thank you chef and staff in front of the house.”
“Decided to go out for dinner with a few friends and it was delicious. I liked the citrus dressing on the avocado salad. The filet mignon was tender and flavorful. For dessert, green tea ice cream is a must!”
“Some of the best Thai food I have ever had. The fried chives were so good. The curries were so different and delicious. The shrimp and pomelo salad along with the green papaya was tasty. They have a bar opening soon and I can wait to check it out!Vegetarian options: Quite a few options to make things vegetarian or that are vegetarian.”
“I kid you not - one of the best breads I've had in a while. There's a reason why people wait in line for this place. (Don't worry the lines aren't too long and go pretty quickly). I bought some croissants and a Demi baguette - it was foolish of me to think I'd wait till I was home to eat the baguette! Worth the visit and can't wait till I'm back! Also can't wait to try the coffee bar next door...”
“Visited with my sister as we have heard great things. The place was gorgeous, staff were all so lovely, and the food was beyond brilliant! Highly recommend checking out this amazing and creative new spot, you won’t be disappointed!”
“First visit today, although we live somewhat in the neighborhood and I am already kicking myself for not having got here sooner. Red tabbouleh spicing was very punchy and vivid. Allspice in the stuffed grape leaves make them worth coming back for, not something I think I've ever said about stuffed grape leaves before. Most unforgettable was the red lentil soup with its soft rich velvety texture over two or three layers of different delicious flavors. Great first impression, can't wait to go back, solid A leaning toward A+.”
“This was my first ever Tatte location I went to. It was warm out so I sat outside for a nice view. Got the prosciutto toast with pesto and goat cheese and now it’s my go to Tatte dish. Their honey halva house latte is a must try too - also my go to Tatte drink.”
“I have been to Japonaise for nearly 3 decades and all other locations they used to own. This little gem is operated by Takeo and his mom. Pure labor of love. Takeo works as primary baker. Everything here are delicious from breads, pastries, cakes, and some savory - Japanese delicacies. Takeo works very very long hours everyday making all of these. Wonderful folks. Asuki cream is my all time favorite.”
“Solid fish and beet salad dinner. Really appreciate their proper style of fish batter - light and crisp. Popped in for an early Saturday night dinner, and I'm glad we got there early as it filled up fast. Strong drinks, great pub food options, and a bustling atmosphere.”
“This review is for the Brookline location of The Abbey. The Abbey doesn't do reservations or call ahead. We showed up around 6:00ish on a Saturday night and were told there was a 20 - 30 minute wait. We were welcome to sit at the bar, but there was no place for four people to sit together, so we lurked near the door and chatted, ducked customers walking in and out and staff taking orders, running food and clearing plates. It's a small space when all the tables are full and people are a few deep at the bar, but that just added to the ambiance. I was seated facing the wall so I didn't see quite how busy it got, but the noise was at "lively" level. We could still have a conversation but needed to speak up to be heard across the table. We were able to snag a table after about 30 minutes. The basics first: The drinks, food and service were fantastic! This is our second time here, the first being ages ago when they had the covered tables outside early in the pandemic. I've been wanting to come back forever, but don't usually get to this part of Brookline. I need to change that or head to Cambridge too! I started with a winter sangria (red wine, brandy, spiced rum, apricot and allspice) that was delicious. They have a pretty extensive gluten free menu, which is nice. My friend wanted the GF pasta Bolognese, but she is dairy free to so that was not an option. We ordered two of the slow-braised short rib "French dip" egg rolls with gruyere, horseradish aioli, and red wine demi for the table. Loved this! I never finish apps and I inhaled this. I was fine with that, I could just put my main in a take home container. We also got the black kale & Brussels sprouts salad, avocado, pepitas, Crispy bacon, and a fried duck egg. Even if you think you don't like kale and or Brussels sprouts, get this dish! I got the "Thanksgiving" panini (house roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cheddar, arugula, cranberry aioli, hand-cut fries). It was delicious and can't wait for the leftovers. The hanger steak frites came topped with watercress and a madeira sauce. It was the most tender steak that I've ever had. For sides my friends also ordered shredded Brussels sprouts and pan roasted cauliflower with capers and pecorino as sides. Not to be missed are the hand cut fries that are the embodiment of French fries perfection. They are a must order, either plain or with truffles and cheese. Fried potato nirvana! As I said, the place was packed, but service was attentive and Ty (sp?), our server made sure allergy info was provided to the kitchen. He made great suggestions for items to try. The Brookline location does not serve dessert (sad panda) but the Cambridge location does. Good to note for next time! Did I mention that the kitchen is open until 1:30 AM every night? Perfect for late night bites.”
“I had heard a ton a really good things about the food and especially the vodka sauce so I was super excited to try the food and it did NOT disappoint! Our server was very nice and attentive! We did go on the earlier side so it wasn't very busy but they did have good music playing and it wasn't too loud which we appreciated because we were able to chat across the table without feeling like we had to be too loud! Very excited to go back!!”
“Exceptional meal...so focused on the food and conversation I forgot to take any pictures. Would definitely recommend. All the sushi/sashimi we had was fresh and very nicely done. We did the gyoza which were nice...but the Chiharu pancakes were amazing..would go back just for those.”
“My favorite pizza in the UNIVERSE! Amazing, unique flavors, perfect crust. Awesome vegan and gluten-free options. Can't go wrong with this place. Every time I come home from traveling abroad, the first thing I want is one of their Cauliflower Manchurian pizzas. So happy they are open and delivering during this time. If I'm going to support local restaurants, Veggie Crust, I want to support you! Thank you for your high standards and fantastic food. Looking forward to my next slice!”
“I highly recommend the chocolate babka, it's on par with Breads Bakery in NYC. I love that they sell whole loaves and fractions of a loaf so that you can choose how much to buy.”
“This is my go to coffee/tea shop. The atmosphere is always comfortable, welcoming and chill. I love getting the brewed tea lattes, I recommend trying the Paris blend! The staff is extremely nice and super helpful. You can also order food, I really liked the 3 cheese gyudon, 10/10 will be getting it all the time. They have great portions for both drinks and food. The price is appropriate with the quality and portions.”
“Exceptional meal...so focused on the food and conversation I forgot to take any pictures. Would definitely recommend. All the sushi/sashimi we had was fresh and very nicely done. We did the gyoza which were nice...but the Chiharu pancakes were amazing..would go back just for those.”
“I have tried many different dishes, and none of them disappoint me. I love having my lunch or dinner here because the food is always fresh and staff is courteous. I highly recommend to eat here.�����”
“Great spot for casual dinner or date night. Tastefully decorated with a picture window through a book case for the kitchen or a turn of the century bar top. The staff were friendly and attentive. Food was comfort items overall and also well done. There was some variability in the salt of each dish, but it was on the side of needing a little extra salt for our taste which was easily remedied.”
Online Reservation Available
“This place is so special. The concept is a BYOB make-your-own cocktail bar. You bring your own liquor but they provide everything else to make a list of cocktails. You can choose 3 out of the different categories and you can stay as long as you long bc there's no turnover. The staff is incredibly welcoming and it truly makes you feel at home. You can even bring your own food to have with your cocktails!! It is a STUNNING venue and it's super intimate but also vibes and perfect for friends or dates. The only thing is, it's kinda hard to find in the plaza but if you enter and go all the way down, you should see the bright signs welcoming you in! The actual cocktails were all intentional, well thought out, and delicious. The owner creates a journey for you with an opener, a deeper cocktail, and then an ending. If you don't fully love your drink, you can ask for a sweetener or ask the owner to fix something up for you. You can add any spirit you want to the cocktails to make it your own. Overall, this is probably one of my favorite things I've ever done in Boston. I can't give it enough praise! Thank you so much and I'll be back!”
“I have tried many different dishes, and none of them disappoint me. I love having my lunch or dinner here because the food is always fresh and staff is courteous. I highly recommend to eat here.�����”
“Great spot for casual dinner or date night. Tastefully decorated with a picture window through a book case for the kitchen or a turn of the century bar top. The staff were friendly and attentive. Food was comfort items overall and also well done. There was some variability in the salt of each dish, but it was on the side of needing a little extra salt for our taste which was easily remedied.”
“I recently found this place and absolutely love it! I’ve been eating hot pot across different states, and this spot has quickly become one of my favorites. One thing to note, though, is that the chili powder doesn’t quite taste like the Sichuan powder I’m accustomed to, but it’s still ”
“Best pizza in Brookline! Meat lovers was great, taste of crust could be improved. White pizza was boring. Great mocktails and service. Fun atmosphere.FYI Boston has better places like Locale.Vegetarian options: Whole menu section for vegans”
“I am LOVING this place, after having gone twice in two weeks - it was THAT good!The menu appears to be somewhat standard Northern Italian fare, but the thought and preparation given to the food (and drinks) is clearly evident. The Chicken Milanese was perfectly cooked and one of the best I’ve ever eaten outside of Italy. The accompanying arugula salad with cannellini beans was the perfect side.Every meal my friends and I had (i.e. Chicken Milanese, roasted chicken, risotto; small plates of the meatballs, fried seafood, and roasted beets) was delicious, and were not easily pleased. The only suggestion I would make is that the roasted beets dish was a particularly small portion, but I won’t quibble.I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how professional the waitstaff were. The first time we went, our waitress (whose name I can’t recall) was always available when we needed her, and was not intrusive at all. The other waiter, Brendan, was very affable and attentive, but in no way bothersome.This place is a winner! I hope it remains that way.”
“Se7en Teriyaki is low key awesome. It’s their restaurant inside a restaurant. I am even apprehensive about sharing this because I’m selfish. I hope you’re not reading this.”
“Excellent food and cocktails! Service was wonderful. The bartender, Bernie, is wonderful! She makes the best Old Fashion I have ever had. It’s a small neighborhood “hole in the wall” vibe. Definitely worth trying.”
“We were deciding what to eat for our anniversary dinner. One kid wants sushi, another wanted ramen or chicken katsu, wife wanted sashimi and I wanted Yakitori. We landed on Omori Izakaya.Parking was easy right on the same street and plenty of spots available at dinner time on a Saturday.We got there earlier than our reservation. We were seated immediately with maybe few more tables open. We order some Yakitori and appetizers to start. The pork belly, chicken gizzards and chicken hearts were extremely flavorful. The chicken skin was crunchy perfection. The octopus was grilled to perfection with a little of mixed spices on top. Hotate Kaiyaki came out on a little warmer with a little flame and very cool presentation. Tako Yaki was good as well.For main courses we order chicken katsu dinner and dragon roll and caterpillar and sashimi combo. The kids love the chicken katsu. They also loved the maki rolls. Sashimi also fresh.Overall we had a great time. The food were very good. The stars were the Yakitori skewers.Parking: Plenty of meter parking on the same street as the restaurant.”
“This was my first time back here since 2019 and did not disappoint! Love the renovations and menu. Blackberry sage margarita was amazing as was all of the food. Service was very quick. Can’t wait to go back!”
“I can't review the full dinner menu and tapas, as I only came here for the bar, but I did want to leave a review because it was a great evening. From 5-7pm Monday through Saturday, the bar does $2 oysters, and my partner and I had a whopping 24! We went on a Thursday evening and the atmosphere was great - not too loud or crowded, but not dead either. The service was amazing as well - the oysters came almost immediately after we ordered them and when we ordered the Sherry flight, the staff gave us a great explanation of each of the 4 drinks before leaving us to our food and drink. Oysters ($2 each) - I'm not usually a huge fan of oysters, but these were different from a lot of the others I've had in the past. They were slightly briny, but they also had a really sweet aftertaste that made them really pleasant to eat. They were served with lemon and also a little cup of vinegar - both options were good but I preferred the lemon. We started with 12 oysters and ordered a second dozen when we realized how good they were! Sherry flight ($30) - I had never had sherry before, but this was quite pleasant. The flight came with 4 different sherries and 2 croquetas which were tasty and filled with ham and bechamel. The filling was a bit dense, but not necessarily a bad thing. The four sherries were as follows, and my reviews are coming from someone who does not know much about sherry but enjoyed each one: - Manzanilla La Cigarrera - This was a light one with a very light alcohol taste. It paired nicely with the oysters. - Fino el Granero - This one had a slightly stronger alcohol taste to it, but it also paired nicely with the oysters. - Amontillado Rare Escuadrilla - This one tasted like a red blend and was my favorite of the four. It was nice to sip on after eating the oysters. - Olorosso East India Solera - This one was my partners favorite and tasted sweet. It almost had a taste like raisins, but it was quite pleasant. The order also came with bread, though I'm not sure if it was the drinks or the oysters that triggered the bread. The bread was nice, but they did not offer butter with it. Instead, you could have olive oil, but it was a fancy olive oil so there was a charge. We opted to just eat the bread by itself and it was nice - crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. All in all, this was a bit of an expensive night (we did eat a lot though!) but it was well worth it. I do know there are $1 oysters around Boston, but $2 oysters near our home is also a great deal. The sherry flight was nice to try, but I'd also like to try their gin and gin mixed drinks, as they are known for both their sherry and gin. I give this a strong 4/5 and we will definitely be back!”
“The place is beautiful, spacious, the servers are very attentive, friendly, I really loved this place, I reiterate the excellent atmosphere of the servers. Of the 3 peñoles, in my opinion, it is the best.”
“It was our first time here. Sushi was great. Staff was also very pleasant. The restaurant itself was a very nice environment nice seating and lighting. The presentation of the sushi was amazing! It came in a beautifully designed boat steaming with dried ice and beautiful decorations! They had a pretty decent size menu. Absolutely going back.”
“I went here with a group of friends for dinner. It is difficult to get a table walk in unless you reserve it. Because they are popular, they call and confirm your reservation sometimes. We were seated probably 5-10 min after our reserved time. The place is large but they cramped the tables so close. The atmosphere is modern but very loud. The food (dinner menu) is definitely overpriced. They have vegetables like roasted carrots and mushrooms as well as meat dishes. The roasted carrots were priced around $7 and a very thinly sliced steak was $16. At least 1/3 of the menu was spicy and the food is on the greasier side. The cheese and charcuterie board was nice. We got a goat cheese platter and the cheese quality was very good. The drinks here are mediocre for the price point. Overall, it is a hip place but overpriced for sure.”
“Very nice sushi place. It is not very big, but had loads of small tables for two and four. I came at 7 o'clock on a Saturday and could only sit at the sushi bar itself (four seats) They had a nice set of sushi options, including an all salmon, sashimi and rolls.”
“I recently found this place and absolutely love it! I’ve been eating hot pot across different states, and this spot has quickly become one of my favorites. One thing to note, though, is that the chili powder doesn’t quite taste like the Sichuan powder I’m accustomed to, but it’s still ”
“I am LOVING this place, after having gone twice in two weeks - it was THAT good!The menu appears to be somewhat standard Northern Italian fare, but the thought and preparation given to the food (and drinks) is clearly evident. The Chicken Milanese was perfectly cooked and one of the best I’ve ever eaten outside of Italy. The accompanying arugula salad with cannellini beans was the perfect side.Every meal my friends and I had (i.e. Chicken Milanese, roasted chicken, risotto; small plates of the meatballs, fried seafood, and roasted beets) was delicious, and were not easily pleased. The only suggestion I would make is that the roasted beets dish was a particularly small portion, but I won’t quibble.I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how professional the waitstaff were. The first time we went, our waitress (whose name I can’t recall) was always available when we needed her, and was not intrusive at all. The other waiter, Brendan, was very affable and attentive, but in no way bothersome.This place is a winner! I hope it remains that way.”
Takeout Restaurants
“I recently visited Ganko Ittetsu for the first time in many years and they are still as delicious as I remembered. The star of the show for me was the chicken karaage/ fried chicken. It came piping hot, was not dry at all and had great flavor. The pork gyozas were juicy and tasty. The ramen was one of my favorites I had in a while and I tend to try a new ramen spot at least once a week. It is as busy as I remembered it being a few years ago, however, the wait was not too bad. They offer you their menu to look over and you are able to order, so that by the time you are seated, your food is served to you. This is a great spot for yummy ramen and appetizers!”
“I recently dined at Mirchi’s, a top South Indian restaurant in Boston, and it was truly delightful. The food is delicious and tastes as good as any restaurant from India. If you're new to Indian cuisine, don't miss out on trying their chicken pepper fry, biryani and mutton haleem (only place serving in Boston). The refreshing chikoo shake and sweet paan rounded off the meal perfectly.Overall, my experience at Mirchi’s was exceptional, with delicious food, impeccable service, and a welcoming ambiance. I'll definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine in the Brookline area.”
“I had them cater food for a private party of about 50 people. The food was excellent .. all the guests loved it! Everything was very fresh and flavorful. Am sure to use them again!”
“A board game lover's heaven. I could spend hours and hours learning and playing new board games, and the price to enter is super reasonable ($15 on weekends)! They have a huge selection, including some games that are not sold in the US. Staff is knowledgeable and nice. I also love that you can bring your own snacks and alcohol.”
“Very nice sushi place. It is not very big, but had loads of small tables for two and four. I came at 7 o'clock on a Saturday and could only sit at the sushi bar itself (four seats) They had a nice set of sushi options, including an all salmon, sashimi and rolls.”
“Perfect selection and choices! The staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! I hope more places provide such customer focus and warming environment! I'll be back.”
“Tip: Usually good amount of street parking a nice ice cream place nearby for dessert.This place is definitely a must try if you like pho. I usually go to “pho viet” but honestly this place might be just as good or even better. Unfortunately I cannot say the ramen was as great as it was okay. But I would definitely come back to try another pho or even the Thai noodle soups. Price-flavored value is p good.”
“My recent visit to Busy Bee Restaurant for breakfast left me feeling like I had stepped into a cozy home. The warm ambiance set the stage for a delightful dining experience. The staff, especially our waiter, went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Their genuine friendliness and proactive service made us feel truly valued. Now, let's talk about the food. It was delicious! Generous portions at reasonable prices, cooked to perfection. Overall, Busy Bee Restaurant exceeded our expectations with its welcoming atmosphere, impeccable service, and mouthwatering food. Highly recommended!”
“It's a small location. They are practicing social distancing with mask and take out only. We tried the new mojitos drinks which was mixed berry, mango Orange, and grapefruit citrus. They were all so favorful and sweet. There was pieces of fruit and mint in all of them . They were all carbonated. Service was good and price was reasonable”
“My second visit to Mecha Noodle Bar was as enjoyable as the first. Initially, I dined at their Seaport location, which was fantastic. This time, I went with friends to the Brookline branch. It's a tad smaller than the Seaport spot but still spacious enough for groups. We only had to wait about 15 to 20 minutes, which was reasonable. Plus, there's a fantastic bookstore nearby where you can pass the time while waiting!We all opted for ramen, and it didn't disappoint in terms of portion size and satisfaction. I went for the spicy miso ramen, which was bursting with flavor. I always add tamago which is aways a great choice; it complemented the dish perfectly. I highly recommend adding an egg to your noodles!For appetizers, we indulged in dumplings, pork baos, and edamame, and they were all incredibly delicious. The pork belly baos, in particular, stood out; the pork belly was incredibly tender. Overall, Mecha Noodle Bar is an excellent choice for a romantic date or a casual meal with friends.”
“Bottega di Capri is a rare gem, a yellow sapphire perhaps. It's a European style bistro in a charming setting with very good to excellent food, reasonably priced, served by conscientious, nice, lovely people. I drive over from either Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury every week at least once.”
“Delicious, fresh, creative menu. Excellent quick and friendly service. (Thanks for all the extra sauce!) Super comfortable, clean, and inviting atmosphere. The Grass Roots picked me up and the Impossible Burrito was tasty, balanced and filling. She loved the Classic Flatbread. We had a great meal and will be coming back very soon!”
“My family ordered latkes, knishes, matzah ball soup, and brisket for Passover. We loved every bit of it. Can’t say enough good things about the food, the cooking instructions and the service. Looking forward to eating from there again.”
“Super Cluckin' Sunday occurs once a month and requires you to pre-order a week in advance. The fried chicken sandwich of the month alternates between BBQ Ranch and OG Honey Mustard, and you can see the schedule on Cutty's website.I tried the OG Honey Mustard. I wasn't able to eat it until an hour later, but the chicken was still crispy and tasted fine re-toasted. The sesame brioche bun was soft and airy. The chicken was lightly peppered/seasoned and moist. The slaw and honey mustard sauce added a complementary sweetness. There was also Cabot sharp cheddar cheese, but I couldn’t really taste it.I don't think the amazingness of this sandwich amounts to the hype of being a once-a-month special, and $13.99 is a bit expensive. However, it was a delicious sandwich overall, and I would get it again.”
“Pies were excellent! Tried the blueberry and chicken pot pies. I was able to order both pies 24 hours prior. Staff were super accommodating. Parking right out front. Greeted by the nicest woman who answered all my questions and gave me great advice for future orders. Best experience. Everything was so wonderful that I went back two days later for another pie!”
“Se7en Teriyaki is low key awesome. It’s their restaurant inside a restaurant. I am even apprehensive about sharing this because I’m selfish. I hope you’re not reading this.”
“Excellent food and cocktails! Service was wonderful. The bartender, Bernie, is wonderful! She makes the best Old Fashion I have ever had. It’s a small neighborhood “hole in the wall” vibe. Definitely worth trying.”
“We were deciding what to eat for our anniversary dinner. One kid wants sushi, another wanted ramen or chicken katsu, wife wanted sashimi and I wanted Yakitori. We landed on Omori Izakaya.Parking was easy right on the same street and plenty of spots available at dinner time on a Saturday.We got there earlier than our reservation. We were seated immediately with maybe few more tables open. We order some Yakitori and appetizers to start. The pork belly, chicken gizzards and chicken hearts were extremely flavorful. The chicken skin was crunchy perfection. The octopus was grilled to perfection with a little of mixed spices on top. Hotate Kaiyaki came out on a little warmer with a little flame and very cool presentation. Tako Yaki was good as well.For main courses we order chicken katsu dinner and dragon roll and caterpillar and sashimi combo. The kids love the chicken katsu. They also loved the maki rolls. Sashimi also fresh.Overall we had a great time. The food were very good. The stars were the Yakitori skewers.Parking: Plenty of meter parking on the same street as the restaurant.”
Cheap Eats
“Returned to visit after a year away. Still cozy, friendly, and consistently good food and drink! Miss the wrap options and the famous honey mustard, but still the best in the Village!”
“Went here with some friends yesterday. It was a snowy day, and we were looking for a cozy place to get some nice Chinese food. I was recommended this place by a friend, so decided to give it a try.This place has absolutely amazing Chinese food that tastes homemade. we talked to the owner and she makes the food homemade every day, so nothing is stuck in a freezer for days on end. I think this made an incredible difference and how awesome our food tasted. Service and atmosphere felt like you were in somebody’s home being served food as a guest. Very cozy vibe and attentive service. The only thing is that it is a bit small, and I can’t see it seating more than eight people at a time.Highly recommend Wonton noodle soup was amazing along with their scallion pancake wraps. Honestly, you won’t go wrong with anything on their menu.Food - 17/20Service - 9/10Atmosphere - 6/10Total - 32/40”
“WOW! This place is incredible. Very popular but still has hole in the wall vibes. My parents and I make crepes at home (nothing beats homemade) but these blew us away. There are so many menu options, all delicious and with unexpected fillings, I had a hard time choosing. Ultimately got the John Gouda man with extra goat cheese and mushrooms, and they were VERY generous with the fillings. Omg, I dream about this combo and I imagine the others are just as good. My mom got the half baked- equally impressed. Hers was a bit less stuffed than mine. Dad got a make your own with parsley infused crepe, which I'll admit it also hit the spot. Overall, crepe texture is thick and stretchy (unlike our homemade ones) and Creperie might just become a regular spot for us. We also got the Ruth bader cinnsburg, but i found it wasn't cinnamonny enough. Unsure if I'd get it again- would be perfect with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Inside, the cafe is very small and not the cleanest, there aren't many places to sit and you're lucky to catch a spot. They were also low on utensils (no knives the entire time we were there). But, love, will be returning!”
“I've lived in the area for 29 years and this is my first time here had an awesome experience with Joe the bartender.. I learned about the history of the golf course, And the crispy chicken sand which, i can't wait to come back ? And try the golf range and the Bochi ”
“Coleen will immediately make you feel part of her community. We popped in for brunch on a recommendation and we're so happy we did. Small town community feel in the heart of Brookline. Excellent food, fair pricing, owner operated; and you can see she's well loved in the community. I will always come back here if I'm in the area looking for a bite to eat and a break.”
“Super cute place, even on a rainy afternoon it was still pretty busy. The ice cream was good, it was nice having the fresh fruit mixed in but nothing crazy. The kiddie size feels a bit expensive - I got a regular and my friend got a small kiddie size, and I think my regular was about double the size for only an extra dollar.”
“Great, casual diner, family vibe with a lot of regulars. High value & good price. Omelet is FANTASTIC, so is smoothie, bagel, etc.Wheelchair accessibility: Stools only”
“Party Favors is a Brookline institution! I've gotten multiple different things to celebrate for my partner over the years (and vice versa). The staff are always very friendly and accommodating to help make every event special! Recently had our wedding cake tasting through Party Favors which was excellent. They also contribute to the community such as giving out free cupcakes on Brookline First Light Festival! I'm happy to support the local business and it's top notch.”
“The service here was good - the ambiance is very loud and bustling full of college students. The drinks are fairly price and come served in two sizes. The matcha 4.5/5 London Fog 1.5/5 very watery and lacked flavor”
“Stooped in here tonite. We went from being the only ones to at least 10 in a matter of minutes. 1 young man behind the counter running it perfectly. Nice clean store. My mango yogurt bubble hit the spot. Thank ”
“I stopped in for lunch while on a work trip and got the Rachel sandwich (corned beef, cole slaw, Russian and Swiss). It was fantastic. It fell like it's be a great dinner spot.”
“HIDDEN GEM!! If you have a sushi craving and want BANG for your buck, this is the place. The service was quick and the people that work here are immensely kind. To say the food was incredible is an understatement. The Spider Tempura is a great starter. Same with the Maki combo. I got the Baked Salmon Maki and I couldn’t speak of it more highly. This place should have a line running down the block, i couldn’t recommend it more!”
“These bagels are pretty stuffed. I had the Coolidge Corner on an everything bagel. This has chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, and onions. It was almost difficult to eat because the stuffing kept sliding out. Taste wise, it hit the spot. Pricing: a little expensive, but reasonable considering how filling these are. Bagels also come with a free bottle of water. Not much seating inside and the place was PACKED when I went. We waited about 10 minutes for our food.”
“Very good! They brought the spice! Only wish they gave some sauce with my crab Rangoon (I think they must’ve forgotten the sweet and sour sauce) and the sauce with my fresh spring rolls wasn’t my favorite. Pick up was quick and containers were full :)”
“The kindest people run this place and it’s really comforting, well sourced sushi! Their noodles and other dishes are also heartwarming. Some of the best food in the area. Local businesses!”
“This was my first time back here since 2019 and did not disappoint! Love the renovations and menu. Blackberry sage margarita was amazing as was all of the food. Service was very quick. Can’t wait to go back!”
“I can't review the full dinner menu and tapas, as I only came here for the bar, but I did want to leave a review because it was a great evening. From 5-7pm Monday through Saturday, the bar does $2 oysters, and my partner and I had a whopping 24! We went on a Thursday evening and the atmosphere was great - not too loud or crowded, but not dead either. The service was amazing as well - the oysters came almost immediately after we ordered them and when we ordered the Sherry flight, the staff gave us a great explanation of each of the 4 drinks before leaving us to our food and drink. Oysters ($2 each) - I'm not usually a huge fan of oysters, but these were different from a lot of the others I've had in the past. They were slightly briny, but they also had a really sweet aftertaste that made them really pleasant to eat. They were served with lemon and also a little cup of vinegar - both options were good but I preferred the lemon. We started with 12 oysters and ordered a second dozen when we realized how good they were! Sherry flight ($30) - I had never had sherry before, but this was quite pleasant. The flight came with 4 different sherries and 2 croquetas which were tasty and filled with ham and bechamel. The filling was a bit dense, but not necessarily a bad thing. The four sherries were as follows, and my reviews are coming from someone who does not know much about sherry but enjoyed each one: - Manzanilla La Cigarrera - This was a light one with a very light alcohol taste. It paired nicely with the oysters. - Fino el Granero - This one had a slightly stronger alcohol taste to it, but it also paired nicely with the oysters. - Amontillado Rare Escuadrilla - This one tasted like a red blend and was my favorite of the four. It was nice to sip on after eating the oysters. - Olorosso East India Solera - This one was my partners favorite and tasted sweet. It almost had a taste like raisins, but it was quite pleasant. The order also came with bread, though I'm not sure if it was the drinks or the oysters that triggered the bread. The bread was nice, but they did not offer butter with it. Instead, you could have olive oil, but it was a fancy olive oil so there was a charge. We opted to just eat the bread by itself and it was nice - crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. All in all, this was a bit of an expensive night (we did eat a lot though!) but it was well worth it. I do know there are $1 oysters around Boston, but $2 oysters near our home is also a great deal. The sherry flight was nice to try, but I'd also like to try their gin and gin mixed drinks, as they are known for both their sherry and gin. I give this a strong 4/5 and we will definitely be back!”
“The place is beautiful, spacious, the servers are very attentive, friendly, I really loved this place, I reiterate the excellent atmosphere of the servers. Of the 3 peñoles, in my opinion, it is the best.”
“My second visit to Mecha Noodle Bar was as enjoyable as the first. Initially, I dined at their Seaport location, which was fantastic. This time, I went with friends to the Brookline branch. It's a tad smaller than the Seaport spot but still spacious enough for groups. We only had to wait about 15 to 20 minutes, which was reasonable. Plus, there's a fantastic bookstore nearby where you can pass the time while waiting!We all opted for ramen, and it didn't disappoint in terms of portion size and satisfaction. I went for the spicy miso ramen, which was bursting with flavor. I always add tamago which is aways a great choice; it complemented the dish perfectly. I highly recommend adding an egg to your noodles!For appetizers, we indulged in dumplings, pork baos, and edamame, and they were all incredibly delicious. The pork belly baos, in particular, stood out; the pork belly was incredibly tender. Overall, Mecha Noodle Bar is an excellent choice for a romantic date or a casual meal with friends.”
“We had an okay experience. I'll have to try again, but the tuna was underwhelming and not filling. Having tried the meals of two others, I thought they were pretty heavy handed with salt. Maybe an off day. The salad side was great!”
“It was our first time here. Sushi was great. Staff was also very pleasant. The restaurant itself was a very nice environment nice seating and lighting. The presentation of the sushi was amazing! It came in a beautifully designed boat steaming with dried ice and beautiful decorations! They had a pretty decent size menu. Absolutely going back.”
“the karaage was soooooo good. juicy, unbelievably tender, all contained within a wonderful crispy-but-not-oily potato starch batter. served with a acidic soy based sauce to contrast.hope to see more people come through this place.”
“I went here with a group of friends for dinner. It is difficult to get a table walk in unless you reserve it. Because they are popular, they call and confirm your reservation sometimes. We were seated probably 5-10 min after our reserved time. The place is large but they cramped the tables so close. The atmosphere is modern but very loud. The food (dinner menu) is definitely overpriced. They have vegetables like roasted carrots and mushrooms as well as meat dishes. The roasted carrots were priced around $7 and a very thinly sliced steak was $16. At least 1/3 of the menu was spicy and the food is on the greasier side. The cheese and charcuterie board was nice. We got a goat cheese platter and the cheese quality was very good. The drinks here are mediocre for the price point. Overall, it is a hip place but overpriced for sure.”
“I stumbled upon this place on my way home from work and wow. The sushi is some of the best I've had. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. Got the spicy tuna and yellow tail, tuna and salmon nigiri, and crunchy tuna maki. Absolutely would recommend anything on this menu.”
“Great service, great food, great prices. We showed up on a Sunday night and had a 40 minute wait. Luckily there was a cafe open until 10:00 across the street, so we waited there. They had lots of tables and small sweets. Bartaco is one of my favorite places to go when friends are in town.”
“The best! We come here often and the food is always delicious. Yesterday we received a call on a pick up order clarifying an allergy, which was very appreciated and professional. Highly recommend.”
“Kao Jiu is a very beautifully designed Chinese restaurant. The interior is decorated very traditionally Chinese, with dark, lacquered wood, red lanterns, and Chinese art all around. Their menus come in the form of scrolls, which I thought was very cute and creative.I came here for the lunch special though, that's available Mon-Fri 12-4pm. The place was empty - only us in the restaurant, so service was quite fast.The lunch special came in a square wooden box with an appetizer, a choice for protein, a choice of veggies and a staple food. I came with a friend, so I was able to try 2 of everything. :) And despite initially thinking it wouldn't be filling, it actually was.The chicken kebab was the fan favorite. It was soft and moist, and had amazing seasoning. The beef kebab was a lil hard to chew with all the fat. The potato chips were my second favorite, as they were thinly sliced, very crisp and nicely seasoned. The fried tofu, oyster mushrooms, and the egg fried rice were all pretty good as well. The only thing that was slightly lacking was the lamb burger, as it did not have much meat inside and lacked a bit of flavor.”
Latest Reviews
“Great, casual diner, family vibe with a lot of regulars. High value & good price. Omelet is FANTASTIC, so is smoothie, bagel, etc.Wheelchair accessibility: Stools only”
“Excellent service, incredible drinks, and some of the best food I've ever had. Vegan steak was out of this world! End the night with the sorbet drenched in champagne. Fancy place, felt like I was in Europe.”
“So glad there’s an Indian grocery store within walkable distance in Brookline! They’re surprisingly well stocked for the size of the store and have tons of south indian options which are sometimes lacking in other Indian stores. The owners are very friendly. People afflicted with serious car-brain will compare a local mom and pop store in an expensive location with a chain in the suburbs - not all of us want to or can drive to a Patel Brothers in Waltham for a quick grocery trip. Glad we have this option in the neighborhood!”
“Returned to visit after a year away. Still cozy, friendly, and consistently good food and drink! Miss the wrap options and the famous honey mustard, but still the best in the Village!”
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“I love the decor in the restaurant, especially the Koi fish pond next to the waiting area. The sound of the flowing water makes me feel calm.I brought a Saudi friend and she became quite interested in Japanese culture due to her experience! I enjoyed the Unagidon. I also appreciate that the servers dress in traditional clothes!”
“I recently visited Ganko Ittetsu for the first time in many years and they are still as delicious as I remembered. The star of the show for me was the chicken karaage/ fried chicken. It came piping hot, was not dry at all and had great flavor. The pork gyozas were juicy and tasty. The ramen was one of my favorites I had in a while and I tend to try a new ramen spot at least once a week. It is as busy as I remembered it being a few years ago, however, the wait was not too bad. They offer you their menu to look over and you are able to order, so that by the time you are seated, your food is served to you. This is a great spot for yummy ramen and appetizers!”
“I recently dined at Mirchi’s, a top South Indian restaurant in Boston, and it was truly delightful. The food is delicious and tastes as good as any restaurant from India. If you're new to Indian cuisine, don't miss out on trying their chicken pepper fry, biryani and mutton haleem (only place serving in Boston). The refreshing chikoo shake and sweet paan rounded off the meal perfectly.Overall, my experience at Mirchi’s was exceptional, with delicious food, impeccable service, and a welcoming ambiance. I'll definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine in the Brookline area.”
“Food: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Food at price point: 5/5 The server was almost too personable. I do not like to have a conversation on the average day. And the neighboring table was the worst group of women maybe in the entire world. Out of the restaurants control so it's fine. You must get the dole whip drink!!!!”
“Bottega di Capri is a rare gem, a yellow sapphire perhaps. It's a European style bistro in a charming setting with very good to excellent food, reasonably priced, served by conscientious, nice, lovely people. I drive over from either Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury every week at least once.”
“Excellent service, incredible drinks, and some of the best food I've ever had. Vegan steak was out of this world! End the night with the sorbet drenched in champagne. Fancy place, felt like I was in Europe.”
“I kid you not - one of the best breads I've had in a while. There's a reason why people wait in line for this place. (Don't worry the lines aren't too long and go pretty quickly). I bought some croissants and a Demi baguette - it was foolish of me to think I'd wait till I was home to eat the baguette! Worth the visit and can't wait till I'm back! Also can't wait to try the coffee bar next door...”
“My daughter stopped in today on her way out of a drs appt. She brought home 2 perfect pistachio croissant and a box with 12 macaron. Everything was delicious. I don’t understand the limits! Her trip here must have been after noon time (1-2pm). They said one croissant per order, but since it was her and her bf they allowed them to purchase two. I understand not wanting to sell out at 8-9am and perhaps limiting, but all our money is the same! If someone gets there and waits in line and has money, sell to them! Mid afternoon limits seem silly. I’d think they would want the cases empty by closing time. I have waited 2 months to enjoy something from there. I hope to be able to purchase and try more, but we are an hour and a half away. I’d be so disappointed to go all that way and not be able to purchase a healthy size box/order. Please rethink the limit stuff!! Sincerely the best macaron and croissant I’ve had at 51 years of age! Can we order ahead and pay?”
“We had a great time listening to live music downstairs at the Social Club. Up and coming R&B performer Andrew Sue Wing and his band mates were a treat to hear. Good food and drinks, as well. We'll be back.”
“Super cute place, even on a rainy afternoon it was still pretty busy. The ice cream was good, it was nice having the fresh fruit mixed in but nothing crazy. The kiddie size feels a bit expensive - I got a regular and my friend got a small kiddie size, and I think my regular was about double the size for only an extra dollar.”
“One of the best restaurants in Brookline! The food is all fresh and it is to die for! If you have not gone here I recommend giving this place a shot, you won’t regret it!”
“I have been to Japonaise for nearly 3 decades and all other locations they used to own. This little gem is operated by Takeo and his mom. Pure labor of love. Takeo works as primary baker. Everything here are delicious from breads, pastries, cakes, and some savory - Japanese delicacies. Takeo works very very long hours everyday making all of these. Wonderful folks. Asuki cream is my all time favorite.”
“I wanted to change my review as the service has improved so much in the last month or two. So much faster and helpful than previously. The muffins and coffee are exceptional.”
“Manny the manager is an absolute angel and deserves a raise. He is holding the team together and has a smile on his face the whole time. Good work ethic, good leadership. Manny is the glue. I traveled from Denver and this is my absolute opinion”
“These bagels are pretty stuffed. I had the Coolidge Corner on an everything bagel. This has chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, and onions. It was almost difficult to eat because the stuffing kept sliding out. Taste wise, it hit the spot. Pricing: a little expensive, but reasonable considering how filling these are. Bagels also come with a free bottle of water. Not much seating inside and the place was PACKED when I went. We waited about 10 minutes for our food.”
“What an amazing place. In these times when we are still not comfortable dining indoors this place rocks. The chef behind these dishes knows a thing or two about bringing beer garden food to a totally new level. Thank you chef and staff in front of the house.”