Craigie on Mainelegant simplicityEverything about the food and service is way above average. The prices are steep, but the level of creativity, inventiveness, detail and artistry makes it worth every penny. This is a temple for foodies. The menu works better for meat-eaters, though they always have a good seafood offering, and they can whip up something vegetarian, too. The atmosphere is rustic, almost casual. Not what I expected for such a highly-rated and pricey place, but it somehow works as a kind of elegant simplicity. Noise level is more energetic than we like; that would be the only real downside.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for brunch. EverybodyWent for brunch. Everybody really enjoyed what they had. Prices are very reasonable.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial dinner a success!I went here for a graduation dinner and enjoyed myself very much. The food was interesting and delicious. The tasting menu was exciting and an adventure for my family and I. Definitely good for a special occasion when willing to splurge. We loved the variety of cocktails and beer, including some drinks with ingredients we had never heard of. The staff was very knowledgable and friendly. The only reason I marked down on service was my waiter forgot about a cocktail I had ordered, otherwise the service was perfect. Get the civilian cocktail if you go soon!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunchBrunch at Craigie on Main is always special. Delicious food, very good service, and among the best cocktail creations in Boston. Seating can be a little tight, so small groups 3-5 people best fit the small atmosphere.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, for a priceMy girlfriend and I had the six course tasting, paired with wines by the glass by our server. We went in with super high expectations and overall the experience fell somewhat short. The food was absolutely delicious and memorable, two wines were good, one was great, and one was bad. The service was attentive but never annoying. I would have liked a little more description of the wines and courses as they came. Overall I'd say that description is a great night of fine dining. However, the total bill, after tip, came to around $375 for two people. That's just too much money for not the greatest meal in the history of meals. Probably won't be back unless the price drops a little, but it's worth a look for a special occasion/celebration.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent choice for a special mealThis was our first visit to Craigie on Main and it was a delight from the food, to the drinks, to the service. We were worried about whether or not this would be the right choice for our special night out but there was no need for worry. We found everything to be top notch and look forward to another visit soon.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AM1. The appetizers are always1. The appetizers are always more inspired, more unusual and with a more harmonious combinations of flavors. The main dishes are usually less imaginative and quite varying in quantity. On this last visit, the lack of appeal of the main dishes made us order pig's head for two. It was a great disappointment both in term of the excessive amount of fat as well as the insufficient quantity. The accompaniments were at best average and uncomplimentary.
2. Excessive pricing! If Craigie on Main wants to remain a "treat" for diners, it should correct its shortcomings and start considering what brought it to this level: the "old Craigie Street Bistro". In the attempts to expand, it is sacrificing charm and the special attention to details.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMPig's head a mild letdown this timeThe first time we ordered the pig's head, it was delicious and moist. This time, it was a bit dry in places. We first split the burger (no bun or fries, to avoid filling up) and the fried clams, which were very satisfying. Perhaps by the time we got the pig, we were not as hungry as before.
We should have also asked if we could move tables; there was a cold draft coming down on us.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMReservation was at 8:15 forReservation was at 8:15 for 3 people and we were not seated until after 9, which was fine because they comped several rounds of drinks for us. Had the 8 course chef's creation tasting menu. Some of the the dishes were absolutely outstanding and a couple of them were just okay. Not quite as memorable an experience as my first time dining there but still one of the best in Boston none the less. Wine list was a bit eclectic for my tastes, I would advise bringing someone along who really knows there stuff as it will greatly enhance your meal.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfection from the momentPerfection from the moment we entered.
The ambience could not have been better for Mother's Day.
The service was superb even while I waited for my dauughter to arrive.
Food was creative and delicious.
Definitely a memorable bite.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMIncrementally improved!That's saying a lot, since I thought my last visit for dinner was supremely excellent. My other and I had a phenomenal meal via the tasting menu. The desserts were superlative. Thank you.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOver the top delicious.We had the 8 course tasting menu... it's the best way to go because there are so many interesting items on the menu it's impossible to pick just 1 entree and appetizer. Each dish was delicious and the waitstaff were very knowledgeable about all the ingredients and preparations. We had them pair glasses of wine with each dish and it was just perfect. Also had the roasted bone marrow on toast points as an extra side -- delicious. I will go again next time I am visiting Boston... be prepared to bring your wallet.,,, it was the most expensive dinner I ever had (almost $600 for 3 people),. But it was worth it if you are a foodie. Sit on the bar side if you prefer less noise and foot traffic.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMixed reviewThe food was excellent except for the Sorbets for desert. They were inedible.
Great service and ambience.
Wines were a bit too expensive5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMCraigie on MainFood was excellent and pricey. Biggest disappointment was the wine list which had no bottles at $40 or under, and was missing the relatively good value Sauvignon Blancs, Spanish tempranillos and the like. Apparently deliberate. Stick to beer.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic way to celebrateFantastic way to celebrate birthday - tasting menu inventive and well composed, loved sashimi, pasta with tripe and duck! Great wines helpfully selected by friendly and attentive staff. Atmosphere a perfect mix of upbeat, lively yet very efficient service. Holding back one star on the food only because in a few of the dishes I thought they could have packed a bit more flavor. Overall a top experience highly recommended.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMinterestingWe did the 6 course. if eating is an obsession and you just have to have something eclectic then Craigie is for you. Food and service really were very good. Mixings of items were very good. Wine excellent. Non-alcoholic beverages were fun too, a nice surprise. We had several new taste sensations. Wait staff attentive but not over the top. Will go back.
Next time we will order off the menu, as the multi course really was too much and maybe too rich in total.
Restaurant was abuzz, but not too loud. Interesting clientele and conversations.
Overall experience is memorable.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAn interesting menu, withAn interesting menu, with an extraordinary beet-flavored ice cream dessert, worth going back for!
A very nice riesling. Altogether on the pricey side, so we won't return very often.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMSurpassed my expectations!I had heard so much about Craigie on Main, so my expectations were high, but the quality and creativity of the meal far surpassed what I imagined! We did the six course tasting menu, which is the perfect way to sample what Craigie has to offer. From the sashimi at the beginning to the desserts at the end, everything was truly fabulous, of a quality you rarely experience when dining out. The staff took wonderful care of us - we had a relaxed meal but were never left waiting too long for the next dish. Thank you, Craigie on Main, for your attention to every aspect of our dining experience.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious, expensiveAs a graduate student, I will never be able to afford to eat here again. However, the food was fabulous, service was great.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food, Amazing ServiceVery hard to find such an amazing combination of stunning food and amazing service.
It's worth the travel/money to have a garunteed fantastic experience.
Our party had burgers, fancy drinks, some amazing appetizers (warm asparagus, pate) and desert (beignes) everything was superb. They seated us quickly (even though our party was incomplete) and was always attentive and helpful.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMBest restaurant in Boston,Best restaurant in Boston, although it is in Cambridge-the best. Reserve a spot at the Chef's Counter when you go. Do not miss brunch, order one of everything. DO it.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMI had the legendary burger...I had the legendary burger... and I have to admit this is a well-deserved one. the burger is simply delicious.
I was not so excited with the profiteroles I had for desert but overall, a great experience !4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMEasily the best meal I'veEasily the best meal I've had so far this year. A unique menu served by an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Our server, Emily, was attentive and helpful at every turn. I would highly recommend Craigie on Main for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy an exceptional dining experience.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our fourth trip toThis was our fourth trip to Cragie on Main, and as usual we were delighted. We celebrated our son's engament. Great place to dine for foodies.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you love innovative andIf you love innovative and delicious food, this is the place to come to! Perhaps the most special aspect of this restaurant is chef's attention to all the lovely fresh vegetables used in his dishes. A true delight to anyone who values flavors and presentation. The desserts are exquisite too!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous all around! I justFabulous all around! I just wish it were cheaper, so my friends and I could go more often :) I'd also love to know where the chef finds the great but obscure gins that are served!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMHeard it was one of the "mustHeard it was one of the "must go to" spots in Boston and it did not disappoint. We did the 6 course tasting menu and it was delicious. The service was really great and we got to meet the chef briefly and he was really friendly.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was absolutelyEverything was absolutely amazing - from service to food!! Do not miss this dining experience!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMy first time here. SecondMy first time here. Second time for my. We came for brunch the weekend of the Boston bombings. Sat at the chef's table overlooking the kitchen. Very friendly, great staff and service, and the food was fabulous. Best burger ever, was my son's verdict.
thank you to the staff who fit us in as we were due to come the previous Friday.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMA grand anniversary eveningEnjoyed this meal very much. We did the five-course tasting menu, which was very exciting -- excellent food! The wine list may have been notable (I am not a wine connoisseur) but it -- the wine, that is -- is very expensive. Our two half-bottles paired very well with our food.
It was rather noisy in the dining room the night we were there but our table was intimate enough that we could hear each other; just had trouble hearing the server once or twice when they were describing the dishes. Of course, no one at adjacent tables could overhear our conversation, so there's that!
As this was a special occasion we weren't counting the cost but would find this restaurant a bit pricey for a regular evening out.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBacon & Eggs w/ a Side of BonesThe ambiance of this place is kind of like if you were inviting a James Beard winning chef and equally astounding waitstaff into your own home to cook and serve you the best meal of your life. Started with the octopus, which was so incredibly tender it almost flaked like chicken when cut with a spoon. I had their "Craigie Burger" in the bar with an addition of pork belly, bacon, eggs, and a side of bone marrow. It was incredibly rich, savory, and I happily fell into a food coma as the staff gracefully wrapped up most of it for me. The pastry chef prepared a delicious chocolate marquee dessert accompanied by some of the best ice cream I've ever had... and it had beets in it! Next time I visit Cambridge, Craigie is the place I'll be eating at4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat staff. Great service.Great staff. Great service. Great food. My top choice restaurant when in Boston.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazingJust Amazing! Dinner with our two adult daughters who came from out of town and it was an epicurean experience to remember.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent asThe food was excellent as usual, and I continue to be impressed by the quality of the service: staff were professional and personable. I also love the interesting cocktails.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I went to CraigieMy husband and I went to Craigie for the first time Tuesday night after having heard about the restaurant for a number of years. Our only regret is we waited this long. The food was outstanding. The atmosphere was informal but not casual. The pace of the meal was perfect. We has a minor issue with the service in that our cocktails took a long time to arrive otherwise I would have given service five stars. We look forward to our next meal at Craigie.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWhere else can you get a TeteWhere else can you get a Tete de Cochon served like Peking Duck??? Amazing!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFun, energetic environment.Fun, energetic environment. Great service-personable, engaging waitstaff. Food was interesting & tasty, but just not at the same level as other(Menton, #9 Park) foodie spots in the same price level. Only complaint-none of our food preferences that we specifically requested for the tasting menu were met. The waiter made it sound like there was some possibility of having the pork belly instead of the sweetbreads( overcooked, tasted like they were fried in bacon fat-no tender subtle sweetbread flavor) & the venison instead of the pork belly. We had 3 half bottles of wine, the Chassagne-Montrachet(a little maderized, but actually went well with the Jerusalem artichoke soup,) the Saint-Aubin & the Bandol. Overall a pleasant birthday dinner.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best restaurantsOne of the best restaurants in Cambridge and the Boston area in general. Paradise for (carnivorous) foodies. Service was top-notch -- well-informed, and extremely friendly. My first trip to Craigie on Main (had been to the original location twice) was everything I had hoped.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Chef's Whim tasting menuThe Chef's Whim tasting menu (offered Sundays after 9) is an unbeatable deal.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMCraigie on Main is one ofCraigie on Main is one of our favorite restaurants anywhere. It's become our choice for any special occasion. The food is the best in Boston (in my opinion), and the staff is helpful, efficient, and charming. A great experience every time.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMmy new favourite Boston / CambridgeI've been three times now, exquisite food, great staff.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom the moment you walk inFrom the moment you walk in the door you are pampered with attention. The first thing you see is a wide open kitchen with so many chiefs you know your in for a treat. I have a few food allergies and it was no problem at all. When they served my husband rolls they served me a lovely dish of olives. The service was excellent but not hovering over you. The menu was so diverse I wanted to try everything and you almost could because they have a great 6 or 8 course tasting menu that you and your waiter can put together. Also they had wonderful wine suggestions for all their dishes. If you have not been to this restaurant make reservation and go now!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best night out at a restaurantThe best night out at a restaurant my husband and I have ever had!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was amazing! CameEverything was amazing! Came here for my BF's birthday and we were not disappointed. The service was top notch--friendly, attentive and professional!!! And the food was delicious. I highly recommend for a special night out!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply amazing and not toSimply amazing and not to miss if you really appreciate interesting, creative and lovely food4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMArrived early for our resArrived early for our res and were invited to the kitchen table due to last minute cancellation. Yay! Servers were super-friendly despite our indecisiveness on the menu. Food was beautifully presented with interesting textures and flavors. I've never had monkfish so flaky and tender, and the pork belly just melts in your mouth. I was so in love with the citrus parfait I wanted to lick the plate (I didn't...kitchen table was very well lighted...though I suspect the chefs wouldn't mind). Kitchen crew was so energetic yet organized, it was a mesmerizing show. Only letdown was the orange blossom beignets, which were rather dense and too sweet. Next time I'm getting the pig head.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were on travel from MDWe were on travel from MD to Boston on our son's college visiting Spring Break so we decided to try a nice restaurant in the process. What a gem!The experience at Craigie on Main was better than any I've had in years. Hostess and staff were all very friendly and remembered personal details about us from our introduction two hours earlier. We began with House-Made Terrines, Pig's feet and chicken with squid ink pasta, all fabulous. Our mains were spectacular: monk fish, pork three ways and the sirloin were all tender, flavored nicely and were served with sides that rivaled in flavor, but didn't overpower the protein. The desserts were rich but not too sweet, even the Dark Chocolate Marquis. If you live in Boston, we're jealous!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial in every way!We've heard such good things about Craigie, but this was our first chance to visit. Everything was perfect: setting, service, food. Each course on the tasting menu was amazing. My favorite was the red chile and sesame-marinated Kona kampachi, while my husband relished the pork three ways. My dessert was citrus parfait; his was spearmint affogato - both were fabulous. The wine list is impressive, with selections you rarely see even in other high end restaurants. With the guidance of our fabulous server Anne, we started with a bottle of Saviennieres, went on to glasses of schiava nera, and a different dessert wine for each of us. A wonderful evening. I hope we can make it back soon.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best of CambridgeWe had dinner here during restaurant week at craigie's on main. Dinner service was the "chef's whim" and we didn't know what to expect. The food was superior to any other dining experience in Cambridge. We have visited the Boston area before, committed to trying new places each night. By a wide margin, this was the very best dining experience. The service was outstanding. Melanie and Dominique the super service duo went out of the way to make sure our every needs were met. As for the food, the tasting menu as part of the whim included a wide variety of choies from monkfish to lamb. The special cocktails were followed by an extensive wine selection. Don't forget desert, here. What a delicious way to top off a perfect dinner.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMCraigie on Main was excellent.Craigie on Main was excellent. The food and the service were outstanding and the people who greeted me when I walked in a little late were extremely gracious. I will definitely go back!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AM