erbaluceBest Dinner EverThe meal we shared at Erbaluce was incredible. The variety was amazing and the execution of each dish extraordinary. We ordered a number of pasta dishes - all unique and spectacular along a few fish dishes and salads. The desserts were also delicious - perfect ending to one of the best meals ever.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe menu was varied and theThe menu was varied and the entrees were all tasty. The sardine appetizer was great.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMEntrees were a bit priceyEntrees were a bit pricey and choices unusual....but interesting, Right in the theater district, so great for pre-theater dining.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMPacked, noisy and elegantNice little place to discover but found it had a noise level that made it almost impossible to talk with my guests without shouting above the din. Tables seemed to be packed in very tight which made this a problem. Lighting was excellent and the quality of the food was very good. The dessert we chose was excellent. The wine list was extensive but written in a cursive script that made it almost impossible to read. Service was good except for having my guest'snear empty wine glass removed before she was done with it. Uneven would characterize those evening event with out if town guests.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMexcellent restaurantThis was our first time here....will definitely return. Food was very good. Service and ambience were excellent. Very warm and friendly5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMI'd go backWent for the food and was not disappointed. Huge wine list. Helpful staff. Mackerel starter superb. Save room for desert too. Erbaluce is unsung. I'd like to keep it that way.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dinnerWe had dinner at Erbaluce with our close friends while visiting Boston from Philadelphia. This was one of the best dinners we have had out in years. The restaurant he menu is small but each appetizer and entree was perfectly executed. The shad roe appetizers were a dream. My Cavetelli with roasted tomato sauce, with fresh ricotta, was the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and rich. When I told the waiter that I had grown up in CT where the running of spring shad was an annual event, the chef wandered over during dessert and spoke to us for 10 minutes about cooking shad and shad roe, at the same time dropping off several complimentary desserts flavored with unique, local ingredients. Overall, this is what dining should be.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed it.The only issue I have with Erbaluce is that they do not publish a menu online, as they change the menu every day. That's OK, but there would probably be some days I would not want to dine because of the menu. That said, the food was creative and delicious, the service was good and the atmosphere is fine. We will return.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Erbaluce Experience.I really enjoyed the dinner I had the other night. The upstairs seating was excellent, providing an elegant and private atmosphere. The waiter was very knowledgeable and the food tasted amazing. I would recommend it to anyone.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMunique, fresh, delicious!My third time to Erbaluce. This place is always amazing. I can't wait to go back and see what new creations are on the menu. The chef uses fresh, in-season ingredients to create dishes that you cannot find anywhere else in Boston. For a treat - try any pasta. The noodles are homemade, dense, and simply amazing. Anything on the menu is an absolute win. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate without being pretentious. The waitstaff is excellent - very knowledgable and helpful.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMChef Charles Draghi demonstratesChef Charles Draghi demonstrates an intimate understanding of how essential flavors work together seamlessly and delightfully. We savored every bite.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent centrally locally trendyExcellent restaurant if you want to either celebrate an occasion or go to the theatre downtown. It is centrally located and the food is a bit more trendy. All in all a very good choice for a romantic event or a place to be seen. Obviously the food is excellent. The chef seems to be willing to try new recipes.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of a kind!As usual, my meal at erbaluce was outstanding in every respect and completely different from any other restaurant in Boston. My appetizer of shad roe wrapped in speck with fiddle heads and sage gave me a whole new appreciation for shad roe. The rabbit entree was equally outstanding, which complex herbal flavors. Everything at erbaluce tastes delicious, authentic, and unique, without being precious or contrived. This remains my pick for best restaurant in Boston.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA great little spot - veryA great little spot - very fresh and interesting combo of ingredients from salads to entrees.. Wine list is expansive and interesting. The fiddlehead salad is outstanding.. The fish choices are paired with interesting sides and the pastas are all worth tasting. Our waiter was outstanding and knowledgable - great guy. And they will accommodate you if you have theater plans too...5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous little Italian findPerfectly located easy walk from my back bay hotel.
Pleasant ambience.
Attentive service
Super yummy food. The crab risotto was a standout... Absolutely amazing:)5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThank youWe had dinner at Erbaluce to celebrate my wife's birthday. In addition to the food being very good, the staff went out of their way to make my wife feel special without gong over the top. Thank you to the staff of Erbaluce for helping us celebrate!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMStrongly RecommendThis was our inaugural visit, and erbaluce did not disappoint. We were seated upon arrival and were waited upon immediately. I'm not going to go into the food all that much, except to say that we were greatly satisfied with both the presentation and the flavor (best rabbit I've had in quite some time!).
We were interested in three courses (salad-pasta-main entree), but didn't want to be gluttonous. They serve the pasta course in half portions, and the kitchen obliged us by cutting that into two one-quarter portions so we had our own plates. Excellent wine recommendation by our waitress, Ann, and service was friendly and prompt by all. Skipped dessert and left completely sated but not overstuffed. Made our 7:30 show easily. We will return!!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMI'll be back!Chef Chuck has a skilled and delicate touch. A wonderful meal.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely LOVED this restaurant!!Absolutely LOVED this restaurant!! 1st time here and we'll definitely be back. Creative dishes, exquisite flavors, impressive Italian wine list. What a gem! Kudos!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent and unusual wineExcellent and unusual wine recommendation All food was very, very good with one exception. The fiddleheads were in a sort of hollandaise sauce, but it lacked the lemony tang and the red pepper, while present, did not come through at all. Pricing was very reasonable for the all-around quality of food and service.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFor a restaurant with suchFor a restaurant with such high reputation, I have to admit, I was bit disappointed by their services. Our waiter definitely took time to take our drink and food orders. Also he never once asked us how was the food. Besides from the service, food was great. Our appetizers were excellent and creative (we ordered cuddle fish ink risotto and fried anchovies). One of the main course we ordered - veal and rabbit bolognese was very tasty and I loved its handmade pasta! We also ordered trout dish - which was cooked perfectly but did not have any taste. It'd have been perfect if they had cooked it either with some more salt or even lemon juice. Overall, I was satisfied, but it did not meet my expectation. I'd give another try though.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMLove, love, love Erbaluce.Love, love, love Erbaluce. Every part of the meal is market fresh and you can taste the difference.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMEurbaluce was rated #1 forEurbaluce was rated #1 for Boston italian dining two years in a row for a reason...it is fabulous! So much thought and art goes into each dish and we all benefit from this.
One of my Boston favorites!!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe loved it and will return!Erbaluce was recommended to us by our son who lives in the South End. It was a thoroughly well executed dining experience and at an appropriate cost to boot. The service (our waiter) was terrific, and the food was exquisitely prepared. My gnocchi were melt in mouth worthy (as they should be, not chewy as they often are). My eating companions likewise raved about their dishes as well including a couple of the specials offered that night. Overall, an outstanding Boston meal at a Providence price. Highly recommend...4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMVery fresh, healthy take onVery fresh, healthy take on fine dining. The chef really strives to get local organic ingredients. There's always something new and interesting on the menu. There's no need to order dessert if you just want a small sweet. They provide delicious treats to each guest at the end of your meal. Just order coffee or a drink to enjoy them with.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMSmall gemAlways spectacular food - chef is a whiz with pastas and interesting main dishes. His appetizers - usually very seasonal - very imaginative. Consistently, one of the most interesting restaurants in Boston.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great meal at Erbaluce,We had a great meal at Erbaluce, with excellent service. The food was very fresh and flavorful. The staff couldn't have been friendlier or more accomodating. I highly recommend it.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMErbaluce was a wonderful fitErbaluce was a wonderful fit for our group of 10. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Knowing that we had a show to attend, they were appropriately mindful of our time. We enjoyed three wonderful courses in a great atmosphere.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst class food, excellentFirst class food, excellent service, will be back soon again.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went to Erbaluche beforeWe went to Erbaluche before going to see a Show in the theater district. We let the waitress know and they were able to have the whole meal done and have us out the door on time which is no easy feat. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was great.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome food and service.Awesome food and service. Our server (Blair?)did a great job, and the timing was perfect. The chef visited the table twice. The owner stopped by at the end of the meal to thank us for our visit. Rarely do I feel inclined to write a review, but this experience was exceptional and the whole staff made us feel special. I will definitely go back and will recommend erbaluce to my friends.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe dining room is very plain.The dining room is very plain. We went on a busy saturday night prior to theatre. Arrived at 6:15. At 6 :40, after a glass of wine, we placed our order. A moment later, we pointed out to the waiter that we need to leave at 7 45 to get to the theatre. Shortly thereafter the waiter came back and suggested we change our order to pasta dishes because the meat dishes would take too long. Really? they cant cook a steak in 40 minutes??? he said they were busy. I said its saturday night and you've been open for years.
anyway, I spoke with the manager and they got out food out in a relatively timely manner. The food is fabulous. Every dish expertly prepared, and as tasty as anticipated.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe selected erbaluce fromWe selected erbaluce from the OpenTable website. We were visiting Boston for one night and wanted something near our hotel that would give us a great restuarant experience. Ebaluce was perfect. It was crowded but we did not feel at all rushed. The food is contemporary Italian. Interesting takes on rabbit, pig cheeks, etc. yet my tagliatelle al ragu was as complex and classic as any I've had in Bologna. I would definitely return.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second time toThis was my second time to Erbaluce, and it was an incredible experience, as was the first. The food is wonderful, and the ingredients are so fresh!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMErbaluce is my favorite restaurantErbaluce is my favorite restaurant in Boston, and has now provided me one of my most memorable meals ever. The ordered the 5 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. The food and wine were both superb and the stories told about creating the food and the creation of the wine only added to the experience. Every time I go back to Boston I will be sure to go here. I love this place.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific first-time experienceTerrific first-time experience marred only by a server who kept disappearing and wasn't very helpful. Food is fantastic, fresh and innovative, and the wines are excellent. We'll definitely return and will tell others! Thank you.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful find for a special dinnerWe chose erbaluce for dinner before the theatre. We arrived at 6 and were greeted warmly by the hostess and seated promptly. Our waitress was attentive throughout the meal and was happy to suggest items that were gluten free for me. The menu changes daily at erbaluce so all dishes were a lovely surprise combining fresh ingredients in new ways. My husband ordered a prosciutto and pear salad that was beautiful and refreshing. I had a butternut squash and shrimp soup that was spicy and delicious. For our entrees we both had fish which was beautifully prepared and presented. Both were served with sautéed kale as well as giant white Lima beans. Desert was an incredible chocolate truffle that melted in your mouth. We will definitely return4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific, authentic ItalianTerrific, authentic Italian food of very high quality. Highly recommended.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMChef takes his job very seriously.Chef takes his job very seriously. Meals and service was very timely. Felt like a personal experience. I would absolutely return many times over!4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMtrue love and respectThis restaurant shows a true love and respect for their ingredients, food and service. We will be back!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMBRAVOAnother outstanding performance by a neighborhood gem3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA Hidden Top Ten GemReliably wonderful Italian-based food and service. Chef is a master with locavore ingredients -- unusual combinations of herbs and spices, vegetables as good as entrees, everything fresh and bright. Chef Draghi plays to seasonal specialties brilliantly yet has a staple recurring menu with wonderful fish, beef, pork, rabbit, pastas and even a few vegetarian dishes. Ample portions, intriguing wine list, plus super-attentive service from knowledgeable servers. Space is booked intelligently so there's never a wait for tables and the two dining rooms are always abuzz. We've become happy "regulars" -- this is our favorite in Boston.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent restaurant and exquisiteExcellent restaurant and exquisite food ! Definitely a restaurant you HAVE to try out if you are in Boston and looking for a really good restaurant. Slightly upmarket but worth every single dollar. Great service, delicious food and good location with a digestive late night walk back down commonwealth avenue to Boston common. What else can I say but WOW !3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food that standsFantastic food that stands out from your run of the mill Italian restaurant. The service was great and the waiter was very knowledgable and helpful.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely, intimate restaurantLovely, intimate restaurant with personable and knowledgeable staff. The menu changes frequently and was innovative and varied. The chef primarily uses vegetables and oils rather than butter and cream (except for dessert, we were told) and so the food was light (in a good way) and delightful. We had many questions about the menu and wine recommendations and all were handled very well. It will become a new favorite!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMI live in NYC, but alwaysI live in NYC, but always make a point of dining @ Erbaluce when I'm in the Hub. The food is sublime -- thoughtful, fresh, and perfectly prepared.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMI love Erbaluce. I have neverI love Erbaluce. I have never had anything less than a stellar meal here.
And I love that the chef, Chuck Draghi, comes out to the table with a little
something extra he made in addition to what you ordered. It's a fun little
extra and always delicious. If only I could afford to eat there more often!
But you definitely get what you pay for at Erbaluce. Best restaurant in Boston.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMHad an outstanding diningHad an outstanding dining experience. Excellent food and an extensive and well curated wine list.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMDefinitely an upscale experience.Definitely an upscale experience. Food well prepared commensurate with prices. Restaurant week menu quite good although the regular menu obviously varied. An elegant northern Italian restaurant.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMHighly recommend. EverythingHighly recommend. Everything fresh and local with NO cream or butter. Lobster Minestra was outstanding as was pasta and local fishes. Wonderful wine list.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM