Hamersley's BistroLoved it!This is our place to dine whenever we visit Boston. Pleasant and knowledgable service along with perfectly prepared food from beginning to end. Halibut served with butter beans, bacon, and greens was our favorite. Tasty wine list with good price points. Nice mix of old and new world wines.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOur 53 Anniversary DinnerMy wife and i were celebrating our 53rd Anniversary on the weekend and Hamersley's was our top find. we had not been there before and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was heightened by the graciousness of our waist who never rushed us and provided additional information about the restaurant Mr. Hamersley that completed the experience. My wife, who faced the chefs in the kitchen from our table, was totally entranced with the intensity of that staff and their apparent commitment to excellence, which exhibited itself in our food. We will return..6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous EveningThe food was amazing. Started off with the soft shell crab filled by lamb for myself and spicy halibut for my wife. Both dishes were amazing!!! Highly recommend this restaurant and we will definitely be going back. The service was to notch !!6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMStellar meal once againHamersley's Bistro just keeps delivering classic and delicious meals year after year. This is our go-to anniversary spot, and once again the food, service and ambiance were top-notch. Warm olives and butter lettuce and avocado salad were delicious warm-ups to perfectly seared sea scallops with crispy shallots, braised endive and spinach. The roast chicken was phenomenal as usual. This is a real gem.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat spot for dinner beforeGreat spot for dinner before going to the secondary Huntington theater location. Service a little less good than I expected, but still quite nice. Portions very reasonable, seafood lovely, wine list good.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is thoughtful, creative,Food is thoughtful, creative, well presented and very tasty! Great service and ambience. Neighborhood gem.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMSit outside for a summer dinnerHamersley's food is as good as it gets in Boston - especially that chicken! - but the main room of the restaurant is very noisy. We sat outside, which is the best outside dining location I have seen in the South End. It reminded me of a wonderful meal I had in Provence in similar surroundings. There is just enough light to give the area a romantic ambiance, and there is just enough activity in the area for it to be interesting without being noisy.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMMy favorite Boston restaurantThe dishes are exquisitely seasoned. The restaurant staff is friendly and upbeat. Menu changes but certain standard dishes are always available. Go here!!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMHamersley's still has itHamersley's still has excellent food, service and ambience. They have endured because they have stayed current while keeping the best classic (amazing roast chicken) as wonderful as ever. My husband had the chicken and loved it while I had the scallops which were perfect. A relaxed atmosphere that is also dignified and true to what one expects of fine dining makes the experience a memorable one. We will be back - our new favorite.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth it's top ratingWe looked forward to a romantic dinner in Boston. We were not disappointed. We had wonderful food, wonderful wine and excellent service. I had the roasted chicken and if you think hohum you have not tasted this chicken. I can't remember what my husband had because I was too busy raving about my dinner.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMNothing can ever go wrong hereOur server was very very good and he was able to manage our different requests; he was not only very attentive but also kind and understanding. (We communicated in English with him but we kept switching from Spanish to English all the time and that can be nerve wracking and rude to an outsider.We did not mean it in a bad way but it can be pereceived as such). Hamersley is one of those few restaurants where you know nothing can go wrong. The food is extremelly good, portions are OK (perhaps not too big for my usual appetite but is my fault not theirs). It is on the pricey side I have to admit but it worth it.
I used to like it more when the valet parking was not on the main street but on the side BUT this is a minor6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent dining, even after 10 yrsIt's been 10 yrs since my last meal at Hamm's and it was just as good, maybe better this time around.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent restaurantThe food here is really outstanding. We particularly enjoyed the crispy duck confit app, the roasted chicken entree, and the black pepper-infused strawberry shortcake. I did feel that they rushed the service a bit (appetizers were served within 5 minutes of ordering and entrees were served about 15 minutes after that). But it was the Sunday night before Memorial Day so I don't know if this is typical. Nonetheless, I will definitely go back and would recommend this restaurant to others.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMReliable GemThis restaurant never disappoints. We have dined here several times. Excellent proximity to the regional theatre scene.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA Culinary DelightI was in Boston for a week and thanks to open table got reservations just days from my Friday night experience here! It was recommended by friends and we passed on the well known chicken for the Monkfish and the Halibut. Both prepared and presented very well and my Halibut can't be compared to any other preparation of it I've had before. The duck confit was something I could eat lots more of as it bested some I've had in Paris. The fois gras was the only dish needing more of the star ingredient, but tasty nonetheless. We arrived 15 minutes late yet the hostess and server were very accommodating and pleasant. Something many restaurants lack on a busy Friday. If I lived in Boston this would be a regular spot for a nice dinner.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a treat!This is a wonderful restaurant!
Chef Gordon is onsite and WOW can that man cook!
I would go back anytime, and treasure each visit.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrificGreat experience overall. Would return and highly recommend to others. Food and service was excellent.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMHammersley's Bistro is a remarkableHammersley's Bistro is a remarkable restaurant. They do it right every time! We love the menu - the halibut, recommended by our server, is heavenly. Four different starters and each was delicious. We did have to slow our server down as we wanted to visit and enjoy our cocktails before ordering dinner. Once we made that clear, everything was perfect. This goes to the top of our favorites list.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMBoth food and drinks wereBoth food and drinks were very good. Service friendly and professional.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMI have not been there forI have not been there for 15 years it is still as good as it was. Lifely atmosphere and friendly service not to mention the food. The chicken was excellent and the desert also. Can't wait to go back5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMDelivers on the yummy factor!Came across Hamersley's while searching for best restaurants in Boston. Indeed, the dining was quite good. The Cumin-Spiced Smoked Salmon small plate was excellent, as were all of our entree choices. The Pouilly Fume, Henri Bourgeois, "La Demoiselle," 2009 ~Sauvignon Blanc paired very well with our meal and was quite delicious by iteself. We picked the wine ourselves, finding our waitress not very knowledgeable about the wines and wine pairings. The lovely quaint atmosphere was counterbalanced by the small, cramped, and noisy dining area.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food, Outstanding ServiceI went here with my friend for my birthday. We ordered the Duck Confit and I had the Lamb Shank. It was an incredible meal with a very nice wait staff. The service was very friendly and was very helpful in making recommendations. They brought out a double Chocolate Cake with birthday candles. I would definitely go back here especially to try their famous Chicken. Highly recommended.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways, always excellent!We are so lucky in Boston to still have Gordon Hammersley to cook for us. And cook he does from wonderful salads and apps to main courses and desserts. His chicken is legendary, and it is likely he can never take it off the menu, but his fish and meats are also wonderful. And the restaurant has made good economical choices without affecting the quality of what goes on your plate. Prices are reasonable for this quality restaurant. We wish Michael and staff continued good health and much pleasure in what you do with the hope you will be around for many years to provide us with such a wonderful dining experience.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOvercharge for liquorI was charged $30 a GLASS FOR TAKLIZER 25 yr old scotch whiskey!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary hitCelebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary with first time visit to Hammersley's. We will return.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMNot quiteEverything except the entrees was excellent. Both our main dishes (especially my halibut) failed to live up to the quality one would expect in a restaurant of this class. Too bad I was really looking forward to a stellar meal. The duck confit appetizer was, however, world class.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTastyThe food was good though the noise level a little loud. Would go back again.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMChef really knows how to cookChef really knows how to cook his fish. Artic char was one of the best I have had, crisp, salty skin, with tender, moist, buttery fillet.
I can see why Hamersley is still around after more than 25 years when other famed ones have come and gone5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my mother for Mother'sI took my mother for Mother's day and it was perfect. The food was amazing and she even commented it was the best meal she has had in a very long time which is no easy feat coming from her. Made my day that I could make hers!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBest in BostonThis restaurant is always reliably great! The quality and delight never lapse. Service is a joy. I have gone there multiple times over the years but never tried the famous roast chicken, thinking it might be boring or routine. It is anything but. Everyone should have this at least once in their life; you will never have better! Also, it is so nice to go to a restaurant owned by a well known chef and see him working away when you walk in. That probably is a big factor in making this restaurant so consistently outstanding.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Mothers Day BrunchGreat selections for brunch. The food and service were excellent. Noise level a little high, but acceptable. A great place to dine.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBest in BostonThis continues to be one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in Boston. I have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the service is excellent and the food outstanding! Thank you for continuous excellence!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMfrom the minute we walkedfrom the minute we walked in the door the staff couldn't have been more helpful the food was wonderful and adequate portions the appetizers were a little too exotic i would go back in a heartbeat5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a fabulous dinner atWe had a fabulous dinner at Hamersley's! We were a table of 7 and the service was terrific. Each of us ordered a different appetizer and entree and everyone thought the food was excellent. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great bistro.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMNot as expensive as we rememberedAs long time South Enders (30 years for one couple and more than 40 years for the other), we always remembered Hamersleys Bistro to be exorbitantly expensive. However, we were pleasantly surprised when we realized that while this might have been true years ago, its prices have basically remained the same while those of the other restaurants in the area have jumped drastically so that they are all basically in the same range at this point ($20-30 for entrees). But the important point is that the food at Hamersley's is still absolutely outstanding, and far better than many of the newer restaurants in the area. So we would all recommend it highly, if you are comfortable with this price range.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBest seat in the house!I could not have been happier about my service and dining experience at Hamersley! What a treasure! The place has been around for decades and I finally tried it out for the first time with my boyfriend. We felt very attended to without any overbearing moments. The duck confit is not to be missed, the halibut made me believe in white fish again and the skirt steak was prepared to perfection! Chef/owner, Gordon Hamersley still remains on the line running the show; a true testament to his pride in his establishment.
Thank you to everyone who made our night memorable!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways deliciousHamersley's Bistro has a very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. It can get a bit noisy when full. The service is always gracious and unpretentious and the food is always excellent. Try the grilled pineapple and lime gelato for dessert.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOn a Wednesday evening birthdayOn a Wednesday evening birthday dinner the restaurant was full, but we received prompt, courteous service. Everything we ordered was superb: not only the signature chicken dish that my wife had but two vegetarian dishes that I had, two side vegetable dishes and the dessert. Our waiter was attentive without hovering, and the whole meal took less than 1.5 hours. The valet parking outside the door of the restaurant is a convenient, inexpensive service.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent first experience.Excellent first experience. Strongly recommend. Location is an easy walk from Copley and BB trains.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMLives up to expectationsWe had:
Roast chicken was moist; side of creamy french lentils with carrots and leeks was superb.
Pork tenderloin good but the star was the noodle pancake it sat on.
Lemon pepper strawberry shortcake with strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, caramel and big mint leaf garnish was refreshing and divine.
Irish honey cocktail was delicious.
On a Tuesday evening to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary- ambiance was like an inviting home. Service also excellent.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecialI brought my boyfriend here for a birthday dinner. The ambience was lively but cozy and classy. We started with delicious grapefruit gimlets. We are foodies so we had our eyes on a lot of menu items. We started with the chickpea cake and duck confit. I love duck, order it almost every time it's on a menu. This was one of the best I've ever had- amazing. My boyfriend got the lamb, I the skirt steak. Both delicious and tender. And although we were a bit full, the desserts looked phenomenal. We got the strawberry shortcake. Oh my goodness amazing. Sweet and savory, light but filling.. All at the same time. Our waitress Michelle was also phenomenal. Kind, attentive, lively, honest and definitely made the experience. Very successful night.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMmy fourth time there. consistentlymy fourth time there. consistently wonderful food, always some interesting treat on the menu. attentive staff. has the feel of a neighborhood place that one discovered by chance, but it is really one of the truly fine eating establishments of New England. it is the type of place one wants to visit many times in a year.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMI expected a better meal,I expected a better meal, but I thought our food was good.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBThis place is still on its game. Yum, yum n. great execution and delivery n4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Food, interestingExcellent Food, interesting choices, outstanding service4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great meal. TheAlways a great meal. The staff is top notch. Amazing that a restaurant, more than 20 years old, is still so fresh and contemporary.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOur waiter I believe his nameOur waiter I believe his name was Mark was outstanding...4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMA lively and energetic restaurant.A lively and energetic restaurant. The food was very good, especially the chickpea cake, it would be nice if they gave you more than one tiny little portion, nevertheless, it was delicious. The vegetarian meal was different but very good and the peppered beef tenderloin was expertly prepared. Service was friendly and very efficient. A pleasant way to spend the evening, good food, good atmosphere, good service - definitely worth a visit!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service great good andGreat service great good and great atmosphere !Chicken is the best '4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect food in a prix fixe brunchThey really (really) know how to cook here, although I've noticed that it's better when Gordon Hamersley is there. This time we went for Easter brunch, & Gordon was indeed there. The muffins were *perfection*: delicate crust, light & moist interior. My son's omelette was, again, perfect. Light, airy, with a wonderfully rich filling of asparagus, wild mushrooms, & goat cheese. The pickled veg accompaniment was also delicious. (I kept stealing the cabbage off his plate). I requested no dairy in the sauce of my pappardelle with pea shoots & grilled salmon (a slightly odd dish conceptually), & it was flavorful even without the cream & butter. The salmon was, again, perfectly cooked: nice crust from the grill and pink inside. Lovely meal.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AM