Best Lunch Restaurants in Fenway–Kenmore

Visited on Thanksgiving. The weather was dreadful and we were an hour early, but were seated and allowed to enjoy some drinks for as long as we wanted before ordering. The food was delicious. I had the paella (massive portion!) and the other members of my family from the UK had the turkey dinner from the Thanksgiving specials menu, a burger, steaks and fish and chips. Everyone loved their food; it was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. We followed up with a cheesecake and a chocolate dessert. The service was efficient; attentive but not intrusive. I'd highly recommend and will definitely be back!

A lovely Thanksgiving dinner with my husband and daughter. Wonderful food options that were delicious. Service was excellent. This was our first experience at the “new” ES. Happy you’re back and we’ll be back!

Blue Ribbon Sushi in Boston is a must-visit for sushi lovers—our meal was absolutely delicious, and we’re already planning to return. The Sakuna rolls were a standout, featuring yellowtail, salmon, tuna, and scallions. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the subtle sweetness and crunch of the scallions perfectly elevated the flavors. The rice was expertly prepared, with just the right consistency to complement the roll’s texture. Another unique highlight was the crispy rice roll. I loved the slight caramelization on the bottom of the rice, which added a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. It was a creative and enjoyable dish. The Wagyu gyoza, however, fell a little flat for me. While the idea of using Wagyu was intriguing, the marbling seemed to create a wet-like texture that didn’t pair well with the soft wrapper. I feel a leaner filling, like ground chuck, combined with a longer sear or even a flash-fry, might have worked better to create a more balanced dish. On the drinks side, I may have indulged in more lychee martinis than I care to admit, but they were worth every sip. The combination of Japanese vodka, a touch of Chambord for a slight pink hue, and the lychee garnish was perfection. They were refreshing, slightly sweet, and complemented the meal beautifully. The ambiance was another highlight. With mellow lo-fi beats in the background and a calm, relaxed vibe during lunch, it was the perfect setting for an intimate and unhurried dining experience. The menu also features unique fish selections you don’t often see elsewhere, making it a treat for sashimi enthusiasts. The shrimp tempura was good, though not a favorite. The shrimp itself was slightly overseasoned, and I think adding flavor to the batter instead of the shrimp directly might have created a better balance. Overall, Blue Ribbon Sushi impressed us with its authentic, fresh sashimi and creative rolls. We’ll definitely be returning.

Everything was great. Only complaint was they were a bit heavy handed with the garlic on my pasta. Still was good though, other than that I would have given 5 stars. Wine list was very good. Highly recommend!

This event was for four faculty members to congratulate on their recent promotion. The service and ambiance were exactly what they had hoped for!