Aquitaine - Boston

Aquitaine - Boston reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Greater Boston3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   I made a reservation to celebrate my birthday with my family. When we arrived at the restaurant, we had to wait 20 minutes, but that was fine since we were early. While we waited at the bar, no one came to ask if we wanted something to drink. Once we were finally seated, the waiter came and offered water, and we said yes, but it never arrived until we asked again. I ordered the onion soup as an appetizer, which was just okay. For my main dish, I ordered steak and fries, which, according to the menu, was supposed to come with a salad and French fries. Instead, I received a nearly raw steak cut into small pieces, a baked potato, and a paper-thin slice of what seemed like an omelet. It tasted terrible—a huge disappointment. I didn’t complain to the waiter because I was with my family celebrating my birthday and didn’t want to ruin the moment. My son ordered a croque monsieur, which was served on a tiny dessert plate and didn’t come with the salad it was supposed to include. This was my second and last visit to this restaurant. Don’t waste your time or money—even fast food tastes better.
   

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2. A

   Anderson VIP

   Greater Boston10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Restaurant was a very warm!! Maybe turn fans on? Very warm
   

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3. J

   Jake VIP

   Greater Boston17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Aquitaine, Boston. Effortless Parisian elegance—dim lighting, glowing brass, and the hum of conversation wrapping around you. It’s a place where wine lingers, and food arrives with quiet confidence. Start with a drink. A cosmopolitan—balanced and crisp. A gin and tonic—simple but precise. Then the escargot—rich, bathed in parsley, Pernod, and butter, transporting you straight to Paris. Dinner lands, and it’s unforgettable. Seared Ricotta Gnocchi—light, delicate, kissed by brown butter, with butternut squash and crispy sage. Truffled Duck Risotto—tender confit, roasted shiitakes, truffle butter, and Parmesan. Indulgent, unpretentious. Service? Attentive but never hovering. Seating? Avoid the entrance—deeper in is where the magic happens. Aquitaine is an experience, a reminder of why dining out is one of life’s great pleasures. You leave already planning your return.
   

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4. P

   Paul VIP

   Greater Boston16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I haven't been to Aquitaine for over 15 years, so it was such a joy to go there for lunch and reminisce about all the wonderful meals I had there when I lived in the South End. It was a treat to go on a weekday when it was quiet and I thoroughly enjoyed my Croque Madame with a glass of Sparkling Rose while mentally planning a future visit.
   

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5. C

   Caitlin

   Charlotte2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Cute little spot for a quick brunch before exploring the city. The cocktails were expertly crafted and delicious. This is an 'as ready' place, so all of our food came out separately, so some in our party were done before others received their dish. Most of the dishes were a bit salty but we loved the seasonal donuts!
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Greater Boston36 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This visit we enjoyed a delicious brunch in a beautiful, lively setting. Aquitaine is always a favorite!! 😍
   

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7. J

   John

   Greater Boston32 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 7, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great server! Food very good and consistent. Wine list not extensive, but good restaurant wines. Only complaint is not a mild blended scotch on the list.
   

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8. K

   Kacey

   Greater Boston29 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on March 7, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   I am literally devastated by my family's experience last night and will NEVER go back to Aquitaine. I have been regularly dining at Aquitaine since it opened in 1998 - the same year I moved to Boston. Last night was my last "visit." I say "visit" as I never entered the restaurant - my husband and daughter did for a very special occassion no less - my daughter's 16th birthday. Unfortunately, last night it was POURING rain...like BUCKETS. It took us 1.5 hours to get to the restaurant from Melrose....usually max a 45 minute ride WITH traffic. Having been there so frequently, I was expecting to pull up to the valet and enjoy our daughter's special day with an amazing dinner. Sadly, they got rid of the valet in literally THE WORST NEIGHBORHOOD IN BOSTON TO FIND PARKING. I was SHOCKED. My husband asked someone inside where to park and they told him to have me find some random parking deck down a back alley a few blocks up. Ummm...basically an impossible task in the South End, especially in the pouring rain in the dark. After 20 minutes of searching, I had to call my husband and daughter and we had to simply go home. Aquitaine is a high end restaurant and in that neighborhood that should mean valet service. Not having one is only going to limit diners coming in from outside the city, or even the South End. I am FURIOUS that they ruined my daughter's birthday and offered zero help. I will never go back and I truly hope others see this review and go elsewhere as well. I am especially mad that they have had that service for years and now simply don't....without any indication of that on their website. Aquitaine, you totally ruined my daughter's 16th birthday - do better by your customers. A restaurant with the prices of Aquitaine should offer valet, especially in the neighborhood they are in. Do better Aquitaine or you will continue to lose customers.
   

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9. H

   Harrison

   Greater Boston52 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Brunch was excellent - food, service, ambience Overall, a very enjoyable experience
   

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10. S

    Steve

    Greater Boston14 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Nice spot with good food that's been a neighborhood staple for years.
    

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