| |
This is the place for you to become a food critic. We invite you to write a restaurant review. You can also read other reviews, from Boston restaurant reviews, Massachusetts and New Hampshire restaurants. Remember, all the reviews are the opinions of the reviewer.
MARCH 2007
Zing
Brown's Lobster Pound
Route 286, Seabrook, NH
(603) 474-3331
http://www.brownslobster.com/
My wife and I went here a couple of weeks ago for the first time in three years. The last time we ate here we thought it was pretty bad, but we wanted to give it another chance. The service was poor, the order takers rude, the waiting area crowded and unorganized, and no escape from the extra loud speaking system calling out the customers' numbers. We both had the fisherman's platter for about $18 each. The clams were soggy, the scallops were rubbery, and the haddock the worst I've ever had.
Alfred from Methuen, MA
Praise
Blue Marlin Grill
65 Eastern Avenue, Essex, MA
(978) 768-7400
Great place for a fantastic meal, large portions reasonable prices. I will keep this restaurant on my re-visit list.
Dave from Salem, MA
Zing
Newick’s Seafood
431 Dover Point Road, Dover, NH
(603) 743-4035
http://www.newicks.com/
Our three relatives from California visited us recently for the first in over thirty five years. They were craving New England lobsters and seafood. We decided to take them to our favorite seafood restaurant, Newick’s. It was a Tuesday night. The place has a huge dining area and it was almost empty. There were 6 of us. Three ordered boiled lobsters and three ordered fried clams and seafood. It seemed like forever to just order some soft drinks and beer. The food took over an hour to come out. Finally the food came. It wasn't worth the trip or the wait or the cost. The lobsters were good, but the fried food was cool and soggy. The portions shrunk from huge to modest but the prices were up there!
Alfred from Methuen, MA
Praise
Sugar Cane
106 Main, Peabody, MA
(978) 532-7800
My coworker, who's a school teacher in inner city Boston, and her husband Kevin Lyn just opened a new restaurant in Peabody. It's located at the former site of the Fortune Palace. They've totally rehabbed the entire place (food and decor). The food and the decor are fabulous! The Menu includes both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. There are many mouth watering heart and health conscious selections (for people like me) as well as the general entrees. The chicken lettuce cup (Vietnams) was fun and healthy to eat. The boneless spareribs were juicy and tender. The waitress and host staff were all happy and attentive to our needs.
Kathleen from Danvers, MA
Praise
Toscana's Ristorante and Cafe
3 Bourbon Street, Peabody, MA
(978) 535-0731
We have dined there on Friday and Sunday evenings four times. The children's menu is very good. The entrees, from pasta and sauce to the more complicated marsalas are excellent. Interesting interior decor, good lighting and plenty of parking make this a must visit for families and couples.
Glen from Peabody, MA
Mixed
Norm's White Horse
510 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA
(978) 687-1211
The fisherman's platter was very good, but I have had bigger and better elsewhere. No water, no bread, and no coleslaw. I asked for the coleslaw and was told that they don't serve it at all. Now be forewarned, the place is nothing but a big bar with a few dining tables that are not separated from the bar. There are pool tables and pin ball machines and televisions all over the place and the patrons at the bar were watching games and were really loud and obnoxious. No one was sitting in the dining area and yet they sat us right next to the toilet where a constant stream of women were going in and out.
Alfred from Methuen, MA
Zing
Lin Garden
511 Merrimack Avenue, Dracut, MA
(978) 458-8113
http://www.lingardenrestaurantcom.verizonsupersite.com/
We used to go here quite often for their excellent buffet. Very good food, lots to choose from and reasonable prices. The staff was very good. The last three or four times we went, almost all the food was either cold or luke warm at best.
Alfred from Dracut, MA
Praise
No Name Restaurant
15 Fish Pier Road, Boston, MA
(617) 338-7539
Hi Pat, My husband and I were in Boston today and we decided to go to the No Name for lunch. We hadn't been there for at least 15 years. Well, it was terrific. The fish chowder was second to none and the fried oysters and fried scallops were as fresh and tender as can be. The lunch was reasonable and I know we'll be going back again soon.
Margo from W. Wareham, MA
Praise
Paradiso Italiano
Route 28, Salem, NH
(603) 893-2496
http://www.paradisoitaliano.com/
This little restaurant is really a hidden jewel. The food is fantastic. They have the best Chicken Parm and Italian sub we have ever eaten. The subs are huge and so full that we can never finish it. The food is all homemade from scratch right there every day. The people are so friendly and make you feel so comfortable and the restaurant is so cute and big inside, it’s very deceiving. Even their cannoli are homemade.
Anna from Salem, NH
Praise
Dailey's Restaurant
Route 114, Middleton, MA
(978) 774-7076
Service last night was terrific as we had 3 different servers in and out of our table area. Appetizer wings and popcorn shrimp to die for, Prime Rib a steal. Hostess and management awareness was awesome. We love the new lighting and the customer base, lots of happy people. Desserts a winner and we feel like
we get the best bang for the buck.
Brad from Danvers, MA
Praise
Windward Grille
109 Eastern Avenue, Essex, MA
(978) 768-0050
We go to this restaurant all the time. Reasonable prices, generous portions, great cocktails! Bartenders Jill and Dawn are wonderful! Steak tips are out of this world! Atmosphere very cozy with beautiful cherry wood bar and seating.
Sara from Gloucester, MA
Praise
Focaccia Ristorante
2 lowell Street, Wilmington, MA
(978) 988-7999
http://www.focacciafood.com/
Incredible! The food is awesome. The bread is heavy and homemade tasting and texture. The portions are huge! Share your meal so you'll have room for dessert. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Felicia from Peabody, MA
Praise
Toscana's Ristorante
3 Bourbon Street, Peabody, MA
(978) 535-0731
This past Tuesday night, me and my mother went to Toscana's for an earlier dinner, about 5:00. I had been there once before for a 50th birthday and really enjoyed the food, so my expectations were high. Our server, who was also the bartender was incredibly nice and attentive to our needs. We started with the stuffed mushrooms, which were great, not greasy or heavy. For a meal I got the chicken saltimbocca. The sherry cream sauce on it was amazing! Service, food and price all great, the only thing that wasn't the best was the martini I got, but it was only a little bump to such a good meal.
Lisa from Danvers, MA
Zing
Stone Forge Tavern
Route 1, Foxboro, MA
(508) 668-9800
http://www.stoneforge.net/
The worst experience I have ever had! From the rude and inattentive wait staff to the cold and poorly prepared meal to the lack of cleaning this place has it all. The over cooked, bland and cold meal made the wait staff look good. When we dared mention our problem to the eye roller it was met with utter shock that we would dare complain.
William from Foxboro, MA
Praise
All American Tavern
34 Bridge Road, Salisbury, MA
(978) 499-7100
For the best seafood I’ve ever eaten. I certainly will return to the Tavern for clams that are to die for.
Rita from Haverhill, MA
Praise
Ashworth by the Sea Hotel
295 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH
(603) 926-6762
http://www.ashworthhotel.com/
Ashworth by the Sea Hotel has the best Sunday brunch north of Boston. Many dinner entrees- usually a couple of fish dishes, chicken, pork and steak/roast beef with several vegetables, potatoes and rice choices along with many more breakfast dishes, a great dessert bar and specialty breads/rolls, all expertly prepared. You can tell they use the best ingredients in their preparation- real cream, shrimp, etc. (I am a gourmet cook and know what is in what I am eating!) And, the price is only $11.95 from after Christmas until late April when they swing into a different mode. We have been going to their Sunday Brunch for many years. The ambiance is casual elegant- an old world/Yankee feel to their dining room which includes fireplace, piano player and secular view of the ocean.
Carol from Plaistow, NH
Zing
Silks Restaurant
160 Pawtucket Boulevard, Tyngsboro, MA
(978) 649-4400
http://www.stonehedgeinn.com/
The atmosphere is great. They have the largest wine collection in New England. The wait staff is friendly and top notch. However, all this is mire frills when it came to my overpriced, snack sized meal. The appetizer was hockey puck size of fancy Mac & Cheese with ham onions and bacon. My main course was the same sized piece of semi-dry pork tenderloin over navy beans. And finally, tasty dessert was a meatball size scoop of ice cream and cherry strudel. All in all, not worth the money.
Mike from Dracut, MA
Praise
Weathervane
Route 28, Salem, NH
(603) 893-6269
http://weathervaneseafoods.com/
The fish is always fresh and cooked exactly as you want it. If you’re not satisfied with something it is taken back with a smile. The management constantly 'roams' the restaurant checking on things and asking if your satisfied with your meal. Kudos for a great, affordable meal with wonderful service. We would, and do recommend this one!
Pauline from Lowell, MA
Praise
Sylvan Street Grille
12 Sylvan Street, Peabody, MA
(978) 774-1724
The waitresses and waiters were always in motion attentive and courteous. The buffalo chicken sandwiches we ordered were moist and tender inside. Thick oversized breasts with a wonderful batter. Served on an oversized roll with a full slice of onion, lettuce and tomato and covered with the buffalo sauce. A taste treat. Will return there and try other menu items as the steaming served platters of food were attractive. The prices were right and the service was great.
Ron from Lawrence, MA
Praise
Cafe Azteca
180 Common Street, Lawrence, MA
(978) 689-7393
If you like great Mexican food and authentic atmosphere, Cafe Azteca is a must. The food at lunch was ample, absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. The service was excellent, as were the Margaritas.
Barbara from North Andover, MA
Zing
Biagio Ristorante & Bar
123 Moody, Waltham, MA
(781) 891-0100
My friends and I dined at Baggio's this past Saturday. Although, I do understand it is a new restaurant, but the lack of service was unacceptable. It took about 1/2 for us to get our drinks. Our waitress told us 'that she doesn't control the bar.' The food was decent but not worth the price.
Ed from Tewksbury, MA
Praise
Black Cow
16 Bay Road, South Hamilton, MA
(978) 468-1166
We had a great experience here the other night. The crab cakes were the best we have ever tasted (light and packed with crab). The sirloin steak was cooked to perfection and the pasta dish with lobster and Alfredo sauce was delicious. Our waitress was excellent; very accommodating and professional. This restaurant can be a little pricey, but for us, it was worth it!
Karen from Beverly, MA
Praise
Evenfall
Route 125, Haverhill, MA
(978) 521-7550
http://www.evenfallrestaurant.com/
A friend took me out for my birthday. It was as wonderful as I had hoped it would be. From the room, to the service, to the food, it was great. The food was fresh, bright and so well prepared. Pricey, but I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Rick from Haverhill, MA
Praise
Crawdad's North
5 Depot Square, Ipswich, MA
(978) 356-5643
http://www.crawdads-north.com/
We had a most enjoyable lunch at Crawdad's that will surely keep us coming back. The 2 entrees we ordered were so good my wife and I had to share each other's meal so we could each appreciate all the wonderful combination of flavors - one had Cajun Chicken Sandwich and the other Buffalo Chicken Wrap. The excellent service was friendly and efficient and the Mardi Gras atmosphere festive. Great value with the large portions and moderate prices.
Dieter from Gloucester, MA
Praise
Clay Hill Farm
220 Clay Hill Road, York, ME
(207) 361-2272
http://www.clayhillfarm.com/
I saw an advertisement for this restaurant in my local paper, friends said they had a wonderful meal at a wedding last summer so we took their advice and went. They had just redone their kitchen and menu. What a tremendous meal. I had the double cut pork chop with Andouille sausage, onion and cranberry compote on top. My wife had the roasted game hen with onions, mushrooms and baby spinach. Their wine list is plentiful. Our waiter Sean was very helpful pairing our wine with our dinners. I will be back again. Four stars from us.
Mark from Dover, NH
Praise
Warren's Lobster House
11 Water St, Kittery, ME
(207) 439-1630
http://www.lobsterhouse.com/
The individual writing the recent Zing for Warren's Lobster House must have experienced an 'off' day. I have made the trek to Warren's numerous times and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere - especially their great salad bar. I encourage the writer to give Warren's another try.
Paul from Marblehead, MA
Mixed
Orzo Trattorio
Route 125, North Andover, MA
(978) 686-6921
http://www.orzorestaurant.com/
I went with a friend for dinner the other night. We both selected the daily pasta special. Described as super jumbo shrimp, broccoli, tomato, garlic, and oil over ziti. It looked great when it arrived, but could have been hotter. Sadly, the (3) VERY big shrimp were overcooked and very chewy. Overall the dish was bland and lacked depth. Something was missing. Salt, pepper, and grated cheese helped. The best part of the meal was the house salad and dressing, the breads, and a wonderful young waiter. Must have been an off night.
Rick from Haverhill, MA
Praise
Dettorre's Italian Deli
109 Water Street, Wakefield, MA
http://dettorres.com/
Excellent food, cooked to order, with attention to the smallest detail. Family-owned and operated, proprietor virtually always on the premises, wait staff unfailingly polite and efficient. Quiet, intimate atmosphere, reasonable prices with generous portions. Overall, just a great night (or day) out.
Greg from Wakefield, MA
Praise
Marco's on Mill Street
1 Mill, Lawrence, MA
(978) 687-9100
I had the pleasure to dine with my wife and another couple at Marco’s (AKA 1 Mill Street Restaurant). Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted with smiles from the staff, and seated without a wait. The service was top notch. The food was great, cooked as requested by all four of us. I had the Filet Mignon, which was out of this world. If you’re a Seafood lover try a bowl of the Seafood Chowder, which was to die for. The presentation of the food was perfect. For dessert try the Lemon Cheese Cake. We will definitely go back. If you liked 1 Mill Street Restaurant, you will love Marco’s.
Scott from Methuen, MA
Praise
Depot Square Steak House
1 East Broadway, Derry, NH
(603) 437-4200
http://www.depot-square.com/
My wife and I were there unexpectedly Saturday night after visiting my father-in-law at the hospital. I had a surf and turf, with a baked potato, spinach, and stuffed mushroom with crabmeat and shrimp. Close to the best I have ever had!
Jim from Haverhill, MA
Praise
Incontro Restaurant
860 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
(508) 520-2770
http://www.incontrorestaurant.com/
We went on a Wednesday night and the place was packed at 5:30 we only waited 10 minutes for a table and it was awesome. My husband loves bread and their homemade bread served with bean spread was lethal! Our server guided us through the menu and recommended a great wine. We split a wood fired pizza the best since we went to Naples Italy. We split a homemade cannoli. Don’t have to go to the city for world class food at half the price.
Wendy from Natick, MA
Zing
Agawam Diner
Route 1, Rowley, MA
(978) 948-7780
We weren't even in the booth when the waitress was asking if we knew what we wanted. When we decided our ordered was taken very hastily and served very promptly. The plates taken very hastily as well, my 88 year old friend had her second half of her sandwich in her hand when her plate was taken out from under her. We offered her a napkin as a plate to finish her lunch. The food is adequate, but the service is way too pushy.
Mary from Gloucester, MA
Zing
Victoria Station
Pickering Wharf, Salem, MA
(978) 745-3400
http://www.victoriastationinc.com/
I recently brought a group of 16 'Red Hat Ladies' to the Victoria Station Brunch. We arrived at noon and were promptly seated and asked if we wanted coffee or tea. The brunch was mediocre at best. The bill came with a service charge of 20% of the bill even though it was a brunch and we were only served coffee. We were also charged for the coffee and tea. No beverage of any kind was provided with the brunch. We were prepared to leave a 10% tip. The manager removed the service charge but left the beverage charge. For $17.99 per person, a definite ZINGER!
Linda from Salem, MA
Praise
Romano's Macaroni Grill
48 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA
781-944-0575
http://www.macaronigrill.com/
Excellent staff and wonderful meal, three people ate for about $60. One person ordered their own pasta dish, choosing from pasta, sauce, and add-ins. Another dish was two big pork chops with risotto, vegetable and salad, and the last one ordered a huge t-bone steak with garlic mashed potatoes. All three of us took doggie bags home. Dessert looked good but we settled for a cup of coffee which hit the spot. We'll definitely go back again.
Maryann from Lynn, MA
Praise
Dylan’s Bar and Grille
22 Park, Andover, MA
(978) 470-1717
Went to Dylan’s with some friends, we had a great time. The food was great, one of us had traditional grey corn beef it was absolutely wonderful. I had a grilled salmon with a lobster horse radish cream sauce. My other friend had the baked haddock with the ritz cracker topping. They had great entertainment, with a DJ playing Irish music and he really got everyone involved in the music. We really had a great time and thought we would let you know.
Jeannie from Andover, MA
Praise
Spud’s
Route 1, Rowley, MA
(978) 948-7551
I enjoy Spuds in Rowley because they give you good portions for the price. You can order any type of meal – chicken, beef, seafood all delicious. You will always get good service and good.
Felix from Georgetown, MA
Praise
Pilot House BBQ
Corner Rogers Porter, Gloucester, MA
(978) 283-0131
My husband and I think the Pilot House is just great. The amount of their servings are plentiful and the prices are great. I especially like the chicken kabobs and the combination plate. My husband likes their fish meals. The waitresses are friendly.
Phyllis from Gloucester, MA
Praise
Dube’s Seafood
317 Jefferson Avenue, Salem, MA
(978) 744-9531
We, my husband, myself and an old friend frequent Dube’s. No place can compare with the seafood. The quality, the quantity and the prices are all fabulous. It amazes us that more people haven’t tried it.
Lorraine from Beverly, MA
Praise
Red House
98 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA
(617) 576-0605
http://theredhouse.com/
In the heart of Harvard Square, this antique house – transformed to a restaurant is the perfect setting for dining. A roaring fire in the big, open fireplace in the bar and warmed us on a cold, winter day. Our parma salad, one with grilled shrimp and the other with salmon, were a full meal, served by charming and accommodating wait person, Hanna. Our key lime pie was deep-flavored and not too sweet, ending a memorable experience.
Tina from Rockport, MA
Praise
Lograsso’s Café and Bistro
13 Railroad Avenue, Rockport, MA
(978) 546-7977
An extensive menu, a romantic, intimate setting, along with consistently superb service from wait person Donna. My spouse and I have returned twice since the Bistro’s recent renovation. Our meals of scallops putanesca, sole picatta, shrimp scampi and sunshine salad (a meal in itself!) all prepared fresh. Portions are large.
Tina from Rockport, MA
Praise
Ma Duke's
139 Maple, Danvers, MA
(978) 777-6400
Ma's is a new pizza/sub shop in Danvers. I have visited twice, once for fried clams and another for a Chicken Caesar wrap. Both were very delicious and affordable. Ma's may be a new restaurant but the owner (who is on-site) has been working in the business for years. The place is busy and Ma Duke knows most of the customers by name.
Rich from Danvers, MA
Praise
Garden City Pub
Route 1A, Beverly, MA
(978) 922-9018
My husband and I went to the Garden City Pub this past Monday night. We were greeted promptly and friendly. I had the chicken piccata with a salad and my husband had the chicken sandwich. Both were great! My salad was very fresh and plentiful. The chicken dish was delicious and also a very big portion. The chicken sandwich was also a great presentation with a great flavor. The service was friendly and very efficient. I can't wait to go back.
Mary from Gloucester, MA
Praise
Primo Pasta
Route 125, Plaistow, NH
(603) 382-5367
Newly renovated, bright and cherry and is still a topnotch restaurant. The menu is large and the helpings are large. The free bread board has the greatest bread, bean salad, pickled beets, and cream cheese and crackers. Waitstaff is very friendly.
John from Kingston, NH
Praise
Naked Fish
Route 1, Peabody, MA
(978) 535-1600
http://www.nakedrestaurants.com/
We had a great experience here. It started with our great waiter named Charles who was awesome, answering all questions regarding menu items. The two entrees we ordered were the Portuguese steak and the coconut crusted haddock both cooked to perfection. The exotic drinks were great. The excellent service was friendly and very efficient and the Latino atmosphere was wonderful. The restaurant was average in price and the portions were good. Highly recommend trying this Cuban style restaurant for something a little different. We will definitely return and bring others with us.
Linda from Danvers, MA
Praise
Longhorn Steak House
Route 133, Tewksbury, MA
(978) 640-5813
http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/
Friends and I have enjoyed this new restaurant in Tewksbury three times and each time it was just as good as the first time. The appetizer, Firecracker Chicken Wraps, is a wonderful starter or choose for your entrée. The choice of sides that accompany the dinner entrees are varied and delicious. They always offer fresh asparagus or sweet potato finished with cinnamon as well as fresh in season vegetables as well. Not the usual fare. The lunch salads are great and they offer call ahead seating which is necessary most of the time. A great addition to the area. We lingered and made a night of our dinning experience and were never rushed.
Judy from North Andover, MA
Praise
Rizzo's Roast Beef
178 Lynn Street, Peabody, MA
(978) 531-2118
My family wants to give big props to George and his crew of outstanding employees! Great food whether its take out, sit down or from their catering menu! We've tried it all. From their roast beef sandwich to their eggplant parm, bar none, it's the best on the North Shore. The employees are friendly and ready to serve! We have made it our once a week treat.
Lee & Dave from Salem, MA
Zing
Captain Marden
279 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA
(781) 235-0860
http://www.captainmardens.com/
While dining, the hostess continued to remove plates from the table and when asked are you rushing us she said yes there are other people waiting. The party of three had not finished their lunch. The hostess Karen was just plain rude.
Kenneth from Wellesley, MA
Zing
Max Stein's American Steakhouse
94 Hartwell, Lexington, MA
(781) 402-0033
The decor is dark and cozy, in old supper club style - very welcoming. We arrived at our reservation time and were taken immediately. Our cocktails were fine, but I had one of the least expensive on the menu at $9.00. Our friends wanted an appetizer of escargots, but they had run out. Our party of four each had beef, which is what Max Stein's is known for. I have bought better Delmonico steak at my local meat market. At $26.00, the taste was ordinary. Salads were an extra charge and averaged $6.00 if you choose to order one. Vegetable sides ranged from $5.00-9.00 each. The specialty dessert, fried banana split, was ordinary.
Cynthia from Webster, MA
Praise
Capt's Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
(978) 741-0555
http://www.capts.com/
We both had the same thing, a Cesar salad (split) and Pan Roasted Lobster, shrimp and scallops. It is a lobster with champagne lobster sauce, roasted with the shrimp and scallops… Yum. The owner came over to see if we were satisfied with our meal and the hostess and waitress were all so helpful and accommodating. Lovely views and what a wonderful inventive menu
Pat from Sudbury, MA
Praise
Portugalia Restorante
723 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA
(617) 491-5373
http://www.portugaliaincambridge.com/
My favorite appetizer is the fresh mussels sautéed in white wine and garlic. Enjoy dipping the bread they serve in this wonderful sauce. For my entree I go from the seafood casserole in a newburg sauce or the combination of grilled skewered chicken, pork, sirloin tips, onions and red and green peppers. They specialize in salt cod and foods from Northern Portugal. Have been in business over 15 years! The food is outstanding as is the service.
Cliff from Amesbury, MA
 |
|
|
|
