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Radius Restaurant

4.5 star rating
based on 64 reviews

Category: American (New)  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Financial District
8 High St
(between Federal St & Summer St)
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 426-1234
  • Nearest Transit:

    South Station (Silver, Red)

    Downtown Crossing (Orange, Silver, Red)

    Park Street (Green, Red)

  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Valet
  • Attire: Dressy
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Dinner
  • Alcohol: Full Bar

64 Reviews for Radius Restaurant

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Photo of scott b.

 

1

117

scott b.

Newton, MA

4 star rating
09/05/2008

i have only eaten there a couple of times but had a good experiences - i have to say the food was great and so was the wine - i forget what the other restaurant the person who owns this one is but i remember going there and it was for shit - how does that happen

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4

dorothy k.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
08/11/2008

Walk into this place make you feel good and ready to have a good dinner.  The place is nice and exceptional clean.  We came here to celebrate my big day and the staff were friendly and nice when they knew about it from my Boyfriend.  I love the food and the way they present on the plate.  One thing is the wait between the dishes, it's way too long.
No other complains and I love the place.

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2

29

Thuy L.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
Updated - 09/05/2008

Just went to radius last night and an update to Radius is a MUST! I was looking forward to their burger all day and raved to my friends about this WONDERFUL burger.  Our reservations were at 8:30pm, but there really wasn't even a need for it--there were so many empty tables. We were seated promptly. I noticed that the burger was not available as an option on the menu. I asked our server if this was a mistake--he told me that no, it wasn't a mistake. They don't serve burgers in the dining room. Puh-Leese! I mean, I know that this is a fine dining establishment, but why not even list as an option.  

Anyhow, he checks to see if there are even any burgers left and if there are, we would need to move to the communal table, which is "outside" of the dining area. Ridiculous right? There were maybe THREE tables occupied in the dining room. Anyhow, he comes back and tells me that they sold out of all the burgers. Who sells out of BURGERS?!?!? So I am pretty bummed and there is nothing on the list of entrees less than $36 (salmon). I ended up going with the veal (with chunks of lobster) and I must say that I wasn't that impressed. The veal was cooked to a right temperature, but there were only 2 pieces.  And for $46, I would expect a bigger piece of lobster.  We even started with the gnochhi and that was just okay too. The gnocchi was a little overcooked for my taste as I tend to like my pasta a little al dente.  We decided not to go for dessert (esp since we were seated directly under the AC vent and were freezing) but the server was very nice and gave us a sampling of mini chocolates, mini coconut gelatinous squares, and mini blueberry tartes. Thus, I am dropping my rating to 3 stars since the food was still good, just nothing super special and I still do not understand why the burger is not on their regular menu.  My recommendation, go to the bar--have the burger and cocktails.  The bar was still lively when we were leaving.

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating 07/03/2008

    Home of the Best, and I mean BEST hamburger in the country!!!! Not kidding, it's actually been named… Read more »

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Photo of Lily L.

 

4

24

Lily L.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
08/23/2008

Ambiance:  Located in the heart of the financial district, Radius is just a stone throws away from South Station.  The interior is impeccably decorated.  I saw the waitstaff meticulously set the table clothes and utensil.

Food:  I came here for restaurant week.  Given the accolades that the restaurant and chef has received (James Beard Best Chef of Northeast), I was greatly disappointed in the food.

Appetizer:  The chilled cucumber soup was nothing special.  I could taste the freshness of the pureed cucumbers.  Like most other restaurants that serve soup, there's a mound of gazpacho salsa in the middle.  The onion flavor overwhelmed the taste.  Mixing in the salsa into the soup didn't increase the intensity of the flavor.  One friend didn't even finish all of his soup.  

Entree:  The chilled poached salmon was very disappointing.  I've had better salmon prepared from a cafeteria.  The texture of the salmon was fine but the flavor was underwhelming at best.  It was bland and tasteless.  I guess there were drizzles of spicy oil that overwhelmed the flavor.  The pork loin was equally disappointing.  It was 3 slices of pork served on a mound of shredded carrots and daikon.  Again, everything was quite flavorless.

Dessert:  The peanut butter and jelly was suprisingly ok.  It was definitely different from your normal pb&j.  The chocolate cake dessert fared better.  I at least like the vanilla ice cream.  The chocolate cake, however, tasted like something you'd make from a cake mix.  

The bread was pretty tasty and toasty.  It reminded me of the bread from Legal Seafoods (Kendall Sq).

Service:  The service here has military precision!  It's a bit intimidating--I suppose it's okay for business dinner (their targeted clientele, I suppose), but I wouldn't say that this would create a romantic atmosphere though.  I noticed that preparation for the table is incredibly meticulous.  They make sure the table clothes drip to a certain length and the utensils are exactly certain points apart.  The symmetry of the utensils had to be exact.  All plates were cleared from the right.  It seems that one person's job was to serve you bread.  It did take them a while to take our order and give us water the first time though.

Overall:  If they treat their restaurant week food with the same anal retentiveness as their table setting, then the food ought to be amazing.  However, I was deeply disappointed by the restaurant week lunch.

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38

Hungry C.

Beverly, MA

3 star rating
06/27/2008

Radius might know the words, but they don't know the music. We've never been to a restaurant so utterly lacking in personality. What a sterile, humorless dining experience. This refers to the by-the-book dishes, the shabby room, and the disinterested service. The extra star is for the cheese plate, which was a rare treat.

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32

Jason C.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
07/08/2008

Anytime a few people start calling something the "Best _______," panties get bunched, and it becomes fashionable to talk about how horrible it is. Part of the reason is the expectation factor. If you walk into the theater to see Wall-e expecting to see the best animated movie ever made, you'll probably be somewhat disappointed.

That being said, the signature hamburger at Radius is delicious. First off, I love that it exists, because it's fun to order a burger when the people around you are ordering things with the word "reduction" in their descriptions. Secondly, it's just as creative as it needs to be, without being too weird for anyone to enjoy. Not too much cheese, just a little spice, thin onion strings that aren't overpowering. Ketchup unnecessary. Samuel L. Jackson would certainly say "Mmmm...that IS a tasty burger!" but probably not the best in the country. So be it.

There's plenty on the menu for those who consider themselves above hamburgers. I really enjoyed the tuna tartare as a first course, and the sashimi salad sitting across from me looked pretty darn good as well.

Also, they make an awesome cocktail called "Pimm-ing Ain't Easy" (lame name, good drink). Hendrick's gin, Pimms, Orange juice, Champagne, mint. Delicious

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1

53

Mia D.

Auburndale, MA

5 star rating
07/09/2008

Fantastic meal!

Made reservations through Open Table and noted that it was my husband's birthday.

We went for an early (11:45) lunch.  Service was impeccable!

I got the fried tofu with broccolini and kimchi (come on, I'm Korean, I had to try it!) to start - tempura tofu, yum!  The broccolini tasted smoky like it was grilled/charred.  The kimchi was surprisingly good and spicy!  For my entree I had the sashimi salad - the fish was good, the sald could have been cut up a little more, I had a few branch like pieces that were a little unwieldy but the dressing was fabulous!  I wanted a glass of pinot gris and she said they didn't have that but offered something "close", which was delicious!

My husband got the crab salad to start - the crab tasted a little dry and then the moisture was on top of the crab which only highlighted that the crab was dry.  That was the only downside to our entire meal.  He then got the burger and said it was delicious.

We had to go and didn't order dessert but as our waitress came with the check, she also had a "to go" bag of cookies for my husband since it was his birthday!  SOOOOOO nice!  We were both thrilled and thought that was awesome!

Definitely worth the price and would definitely come back again!

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10

Alisa B.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
07/02/2008

Fantastic afterwork hot spot,close to South Station and great bar scene. Food isdivine...did we mention the food?mmmmm. Delectable treats. The atmosphere is fantastic. Love this place. Great for afterwork with friends, co-workers...or try the dining room on for size for a romantic dinner pour deux! Fabulouso! They offer Valet parking in front of restaurant.

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17

Jaime S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
06/11/2008

The service was outstanding, and the ambiance is great--not too loud, very tastefully decorated.

I was there for a business dinner and sat at a round table in the middle of the dining room, which was quite perfect for the occasion.  I did notice however, that the 2-person booths along the  circumference (let's stick with the geometry motif) of the circle seemed a little close together.  I'm not sure that I would want to sit there for a romantic evening.

The meal was nothing short of superb, and the occasional something extra in between courses from the chef were light and pleasant.  I'm not sure that my waiter was a sommelier, but he was knowledgeable enough to determine good pairings based on my tastes and what I ordered.

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Jenn T.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
06/16/2008

I've only been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner and both times I was impressed with the food and the service.

We were promptly greeted upon walking in and seated right away (did have reservation both times). The wait staff was attentive and food came in a timely manner.

I like the decor of the place and the bar area has a good amount of space for happy hour drinks. Overall I was very impressed

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9

Tori O.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
06/22/2008

Amazing!  My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and we got the vegetarian tasting menu with the wine pairings. Everything was amazing and each course blew our minds. The flavors were perfect and the pairings were spot on. They took in-season ingredients and prepared them in ways that were brilliant. The staff was attentive but not over-bearing. They were so delightful, took excellent care of us and helped make our dining experience a memorable one. The whole night was a culinary experience that was one of my most memorable birthday dinners.

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2

34

jenilee l.

Salem, MA

3 star rating
08/20/2008

boston restaurant week: went for a pleasant lunch with work colleagues.

1. this is a pretty good restaurant. it's probably the best business lunch/non-hotel restaurant option available within the financial district. the atmosphere is different, interesting, and conversation worthy.

2. the low rating? the food doesn't match the service. this was a restaurant week service: cheaper, and just a taste. therefore, i certainly hope you're not getting a true experience of this restaurant. still, the basic dishes should be very representative of what you can expect when attending dinner service and preparing to, as they say, "throw down." out of the menu, i chose the chilled cucumber soup with gazpacho salsa, then i went for the sliced pork loin...super thin and some kind of salad mounded on top, and then a peanut butter jelly cake.  presentation of the food was...hmm... forced, except for the cucumber soup. cucumber soup is meant to be refreshing, and so it was... but pray tell, what IS gazpacho salsa? i still, my friends, do. not. know. umm, the pork loin would have been good if not over cooked, and not drenched in chili oil, and not served with a heaping mound of pseudo cole-slaw, salady stuff. the desert was like eating a dry hostess jelly roll.

3. like i said, food doesn't match the service. the wait staff was attentive, polite, and...stiff. the food wasn't that good, and it was somewhat awkward that the waitstaff was behaving like they were fighting for five knives and forks in the michelin guide. it felt a little odd when after the main course, buddy boy whipped out his "crumb brush" and began to scrape away with the grace of a chinese gymnast. it was very nice of him... i think.

4. it's not really fair to judge this place solely on restaurant week, as i'm sure, ultimately the chefs were thinking...what can we get rid of? this is just a lunch service. i'd save a real rating for a real dinner service. but what can i say? not sure after this taste if it's worth cashing in my three foot coke bottle of quarters and dimes.

another note re: restaurant week:
my dad used to have a saying: "that's how they getchya." i.e. you go into a store that says "sale! sale! sale!" intending to buy a lower end quality vehicle, and suddenly you get all these offers of "when you buy this, you get this", etc etc. upon leaving you've spent a gajillion dollars. it's the "when you buy this, you get this" that's too good to pass up... and yes, that's how they getchya. upon paying the bill for today's lunch, we each received a voucher, good for the exact price of the prix fixe lunch menu... but only good during the month of september, and only good for an "empty your pockets, buddy, cuz the lady wants another glass of 'merl'" dinner service meal.

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2

35

Tracy K.

Cambridge, MA

4 star rating
05/08/2008

It's not everyday that I get to eat out at restaurants like Radius, so I was prepared to be impressed. I had their Deluxe tasting menu (7 courses), and was surprised at how large the portions were. Of course, individually, they were small portions, but by the end of the sixth course I was beyond full.

Each dish was absolutely delicious, combining flavors and ingredients that I wouldn't have thought of putting together in a dish. We were served seafood (ahi tuna, monkfish, mussels), duck, lamb, and prime rib, and the transitions between each course went well. I want to try to make the avocado stuffed ahi tuna topped with crispy strips of tofu and yuzu ponzu at home.

Of course, you'd expect Radius to have great service. And they did. But I was super impressed because my group of 3 was half an hour late for a 10 pm reservation and we didn't leave until 1:30 am (I promise, I'm not usually the patron from hell). We were the last group left at the place for a good hour and a half, and yet they still didn't rush us. They didn't take any shortcuts with their service, and I appreciated that.

So the next time I have loads of cash, people to impress, and the desire to eat good food, I'll go to Radius.

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Elite '08

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124

Julie R.

Brighton, MA

4 star rating
04/25/2008

I was able to choose where my bosses would take myself and some others out to lunch and chose Radius. It was a great choice. It was my first time dining and I was impressed.

I got the homemade fettuccine with braised brisket, wild mushrooms, tomato and parmigiano. The flavor was great put the pasta seemed very firm, possibly cause it was homeade. Everyone loved the food. Others got the signature burger and salads which they liked. For dessert we split a goat cheese huckleberry cheesecake and 3 sorbets that were fantastic. Service was great. We were attended to by serveral people promptly. The bus person did drop my silverware twice at seperate times but graciously excused himself.

The lounge area is really cool. It gives you a good view for people watching and has some swanky furniture. I'd like to go again for after work drinks.

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12

Matthew B.

Downingtown, PA

2 star rating
03/28/2008

I am looking at the other reviews here and wondering if we ate at the same place. The only reason I'm wasting time on writing this is to provide ample warning to others.

Now, to be fair we were here on a Monday night - so maybe we got the "b-team" when it cam to the kitchen. We damn well didn't get the "b" price list.

Slick place from an ambiance standpoint, and to be sure they understand white glove service. But the food -- man on man- nowhere in the ball park. We had eight in the group - and no slackers when it comes to the dining experience. Now this place was picked based on the fact that the chef here is a James Beard Award winner ... so is he still there? It's a place i wanted to like but a number of really fatal flaws.

First of all the menu is far to limited and fairly unimaginative. I've been to places that get away with this when the selections are highly unique - NOT.

The appetizer menu offered foi gras - my all time favorite and a hands down selection every time. This is the first time i have ever had it served RAW.... that's right, quivering raw barely cooked. And not just me. All 8 of us ordered it - and we all had the same reaction. Again to be fair - it was a decent portion size, but inedible and COLD. We sent it back thinking they had made a mistake, and it came back in only slightly better shape.  I've had this dish in a bizzilion places - this was the absolute worst I've ever seen.

The next course was a salad - way basic greens, over-peppered and a poor excuse for a dressing.

But by far the worst was the entrees. Portions that were beyond small -i mean like 2 or 3 bites - ill-prepared - and frankly WAY WAY overpriced. and poorly prepared.  No value.

If you appreciate good food, spend your money elsewhere. One of the poorest excuses for a fine restaurant that I've had the misfortune to pay for in a long time. As a group we agreed this was a complete bust.

And so...  it leaves me wondering how a place with awards and other good reviews could serve such a poor excuse for a dinner.

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6

Michael M.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
07/09/2008

Best service i have ever received in a restaurant, and the food was AMAZING.
I never had someone change my napkin before dessert.

I would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a culinary experience.

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Elite '08

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288

Lynda B.

Brighton, MA

5 star rating
03/02/2008

I am not even going to bother reviewing the food here, because everyone knows it is top notch. But do not forget how nice the lounge/bar area is for after work drinks and bar food. Nice comfy chairs and a large bar area, this place is one of the best for the after work scene.

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38

JohnnyFoodface ..

Boston, MA

5 star rating
02/21/2008

Fantastic place for vegetarians. I took my lady here and we both got the same dish, which was different.

Let me explain: The "Vegetables Five Ways" is never the same dish (unless you go every day, perhaps). They make five small tapas-like veggie meals, and place them on a giant plate.

They have a large wine selection, which is expensive - I ordered the $120 Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay. Delicious.

And since we are both vegetarians, they were willing and able to make the gniocci without the bacon.

The staff is friendly, helpful, and willing to please. Great place to impress. The downstairs adds to the overall atmosphere, which is communal and has a very positive energy.

Overall it was about 250-300 bucks, but for those rare occasions, it becomes worth every penny.

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Pat M.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
06/19/2008

Radius continues to be a very good restaurant, even though I just went back for the first time since I moved away from Boston 8 years ago.  The service from the waitstaff, as usual, was impeccable.  Although the back waiters did reach across my plate a few times to serve bread and water, that was only a minor inconvenience.  The food as usual very fresh and creative, especially the seafood in the bouillabaisse which was rich tomato-based dish.  The fresh fruit flavored lemonade was a very refreshing compliment to the meal as well.  Overall, Radius continues to prove that they are a great restaurant!

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Elite '08

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132

Nicole P.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
12/05/2007

I went to Radius just for drinks and apps but loved it and def. plan to go back for dinner!

The atmosphere is great- wide open space with perfect lighting. It's modern without being over the top trendy.  My team of four sat at the "community" table which was cool and felt less fancy then the dining tables.  

We had wine- I had pinot noir which was good.  Everyone seemed happy with their choices, though my gf didn't love hers- I forget what she had.  We shared the cheese plate and fries (pomme frites) both which rocked.  The cheese plate had about 8 different cheeses from mild to sharp and came with assorted bread, apples and nuts.  It was so good.  The fries were also great- well seasoned and came with 3 different dipping sauces- also known as ketchup, mayo and vinegar.

I had a great experience here! The dinner menu looks pricey but I am sure it's worth it.

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9

Linda K.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
03/11/2008

Nice and good place to eat, but the price is too exp.  I love the place, but unless it's for a date  or special event, then this place is not for casual

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Elite '08

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251

Robyn L.

Belmont, MA

5 star rating
09/09/2007

Reasons why I enjoyed Radius:

The wine sampling at the bar.
The wine, in general.
The fun Market Tasting.
The exceptional service.
The sweet crab and cherry salad appetizer.
The succulent, rare meat.

Of course, it's expensive, there's no place else to easily walk to before or after your dinner in the Financial District on a Saturday night, and the tables nearby will most likely be tourists or people talking about their investments, but it was a fun, lovely evening.

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Elite '08

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361

Karman L.

Arlington, VA

5 star rating
08/06/2007

My bf took me here for a suprise anniversary dinner!!!  Great restaurant with extremely friendly staff.  Our waitress was the best, I mentioned to her that we came here for our anniversary...she had our dessert specially decorated and candles!

We had the 7 courses tasting dinner:
1) Tuna
2) Scallop
3) Salmon
4) Thymus gland
5) Duck
6) Rib Eye
7) Dessert

Everything was cooked perfect.  We loved everything (except for the thymus gland)

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22

Jim M.

Marshfield, MA

2 star rating
07/08/2008

Ok, I was here when it was new and the "in place" to be seen rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers. We had some of the best, and most expensive food in the city at the time. That was 8 or 9 years ago. Now radius is looking a little shabby and threadbare. One of the hardest things in the restaurant business is to sustain a high level for years as the chef and his staff that took you to 5 stars once has moved on to a new restaurant, and the guy cooking now used to be the dishwasher back then. Well, maybe the chef wasn't the dishwasher, but you get the idea........ Radius is well into it's decline.
I went back to try the $17 "best hamburger in the country" and it is definately NOT the best. Not even close.  I could name 5 places in Massachusetts that make a better hamburger, and if you want to travel a bit, I could steer you to dozens of better burgers.
First of all, starting with the bread, if you're going to make the "best" hamburger, get a really good roll to put it on. This roll wasn't any better than the ones from the supermarket.  It came with a little smear of horseradish cheese that apparently had mostly been left behind on the grill, because it almost wasn't there at all on my burger. Then it was topped off by some shoestring fried onions like the "steakhouse" burger at Burger king restaurants. The meat was ok, but cooked a little longer than we asked it to be. Our rare buger was served medium, and our medium rare burger was served medium well, a slight difference, but of you are paying $17 for the so-called "best" hamburger in the US, how about getting it right?
So, don't believe you'll actually be getting the best hamburger in the US because you definately won't be getting it here. It's good, but not great, and not worth $17 even if they do have 2 uniformed doormen to open the door for you on the way in and out. I could tell you the real best burger in Massachusetts, but then I'd have to kill you.......... ok not actually kill you, but make you promise not to tell anyone so it doesn't ruin the place.  Hint....... it's on Cape Cod

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Armine N.

Allston, MA

5 star rating
11/20/2007

I have been to Radius numerous times for dinner, once for lunch and a few times after work for wine. It has never disappointed and seemingly improved every time I go (as if that were possible).

Reasons to go to Radius:
-the menu is fantastic, creative yet classic
-the wine list
-excellent service (servers know their stuff!), surprisingly not stuffy
-decor/atmosphere
-tasting menu

An excellent experience whether it's for a special occasion, after work for a drink, or just for a quality meal.

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Elite '08

83

205

Sean M.

Westborough, MA

5 star rating
06/26/2007

One of the only places I will order internal organs in Boston.  This restaurant has perhaps one of the best wine list in Boston. They have many "splits" from top notch vintners. There is a charm and class about this establishment and I have only received the most courteous treatment from the staff. When was the last time you ate someplace where someone discreetly comes by to sweep the bread crumbs form your table? Exactly.

* This is a mulit-course dining establishment and you want to order dessert.

* Go here on special occasions like your birthday when others are paying. Maybe when the boss is paying. Otherwise suck it up and don't complain about the expense. Skip lunch for a month prior to going and take back those bottles, roll your pennies, it's worth it.

* At least in the top 3 "Best Burgers" in the city (hand-chopped sirloin.) Safe to eat this one rare, and the fries are killer.

* Prix Fixe lunch is a good option/value.

* Really splurge and have dinner in the Vault. (Used to be a bank).

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Coffee Anyone ,.

Scituate, MA

5 star rating
09/16/2007

Exceptional food, wine & service.  It's a must do for that big after work get together or special occasion dinner.

Bring your wallet, or better yet, someone elses.

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Elite '08

107

518

Heather H.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
10/03/2007

Another review i know i wrote before that seems to have gone MIA... (Ligaya- take note!)

Radius is right across the street from my office.  it's fun to stare at all the uptight people dining there at lunch when i stroll by on the way to someplace that doesn't have $$$$ in it's yelp review.  but that said, on the rare occaision that i decide to blow my paycheck all in one fell swoop, this place is great.  Great drink menu, and the food is fab.  but i agree that it's a little too-too.  just too precious.  and it does suck if you're not wearing a suit, or wearing your financial status on your sleeve.

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karen p.

McLean, VA

5 star rating
10/29/2007

Excellent restaurant. I dined here with a friend on a weekend night. I had a time constraint as I had to be at the airport in about an hour. Radius was able to work with the time constraint. The wine list was good, with some unusual selections. We both had the pumpkin soup which was divine - creamy pumpkin soup over flavorful bacon crumbles. The foix gras was excellent as were the scallops. I'll eat there again next time I'm in Boston.

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MT V.

Charlestown, MA

4 star rating
07/24/2007

After living in NYC for 12 years and sampling many restaurants that are arguably some of the best in the world I have often been dissapointed by what we have in Boston, but Radius offers some of the best food and by far the best service offered by any of the restaurants that I've enjoyed here in Boston. The only down size I've experienced at Radius is portion size. After a 7 course tasting menu I like to be satisfied... not wondering after the fourth course how I'm going to get to the next one, let alone the 7th one... but it's a challenges to deal with!

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Elite '08

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chase w.

Allston, MA

4 star rating
04/23/2007

OK, OK-  Radius should probably get five stars-  I've eatten there twice, and loved it completely from a food and atmosphere standpoint, but there is always something that's just not quite right.  When you go to a nice restaurant, you want to feel like royalty, but in an unpretentious way, and radius fails in this for me.  Some of the staff seems a bit snotty, and I felt a bit rushed at times while drinking my cocktail that I ushered over to my table from the bar while waiting for our table (we were early, they weren't late).

The food is fabulous though, and the room is airy but classy.  I love it for lunch because it is usually pretty sunny, but the dinner menu is fabulous-  check it out!

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Catherine F.

Wakefield, RI

5 star rating
02/24/2008

True, it's expensive, but still find myself craving the crispy pork belly sandwich I had on a recent business lunch...Radius is great atmosphere, great service, nice wine menu, and incredible fare.  If there were ten stars, they'd earn them.  They also offer monthly cooking classes that I hope someday to partake in.  Overall, Radius is one of the few best restaurants I've found outside of San Francisco--'nough said?

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bostonstyle g.

Somerville, MA

3 star rating
08/06/2007

I have had many meals at Radius over the last few years, lucky for me I used to have a boss that like to expense things!

Decent enough vegetarian food, although I always felt like everyone else I was dining with was having a better meal (unlike L'Espalier).

I noticed the last few times I was here that the service seemed different.  I did not think it was nearly as attentive as it was in the past.  I think when you (or someone else) is shelling out $150 pp the service should be amazing.

I will come back for sure, had this review been written 2 years ago I would have give 5 stars.

Still, I have had some killer meals here, and everyone has a bad night, so, I don't know, I would say if you love food, and you haven't been to Radius, it's a must try.

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Elite '08

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Alex R.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
10/20/2006

I ate brains!  Okay, it was actually a thymus gland.  That's not gonna stop me from chanting "I ate brains!" all day, though.   I was hoping the sweetbread would come out in a monkey head like in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but apparently Radius is too classy for monkey heads.  Boo.

Unfortunately I was not, as Katia suggests, at Radius to have an affair.    It was a work lunch.  (And they handled our large group wonderfully.)   If I'd been there to have an affair, I probably wouldn't have ordered brains.  I woulda got something sexy, like...um, bacon.  But I did mention the affair thing to my coworkers, who got a kick out of it, so thanks Katia.

Radius is the kind of place where if you go to the bathroom they refold your napkin for you while you're gone, which is completely weird.  I wonder if there are people who come back from the bathroom at lesser restaurants and say, "Jeez, they didn't even refold my napkin for me?!  Last time I eat at this dump!"  I went to the bathroom three times just to make them refold my napkin.  Erin from editorial didn't want to go to the bathroom because the napkin-refolding skeeved her out, so when she finally gave in (it was a two-hour lunch with booze) I stacked all the butter plates in a pyramid at her seat.  The waiters tried to pretend like they were okay with this, but I could tell they were really agitated.  Ha ha, Radius waiters, I eat brains.

The food was top-notch.  (Including the brains.)  I had the confit of pork for my entree, which was perfectly cooked; I also tasted the chicken, which confirmed my belief that ordering chicken at a fancy restaurant is like going to a hip used CD store to buy the new Nickelback album.  Presentation was a particular strength.  The dessert course was the highlight of the meal; I had a terrific cheese plate and also sampled one of the best creme brulees I've had.  The waitstaff was perfect for me; the goal with a joint like this is not to be fast, but attentive.

I'm gonna give Radius five stars, but I want to add the caveat that if I were choosing a place to break the bank at, I'd still tip toward L'Espalier.  Don't take that as too much of a dis, though; I had a wonderful experience here.

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Elite '08

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Lalin A.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
11/20/2006

I went there for a romantic dinner and was not satisfied. The food is excellent. Good wine selection. What I can't forget is the dessert, which was breathtaking: a selection of chocolate, and ice cream. Especially goes well after a bottle of wine or two.

I actually don't like tightly spaced tables where it is hard to have a conversation while over-hearing the two tables and couples next door. This was the case for Radius. Even when you get in, you see a sea of people, and wander whether it is just one big party!

Well, you pay for it but most who go there know what is going to be on the bill. Service is OK, not the best I have seen. Especially the waitresses and the female managers are a little too uptight.

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Elite '08

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Katia M.

Brookline, MA

4 star rating
07/18/2006

Okay, I've never been to Radius.  But every time I walk by it, I think that it looks like a place where two people having an affair would go for dinner.  I get a really strong vibe about it for some reason.  Doesn't anyone else get that feeling?  No?  Okay, well, at least now I can pinpoint the moment when I lost my mind;)

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Heidi H.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
04/27/2006

Went here for the first time today.
Loved the atmosphere, it's really gorgeous and classy.  Not at all intimidating though.  The staff was friendly and accomodating but not in your face attentive.

The food was good, portions were very tiny and the flavor was unique.

My client had the skirt steak, which he said was delicious and I had the Seared Diver Scallops which I'm not sure were fresh so that was a little disappointing plus there were only 3 on the plate with some greens for $22!  I felt a little jipped as far as the entree.
My favorite was the cookie sampler for dessert, they were served warm and the chocolate chip cookie was delicious...Oh and the fruity lemonade was sweet and refreshing!  

I would go here again for dessert and drinks but I don't think I would do another full meal :-(  
The food at Spire is better and larger portions within the same price range.

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Andrew B.

New York, NY

5 star rating
08/26/2006

A fantastic place for an over-the-top dinner that will break the bank but feel deliciously worth it at the end.  The service is absolutely awesome, and the multiple-course tastings will leave you amazingly satisfied as you fill up with matched wines along the way.
Of course you don't need to be eating a full-on meal there to have a good time.  Chill in front as you crunch on some tasties from the bar menu and shoot the shit with you friends.
I really can't afford to go here often, but lord knows I convince myself otherwise as much as I can.

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Rachel K.

MA

4 star rating
01/31/2007

I've had dinner and a lunch at Radius in the past few weeks and must say, some staff changes have given the place a fresh new vibe of service. 2 thumbs up. The service has always been good, but in my opinion not always warm. But at lunch last week I needed to spread out some printer's proofs to look at with a business colleague and they invited us to stay as long as we wanted in the bar area. Such a small thing, but it really impressed me as gracious. Coffee was brought, smiles were offered, and we felt completely welcomed.

Of course, you don't go to a restaurant just for the gracious staff, you go because you want a killer meal and sometimes you just need to feel coddled in the face of a Boston winter. Radius does a great job. Whether it's the velvety macomber turnip soup poured tableside out of an iron tea kettle (I know, it's done in a zillion other places but it still makes me shiver with glee to see it) or their 4 course tasting (don't be fooled, it really adds up to more like 6 by the time all the amuse is brought), Radius is doing just fine.

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Tiffany F.

Billerica, MA

5 star rating
06/26/2007

If money is not an object try the chef's tasting.  It was the best dining experience I had ever had.  The waitors are at your beck and call and the chef serves you a fourteen course meal with a different glass of wine paired perfectly for the dish.  You must be adventurous though because the chef makes you what ever he/she wants.  Just be sure to inform them of any allergies.

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