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Aura Restaurant Reviews List
Aura Restaurant
Savor Chef Robert Tobin's contemporary, globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine at the AAA Four Diamond Aura restaurant, located on the waterfront in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District. Aura's cuisine is complimented by an award-winning wine list and a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the private quarters of a ship's captain. Aura also offers two private dining rooms, ideal for social celebrations or corporate functions.
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61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(14)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(18)
- special occasion(15)
- kid-friendly(9)
- great for brunch(8)
- good for groups(7)
- great for lunch(7)
Aura Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Cafeteria Style
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"When we arrived there was no one to greet us. It took a while to find someone to seat us in the charmless room. The food pretty boring and the service inattentive."
Dined on 5/30/2013
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Review 2 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Seemed understaffed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a Saturday evening on the way to the Pavilion for a concert. The kitchen and staff seemed a little overwhelmed because of the crowd in the other two dining areas of the hotel. It was very crowded in the seaport area that night and it spilled over into the hotel dining areas. The staff had trouble keeping up. Food was average. Our server was very pleasant and energetic but VERY busy with other tables."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 3 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Little charm or local flavor. A good hotel restaurant and one of the quietest places for dinner in the Seaport area."
Dined on 5/29/2013
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Review 4 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, expensive.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food is cooked with care. Good portions. Nice service. Food is too expensive. Price for two with wine and tip averages $200. Just too much for a regular evening out."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 5 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not Great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Thought this place was going to be really good with all the reviews I read. Next time, I'll do some more investigation. It was very expensive and not that great. It's also in the seaport hotel, which at the time I made reservations I had no idea. This place wasn't the best at all, but we had a good time anyways."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 6 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was okay but the service was not good. We had to bus our own table at one point. Mother's Day Brunch is a zoo, I would not go there again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Friday Night Family Dinner is great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went to Aura's once a month "Family Dinner". Prix Fixe menu for adults, and special kids menu, but you can order off regular menu too. Was with other families, with kids ranging from 3-9. Kids enjoyed play area while adults talked and dined. Service was terrific and food was very good."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I work in the same building
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I work in the same building where the restaurant (Aura) is located so it is quite convenient. Met a friend for lunch and had the salmon Caesar salad and it was very good."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was good. Please
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was good. Please make sure I got credit for this because I did not see it in my OpenTable history (but might have overlooked it)."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2010
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Review 10 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As usual the server, Christopher,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As usual the server, Christopher, made our experience remarkable and totally wonderful. We hope to return for Thanksgiving. The host and staff also were wonderful they did a great job. The Chocolate Fountain was the hit with my grandchildren. Thank you and pass along my thoughts. Sincerely Ellen Murphy"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great time for family Easter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great time for family Easter Brunch - lots of activities for the kids and excellent food"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 12 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was really great,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was really great, and the portions were very generous, unlike some upscale restaurants. But our waiter didn't seem very happy to be there, and when I asked him to wrap up my entree, which was far too large for me to finish, he wrapped up only the meat and none of the accompaniments that made the dish so good."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 13 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Stayed at the seaport Hotel.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stayed at the seaport Hotel. The food was good. Did not feel the Ambiece fit the location."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent dining experience. We would definitely return. Our waiter Gilman was experienced and helpful and very pleasant. We also had a delightful conversation with Mario, the other waiter, on our way out."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
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Review 15 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was OK when all I could get
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Some reviews make this restaurant seem like the hotel lobby itself. It's not that bad... it is inside a nicely divided room and the ambiance is OK+.
The service, and food were a little disappointing and below the service level I expected from the other reviewers though.
The waitress, though nice, was overworked, and under-trained. The wine was poured without tasting and was spilt and it sloshed into glasses. A few things were forgotten.
The food was more Joe's American than high cuisine. I prefer smaller portions and tastier food. It wasn't the Cheesecake Factory which is the king of that concept, but it also wasn't an independent kitchen - more like hotel food. Good but not a destination I'd pursue."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Review 16 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The waitress was very attentive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The waitress was very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
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Review 17 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our reservation was for 6pm.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our reservation was for 6pm. Therefore, the noise level was low since not many people had arrived for dinner yet. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food and service was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and service was very good but the restaurant lacks ambiance as it is located in the middle of the Seaport hotel with no windows."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
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Review 19 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Again! Again!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We keep going back for brunch. The food is fantastic and the staff are so kind and welcoming. One visit, they know what you like and they have it ready for you right away the next time you go. Clearly great hires, good people, who are managed really well. The food is outstanding."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 20 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Horrible service. Inattentive.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We arrived at Aura on time for our reservation (party of 2), and were seated quickly. The restaurant was not busy, and with only 1/2 the oom "open", it shouldn't have been an issue. We quickly received water and bread, but it took our waiter a full 10 minutes to come over to take our drink order. Once our drinks had arrived he asked us if we were ready to order, or if we had questions. We told him we were ready, and he said he was going to drop back off the wine bottle and come back to take our order. Being a small room, we watched him go to 4 other tables before returning to us to take our food order. It took him more than 30 minutes to return for our second drinks. Aura auto-tips even on small parties, so you can't speak with your wallet."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
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Review 21 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
If it weren't located in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If it weren't located in the lobby of a hotel, it could really be a top-knotch restaurant. The food is very good, and the "Food Week" options were wonderful."
Dined on 03/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great lunch!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious! We went for lunch during Restaurant week and the choices were great! I loved the clam chowder and skirt steak was one of the best I've ever had.
Would definitely go again.. ."
Would definitely go again.. ."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waiter,Chris,was outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our waiter,Chris,was outstanding!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Aura needs Atmosphere
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I live just outside of Boston and when I think of the Seaport Hotel I think of a world class hotel and restaurants to go with it. Aura was just okay. They have this beautiful lobby space with huge windows just outside of the restaurant entrance and then they have the Aura Restaurant tucked away, dark, bad lighting and just an okay appeal. Move the restaurant 100 feet to include the windows and you will improve your restaurant 110%. If you are staying at the hotel, I am sure Aura will do just fine for a meal but I would venture out if I were you. The food was okay - we were there for breakfast. The breakfast buffet had some nice selections and the food was fresh. The service was excellent and he constantly checked on us."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
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Review 25 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been to Aura before
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been to Aura before and loved it. The food and service is always consistent.
Wonderful!"
Wonderful!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 26 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We enjoyed a superb dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed a superb dinner after a day at the Boston Flower Show. The tuna and salmon duo app was delicious. The Aura salad was flavorful and unique. The entrees of salmon and bouillabaisse were excellent. Dessert and coffee were great toppers. Our waiter, Chris was very attentive and knowledgeable of the entire menu and wine choices"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 27 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Afternoon Tea at Aura
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had afternoon tea with my mother and 4 year old daughter. We all had a wonderful time and they didn't charge anything for my daughter. The only drawback was the price. It was $84 for two people, they include the tip automatically, and there really wasn't that much food. 8 finger sandwiches, a few small pastries, and two small pots of tea. My daughter , who never eats much, left full, but my mother and I were left feeling hungry. If I spend $84 on food, I expect to be full. I know it was "afternoon tea" and you really don't eat much at tea, but $84 was steep for what we got. It was a special day and was worth it for the experience with my mother and daughter, but I won't do it again because of the price."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not impressed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were using a Groupon that was about to expire and didn't have a time to go for dinner. We met friends for Sunday breakfast. Not sure what we expected but thought it would be more brunch or maybe a bit more special. They offered eggs, which were not real hot, there were only 2 blueberry muffins and some croissants left when we got there, and assorted fruit, eggs Benedict that looked like they had been sitting for awhile.The staff was very nice and very attentive which made it pleasant. Maybe breakfast was a mistake and we should have gone for dinner. It is not inexpensive......"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
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Review 29 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food in a hotel lobby
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was more than delicious with impressive portions. There was no mistaking the fact that you were basically in a hotel lobby though. Also, although the server was exceptionally friendly he was a little over the top and at times seemed to take his time getting things like drinks and the bill to us. Nothing that would prevent our return, however. In fact I would go back for the wild mushroom napoleon alone it was spectacular and my husband said if he wasn't in public he would have licked the plate...lol."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 30 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A nice surprise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Given the varied reviews, I was somewhat apprehensive, but found Aura to be quite good for a hotel restaurant. It is located off a wide corridor leading from the lobby (not "in" the lobby), and has a contemporary decor that could qualify as romantic. I had the bouillabaisse, which was nicely prepared and delicious. I remember the wine list as being reasonably broad. My wife and I had the Trio of Chocolate and Apple Crumb Cake desserts, both of which were enjoyable. There are many fine restaurants in the Seaport area now, and I'd recommend Aura among them."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 31 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were there for brunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were there for brunch. 2 adults and 2 teens. We are typically hard to please secondary to wildly varying diets. Everyone was happy! Our waiter was very attentive and entertaining.
One negative- hated to see poached egg dishes on the buffet- poached eggs should be made to order."
One negative- hated to see poached egg dishes on the buffet- poached eggs should be made to order."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 32 for Aura Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I had dinner on Valentine's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had dinner on Valentine's Day.
My experience was only a fair experience for the following reasons.
My experience was only a fair experience for the following reasons.
I had a confirmed reservation, but I had to wait about 20-25 minutes as our table was not ready.
The waitstaff removed my appetizer before I was done.
I had to request servingware for the 1st course
Upon departure, I had to find an employee to retrieve our winter coats from closet."
Upon departure, I had to find an employee to retrieve our winter coats from closet."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Aura Restaurant
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate