Artisan Bistro is a modern and inviting dining room dressed in rich dark and light woods with elegant European design elements. Accents of black, off-white, cognac, blues and warm grays echo a classic bistro look and feel. Crafted wood wainscoting throughout the room and soft ambient lighting from above highlight the white-washed, wood floors to further enhance the bistro-like setting. New stitched-leather booth seating lines the dramatic floor to ceiling wall of windows overlooking Avery Street and two high-top u-shaped booths frame the space on either end. Additional cluster seating is intimate and close, allowing for easy conversation and lively exchange. Artisan Bistro features fresh, local seasonal dishes that present artisanal cooking in an approachable way. The restaurant’s bar is lively but casual with specialty cocktails, local microbrews, an extensive wine list and signature brunch Bloody Mary menu.
"Been here a bunch, and never once had a bad experience. Try the steak and cheese flatbread! I think they actually use tenderloin!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"First time, and we were very pleased. We dined early, before a 7:30 movie.
The food was yummy, the kitchen split our shared items without being asked (definite plus!), and the service was top-notch.
The wait was a bit long for our flatbread. We had plenty of time before the movie, so we did not complain, but the server noticed, and because it was longer than it should have been, they took it off the bill. Impressive attention to a high service level!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We came with 2 other couples, prior to seeing a show nearby. We had been here before, with the kids, and enjoyed it. Coincidently, we had the same waiter, very knowledgeable, but sometimes juggling too much, which does effect the timing. Still, overall it was a wonderful dinner, and we still got to the theatre prior to curtains. Dinners were all delicious. We will return there."
Dined on 4/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We had reservations before a show. Our server, Eugene, was great; attentive, fun personality and good suggestions on food. The noise level wasn't bad other than a man next to us on his cell phone the entire time talking to Russia. He was very loud with no consideration to others near him. I asked to be moved further away so we could enjoy our own conversation.
The food was great. We had grilled shrimp; quite large and cooked to perfection. Others had blue cheese short ribs (a suggestion of Eugene) and a great choice. Also we had the steak and cheese flatbread and a pasta dish. The bistro salad was excellent. Everyone enjoyed the food. Overall, the dining experience was well worth it. I would return for either drinks or dinner again."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: scenic view, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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"Given some lukewarm reviews, we decided to try using a Gilt City voucher. The food was far beyond what we had hoped, and the service was spot on for a restaurant at the Ritz (special props to Eugene for being sucha wonderful server - ask for him specifically)."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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"This spot is so close to the Boston Opera House that it is perfect for a meal before the Ballet or any show in the area. There are good choices and you can go for a light start (we just had salads and their "Fish on the Rocks' which was a seafood tower of oysters, lobster salad, salmon tartare and shrimp cocktail) or more of hearty meal. The service was good, the food well executed if not terribly exciting and the location perfect. We will absolutely do this again."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"My wife and I dined here prior to attending an event in the Theater District. She had the house salad and steak frites. I had the clam chowder and grilled shrimp. Other than delivering my wife's steak well done (she ordered medium rare) the food was excellent and the service was fine. We were there at 6:00 PM so it was quiet. There were a few people at the bar who sounded like they had been there all afternoon and were whooping it up and having a good time. All in all a good take. We would not hesistate to return."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Offensively bad. I think it has to win the prize for worst food in the theater district. My $32 scallops consisted of 1 scallop in a gluey heavy white sauce, with chopped up scallops, literally shredded in the sauce. The one scallop was not freshly cooked nor was the sauce freshly made, both clearly reheated and lukewarm. I was taken aback when it came to the table but was in the middle of an intense conversation . It came with a bowl of oily fried rice. I ate very little of it and would not dream of coming back. The decor was certainly lacking as well, a bit cafeteria like. This wasn't a bad night, it wasn't that kind of bad, it was "we're not even trying." This may actually have been the worst meal I've ever had in Boston."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
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"Excellent food, service and ambiance. Reasonably priced."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Artisan Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)4/5
Good theatre spot
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/24/2013
2004
Dined on 04/24/2013
2004
Food
(Very Good)4/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Very Good)4/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The overall experience was very good. We came prior to going to the theatre, so it wasn't very busy when we arrived, but then by the time we left it was pretty hopping. Our server Eugene was fantastic. We had the lobster tacos and the salmon tartare - both were very good. Then we had the chicken, Wednesday fish special (fluke) and the Lobster flatbread. The flatbread was delicious, and the fish was good, but not amazing, and the chicken was very good. We didn't have dessert, but I saw some come out, and they looked nice."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"While my eggs benedict was fine, the french toast ordered by 2 friends was awful...and for completely different reasons. The first was soggy and undercooked, while the second was just bread with fruit compote. The waiter was nice, but extremely slow. By the time we received our food, we were all so hungry, we didn't bother to send it back."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
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"Noisy ...off the lobby of the Ritz Carlton. Lively bar scene but not very comfortable for a pleasant dinner. The food was delicious although a bit over priced and the service was good. Ok for a fast pre-theatre dinner."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"My first time at the Ritz Boston. Very open, airy and elegant. A great location for brunch or dinner if you're going to a performance @ The Opera House. Drop in for a drink in the cocktail lounge after the show while the traffic clears out. It will make your day."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
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"Excellent service from at the resturant and adjoining hotel and bar. The kitchen was extremely flexible and produced an outstanding vegan dish, not on the menu.
We will return!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Went as part of Restaurant week. Liked it so much that we went back the next night. We never ever do that. But I guess we did, and did not disappoint. As local residents, it is just a positive to have in the neighborhood. Deserves our support!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"the clam chowder was a meal in itself and then I got the main course which was so delicious that I did not let the fact that I was full stop me from finishing every bite. A wonderful experience."
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Our service was excellent and the food, quality and presentation was very good. Our problem with Artisan was the ambiance. In a Ritz-Carlton hotel, we expect an upscale setting. This was more like a sports bar; somewhat noisy for early in the evening and the decor- cold, cheap and tacky. It seemed like a neighborhood diner. Again- no comlaints with the food- very nice."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
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"Great restaurant, convenient to the Theater District. Perfect for a pre-show dinner. Food was delicious. While there are flatbread pizzas and hamburgers on the menu, this is more than a bistro. Food prices are moderate, but wine and drinks are on the high side. Overall cost was reasonable for the quality of the dining experience. I will put this on the list of "before a show" places to dine in Boston's Theater District."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"My daughter and I visited prior to a theatre matinee. We were promptly seated and offered orange juice and coffee. It went down hill from there. It took 15 minutes for our waiter to come over and ask us if we wanted something to drink. He was clearly exasperated, and complained of being overworked, even though there were other servers available abs the restaurant was barely half full. It took another 10 minutes for him to deliver our drinks, and started walking away again, even though we had told him we were on limited time schedule. I ordered the lobster omelette, and it contained tiny, shredded pieces of lobster. The omelette itself was overcooked. My daughter had a lobster roll and she said it was ok. Won't return."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2006
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"Fantastic --- EXCEPT that we were late to our 8pm show around the corner, despite arriving at 6:15 and informing our server of our schedule. (He actually asked us!) I would go again. It was great. But I'll allow 2.5 hours next time!!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Terrific food and fabulous service. As a traditionalist, the architectural tone of a chic and modern French bistro is, for me, surprisingly refreshing.
I have not had a meal this spectacular in a long time. While not inexpensive, the price point is reasonable for the entire experience. We will return to Artisan Bistro.
Thanks to all the staff at Artisan Bistro for creating and hosting a terrific dinner experience. Greatly appreciated!
This restaurant reviewer highly recommends Artisan Bistro."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had an early 6pm reservation (pre theater) and found the restaurant to be too dark and somewhat noisy. The print for the menu was too small for reading in the dark. Our waiter was very friendly however, never told us the specials. Next trip to Boston I think we'll dine elsewhere."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
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"a HUGE disappointment, especially for a Ritz. 50 minutes to get quiche & a salad when 3 other tables that came in after us were served before us. a clueless waiter who hid the entire time. and while the salad was terrific, the quiche was cold & tasteless. WAY too many other choices in the area to pay 1st class prices for a 3rd class experience."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2005
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"Wonderful place before or after a movie at the Boston Commons. Just 2 minutes away. Staff was attentive and very professional. Food was really delicious - very tender center cut pork chop, tender short ribs, flatbread pizza. Extremely satisfying."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic
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