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The Hungry I Reviews List
The Hungry I
Welcome to the Hungry I! Tucked just below street level on Beacon Hill's picturesque brownstone-lined Charles Street, the Hungry I is charming and intimate. Although small, it is quite cozy and very romantic. There's a true elegance to the Hungry I that comes from the surroundings, the food and the staff. A distinctively different place that makes every visit really special.
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57 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 57 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(23)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- romantic(49)
- special occasion(36)
- neighborhood gem(32)
- fit for foodies(28)
- notable wine list(9)
- great for brunch(5)
The Hungry I Reviews List
Review 1 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was not a 5, but I believe it was more our choices than the food itself. Other times I would have rated it higher. It is a great place for a quite evening."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great atmosphere, w/ terrible food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We picked Hungry I as it was listed as one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. The place does live up to this reputation with an intimate candle lit atmosphere.
But we were very disappointed with the food. Given the price of the meal, we were expected amazing french cuisine. Instead we were served food that looked amazing but tasted extremely bland. Our first course was dumplings and mussel bisque. The dumplings were completely tasteless and we had to ask for some salt and pepper. The entrees did not fare better. They were out of the sole so we ordered the snapper prepared the same way with an egg wash, instead we got something that tasted like omelet. I order the special, rack of lamb and again no flavor including the sauce."
But we were very disappointed with the food. Given the price of the meal, we were expected amazing french cuisine. Instead we were served food that looked amazing but tasted extremely bland. Our first course was dumplings and mussel bisque. The dumplings were completely tasteless and we had to ask for some salt and pepper. The entrees did not fare better. They were out of the sole so we ordered the snapper prepared the same way with an egg wash, instead we got something that tasted like omelet. I order the special, rack of lamb and again no flavor including the sauce."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sensational Charles Street Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This under-the-street venue has survived in Boston at the foot of Beacon Hill for a very good reason: superb French cuisine marvelously prepared and served wonderfully by engaging waiters in a very special atmosphere. We have been going there each Boston visit for many years."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very Satisfying dining experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We returned to the Hungry I for brunch after a wonderful dinner a few years ago. We were not disappointed. Everything was terrific, from ambience to the service to the delicious food. The 3-course Easter brunch was reasonably priced at $34. We walked away very satisfied, and will definitely return in the future."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another AMAZING holiday brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Another amazing holiday brunch at the Hungry I. The service is superb and the meal outstanding. The potato pancake with HOMEMADE boursin was awesome and the eggs over curred hash beautiful. The french toast was sweet and salty with a little big of ham along with the special fish with risotto. Make sure to save room for the famous walnut pie, but I also love the lemon rum cake equally as much."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This is based on their restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is based on their restaurant week menu.
The place is quite cute and the service was great. However, the food was just OK on flavor (dessert was not good). Based on their prices and the reviews here, we were expecting quite a bit more. Not worth the money, even with restaurant week."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2008
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Review 7 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant week menu,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great restaurant week menu, excellently prepared perfect Manhattans. Very attentive service. This is what restaurant week is all about."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waiter chris was fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our waiter chris was fantastic and provided us entertainment along with a delicious meal. Highly recommended for a date night!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Most romantic restaurant in
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Most romantic restaurant in Boston. Fantastic service!! Food was dated and heavy, but my night was still great because our waiter was so great and the space was so romantic and cozy. The desserts were amazing!!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Almost substandard
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Worst of the French restaurants
The main course was a mustard chicken and scallops and pork with cabbage.
It was acceptable. Dessert was an uninspired crepe with mousse. Tastes chewy and at least days old
poor combo
Other dessert similarly tasted below expectations"
The main course was a mustard chicken and scallops and pork with cabbage.
It was acceptable. Dessert was an uninspired crepe with mousse. Tastes chewy and at least days old
poor combo
Other dessert similarly tasted below expectations"
Special Features: romantic
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Review 11 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just an overall great experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Just an overall great experience!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The ambiance was incredible
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambiance was incredible and our waiter was superb - just enough chatting to make us feel we were being hosted for the evening, but not enough to intrude on our time together. I also appreciated that the meal took over three hours, since this was our one big date this year.
BUT... the food didn't blow us away. If you're looking for classic and "old school" then maybe this is your place. But for us, especially for the price, we were expecting more of a unique experience. The first course "crab" was essentially a ho-hum crab dip. The first course "clams" were not particularly noteworthy either. Both entrees were very heavy and could have used some lighter or fresh ingredients for balance, though again if you're wanting "old school"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rustic french at gourmet price
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dinner here was for a delayed Valentine's date with my wife. The restaurant is very quaint, located at garden level in the thick of Beacon Hill on Charles Street. The decor was very quaint if not a little tight.
We had baked clams Venezia as an appetizer, I had the Venison as a main dish and my wife had the duck, along with a $70 bottle of wine. The food was hearty and delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portions and unpretentious presentation. We finished with a dessert each, both good but unremarkable.
The meal was excellent, and we both left satisified, happy and had a very enjoyable conversation. In the end, I wasn't sure it was worth the $300 price tag, though..."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Most Romantic Restaurant in Boston
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My significant other and I enjoyed an early Valentine's Day dinner for our first time at the restaurant and it was fantastic! Cozy, delightful setting with incredible service and excellent wine and food. Service was awesome. Thank you!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fine atmosphere, food, service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Hungry I is a lovely, small restaurant--and when I was there (Super Bowl Sunday), it was nearly deserted (as were most restaurants without a wall TV!). Hence, it was very quiet, but the food was very good (very fine menu selections--I had to debate, thug far too often in other restaurants I find nothing I particularly want and have to 'settle' for my meal) and service very good--no fawning or patronizing which often happens when entree prices are upwards in the $30+ range. I would give Hungry I a 4 1/2 star, withholding a half star because the tables were a bit close and if the place were full, I can imagine unintentional conversation seepage."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic
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Review 16 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great meal, ambiance and waiter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"great meal, ambiance and waiter Chris was spectacular"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great and Justin
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was great and Justin our server was awesome, very knowledgeable about the menu and wines and was extremely polite. Would definitely go back here again."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for The Hungry I
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding food, OK service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I would give this restaurant a five star review if the service were better. The food was outstanding and the setting is rustic cozy/cute -- definitly a fun setting that transports you away from the city. But ther service was not up to snuff. We had to wait quite a while to place even our drink order, and the restaurant was not busy, in fact it was half empty at this point. This is not the service that I would expect for the cost of dinning at this establishment"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Hungry I
Based on the average of (39) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
0 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate