Chef/owner Bob Sargent creates menus drawing on American classics with French and Italian influences. Many of his dishes include seasonal vegetables and local foods, especially seafood and farm products.
"Flora is a restaurant we go to regularly, but particularly for special occasions. For my 70th birthday dinner, Flora came through with flying colors. The mussels and fries middle plate, an unusual pairing, had succulent, plump mussels and crispy fries. The asparagus and potato vichyssoise with crabmeat was beautifully complex and satisfying. My miso-glazed Scottish salmon fillet, ordered rare, was cooked to perfection with crunchy skin and the complimentary tastes and textures of Chinese sausage and lightly cooked Asian greens. A full, moderately priced Rioja topped off this memorable meal. Thank you Flora."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"We went to Flora's to celebrate an accomplishment and had a wonderful time. Our group particularly liked the salad with shrimp and avocado appetizer. The pork chop dinner was delicious as was the past bolgnese and chicken dinner. Chocolate cloud cake is a perennial favorite that was terrific again."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I had remembered Flora differently.....better food, for instance. The bluefish was okay, but I could have come up with the same dish. The steak was not the best cut and was tough. The soft shell crab was excellent. Fried oysters good. Risotto admittedly innovative, served with barley, but not my type of thing. The pork chop was juicy and excellent. Not enough salt in the dishes, perhaps on purpose. I am not sure I will return, considering the price was very high without dessert."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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"Our group had a lovely time at Flora. The maitre d' was extremely courteous and helpful as several of us straggled in late. We were seated towards the end of the room which offered a good view of the room while being a little isolated from the rest of the group. The cocktails were very interesting. Service was attentive yet unobtrusive. I had the special salad - arugula with picked shallots, shrimp and a chivee dressing. It was tasty, although the shrimp could have used a tad less cooking time. The rest of the meal was solid, with minor quibbles. Our group loved the decor and all of us would like to go back soon."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food was quite good. However, it was over-priced considering the small portion sizes. There seemed to be no reason for this. I left the restaurant hungry. This is saying a lot because my friends often tell me that I eat less than anyone else they know! I will not return to this restaurant unless they increase their portion size."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Over priced for the portions and flavors. The rib eye steak was too thin, not well seasoned. Served with just potatoes...no vegetable. No garnish. For money, it should have been better. Salad way to small for the price. It is lettuce for God's sake, Give a few leaves more!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
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"The food was excellent, our waiter was friendly and personable just wish the tables werent so close to others. We could hear every word the guests at neighboring tables said. Took my gf there to celebrate her birthday and was hoping for a more romantic setting. Not very romantic when your table neighbors are all into your conversation!! Also not very fond of the random wedding photos all overte restaraunt, seemed very strange..."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Flora continues to shine as an excellent restaurant in Arlington, MA. Our family has been dining there since Flora opened; our most recent experience was as good as ever. Very highly recommended."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Everything was impeccable. The food was amazing, the portions just right, some good wine choices. The service was prompt and efficient, it could have been a little friendlier. The restaurant itself had a nice elegant atmosphere, but just a touch of snootiness. I absolutely adored everyone in my party and not everybody had been to a restaurant of Flora's caliber and I think, with a more understanding and patient server the experience would have been even more memorable."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Food and service were excellent, though the artichokes served with my lamb (so tender i needed a spoon, not a sharp knife!) were woody and did not go well with the flavors.
Free champagne on Mother's Day was a real treat, as was the dark chocolate mousse at the end!
Side room (we were seated in the back) felt lonely: it is neither pretty nor cozy."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Three daughter took two mothers out for dinner and a play to celebrate Mother's Day. Flora was a fantastic way to start the evening. Theo was our server and was very friendly, fun and professional! We all started off with martinis which were made exactly to order and perfectly mixed. The appetizers/small plates were delicious. We ordered the roasted beets, mussels and soft shell crab. My mother and I had salmon for dinner. The salmon was cooked perfectly and had the skin on top which was very crispy. Typically, I do not eat the skin but it was so delicious that I ate every bite! the vegetables and homemade sausage that lines the plate was also very tasty and complimented the fish nicely. I would definitely return to Flora soon!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food is outstanding but the service is so bad it's hard to come here as often as we would like because the hostess and servers are not attentive."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I live in Arlington and have eaten at Flora many times. It never disappoints. This time was no different. My friend and I were seated at a small table in the corner, which was perfect for quiet conversation. Our server was delightful. He greeted us with a huge smile and despite the fact that the dining room was packed by time we left and he was very busy, the smile and his very attentive and calm and friendly service continued throughout our meal. The food was outstanding, from the "simple salad" to the the seafood entree that I had, which was cooked perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing or satisfying dining experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"My supposed reservation was an error by OpenTable. Somehow my email address was used in error, and OpenTable didn't allow me to correct the error. I don't know if the person who made the reservation ever made it to the restaurant. Perhaps it was a great experience, but my experience with OpenTable was not."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The place is super romantic, it was our first time there and we went for our 4th wedding anniversary. But the menu does not match the ambience. It is extremely limited (only five entrees to choose from), and tasted good, but not worthy of the price. Maybe a better place for a drink and some dessert. The bar on the other side looked cool."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: romantic
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"Delicious, exceptional dinner. The waiter's suggestions were knowing and full, as were his responses to questions about this new menu. The challenging tasks of timing, managing a fairly full house, connecting with us diners and giving full attention to the required tasks were managed superbly not only by our waiter, but by the service team; seldom have I seen such seamless team work and shared support of the general goal of providing diners with an all around excellent experience. A team member who'd served me 5 weeks ago remembered that I like water without ice! I am still smiling from the overall experience—and that superb meal."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Flora, as always, was wonderful. One of the few restaurants in Boston where you can actually hear and hold a conversation with your dinner companions"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We have been to Flora several times in the past. The last two times the entrees have only been marginally ok. This last time the salad course was great and the carrot cake was phenomenal. Both my entree and my husband's were bland, nothing to write home about or write a good review about. In addition the night we were there was Rockabilly night. This music does not fit this restaurant at all. It was very loud even though we were in the other room. It made it difficult to hear each other. At the priced they ask, the entree should be much better and the atmosphere classier. As for the music, I think they were trying something new, which is admirable. I just think they could have done a better job matching the music to the place."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2006
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"The food & drink were comprehensively excellent. (Actually, I didn't think the pinot gris went with the trout.) I love Flora, my only wish being that the tables be spaced less close together."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Flora is decently good, but not great. The food is worth it, but the service definitely needs some polishing. They employ young, inexperienced waiters and busboys who are sweet, but not well trained, which does take away from the experience.
I do have one gripe about their offerings. It's great that they will cater to vegans, but they do not have soy milk on hand for coffee or cappuccinos, claiming they do not get enough requests. First of all, this is Boston and soy milk is cheap and has a long shelf life opened and unopened... all you need is a quart on hand. But second, maybe if you did a little advertising, vegans would come to your restaurant with their non-vegan friends."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"Went for restaurant week & the 4 dishes were all disappointing. Wilted Asian Greens with Shredded Duck & Sweet Chinese Sausage was poorly named as there was minuscule duck and no Chinese Sausage to be seen. Winter Squash Bread Pudding with Mushrooms & Tomato Coulis sounded intriguing and while the coulis had nice flavor the pudding itself was one note and the whole dish with no textural elements was like eating baby food. The spicy shrimp & grits were a little better, the shrimp was flavorful although not spicy but the grits were bland. Lastly the Guinness Stout Cake with Buttercream frosting was disappointingly dry. The best part was the frosting but there was barely any of that."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
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"Our seating was not good. We were a party of 3 and you gave us a table near the window. It was cold. you did, however, everything we asked to cutoff the draft by unfurling the drapes. But it would have been better to have given us a table for four away from the windows.We will be back.The food portions were excellent; the smoked salmon salad also excellent; service ok; and the price unbeatable."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2011
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"Have eaten here several times including Easter. Was disappointed that they ran out of chocolate bread pudding. Had NY cheesecake --- sauce was fabulous, cheesecake horrible. Boneless short ribs and accompanying garlic mashed potatoes and veggies were excellent. Lobster stew was OK but not the best soup that I have had at Flora's. Of course, the rolls are always very good. Overall, Flora's is an excellent local restaurant for a meal at any time. Easter brunch was busy but we did not feel rushed. Flora's chefs should take pride in creating dishes that are delicious. [except for the cheesecake!]"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"First time diners.Restaurant was busy,but service was prompt.The menu for restaurant week offered many choices.Food was flavorful and plentiful.Warm and welcoming environment.We would definitely go back to Flora."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I love the feel of restaurant. The staff as well as the cliental all seemed very happy and relaxed. I enjoyed my meal which consisted of a green salad, fish follwed by fresh. I was especailly happy when I was allowed to order an appetizer for desert. The restaurent is a little pricy for its location."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Competent, professional wait staff Reliably delicious very well imagined, presented, and expertly cooked food. Usually a personal, connected, utterly satisfying experience. Better when it is not restaurant week, and the staff is less overloaded.They aim high and usually achieve their mark. This meal was marred by a cold vegetable that caused the plate to be sent back and set the diners eating on different schedules. It was handled gracefully and quickly. This is the only time such a thing has happened in many visits, and I chalk the glitch up to restaurant week pressure. I'll be back soon.Thanks!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We have eaten here many times and enjoyed it every time. There aren't that many items on the menu, but there are often excellent specials and we have almost always found something delicious for each of us. The servers are friendly and (almost always) knowledgeable. The main dining room is an old bank and very attractive."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
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"Wish we know it was restaurant week limited menu only when I booked our reservation- when I say limited, I mean very limited. We opted for the the $38. per person consisting of 2 medium plates and dessert, of the 4 medium size dinner plates we ordered, not one was particularly tasty or memorable- except the vegetable terrine type dish that looked like cat food, and tasted as bad. Dessert was good, a very yummy chocolate cake!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
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