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East By Northeast Reviews List
East By Northeast
East by Northeast reflects the Chinese-style food we serve with a focus on New England’s palette of local ingredients. Offering something both familiar and exciting, we look to the past with recipes rooted in tradition and to the future by giving those recipes a fresh perspective. Despite harsh northeast winters, we will strive to support local farms, above all committing to sourcing the best-quality ingredients. Respect for the products, culinary traditions, and the customer are our highest priorities.
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80 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 80 reviews
5 stars
(43)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(65)
- neighborhood gem(56)
- special occasion(29)
- romantic(22)
- hot spot(16)
- good for groups(10)
East By Northeast Reviews List
Review 1 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have eaten here several times and have always enjoyed it and recommended to many friends. It was a surprise to find a recent menu change improved it further. The tastes are surprising in their complexity and originality. Scallion pancakes for instance, are usually enjoyable but here, they are wrapped around pulled pork with a spicy sauce and carmellized onions and who knows whatever else. I literally smiled at that and several other plates, like the meatloaf buns and salmon sushi. I would go back this week and have the same dishes again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best and most interesting meal I've had in Boston by far."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food & Great Service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love this place. We have been coming since it opened and it's remained consistent. Excellent food that's often impressive and surprising, Attentive, knowledgeable staff who are willing to steer you in the direction of their favorites. We recommend this restaurant highly."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delightfully Innovative Asian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dined here on a Saturday night with a friend. Ordered 6 dishes to share, and both of us were impressed with each one. Chef opened with an amuse bouche of chilled asparagus soup with smoked tofu and cilantro. Salmon tartare special was especially awesome, as was a roasted fennel & carmelized onion tartlette. (Seriously, how are those carmelized onions so good?!?) Our server was stellar--personable and on the ball. Cocktails were well-executed: just enough to take the bite off, without going overboard to mask the flavor of the liquors. Well worth a visit (and then a return trip or two!)"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was outstanding and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was outstanding and the service was great. We got the tasting menu and the food was paced perfectly. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dumplings amidst a din
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was at least my fourth time at the restaurant in the last several years, and previously I've liked it. However, this time I was disappointed. With the exception of some pork dumplings, food was too brothy (beef shank in thick-cut noodles), bland (scallion pancake), and much too salty. A beet salad was overwhelmed by a creamy sauce. Unlike on past visits, and perhaps because the small space filled quickly (we were there just after 6 p.m. on a Saturday), the noise level grew unbearable and conversation became impossible. ExNE really should look into some better insulation, for floor or ceiling or both. It also might want to think about expanding so that it could construct a space that would yield a better dining experience."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
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Review 7 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The small plates concept was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The small plates concept was well-executed. The menu had interesting choices for drinks as well as food. I was pleased with everything I ordered. Plan to return soon."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food at East by Northeast
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at East by Northeast is always fresh and creative, and the tasting menu options are by far the best deal in town!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazingly Fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This food was absolutely amazing. I seriously had a religious experience with several of the dishes."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was very excited to try
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very excited to try this new restaurant after seeing it in the Best of Boston Mag. I was a bit disappointed. We asked to do the 8 course tasting menu and asked if one of our diners could do it vegetarian. Apparently they couldn't accommodate that. So the waitress suggested the 5 course "tasting menu" which is actually a pre-fix menu. Then after asking her to be sure and ask the chef, they suddenly could do the 8 course tasting. Some of the food was great while the other was sub-par. She also neglected to tell us is was a "family style sharing" tasting menu. When I asked her what was in one of the dishes sauces, she simply didn't know and made no effort to ask either which was disappointing. Wait staff deff needs more training."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2010
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Review 11 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were given a gift certificate
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were given a gift certificate and didn't know what to expect. The tapas-sized portions make it easy to enjoy great variety. The carrot-walnut spread, Brussels sprouts, scallion pancakes, and shumai were outstanding. Will defiinitely return."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent,hot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent,hot and tasty."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 13 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, nice cozy restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a small restaurant in the lively Inman Square area. The size is perfect --not one of those 2-table restaurants where you feel like the servers are constantly watching you, but small enough to give a cozy feeling. The decor is warm and inviting. I had heard about the food a lot, so I was very curious to see what would be there. I had the 5-course tasting menu, where you choose one meat-based dish, one vegetable dish and one noodle dish. They have one dessert they add to this, and you get one more thing as a surprise dish. I had the pork belly sliders for the meat, which were excellent. The rest was all ok but relatively unmemorable."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 14 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great food, though it can
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"great food, though it can veer a bit toward the 'foodie' culture...inventive recipes are spot-on."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
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Review 15 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The cuisine is an ambitious
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The cuisine is an ambitious attempt at Asian fusion, but the flavors inevitably end up muddled. The kitchen attempts to hide this in many cases with excess salt, but the result is almost always disappointing. East by Northeast has potential but most of it is wasted. There are much better options."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
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Review 16 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first time at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first time at East by Northeast and we really enjoyed our meals. The service was excellent and the food was very good. We would definitely come back when we are back in Cambridge."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Inman Square gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Every detail of the food and service was impeccable. A true dining experience and my taste buds are still awake three days later."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
doesn't get any better.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"it was my daughter's birthday and we definitely chose the right place. we were given so much personal attention as everyone fussed over the birthday girl without being intrusive. each time we've been here we leave feeling well cared for and pampered.
the food is the best in town. the chef blends the most unlikely flavors together and it always works. exquisite is the best word to describe the overall tastes.
this is the place. we always take our out-of-town guests here and the place never disappoints in any category. we hope to come here for many years because it continues to be our favorite restaurant.
the quality of our life is better because this restaurant is in the world. thank you east by northeast. we love you deeply."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently the best!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I've eaten at East by Northeast many times. It is consistently awesome! I have never had a dish I didn't love. The flavors are complex and exciting, but never overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed its because you can't imagine such a great food experience for such a reasonable price. While I welcome an opportunity to go anytime, this restaurant is equally good for a special occasion. If you haven't eaten here you're missing out!! Go hungry and try everything!!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food here is amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food here is amazing. Order anything from the menu; you can't really go wrong. Beware it's not exactly budget-friendly -- expect to spend $50 a head, including a drink."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 21 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Organic wines and great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fabulous food. Spicy and fun. Also organic wines. Yes"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 22 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had been wanting to go to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had been wanting to go to East by Northeast for a while. I see why it got such good reviews. The 5 course meal worked out really well. The food was very interesting, with a variety of textures. .The flavors were inventive and distinct, some of which were unusual, imaginative without being strange for its own sake. I really enjoyed it."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love this place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was my first time there. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Can't wait to go again."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
awesome! though the 8 course
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"awesome! though the 8 course thing was too much for the two of us. but that was our fault.
6 would have been perfect."
6 would have been perfect."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 25 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the most creative meals
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the most creative meals I've had in the Boston area!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we had the chef's tasting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"we had the chef's tasting menu, great selection of things that I never ate before and some of them were quite delicious. Service was outstanding. Everyone is super enthusiastic there. Really liked the place."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Just loved this place. Wish
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Just loved this place. Wish there was just a bit more variety for a vegetarian. I was visiting from out of town for work and went out of my way to squeeze this place into my schedule. Worth it."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Eat here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the most innovative restaurants in Boston. Not much more to say!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
exceeded my expectations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had heard great things about East by Northeast but it exceeded my expectations! Very attentive and knowledgeable staff. The food is amazing. The prix fixe is a fabulous deal and a great way to try many different dishes. It's small and cozy and just lovely for any occasion or none at all."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 30 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My favorite restaurant in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My favorite restaurant in the Boston area."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Highly recommended for anyone
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Highly recommended for anyone wanting a great change from the usual asian fare. Lots of inventive flair, high quality, great service, etc."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Interesting, inventive, flavorful,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting, inventive, flavorful, always delicious food. Menu changes often so there are always new things to try. We have never been disappointed by a meal at this restaurant. Very professional wait staff that makes the experience of eating here just that much better."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I thought that the service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I thought that the service was amazing. The waitress we had had a great sense of humor, knew everything on the menu word for word, and showed passion about her job and about the food she was serving us. We really appreciated the warm and hospitable welcome we received from her. Unfortunately, due to the size of the room, our seats were small and many times uncomfortable. The couple next to us also had the unfortunate quality of being non-stop talkers, not even stopping to chew their food. Because of the size of the room an proximity to them, it was very noisy. The food, I thought maintained a great standard since the last time we went. However, the dishes lack a subtlety in flavor, as all the sauces were very intense with vinegar or chile."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 34 for East By Northeast
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love this creative place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love this creative place! Great food and the service is always prompt, informed and friendly."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for East By Northeast
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic