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Dante Reviews List

Dante

Boston's beloved star chef Dante de Magistris presents classic Italian cuisine with a twist at his eponymous hot spot. Enjoy food that's playful yet familiar in a sophisticated space that evokes the serenity of the Mediterranean, featuring magnificent views of the Charles River and Boston's skyline. Serving lunch seasonally, and dinner, dante has a little something for everyone. Whether you're looking to sample the chef's latest creation or one of his classic fresh pastas, you're sure to discover an experience you won't soon forget! Boasting distinctive cocktails, an extensive wine list, seasonal patio dining, dante is the perfect spot to refresh your mind, restore your spirit, and reinvigorate your taste buds. "Best Upscale Italian, 2011" -Boston Magazine. O, The Oprah Magazine says: “one of Boston’s cool new restaurants” for it’s “airy, minimalist room with views of the Boston skyline and its superb cucina (haute cuisine, Italian style).
See more Dante details
68 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(68 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 68 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(24)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • scenic view(31)
  • fit for foodies(30)
  • special occasion(27)
  • romantic(15)
  • good for groups(14)
  • great for outdoor dining(8)
Dante Reviews List
Review 1 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

excellent

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/19/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"excellent and unique food, especially their small plate. Great service."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Dante's Waterfront

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food!!! with beautiful waterfront views and Boston skyline! Food was wonderful from the small plates including the arancini balls and the meatballs through entrees and then yummy desserts. The salmon entree and the pea tendril raviolis were thoroughly enjoyed. The fried dough balls(profiteroles) with different dipping sauces are a restaurant must!!!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Dante
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

disappointing

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Being Belmont residents and frequent diners at its sister restaurant, Il Casale, we were very disappointed by a recent Sunday family dinner at Dante- our first visit. The restaurant (and hotel) felt like it was trapped in the 90s with it's "mod" cheesy decor. It was cold in the restaurant. We were asked to chose different cocktails after ordering because they were no longer made, but the wine by the glass selection was limited. Our beet chips were not cooked enough (chewy- yuck). We were presented with a basket of sweet pastries after getting our bread (left over from brunch?) but before our dinner. The carbonara which I usually adore at Il Casale, was too yolky and soupy. The one redeeming plate was my salmon- cooked perfectly. Never again"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 4 for Dante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food was delicious. The wait staff was very attentive."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for Dante
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Both the man and woman working behind the bar were very unfriendly, and it was not the kind of service I have experienced at Dante's sister restuarant in Belmont. We only stayed because it was Saturday night and we didn't feel that we would be able to get into another place wtihout a long wait. As for the food... the raw oysters were the best part items we ordered.The pasta in the Frutti di Mare entree was way under cooked and chewy with very little flavor. I was also shocked to see tiny shrimp that looked like they were from a can. We didn't complain because we felt like we were just going to get attitude from the servers behind the bar."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 6 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Not all reviews are correct.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had read some sort of negative reviews about this place but decided to eat here anyway because of the view ( which does not disappoint). All I can say is that some reviewers are just plain wrong. The food was delightful, with a marriage of ingredients you would not expect. This is not your Nonny's kitchen and is not average Italian- American food, although the fried dough dessert could have come from my Nonny's kitchen. Instead, expect delicious combinations of fresh ingredients that surprise the mouth. Our waiter was very knowledgable, attentive and amusing. Eat here if you don't want chain food like Olive Garden."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 7 for Dante
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Not a repeat.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This could be a terrific restaurant but given the cost, attempt to squeeze in extra tables, and less than stellar service, we would neither return nor recommend it.
The food itself was quite good although some of the pasta was clumped together - not enough stirring while cooking. In a large space with few diners, we were seated at a table where our chair literally touched that of another diner. Consequently neither he nor I could move without hitting the other. Simply eliminating one table (for 2)or the other would make for a much more pleasant experience.
Our round of drinks was served with our glass of wine and our first course. Those serving the food didn't know who ordered what and literally plunked the dishes on the table."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2005
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 8 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Dante has great service, nice

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Dante has great service, nice location but the only problem is that the food is just OK.
Not bad but nothing great or special.
"
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2013
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Review 9 for Dante
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Entrees were far too slow to be served. Food was good for less than 2 out 4 entrees. Scallops good. Pasta pomodoro too spicy. fenouille with stirloin not appetizing and hard too eat. Salmon sad looking. Took no desert. Preferred Casale in Belmont (for atmosphere, service and food)"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2012
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Review 10 for Dante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great atmosphere. Fine dining,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great atmosphere. Fine dining, but not stuffy. We enjoyed our dinner for our 10th anniversary very much."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Went for restaurant week with

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Went for restaurant week with a few friends. Menu was good and the food was good. The salmon especially was very tasty as was the duck salad. The service was timely, just not as friendly as I have had in the past but he never lingered and was prompt and such with the service. I did feel rushed a bit at first but that got better and I think he realized we were not going anywhere as we just had a lot to catch up on. My pasta dish (mushroom pillows) tasted very store bought...and I had thought they made their pasta. Dessert was not impressive..either of the choices. The wine list...even glass options...were wonderful though."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2005
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Review 12 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fourth time here,every one a winner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fourth visit, every one a winner. Great food and service. Wonderful appetizers. . Save room for terimisu. Nice room overlooking river. Very mellow setting."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

False Advertisement for RW

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was okay. Basil pasta and the dessert was really good. I do not know why the streak was add 12 dollar for the restaurant week menu because it was not what it said on the web site. So FALSE advertisement. I really enjoy our time, even though it was a classy place we can still have fun and chat about whatever we wanted. Our service was awesome, he helped me pick wine and make sure I got everything I needed. Would definitely go there again."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Some dishes were very good,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Some dishes were very good, some mediocre."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2004
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Review 15 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Bread was served cold on both

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Bread was served cold on both occasions. The chicken marsala dish was too oily. Nothing about the service or food enticed me to want to come back."
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2013
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Review 16 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

delicous food, wonderful service.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"delicous food, wonderful service. I felt like I was in high end resturaunt in the north end but with a better view, better service and a parking spot."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 17 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent and relaxing getaway.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great service from waiter, Wil. He followed us from bar to dinner. Eggplant dip appetizer was awesome. Squash ravioli and rabbit cacciatore were excellent. And we loved the $1 oysters at the bar. Very relaxing getaway for two female friends who never had to leave one spot."
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 18 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I had high expectations given

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I had high expectations given the previous reviews. It has a nice view of the Charles River, was quiet (Sunday night), and they had a kids menu (nice as I was eating with a 7 yo). Arancini were good, but topped with honey that did not work. Squash ravioli wasn't savory but sweet and almond-y. Pasta w/marinara was meh. Panna cotta was fantastic. So nothing was BAD, just not GOOD."
Dined on 02/24/2013
 2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, scenic view
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Review 19 for Dante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Our waiter was attentive but

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Our waiter was attentive but overdid the presentation. My dish was bland and I was disappointed since Dante's in Belmont was a great experience w/great food. I was not as happy with this menu. I did however, like the option of having half portions."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2011
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 20 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had our rehearsal dinner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had our rehearsal dinner here in 2011 so we thought it would be fun to go back for our Valentines celebration. We started with the arancini and calamari - both were amazing. I think Dante makes the best arancini around! I had to resist ordering more. For our entrees we ordered a tenderloin special and the gnocchi with a chestnut sauce. Both were cooked absolutely perfectly and were delicious. For dessert we had ricotta pie and fritelle. We were supposed to share by I totally hoarded the fritelle - they were so good - light, fluffy and not greasy. Overall we had a wonderful meal, would absolutely recommend and we'll definitely go back again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Dante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Appreciated the gluten free

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Appreciated the gluten free menu."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2007
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Review 22 for Dante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Dante for Bill's Birthday

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went to Dante after a Google search .. looked for something near to Kendall Square. We are so glad we found this place - the service was entertaining and fun - but not so over powering to ruin a quiet night. I was a little intimidated by the menu, so we chose a tasting dinner and, again, so glad we did."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Dante
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
7 out of 8 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate