"The food was fabulous--we tried a duck and a lamb dish, and a few apps. All quite good. Despite having a reservation, we still had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. Seems like they don't quite have their table pacing down. Our server was less than enthused. I think when we ordered an initial round of drinks (beers) and some of their snack-sized appetizers while we were looking through the menu, she pegged us as a cheap check, and service was commensurate with this judgment. When, after finishing apps, entrees, and another round of drinks, and we didn't have room for dessert, she was done with us. I would go back, but I would hesitate getting a table again. Maybe better to enjoy the food at the bar."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"Innovative fresh food - fabulous oysters with incredible swordfish pastrami. Excellent wine selection - no bar for those cocktail lovers but otherwise great"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Food and service is exceptional, with thoughtful details throughout our meal. Everything from the house made rolls to the dessert, exceeded our expectations. After finishing our wine, the sommelier asked to clear the bottle, it was very good, I asked for him to write it down for me.. He did me on better, placing the wine label on a card from Puritan for me. At one point, my friend spilled on her blouse and our server brought over a Tide to Go pen to see if it would help to remove the stain. Wow.. Food was wonderful, the duckliver mousse starter was smooth and rich, the assiette of lamb tender and flavorful and the wagyu was perfect. The chocolate tart with lavender marshmellow was a delightful ending. We are definitely going back."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"Great place. Creative uses of fresh ingredients, combining unique flavors and preparations with excellent service and attention to detail. Nice, airy space, in a great location. Worth a visit."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The food was by all accounts excellent - three of us had steak, one had the black pepper pasta, and another had the chicken. The appetizers were great too. Salads are small, I would say, for the price. Tasty but small. Also we were celebrating my friend's upcoming baby and they wouldn't allow us to eat our own cupcakes without paying a "plating" fee. I suppose that would have been OK if they had had to actually cut some cake, and plate it. I also know this is also standard practice but seems a little silly.
In any case, I would go back in a heartbeat. Great food, nice service."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Great food, great wine list, quite a bit of options for carnivores or not so carnivores! The ambiance and decor are nice. Two minor details: the server brought us a wine that we couldn't stand, offered gladly to change the bottle for something else, and another person came by making us feel bad asking if we were "described the previous wine correctly"... Awkward! Also, they have lamb belly and pork belly on the menu, they confused the 2 while taking the order. The food was great either way!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Great energy/atmosphere/romantic. Sat at bar. Service- Prof/friendly. Our waiter/bartender was able to answer questions about menu items and paired wine well with my entree. Wine and beer list- good. Food- We ordered Swordfish Pastrami, oysters, and cheese plate for our starters. Swordfish pastrami-not very good, oysters were amazing, and cheese plate came out right before our entrees, so that's always a bummer. Husband ordered the duck with fiddle heads and mushrooms- duck cooked perfectly and was out of this world delicious. I ordered the lamb chops with lamb sausage. Very little flavor in lamb dish. Expensive for only 2/5 dishes being really good. Just didn't knock my socks off for place up for James Beard Award...perhaps an off night?"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere with equally unpretentious (yet creative) and delicious food. I moved to boston from portland, or seven years ago and have missed the food scene the most. while boston has great food, the scene is lacking a welcoming casual vibe while still remaining in good taste. puritan and company was a great mix of both. my husband and I will be back for sure, and hopefully with friends!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had a great time at Puritan & Co, and the food was outstanding. I wish we had reason to be in Inman Sq. more often so we could come back regularly. My one critique is that is isn't vegetarian-friendly; on their menu section marked "vegetables," 4 out of 5 had meat, and there were few other options, and almost none if you were vegan. I hate when chefs think that veggies can't be yummy without meat or dairy. The pasta I did have was fantastic, and my husband does eat meat, and thought the lamb might have been the best he ever had. The service was terrific, if a little languid, but for once we weren't running off right after dinner, so it was nice to just relax and enjoy."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"VERY BAD that I was not given 100 dining points just because I went to the restaurant website before I booked the table on Open Table THAT IS BECAUSE THEIR PHONE WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL----called 7 times & call cut off each time.. I deserve 100 dining points & was told that an Open Table rep would fix this----they didnt because the reservation was PENDING whatever that means.....It is not pending now as we ate there---- Chicken was excellent but cod was unappealing to the eye & fair to the palate"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
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"Highlights of my dinner to start were rolls. Probably the single most delicious bread any restaurant has ever served to me. The oysters from Maine were some of the best I had.Perfectly shucked too, no shell pieces and the juice still intact, I really liked the fresh shaved horseradish. The grilled oyster were very amazing.The farmers cheese was another home run. Loved the pickled vegetables they only made want more. The parsnip soup and broccoli salad I both really enjoyed.The pork belly and razor clam was a little disappointing, very delicious, I wish there was double the pork belly and I couldn't find any razor clams in the sauce.Wasn't a big fan of the special octopus, the lamb was good but it needed something to cut through its richness"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Love this place. Food was great and service was excellent. Have been twice and found both experiences to be great. The server made excellent recommendations and when asked to describe several beers and wines, we found her descriptions to be spot on. We will continue to dine here again and again."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This was my first time at Puritan & Company, the menu was really interesting, seasonal and well executed. We had a small group and tried a lot of dishes, and two of the standouts for me were the Lamb Belly appetizer and the Roast Chicken Entree. This chicken was perfection, and I'm not really a chicken fan. The service was really helpful and knowledgeable and made some great wine recommendations as well, the wine list is quite interesting."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I'd go back to Puritan & Co. every weekend just for the potted foie gras - hands down one of the best starting courses in the Boston area. Our main courses (duck and steak) were also excellent. Pair the superb food with exemplary service in a well-designed, cool looking room (check out the antique oven converted to a hostess stand), and this is a great addition to the Cambridge food scene. We really enjoyed the music selection as well."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We loved our first visit here and looked forward to going back, and everything was good. But we left feeling that the food just wasn't particularly inspired, flavorful, or memorable in anyway. They do everything well, it was good, but we left disappointed."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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Review 18 for Puritan & Company
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
Delicious and stunning presentation
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious and stunning presentation of local ingredients. Will Gilson definitely has a passion for food!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Every dish was outstanding. Lots of unusual offerings, but everything worked. For example, "swordfish pastrami" - ordered because it sounded amusing, and it turned out to be a thinly sliced peppered fish appetizer that was sensational. Most of our party had a duck entree, one had a lamb entree, and everything was delicious. The atmospheres was relaxed. Helpful waiter. Thumbs up, all around"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Sat at the bar and had a wonderful time! Duck was incredible, as were the halibut and desserts. The cheesy bread puffs that come with your meal are a lovely twist on the before-meal bread. Service was attentive and knowledgeable as well as super friendly. They even hailed a cab for us at the end of the night. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Great menu! GO HERE!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Very comfortable atmosphere, like you're in someones farmhouse. Excellent service, great dishes with complex flavors...what's not to like? Don't miss the Swordfish Pastrami appetizer and leave a little room for the Chocolate Cake."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Great place, relaxed and warm atmosphere. Attentive, friendly and knowledgable staff. Farmer's cheese and gourgets as snacks while exploring the imaginative menu, swordfish "pastrami" as an appetizer was excellent, peppery slightly cured fish on top of a pumpernickel "paste". Lamb chops and lamb sausage was perfectly prepared. Finished off with a pavlova and coffee. Perfect evening, we will be back!!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Great space, and lively fun vibe. Servers were enthusiastic and personable, but very slow. Food was extremely disappointing. "Veg plate" was skimpy and undistinguished. Blah! Mushroom pasta was bland and wore a plastic-looking topping of parm. The chocolate cake was tasteless and almost frozen. Parker House rolls were a delight, though."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
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"I loved it. We went for a birthday and they really made it an occasion. The food was delicious - i had the black pepper pasta, the gougeres were awesome and unique. I was initially put off by the ambitiousness of the menu - but it was just great. The great food was complemented by excellent service, nice to see a server with an opinion and a sense of humor. i'd definitely recommend, and would go again!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"My husband had the farmers' cheese plate to start -- two cheeses with a small bowl of pickled veg and some lightly toasted bread. It was very good and eaten quickly! I had the broccoli salad, which came with some pickled slaw. Very refreshing and light. For main courses, I had the duck and my husband had the steak. Both were cooked perfectly, very tender and juicy. We both cleared our plates. Our desserts (butterscotch pudding and chocolate cake) were good. I think next time I would skip dessert and order an extra dish from the oyster or charcuterie selection."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Beautifully presented food. Immensely delicious-tasting as well. Food and wine both accurately & expertly described by my waitress. Warm and friendly service -- attentive, thoughtful, efficient and never cloying!
I had the steak. Yum! doesn't even begin to describe how good it was. My mouth/palate/taste buds -- everything in there! -- thanked me, proclaiming that they'd never tasted anything like it. Later, I think my soul said something similar too.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I look forward to spreading the good word about this place."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Such a great experience. Rolls so good. Appetizers (scallops, gougeres, swordfish pastrami, pate) all stellar. Entrees were also excellent. Duck was just about perfect. Cod was very good, though not quite as interesting as other dishes. The meringue dessert was a huge hit. The chocolate cake & butterscotch pudding were not especially good. Wine wonderful. Sorry to say we never got our server's name, but he was one of the best servers we have ever had. Right up there with Menton's service. He took us on a journey, had enthralling anecdotes for our questions, and made us feel so at home with his enthusiasm, passion and eye-opening knowledge. Such a gem. You guys need to keep this guy around. Move aside, East Coast Grill, Inman has a new star!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"This would have been an outstanding experience, if only the meat had been cooked. Obviously the chef prefers the duck and lamb to be ordered medium rare (the waiter asks "is medium rare okay?"). We ordered medium, but what arrived at the table was completely rare. The sides and sauces were delicious but I absolutely prefer my lamb to be cooked. We will not be returning here -- there are plenty of great restaurants who are willing to cook meat the way their customers prefer it."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
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"This is what was really delicious: The most incredible pretael bread rolls I have ever eaten and the halibut in brown butter was a revelation (love that brown butter); service was wonderful and the space was pleasing. What we didn't like or were underwhelmed: The clam chowder was pretentious and not emough clams; the lamb sausage was just plain weird and the lamb chop wasn't "lamby" tasting enough. Wish there was the grilled oyster on the menu. The broccoli salad was interesting. Too expensive for what we ordered. But I would give this restaurant another try."
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Really interesting food. Very adventurous chef who takes meat and fish to the next level with reasonable prices. Casual in appearance but great room energy and open kitchen. Vegans need not apply. No frumpy food here! In the laid back Inman Square bar scene, this place has enough class to attract the Craigie St. crowd. Similar inventiveness with each plate and its beatiful presentation."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Great tasting food and wines but not if you are starving--portions are so tiny! VERY pricey and the acoustics need work. Too loud for a reasonable conversation or even to hear what the waiter says."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"This was my 2nd visit. Food not as exceptional as I had remembered from first visit - poached cod (?) was a bit bland, should have known that. But the ambiance is terrific, service excellent, all in all a good night."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2004
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"Puritan & Company is a rare gem on Cambridge Street. The food is elevated with the chef's using molecular gastronomic techniques (albeit unsuccessfully. The foam on the sausage did not add any distinct flavor to the dish.) But when they used more traditional cooking methods, the dishes are extremely successful. The lamb with lamb sausage is incredible. The wagyu steak was great as were the grugeres and the mackerel pate. However, their desserts are lacking. But after informing our server of their mishap, they quickly took it off the bill, not charging us at all. That showed classiness and an understanding of their own limitations. All in all, bravo! This receives a solid recommendation."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"We are devotees of the Inman/ Cenral Square restaurant scene. Puritan & Co is an outstanding addition to the "family". This was our first visit and we celebrated my wife's birthday. From the starters thru the desserts, the quality of ingredients, the preparation and the presentation were beautiful. Don't miss the seared sea scallops and the cauliflower soup!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Excellent food. I love that there is so much variety in their meat selection and that they have more exotic meat products such as sweetbreads, foie-gras and lamb belly! Very delicious and I highly recommend."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"What a great great addition to the Inman area and The Cellar must be sad to have seen this chef leave! You walk in here, and even on a Sunday night, this place is pretty packed! Only beer and wine here, but I have to say that their beer list is actually pretty stellar. Between beers on draft including this spicy habanero infused beer a ton of them are locally brewed, so come thirsty! I almost want to come back just to try all of the appetizers, because Wow. Their seared scallops were incredible. And their clam chowder, poured table side with whole clams with pieces of pork belly--amazing. Then came the lamb chop and sausage main dish and that sausage has to be one of the best sausages ever."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Service was good..the wine selection was good ..first couse of the duck confit wellington was to die for but main courses left a lot to be desired..had to send the copia back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
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"We had a wonderful meal at Puritan & Co. The food was inventive (swordfish pastrami was excellent!) and perfectly prepared. The fresh-baked rolls (Brioche, with flakes of salt on top) were addictive, and the Little Gems salad was a celebration of fresh greens and herbs. The lamb and duck entrées were perfectly seasoned and prepared, and full of flavour. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. We'll definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"First time to Puritan and can't wait to come back!! Moving to the neighborhood soon, this will definitely be a weekly stop. Amazing food, interesting preparations without being overdone. Top of my list!!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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