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Ten Tables
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
5 Craigie CirCambridge, MA 02138
(617) 576-5444
- Nearest Transit:
-
Concord Ave @ Parker St (72, 72/75, 74, 75, 78)
Concord Ave @ Bond St (72, 72/75, 74, 75, 78)
Concord Ave @ Craigie St (72, 72/75, 74, 75, 78)
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
227 reviews for Ten Tables
Review Highlights
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"Chocolate terrine, with Thai Basil ice cream." In 42 reviews -
"The tasting menu is absolutely out of this world." In 80 reviews -
"Finally, the chocolate terrine." In 53 reviews
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227 reviews in English
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Review from Kelly M.
Cambridge, MA
4/1/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Ten Tables is our neighborhood spot we don't let ourselves go to very often because it is so good. We don't want to ruin it for ourselves.
The Thai basil ice cream is the greatest thing to have ever been invented. I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and still giggle like a 5-year-old with every bite. -
Review from Sarah G.
5/16/2012
Ten Tables: I think you have more than ten tables in this location, but that's okay. I won't tell.
I will tell about your pretty awesome tasting menu deal though. You get 4 courses for around $40-50 per person (the Sunday deal I need to go back for since it is only $33!) and if you eat meat, you have those options, and if you are a vegetarian they also offer the whole thing in a vegetarian version too! My friend Laura is a vegetarian so that's what she got while her husband and I both got the meat version. I loved all of my dishes minus one, which was this gulf shrimp dish that really just didn't taste like anything that special...The lamb sausage however was downright fantastic. I just wanted as much of that as I could possibly have. And the parmigiano sformato which is like a souffle with that speck and balsalmic was so so good too! I definitely need to learn how to make that. Laura also got a tasty looking salad with house made dressing and peas and shallots and a really filling pasta dish too which for her was a little garlicky, but all in all each dish was a unique combination of different flavors.
But their signature dessert was the grand slam. We got their chocolate terrine that was infused with sea salt and thai basil ice cream! This was probably what made the term OMG because that is how you feel eating it. So good. And they use fresh herbs in their drinks too! I got the gaston which was a tarragon infused cocktail with cucumber! So inventive! This is what a top tier restaurant should be about. Can't wait to come back for more! Especially if that terrine is involved :-) -
Review from M N.
Newport Beach, CA
5/2/2012
Doesn' t live up to the hype... unless you are a fan of oversalted dishes. If you want satisfaction and happiness, just take a stroll around the neighborhood where Ten Tables is located and eat somewhere else in Cambridge. You'll save money, be more satisfied and not wake up feeling so used. If you have to go, the salad appetizer with the dill dressing is delicious. Veal meatballs and lemon dumplings (ehhh)... haddock with clams main dish (meehhh).... vegetarian pasta dish (hello, salt lick!).
It's not too fun when your waiter says he can't tell you what is being served on the tasting menu. I understand a changing menu, but say that "dishes may changed throughout the night" makes it sound like there isn't much thought going into menu planning and that they might just throw together what they have (paying $$$ for leftovers?!). I've been to many restaurants that have varying menus, but at least their staff is trained and knows how to describe/sell the dishes to customers!
bah! -
Review from Katie H.
Boston, MA
4/1/2012
If you have never been to Ten Tables expect an adventure. Why? Because you will be lead through downtown Cambridge (look at all the restaurants!) towards an enclave of fairytale homes (where did all the restaurants go?) into a brick apartment complex (is the GPS messing with me?) with a parking lot of four slots for allegedly ten tables (how is that suppose to work?) where a trollish sort sits on a flower bed ledge and spits goo (clearly not valet!) until you duck under a basement apartment turned bistro (hmmm) and enter by the hobbit's door (how cute!) beneath the black and white striped awning. Welcome to Middle Earth! LOL, I mean Ten Tables.
So I'm here on my first eHarmony date. Side Note: We had a Health Fair last week at work and this lady yelled at me, "Do you know the number one killer of women?" I said, "Craig's List?" The correct answer was cancer but I just wanted to give you some insight on why I chose eHarmony instead of Craig's List for dating. So I am here on my first eHarmony date and despite my request for one out of three - view or fireplace or corner table - I get none. Let the disappointment begin.
Our server suggests a variety of options on the menu or a chef's tasting for those who want to let go and let G-O-D. I'm game but my only caveat is no meat. My date concurs. The server suggests a wine pairing with our meal. We concur (isn't that sweet?). The problem is chicken and fish are predictably paired with white wine or rose, which is exactly what the server brings. I should have said I am a red wine girl but he also should have asked. Ah well, cie la vie.
We start with the Hand-Cut Tagliarini with Jonah Crab, First of the Season Peas, Chili, Mint and Urchin Butter. It wasn't part of the chef tasting but I was curious when I saw it on the menu. When it came out, the pasta and peas tasted undercooked, I could smell something fishy yet couldn't see the crab and the salty sauce reminded me of a creamy Top Ramen dish. We gave this one a "C-."
The first course of the chef's tasting was the Artichoke-Leek Soup with Lemon Crush and a Rosemary Crouton. My date said this was on the menu and not something unique. I thought it was very unique if you like oily green soup that tastes like pureed bark and looks as if it's boiled dragon's tail. We gave this one a "D."
The second course was the Grilled Red Drum Fish with Chili resting on Cauliflower, Garlic, Onion and Golden Raisins Grilled Sicilian Style. I am not a fan of raisins but I enjoyed this dish. My date enjoyed the dish and left his veggies (what would Nanny McPhee say?). We gave this one an "A" for flavor but since it was on the menu too and nothing unique it goes down to an "A-".
The third course was Lamb on Mashed Potatoes. I know, right? I said no meat. Comical moment. So later they bring out a dish whose name I didn't catch but it was cocoon-shaped pasta shells in a (urchin?) butter sauce with fresh peas, grilled oyster mushrooms (THE BEST THING WE TASTED YET!!) and a sprinkle of blue cheese. As a "gift" for the mix-up the server also brought out grilled escarole (YUMMY!) sprinkled with Parmesan. Shamefully we box it up so we have room for dessert.
To cleanse our palates, we are brought a House-Made Mango Sorbet that has just a hint of herbal flavor of either sage or rosemary or sweet basil. It's very refreshing.
For dessert (don't know if this was the chef tasting or on the dessert menu because we didn't see it), we are brought out a Chocolate Taurine with Thai Basil Ice Cream and Sea Salt. It looks like a small brownie with a dollop of ice cream on top. The chocolate was too much for me but I loved the ice cream because the flavor was both surprising and delicious. We gave this one a "B." The other dessert was the Greek Yogurt Panacotta with Oregon Huckleberries, Saba (an aged balsamic reduction sauce?) and Pistachios. It looks like a scoop of vanilla ice cream with blackberry sauce and pistachios surrounding it like a moat. This didn't sound good but it was unbelievably excellent. We gave this one an "A."
Verdict: Bad start (Ten Tables was starting to feel like Ten Village Idiots but hey, it gave us lots to laugh about) with a better finish. Glad we did it yet happy to move on. The meal with 20% tip was $210. Limited parking. -
Review from Michelle C.
Medford, MA
5/25/2012
I had a good dining experience here. Menu was a little small particularly when they told us they no longer had the scallop dish. But the pork shank was fall off the bone good. My husband had steak frites which was good but the fries were sooo salty. Agree with the other reviews about the salt in this place. What kept this place from 5 stars was the salt and the waitress who did not really care about us being there or knew anything about the food. You should really know everything about the menu and even taste each dish, really helps with the service. Overall, maybe I'll try the JP location next time.
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Review from Carrie B.
Cambridge, MA
5/18/2012
As always, a delicious meal at Ten Tables. Its time I gave them the props they deserve. Ten Tables is truly a wonderful dining experience - from the warm and tastefully decorated dining room, to a service team that runs like a well oiled (and really friendly) machine, to the great GM Ian, the funny and welcoming Chef/ owner Dave, and of course, the delicious and ever changing menu of seasonal farm-to-table food.
In the past I have enjoyed the tasting menu several times. The "chef's whim" style tasting is really fun, and while you don't know what you get the staff is always accommodating to personal taste if you let them know what you do and don't like to eat (or can't eat). I find the chef's whim offers a chance to experience the creativity and imagination of Chef Dave as he creates what he thinks will be a perfect sequence of dishes for each table.
Most recent meal was a la carte, the standout was probably a seriously flavorful and satisfying spiced lentil potage with a crispy goat meat croquette floating in the center. The greek yogurt panna cotta with rhubarb and pistachio compote combined three of my favorite things (greek yogurt, panna cotta, and rhubarb) into a light, not too sweet, and satisfying dessert. -
Review from Anne W.
3/19/2012
Wow... little did I know that a place in Cambridge could be this delicious. I have written off most of Harvard being less than stellar because the rent is so high here... but this place is really a gem.
The place is not modern... it's more Cambridge-like. Older.. I made reservations on Tuesday. I found out too late that they had parking right outside their door. Fantastic for a place surrounded with streets requiring permits. Next time I'll have to park there...
I didn't think this place was that bad for price. It's reasonable for what quality food they serve. The bread and bagel bites they served at the beginning of the meal were delicious! The bagel bites were yummy with the spread they serve with it.
Started with the squid ink salad.. it was really good. Lots of squid cooked perfectly. Yum! I tried my friend's garlic soup... it was good... not spectacular but good.
Then I went with the wild boar pasta... my friend (who tried this restaurant the week before) had recommended it. I did find it a bit salty but good. I think it tasted a lot better the next day. My friend got the steak frites.. which comes out in a huge huge presentation complete with fries. I tried that as well. Pretty good although steak is very common in most restaurants. The steak also tasted excellent the next day.
We also tried the coveted basil ice cream with chocolate. Although the ice cream is too much on it's own... it worked nicely with the chocolate. I would probably not order this again as I am not a fan of stuff this rich or strongly flavored.
I was pleasantly pleased...and would definitely go again.
They also have a small bar if you are waiting to get a table. Definitely a great place for a date. -
Review from Linzy B.
Somerville, MA
5/19/2012
Overhyped, under-decorated, and over priced. Aren't the days of butcher block paper on the tables over yet? Tan walls and no ambiance. And then there's the food. My husband's steak was uncuttable. Charred so much on the outside that the knife they gave us was inadequate to the carbon. The inside was cooked to order but the outside was so metallic and sharp, it hurt to eat it. A listing of cool snack/appetizers on a chalkboard and the server told us those dishes were only available at the bar? So we would have to move to eat them??....Not an innovative menu or special cuisine. I think it survives because there's just nothing else in the neighborhood. Parking a nightmare as well.
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Review from Kay R.
3/12/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Yum.
We arrived at this little nook tucked into a Boston-type-cul-de-sac not too far off from Harvard Square in Cambridge. True to other's reviews - it is in a basement. It doesn't feel like a basement though... there are nice drapes keeping the draft out, with a coat rack before you enter. A short (maybe 6-seater) bar with beautiful woodwork at the front. We sat towards the back - which I would recommend if you can request it. There are lovely deep bench seats along the wall with romantic tables for two nestled along it.
I wish I had room for the 4-course tasting menu, but alas we didn't feel we could gorge ourselves to that level this evening. We each started with a cocktail - my "KK" was divine - ginger and passion fruit topped with Champers. We split an app of RI squid - being from our home state, how could we refuse? It was perfectly cooked - not too chewy, but still tasted as it should: from the sea.
I had the pasta special which had breadcrumbs and crushed peppers. One - I wasn't sure how I felt about breadcrumbs over a tomato-beef ragu - but wow. It worked and I wish I could figure out how to try it at home. My companion's cod almost made me rethink my aversion to that particular fish.
The service was well orchestrated, but not overbearing. They read their tables well. Too bad it is not closer, otherwise we could become regulars... -
Review from Jennifer K.
Concord, MA
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food was excellent. We decided on the tasting menu and were not disappointed. Each selection was perfectly cooked and flavored AND it was one of the few places we have gone out to dinner where the food didn't seem to be really fattening. ; )
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Review from William L.
Boston, MA
2/17/2012 Seated via OpenTable
So, it's my own fault for going here on VDay... I know that. I'm a sucker. Fine. Whatever.
On the plus side, this place has an awesome little basement entrance that google maps doesn't quite know the location of. This is cool if you want to impress your date with intimate knowledge of the back streets of Cambridge. If you find yourself lost on a back street of Cambridge, don't worry, your date will point out that it is across the street and you will be happy that she is smarter and more attentive than you because honestly, google should know where this shit is, exactly. (we'll start the clock at 5 stars)
There are more than ten tables. (minus no stars, just sayin.)
No offense, server, but you had a dumpy pair of jeans on and your jacked up VDay prices should afford you a pair of pants that fit. (minus .2 stars) Also, maybe shave? Just a thought. I had a tie on for fucks sake.
The guy at the table next to us ordered for his date in the classic, "and the lady will have the fish" as he flashed his pinky ring or some shit. It was hilarious. We snickered pretty hard at that. Luckily dumpy waiter pants was standing between us so we could snicker undetected. (Plus .1 stars for being in the right place at the right time, dumpy pants)
I understand that it's busy on days like this, so restaurants like to maximize profits (and fine, I guess experience, too) but I just don't want desert, ok? I don't want it. No, thank you. Prix fixe another piece of fish into my mouth instead. I'd like that. Although I was full from my first piece (a little salty actually, -.4 stars). It was the kind of thing I'd probably gorge myself on until I died. That and the green bean and caramelized onion business it sat on. Salt be damned. Really though, I'm 25 and I just found out I have high blood pressure, so maybe just try not to slap me in the face with the salt next time? You didn't know about my condition, but it ads to the epidemic. Seriously, be responsible. Also, everything else was perfect. It must have been a slip.
Date had a veal starter course. It was like butter. Another preferred desert option. It was only slightly better than the salmon tar tar I had. I think it was salmon anyway...
Date also had a black truffle risotto thing. It was good too. Maybe trying a little hard, but definitely good.
I'd stick to the wine list here. Our two cocktails were... not putting any hair on anyone's chest.
Anyway, despite the 4am panic attack I had over how much money I actually just spent being a sucker, the meal was really really great. 4.5 stars rounds up to 5. I could probably nit pick a little more, but I'll chalk it up to it being The Worst Day Of The Year. So, good job guys. -
Review from Andy M.
Cambridge, MA
3/14/2012
Took my wife there for Valentine's Day, and was not blown away.
Service was slow and inattentive. The extra effort I took to repeatedly report dietary restrictions when I made the reservation, confirmed the reservation, and when I arrived were ignored. Meal was ok, but not as good as one would expect for the price. I've heard good things about this place, but overall... meh. -
Review from john g.
Melrose, MA
2/12/2012
We had dinner there last night...the service was excellent. The ambiance was cool too...good music playing in the background and cozy atmosphere.
We ordered the spicy meatballs as an appetizer - not spice at all but still moist and very tasty. For dinner, I had the hanger steak & handmade fries and the GF ordered the pork stew. The steak was cooked to order and done perfectly but the meat was chewy and didn't seem to be marinated. The fries were very good especially when dipped in the aoli. My partner's stew was ok but a little bland. Some of the pork was super tender and easily cut with a fork but other pieces were a bit more tough. We did not order dessert but they looked good.
Would try to the tasting menu next time ($48/person) as the folks next to us had it and the food looked really good.
I would give the food a 3-4 and the atmosphere a solid 4. -
Review from Emmanuel S.
Cambridge, MA
2/28/2012
A great place for dates! The entrance through the basement is super cute. We had the 3 courses preset dinner, with the wine pairing. Everything was admirably cooked, with very fresh ingredients. The foie gras and the beef, that day, were amazing.
The wine pairing is usually a rather good value for money deal :) -
Review from Chris S.
Melrose, MA
2/18/2012
Don't even think about entres - Get the Tasting Menu!
Food:
Excellent food. The flavor combinations are interesting and unique and the preparation and presentation compliment the taste. The multi-course meal featured a variety where each plate was better than the next.
Drink:
We opted for matched pairings to the course. Well done and we had no complaints. A great restaurant does this so well because the bar and kitchen have to be on the top of their games to make sure it works. It is also a great way to get turned on to new wines one glass at a time but 3-4'glasses in a sitting. NOTE: They do beer and wine but no hard alcohol. Do the wine pairings and you don't have to worry.
Service:
Excellent! Our waitress was professional and helpful. My favorite trait of a good waiter or waitress is they are there when you need them and gone when you don't. The ultimate test is a multi-course serving as they have to be on it without rushing. Add the wine to it and they are really busy. They also use team service so it kept the whole night fresh. I thought the people were top notch.
Atmosphere:
Just my speed. Upscale but casual. Not stuffy, nice and spaced from the other tables. Lighting was nice and dim, very relaxing. Speaking of tables there were more than 10. Not really an issue but in the effort for full disclosure...
Parking:
It is Cambridge, there is very little parking. Take a deep breath and find a spot down the street by the church. Quit your grumbling, the experience will be worth it.
Pricing:
Not inexpensive but hardly esoteric. I have had more expensive dinners that didn't compare. I think the key is the value. Easy to drop more than $100/ea if you do it right! You won't be disappointed if you do. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Chris -
Review from Cat R.
Cambridge, MA
2/8/2012 Seated via OpenTable
I went here on a friend date and it was quite the romantic, amazingly delicious dining experience. I would give it 5 stars , but we were seated next to a waiter station/talking/rest area for them and my date was annoyed he could hear everything they were talking about. The place itself is quite small and is sort of 2 rooms that are defined by the waiter station in the middle on the sides. Our food was delicious and perfectly seasoned, cooked, created. They change their menu based on the season, so our dishes are no longer on the menu. The lovely man I was with ordered some cocktails which he said were very tasty if not a tad strong (my kinda drink!) I couldn't have asked for anything more. Service was spot on and the place was the perfect noise level for talking but not being overheard by everyone and their mom.
The restaurant is downstairs below an apartment complex I believe which is weird, but it really doesn't matter. They made the space beautiful but simple, and I really didn't mind I was eating a $28 meal in a basement.
This is a wonderful place for dinner with friends, or a friend and you really feel the intimacy of the place. Everyone who can spend the money should eat here for a special dinner night. -
Review from Jamie G.
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a nice Thursday night dinner. I really want to give this place 4.5 stars,maybe even 5 stars, but there is just something about it that didn't make me love it--- maybe it was not impressive enough inside... or didn't have a huge menu... or somethine? I do definitely want to come back for their $45 5 course meal that the chefs make for you... basically you are enitrely in the hands of the chefs--- it sounds so exciting! But I tried their regular menu this time....
Cocktail- It was muddle oranges, sparking wine, etc, but not strong enough, not flavorful enough
Bread- with olive oil, was good. Oil a little plain, bread a little too chewy
An extra, free course- a Tuna spread and with crustinis- good, a little too tuna-y for me
Appetizer- lettuce leaves with persimmon, hazelnut, blue cheese- delicious
Main Course- homemade pasta with bison meat ragu- delicious
Dessert- Chocolate terrine with thai basil ice cream- the ice cream was SO interesting! Love basil in my ice cream.
Wine- bottle of Barbera- a little too oaky for my tastes, not as flavorful and full-bodied as I would have liked
Other comments:
Only a few parking spaces in the lot and no nearby street parking because it's all permit only- SO annoying.
Expensive- but definitely good quality food and ingredients, so I understand the price
Service was friendly
Seasonal menu, changes all the time- which I love
Like I said, I definitely want to come back here, and I am waiting for them to knock my socks off - I really do want to LOVE this place. At this point, I just really liked it! :) -
Review from Taylor S.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 5/10/2012
I just got home from a deliciously satisfying meal at TT Cambridge. I have to say it is by far my favorite restaurant. Every time someone comes to visit from out of town I take them there and when they come back to town they can not wait to go back. Many restaurants in the area profess to serving local and/or farm to table, but Ten Tables is the only one that obviously tries for the whole year. If you go in in the next few weeks, try the haddock with spring peas and Woodbury clams. Also the baby gem lettuce salad with ranch and crispy shallots is so addictive I would go back for that alone. What can I say, I love, Love, LOVE the food there and would recommend it to anyone!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/8/2011
I have been to Ten Tables Cambridge four times now and have never left anything but satisfied. It… Read more »
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Review from Karin G.
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
A very nice spot in Cambridge. We went on Sunday Supper , which was a very good value with lots of options.
The space is rustic, yet romantic and intimate.
Service was mostly very good, maybe a bit slow. Dinner was very well prepared and fresh. My beet salad was excellent and the Brandade was good as well.
We shared the steak and chicken and can recommend both.
I had mentioned to them that it was our anniversary and they very sweetly brought candles out with our desserts. -
Review from Cindy F.
Cambridge, MA
5/3/2012
We won't be going back anytime soon. No parking, low, cramped seating and not tasty food - it's just not worth the high prices. The pate was dry and uninspired, the pasta had pieces of hard "sun choke" and peas which should have been sweet but were hard and had no taste, in a "pesto" sauce that looked and tasted like melted butter soup. The small piece of salmon had bacon garnish which was an odd combination and not very good. We were served cold rolls that were burnt - I mean come on! We were very disappointed on many fronts.
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Review from Rebecca W.
Boston, MA
1/14/2012
Heard lots of good -- nay, great -- things about this restaurant from a few friends. And I can see why.
Even though everything on the menu looked great, we tried the chef's tasting menu, which was kind of like a culinary lottery, or being on Chopped and just being served courses by the person who already won.
It was amazing - the soup was delicious and the fish course was perfectly prepared with some deliciously flavored quinoa. The entree choice was not that daring - the chef had prepared steak with spinach -- but it was perfectly cooked. The desserts (we each got a different one -- I got a chocolate terrine, and my fiance got bread pudding - it was great to sample both) were just the right size and level of decadence. It was also just fun to be surprised by what the chef had prepared.
The service was responsive, professional (the wine recommendation for me was spot-on, without giving anything away regarding the culinary surprises we had in store), and friendly.
My only complaint - and the only reason why I can't give this 5 stars - was the noise level. For such a lovely, cozy space, the noise was surprisingly loud. The couples on either side of us were not particularly boisterous, so it must be the acoustics, table setup or what have you. But they should look into ways to tackle the noise, because we had difficulty hearing each other often throughout the meal. -
Review from Andrea B.
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed my meal here last night. I ordered from the $33 prix fixe menu that they offer on Sundays, which I'd say is a pretty good deal. However, perhaps I'm indecisive (minus the "perhaps" - I KNOW I'm indecisive), but I couldn't definitively decide on a rating for this review. So I'll break it down by course:
Appetizer: 4.5 stars
This was the best part of my meal. I ordered the beet salad with apple, hazelnut, and roquefort dressing. Beet salads in general are one of my favorite things to eat, so whenever I see it on a menu, I have to try it. And Ten Tables' version did not disappoint. The sweetness of the apple blended absolutely perfectly with the saltiness of the hazelnuts and the dressing. The portion size was perfect, but even so, I wanted more!
Entree: 4 stars
I ordered the ricotta cavatelli with squash, porcini broth, brown butter, and crispy amaretta. What I liked most about this dish was that every bite was a little bit different - some were really sweet and others were just entirely spicy. At first I wasn't really a fan of the sweet flavor in a pasta dish but as I ate more and more, I came to the conclusion that it worked really well together.
Dessert: 3.5 stars
My meal ended with a decent sized piece of pumpkin cake in a pool of bourbon sauce and topped with walnuts. For me, the pumpkin flavor of the cake was a little bit too much, but that's really a personal preference. I think that most people would disagree and find it to be just right. Despite the slightly overwhelming pumpkininess (for the sake of this review, that is indeed a real word) of the cake, I still enjoyed a decent amount of it. My dining companion happily ate the rest.
And that averages out nicely to a solid 4 stars. -
Review from Stacey F.
Brighton, MA
12/29/2011
What a place!
Ian (who we later learned was the GM) greeted us both on the phone and upon walking into the restaurant. The only time available was 8 p.m. on a Friday -- so a late dinner it was! He was friendly, informative, and showed us to our seats at the bar. The bar is tiny -- only about 8 seats -- but has a great atmosphere in that you can see straight back into the kitchen and get a feel for the action.
We ordered the swordfish, a butternut squash soup, and had the donuts for dessert. The swordfish was cooked perfectly and had wonderful accompaniments -- the soup was full of flavor that was hearty and delicious -- and the dessert was a perfect end to the meal (and went great with my espresso).
Throughout the course of the evening, we got to meet ever person who touched our food. From Chef David Punch to Pastry Chef Alison Hern -- we definitely benefited from being there in the later hours when shifts were ending and the floor was clearing out.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience in a great, small space. Staff was friendly, food was delicious, and while prices were higher -- they were reasonable for the amount of food we got and the quality of our experience. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Helen L.
Medford, MA
12/18/2011
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Boston.
Food = perfection.
Wine was a Cab Franc that blew our faces off. Our expert waitress recommended it and had no problem suggesting a cheaper bottle of wine since the ladyfriend and I are both on a budget.
Service = immaculate.
One of coziest, most romantic spots you can find. Perfect for special occasions.
Everyone was warm, welcoming, and friendly, and the food was top notch. Just make sure you have a reservation in advance since it's a small space. -
Review from John W.
Fitchburg, MA
1/9/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Tucked on a side street a few blocks away from Harvard Square in Cambridge, this is one of the coziest little places I've ever been to. Perfect for a date or meeting up with old friends. The atmosphere is all candlelight and dark wood, and the food is simple and delicious. Some of the best Crab Cakes I've had in a long time, and interesting appetizers went beyond soup and salad (I had rabbit meat, a first for me.)
Definitely one of Cambridge's best restaurants, and with a friendly waitstaff it makes for an overall wonderful dining experience. -
Review from T W.
Cambridge, MA
11/28/2011
I went here for a date and the ambiance/space is great. It's small but not as tiny as the Jamaica Plan one. The people are very friendly and the cocktails are great. We did the chef's tasting which was delicious--however it was way too much food (this is why I only give 4 vs. 5 stars). I think calling it a tasting is an understatement, especially when there is pasta served you always feel extremely full. However, the food was delicious. There was a soup, a pasta dish, a small salad, and then for dessert there was an incredible homemade ice cream/sorbet that was amazing!!
Overall, would love to come back here. It is walking distance from Harvard Square train stop, however had plenty of Cambridge Permit Parking available in the area so you don't have to deal with that aspect of "dining in the city" if you are from out of town. -
Review from David C.
10/31/2011
My friend and I went to Ten Tables for their Sunday Suppers series and had a wonderful, hearty meal from start to finish. For $33, you really can't go wrong. It's like Restaurant Week every Sunday!
In an effort to warm myself up from the bitter October winter, I ordered the turnip soup with roasted apples and toasted chestnuts to start. It certainly hit the spot, but I wish I had a little more of it.
Chicken confit was to follow, served atop a bed of creamy anson grits and wilted collard greens, two things I generally dislike, but rather much enjoyed as incorporated in this dish. (Why did I order it in the first place knowing full well I didn't like two of the main ingredients you ask? Probably because my dining companion ordered the ricotta cavatelli, and I hate ordering the same thing as anyone at the table.)
Appetizers and entrees were solid, no doubt, but they were a little lacking in terms of creativity. Enter dessert: chocolate terrine and thai basil ice cream. That's right, THAI BASIL ICE CREAM. All the reviews in the world couldn't prepare me for the complexity of this dish. You simply have to experience it yourself. The first (savory) bite of ice cream made me question my decision to order this dessert, but suffice it to say it won me over.
As far as food goes, Ten Tables Cambridge is right on par with its Jamaica Plain counterpart. It earns its extra star, however, from superior ambiance. It's amazing what a little light can do for a place.Listed in: The Real "Best of Boston"
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Review from Kelly W.
Andover, MA
12/30/2011
Perfect meal, great service, can't wait to come back.
Its been a few weeks, so I don't remember any of the specifics in terms of menu items, but remember clearly that the service was fabulous, the appetizer and meal were absolutely delicious and portioned well (not too small, not too large). The 4 us left very happy, and would not have changed anything about the evening. -
Review from Celeste W.
Newtonville, MA
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had the most amazing anniversary dinner with my husband at Ten Tables. We opted for the chef's tasting menu with the wine pairing. From blue fine amuse at the start to the french pressed coffee at the end this meal easily rates in my top 10 of all time. Do not miss the gazpacho with shrimp or the greek yogurt panna cotta! My only criticism is that the tables are a bit close together. If the prices were slightly lower the close tables wouldn't bother me.
This place is for grown ups. Leave your kids at home. As a mom who rarely gets a night out with just the husband we expect when we choose a restaurant in this price range and with this kind of menu that we aren't going to have to hear screaming babies while we eat. This is certainly not Ten Tables fault...just a heads up if you are considering bringing small ones here... -
Review from Howe L.
Cambridge, MA
2/7/2012
It wasn't the blow-me-out-of-the-water food that I expected from anticipation. Top notch service (I've never had a waiter fold your napkin every time you got out of your seat!)
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Review from K. Brooke Z.
Boston, MA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went for the Sunday Dinner which is your choice of a few appetizers, a few entrees and a few desserts.
Everything I tried was delightful. I know the menu changes, so hopefully you can catch a few of these prize dishes:
Arugula salad was great with smooth chevre cheese. I like the pears that were added as well! The crispness went really well.
The swordfish was seasoned well and held up under my fork. I hate flakey fish! I especially liked that it was on a bed of something and chorizo. Nice little spice!
The rice pudding was not like my grandmothers (I mean...c'mon...no one's is) BUT had the right texture and a flavor that was till delicious. The cinnamon on top always gets me.
Make sure to make reservations! They can fill up. -
Review from Simon L.
8/31/2011
White shrimp and tomatoe bisque start off this four course chefs choice in fine fashion. Tender shrimp with crispy croutons add a nice touch of gumption to this smoky delicious bowl.
Pan crisped striped bass is tender and meaty. An unusually un-fishy preparation provides a nice segue into course three
A crisp yet juicy slice of pork belly over mashed potatoes. Pork served at it's finest.
Italian mouse cake to finish. No wonder people like this place. Also noteworthy is the fact that the chefs choice is just that, you don't know what you are getting.Listed in: the best
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Review from Marlarissa M.
Auburn, MA
2/5/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Ok, so there are more than ten tables, but the food is simple, hearty, and delicious!
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Review from Emily C.
Boston, MA
9/27/2011
Absolutely incredible.
Some people are saying that the food was too salty... however, there's nothing that I hate more than a restaurant that cooks their food without salt, puts no salt on the table, which then requires you to not eat it until you actually ask for it and then get it and THEN you basically have to use twice as much to make it tolerable. That being said... I think that the food was PERFECTLY salted. Delicious.
Mom and I went for the 3 course Sunday dinner. I got the chicken and mom got the bluefish. We both got the corn soup. Awesome, awesome, awesome. Wine prices were great too - gotta love wine in a carafe. The guy behind the bar (who was also our waiter) was very busy, but kind and efficient when we were able to get his attention. (I mean this as a compliment and not a passive/aggressive bitchy statement!)
Dessert came and we were both indifferent - we're not really dessert people anyway - I'd prefer a cappuchino or a pint of ice cream alone in my bed - but if you came and ordered a la carte, you'd have the perfect meal.
I can't wait to come back!
Binary rating: 1! -
Review from Archana V.
Cambridge, MA
11/17/2011
3.5 stars for Ten Tables.
Made reservations for a special occasion and tried their tasting menu. The food portions were generous and the four courses were very filling.
The amuse bouche (some sort of fish pate served with crispy bread) was amazing and was the highlight of the whole meal! We had a beet salad for the first course that was pretty good. Unfortunately there were two more fish dishes for the second and the third course which felt like a bit too much. The halibut poached in olive oil was great but in the third course, the fish was paired with olives that made it a little too salty. However, my husband seemed to love the combination! So I guess its just me. I also had the chocolate terrine with the Thai basil ice cream for dessert which was interesting but not 'out of this world awesome' which is what I expected from this restaurant.
Well, a good meal nevertheless but nothing spectacular. -
Review from Champika F.
Brooklyn, NY
9/10/2011
We just went here for cocktails. We sat by the bar and had the pleasure of being served by various members of the staff who were incredibly friendly and charming. Even the chef/ owner himself chatted with us and then bought us our second round.
The cucumber tarragon based cocktail was particularly good and worth trying.
I will definitely be back to have some food here... -
Review from Linda O.
Lexington, MA
10/9/2011
For a while there, we were eating at Ten Tables about once a month. And believe me, I'm saying that because IT'S A GOOD THING.
These are general comments about one of my favorite places.
A. If you can't go with good friends, make sure you go with someone who appreciates good food.
B. When given the option, order the chef's tasting menu. The surprises are worth it more often than not.
C. If you've got a little more to spend, order the chef's tasting menu with wine option. Mmmmmm.
The one time we ordered off the menu was the only time we were disappointed. I love surprises and life is too short to not take them where you can get them. Take advantage. Close your eyes and take a bite. -
Review from Brian K.
Somerville, MA
1/15/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Nice intimate place for an expensive date. Good size portions for the steak frites and seafood cakes.
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Review from Jennifer T.
Quincy, MA
7/13/2011
Delicious food with unique flavors, but quite salty; would recommend this place for a nice dining experience. With the dim lighting, the ambiance was intimate, but once the night wore on and the tables filled up, it actually got very loud inside, making it difficult to hear others in our group of 5.
We opted for the chef's choice tasting menu, where each course was a perfect portion size, and unique flavors, though our items seem similar to what other reviewers have already mentioned. The starter was a peapod salad which was very crispy and refreshing. The swordfish was nice, but very salty. The entree of steak was tender, but again, quite salty. I really enjoyed the greek yogurt panna cotta was light and fluffy and a nice cap to the meal. I found the chocolate terrine to be very rich, the basil flavor was definitely very unique, but not for me.
The nice thing about the menu is that it has a vegetarian option as well as can accommodate for certain food allergies too - so make sure if you cant eat certain things, to mention that up front, as they dont actually ask.
The food came out at a steady pace - good for if you are planning a nice long evening out...we were there for about 3+ hours.
The service was very professional, the servers would tell us what every dish consisted of, and described each wine pairing; that being said, I didnt find them that available - never around to check on us (other than to fill up the water), but never asked us how things were going, and werent personable. -
Review from Maeva C.
Cambridge, MA
10/12/2011
The 4 course (surprise) Chef's Tasting Menu was awesome.... both the regular and the vegetarian versions!
Really friendly staff.
Overall we had a great time!
