Aquitaine

Of all the brunch options in the South End, I suggest putting Aquitaine at the bottom of your list. I've been there for dinner and have always enjoyed it. Brunch seems to be a different story. First, the price: $8-$15 entrees (for eggs?!) and $9.50 mimosas? Come on. Secondly, I don't mind higher prices if the quality is there. Unfortunately, Aquitaine just did not deliver. I ordered "Eggs Benedict Provencal" ($9.95) with heirloom tomatoes, avocado and herbes fines. Sounds yummy, huh? What I got: english muffin with two skinny slices of Roma tomato (like you'd find at Stop-n-Shop), two HARD-poached eggs, one tiny sliver of (browning) avocado, a goodly amount of delicious hollandaise, and a sprinkling of parsley. Hardly what I expected! I considered sending it back, but I didn't want to ruin brunch with my friends AND the food took so long I was starving! All in all, I would have to say it was a huge miss for me.

Pros: Nice room, friendly staff!

Cons: Not good value, not attentive service.

Posted 06/27/08

Aquitaine is one of Boston's premier restaurants, the restaurant / French bistro currently holds an award winning wine list that boasts both French and American wines. The food is outstanding, and the kitchen is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, what?s not to love? I hear that Aquitaine on Tremont has been in business for over ten years now, and I for one can't stay away. For wine connoisseurs and food aficionados, this romantic restaurant has a classy atmosphere of both a classic and contemporary French bistro. Above all, the service is great, and their prices are astonishingly reasonable.
Bon Appetit!

Pros: great service, wonderful food, exquisite wine list, romantic atmosphere

Cons: parking (but they have valet), not really kid friendly on a weekend night

Posted 01/01/08

Where do I begin? Our server was beyond rude; rolling her eyes when we asked for rolls, sighing when we asked for anything (i.e. for our bottle of wine to be placed on the table and not at the server station, rolls), pouring the entire bottle of wine in our glasses before we were done with appetizers, and then disappearing when we needed her. Just when you think the service could not be worse, the food was beyond belief. I had the marseillaise boulibaisse (which was supposed to be the special of the day); for $26 I received six lame mussels, two small shrimp, and a small blob of alleged haddock. My sister's received six small scallops for at least $22, and her husband's meal had the flavor of a cardboard box, and he sent the thing back after one bite. The manager, albeit gracious in the face of our complaints, did nothing to redeem the debacle that had just happened. Do yourself a favor, DON"T GO! I may be a picky Manhattanite, but why should you have to pay Manhattan/Boston prices for limp, tasteless food and low-grade, low-class, sour service?

Pros: Lovely Decor & LIghting

Cons: Food, Service - Need I Say More?

Posted 11/23/07

Goodness do my wife and I loath restaurant week! Our lovely South End and indeed much of the rest of Boston being inundated with people who seem to be dead set on ruining the evening of anyone dining after them just drives us around the bend. Really, how long DOES it take to eat three courses? We would fancy ourselves as almost-regulars between Union and Aquitaine and frequently find ourselves just walking in one or the other off the street. As noted in a previous post months ago about Union, Aquitaine is our favorite wine restaurant in the Woods/Gates empire, but it still needs help. My wife and I consider ourselves at least mildly wine-savvy and at the least we know what we like and don't like. But boy are the waiters at Aquitaine in need of some oenological training, not only was the wine service sloppy (our server managed to slosh wine all over the table cloth and down the sides of the glasses) but there was just no interaction, even though we had no questions to ask the gentleman gave us no real indication that such an exchange would even be possible. We hope that the "powers that be" within the great Aquitaine management company will send Kelly (the talented and astonishingly young wine director at Union) over to help these guys out. Of course, it was restaurant week and we really do give them the benefit-of-the-doubt but it just seems like the whole list and service procedures might need a little sprucing up. This is not at all a bad review, we love Aquitaine and will return as long as it's there and we can chew, this is just a tiny cry, a good-spirited plea for help. The company has a great resource in their young "wine guy" (a transplant from my wife's home state of Colorado!) as he was first introduced, and we hope to see him around another of our favorite South End haunts soon. Thanks Aquitaine and Union for keeping it up!
-X and Wife

Pros: Food is always very tasty, service is always wonderful, they have a token French hostess

Cons: tables for two are VERY close together, only one bathroom, not much bar seating, a nightmare for those dining with kids (but I'm sure the staff prefers it that way)

Posted 08/17/07

I've had dinner twice and brunch once at Acquitaine; all three times I've enjoyed it immensely. The brunch is a great value for excellent food. Yes, the menu is limited, but not absurdly so. Dinner is simply divine. Definitely very pricey but well worth it for a special occaision (which is why I've only been twice!) and I've found the waitstaff helpful, knowlegable and unpretentious. I like to start off with a visit to the butcher shop across the street but their own appetizers are also excellent.

Posted 07/23/07

The few people that have written bad reviews here must've had an absolutely unusual experience. Aquitaine is just the right place for any occasion. I've gone here for a nice date (anniversaries and such). I've taken my folks here, when they're in town. But, at the same time, it feels just so comfortable and warm. The food is wonderful and their wine selection is near-perfect (a mix of some rather fine bottles and everyday ones, as well). If you haven't tried it yet, I'd advise that you give it a shot. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Posted 05/24/07

Eggs were prepared exactly as I asked (well done; no ham). Everything tasted wonderful (eggs, cinnamon bun, waffle, and fruit). Attentive service from both waiter and host.

Pros: Excellent food. Very hip atmosphere.

Cons: Sometimes long wait. Tables are *very* close together.

Posted 03/06/07

I called looking for a reservation. They told me I could have a certain time for brunch (10:30AM). Then put me on hold for 10 minutes. Then a different person came on the phone and informed me that the restaurant did not have a reservation before 1PM. Honestly I don't usually care about that sort of thing, but this place always does this sort of thing. I just don't need the flipping attitude from some wannabee restaurant. Maybe the food is good, but I'll probably never eat their now. I'll take my business to 1 of the 1000 other restaurants in the South End.

Posted 02/16/07

I went here for the first time last Sunday for the brunch and it was great! The atmosphere was awesome, I felt like I was in a Parisian cafe. Food was excellent, service was good...reservations a must.

Pros: Fast service great food

Cons: na

Posted 10/30/06

This is our go to place. Our friends and I eat out all the time and this is by far our favorite. Anyone who doesn't like Aquataine doesn't have a clue. This is a place for people who have a taste for truely good food. You wont be dissapointed (to all those that would not recommend this place, maybe you should try Burger King).

Pros: EVERYTHING

Cons: Its always busy (because its that good)

Posted 09/15/06

We were 7 going for dinner at Aquitaine, and I was presently surprised with the welcoming and accommodating service we received. The food was outstanding, the Cheese Plate appetizer proved to be only the first great meal of the night. I will go back for the Filet au Poivre, which was the best meal I have had for a long time. The Duck Ravioli was also amazing, and we had a very enjoyable experience, finishing off with cocktails and coffee.

Pros: Food!!, Service, Ambiance

Cons: Only one bathroom

Posted 06/01/06

Attended during Restaurant Week. Choice of 2 dishes only and meal luke warm. Service was awkward - made no suggestions on wine when found that what we had ordered was out of stock, brought us our coats while we were still eating dessert and then brought us our check without asking if we wanted coffee or after-dinner drinks. It's not like there was anyone waiting for our table! Worse still was the seating. If you sit along the wall there is nowhere to put your feet unless you sit askew to the table or have the table a long way away from you. Our waiter told me to put one foot either side of the enormous table base - not exactly the way any lady was taught to sit when wearing a skirt! Have to ask yourself why this restaurant was empty during restaurant week when others were absolutely buzzing.

Pros: None

Cons: Service, Food

Posted 04/17/06

This place is excellent and always feel authentically like a corner bistro in Toulouse or Lyon. The staff are busy but not hurried, the drinks are perfect and the wine list is excellent. I take people there to impress them!

Pros: location, real french food

Cons: always busy, irresistable food

Posted 04/12/06

After living for several years in Boston and moving away, I decided to try Aquitaine, having desired to visit since they first opened. I love French food and the restaurant's best characteristic was definitely this. The food was delicious, authentic, and fresh. The escargot was delightful and the foie gras everything I would expect. The only thing lacking was the server, who apologized near the end of the night for being new. I suppose this is a reasonable excuse, I just wish they would better train their staff before unleashing them on the customers. Other than that, it was great, and recommended!

Pros: Food, Ambience, Wine List

Cons: Service, Mistake on Receipt

Posted 11/28/05

Aquitaine boasts a wonderful ambiance--great big windows in a grand room. Unfortunately the biggest problem is that much of the food appears to have been previously frozen...very evident when you order salmon, duck, etc... On the weekends the service is just OK because it's busy. Brunch is to avoid altogether...limited offerings.

At the prices that Aquitaine charges one could expect better value.

Pros: ambiance

Cons: not great value, loud

Posted 10/21/05

From the hostess to the food, Aquitaine is a Parisienne Bistro in the South End. I ordered the mussels and steak au poivre. The mussels were OK but the steak au poivre was excellent. The service was also top notch. Prices were very reasonable for Boston and the food quality. Nice bar area upon entrance and tables align both walls heading straight back. Next time I would try the onion soup.

Pros: food, service, hospitality

Cons: mussels, tables close

Posted 10/18/05

I have been to Aquitaine on several occasions, and it has never dissapointed me. The food is always wonderful, and the menu changes with the seasons so that you are always able to try something new. The host and servers are always very accomdating. I think it is the best french restaurant in the city, and one of the best restaurants in the South End (in the city as well). I always bring guests from out of town here first.

Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/24/05

I had brunch here with my family. The service and value was superb. I loved my eggs benedict!

Posted 04/17/05

I have only been here for brunch - and it was honestly the best brunch I have ever been to (I have tried many brunch places) and the price was surprisingly very reasonable. The bloody mary's were great, and the french toast - exceptional! the ambiance was very parisian, which i really liked as well. Would definitely return for brunch.

Pros: Reasonably priced, Ambiance

Posted 08/01/04

We also had a considerable wait (approx 40 minutes) for our reservation. It was in the summer so we could wait outside and enjoy night time people watching. The host eventually offered the two of us a drink on the house. I thought this was appropriate, though had it been winter or we had another engagement would not have been as good as maintaining the reservation.

The drinks were made well and the food was very good. The prices may be elevated but that is part of the South End, ambience included.

Both the quality and knowledge of the the waitress were exceptional. Very good staff. Superb familiarity with the dishes and accompanying drinks to match.

Overall, good for a special occasion where you are not starving and really want to enjoy your meal.

Pros: Service (once in), Food, Ambiance

Cons: , Pricey

Posted 07/27/04

I continued to go to this resturant in the evening for the lovely neighberhood walking on the wayand the nice atmosphere. The food is always good, but the prices are high and the portions small for dinner. Then I went for brunch. It was AMAZING. There are many brunch options in the area and this is by far the best. The service was the great, portions nice and priced very reasonably. It also helps that they had the best french toast I've every tried! Ah, and the fresh Grapefruit juice was just right.

Pros: Brunch, atmosphere, good bar

Posted 05/10/04

Warm and friendly greeting at door, cozy banquettes, soft upbeat music, attentive service and super flovarful; food

Pros: Ambiance, Service, Energy

Posted 02/18/04

My husband and I have love the food at both Acquitaines ... we've been there several times and it's always been absolutely satisfying!

Pros: great food, excellent dessert

Cons: expensive

Posted 09/19/03

Started with too salty fluffy hollow buttery pastries for bread then brought out freshly baked rolls that had a crust that was chewy enough to make your jaws hurt. Mixed green salad w/ a vinegar dressing was way too salty (someone's taste buds are way off in the kitchen) and a 1/2" thick slice of crunchy french bread w/ a goat cheese tomato spread (couldn't taste much of the spread...tastebuds were overloaded by the salty salad)-: The chicken breast entree was cooked right and had a nice mustard seed sauce, atop rather bland spinach which was then on top of mashed potatoes. The other entree was a sole provencale w/ olives, zucchini, eggplant. Tasty way to cook sole, but the sole was meager (two 4"x4" pieces), so I wasn't too full. Environment was really noisy and the tables were a bit too close together. Service was excellent.

Pros: big glass windows

Cons: noisy, too cramped, small portions

Posted 08/20/03