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Evvy Sep 13, 2007 12:31 PM

Harvard Square

Looking for a place two take five people who know food and wine but most of all want to talk. Quiet is very important. Food doesn't have to be 27 but definitely over 21. Cost is almost not an issue but want to keep it below $75 ( all!! in).

  1. finlero Sep 13, 2007 02:27 PM

    $75 all-in (presumably including tax and tip?), quiet, and tasty is actually a little tricky in those there parts, especially if you're assuming the de facto three-course standard plus a few bottles of wine.

    Of the ideas mentioned above, I think your best bets would be Casablanca and West Side Lounge, but both of them can get deafeningly loud as it gets later. Of the two, I'm partial to the food at Casablanca.

    Are you wed to sticking close to Harvard Square? You'd have some better options if you expanded your scope down or off the Red Line...

    1. c
      cambridgeMike Sep 13, 2007 01:25 PM

      west side lounge. you can totally do 75 a person. if you want slightly more quiet i'd say Harvest, though you'd have to watch what you order

      2 Replies
      1. re: cambridgeMike
        Spiritchaser Sep 13, 2007 02:27 PM

        I second Harvest.

        1. re: cambridgeMike
          DavisSquare Sep 13, 2007 05:38 PM

          I love the food at the West Side Lounge, but it is often REALLY loud. Since quiet is "very important" to the OP, that's probably not the best choice. Casablanca is a good idea. The dining room at Chez Henri would also fit the bill quite well, provided that it's really $75/person and not $75 for five (or two?).

        2. s
          salty Sep 13, 2007 01:10 PM

          Craigie st bistro or Sandrines

          3 Replies
          1. re: salty
            Bob Dobalina Sep 13, 2007 01:22 PM

            Even at $75 pp, I think the OP will have a tough time at Craigie or Rialto for the price point (if I understand the code correctly? I hope Evvy did not mean $75 for all 5 total! - even worse). Might be able to squeak by at OM. Sandrine's although not the best chow-wise in comparison to the others, is a good option.

            1. re: Bob Dobalina
              h
              hsquare2southend Sep 13, 2007 02:17 PM

              I am guessing the OP is referring to Zagat ratings ("doesn't have to be a 27, but definitely over 21") and wants to keep it below $75 per person?

              I'd say Rialto, Upstairs on the Square, OM, Harvest.

              1. re: Bob Dobalina
                limster Sep 13, 2007 08:38 PM

                Aren't there a number of prix fixe menus at Craigie Street Bistrot? Their 4 course chef's whim is $40 on Sundays. IIRC, the 4 course regional Italian prix fixe at at Rialto is $55, so that could be borderline.

            2. Joanie Sep 13, 2007 01:03 PM

              Om, Rialto, maybe Casablanca.

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