Sage or Grotto for 2 person semi romantic bday.

[Smokee]

Sorry if this has been rehashed before.

Trying to choose between the two for dinner tomorrow night.

Haven't been to either spot. I was initially leaning toward Sage, but it seems like the new local, isn't as nice.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

[southie]

I haven't been to Grotto but I certainly wouldn't describe Sage as romantic. The room is very open and the tables are pretty close together. Sounds like other CHs vote Grotto. I would go with them!

[tfun73]

We had three courses each and a half bottle of wine, $140. The quality was B range in our view. I wanted to love it based on the postings and it's a cute place atmosphere wise, fun location. Maybe it was an off night foodwise...

[tfun73]

Hi just tried Grotto. Thought it was just OK. Also way too expensive!

[gini]

A little bit of context would be helpful - what did you have? how much do you think they should have charged you?

[lissy]

I'm surprised that Grotto would be considered expensive. Compared to many other restaurants in Boston proper, Grotto is a steal.

[Smokee]

I didn't think the prices at Grotto were bad at all. We had 3 courses and split the apple pie/rum raisin desert(which was excellent) our bill was around $85 before wine, taxes, tip. Given the quality of the food, I thought the prices were very fair.

[twentyoystahs]

I think Grotto is one of the best restaurant values in Boston. Their $35 prix fixe is a deal.....last time I went I walked out of there so incredibly satiated.....would never categorize it as "expensive" but I guess it depends what you are comparing it to.

[Boston Scene]

I would definantly go with Grotto, Sage has good food, but I would use the word great for Grotto and Grotto has the ambiance you are looking for.

[Smokee]

We ended up going to Grotto, pretty much right on the money. Gnocchi, very good.
Duck, excellent. Fondue, very good. Service, noticeably quick, efficient, friendly. The room was good, maybe a little more crowded and loud than I had anticipated. Not really a negative, just not a little busier than I thought it would be. All in all very good.

[mcb70]

I have never been to Grotto but recently visited Sage for a similar event. The food was good but the space was not romantic at all. High ceiling, brick walls, photos on a wall which were not interesting, tables bizzarely spaced (some too far apart, some too close together), very ugly floor, indifferent server. I wouldn't recommend Sage.

[heathermb]

My personal preference is for Grotto - especially in terms of atmosphere/ambiance. If Sage was still in their old space it would be a closer call, IMO, but the new Sage space just doesn't strike me at all as romantic (or semi-romantic!).

I also love the food at Grotto and like the food at Sage. (The gnocchi with short ribs and mushroom risotto at Grotto are among my favorites anywhere)

[gini]

What she said. Add the bacon wrapped duck and the fondue to the list of my favorite foods on earth.