Wellesley dining

[gyppielou]

Looking for a place to meet in theNorwood/Wellesley radius, for a nice dinner and conversation. Any places stand out? Thanks

[NeroWolfe]

It seems to have become fashionable to put down the Cottage, I can't join that crowd: I have had many good meals at the Cottage and look forward to many more.

[teezeetoo]

It won't qualify as fancy but I've had excellent fish dinners at Captain Marden's. I've only been for lunch but if you're a fish fan, you might enjoy this one.

[ohmygod]

Consider Petit Robert Bistro in Needham during weekdays, and ask to be seated in the small room. These guys bring one of the best value in the whole area with French Classics like Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au vin, Sole meuniere, steak frites, and other surprises!

[terrycatch]

If you do go to The Cottage, suggest you stick with the fish dishes - fish & chips, fish tacos, salmon, etc. Only thing we've found there that is any good at all. Mostly because it comes in fresh every day from right down the street at Captain Marden's.

[whimsey]

I'm very partial to Alta Strada. We go there quite a bit, and I think the pastas and prociutto are better than any I've found in the area. The service is consistently excellent as well.

[michela]

In Wellesley: The Cottage, Alta Strada or Cafe Magal

[mirage]

For a "nice dinner and conversation" type place, I recommend Fava, in Needham. Often overlooked, the food is good, the room and staff are very good and they have a liquor license. When you make your reservation, tell them you want a quiet spot.

[ShelT54]

Norwood: Joe & Maria's, Abbondonza II
Dedham: Isabella's
Medfield: Basil's on Frarie St.
Needham: Blu [noisy], Petit Robert Bistro.

[emilief]

Vela is nice and quiet with excellent food and service. (Italian food), The Cottage is just ok- a bit noisey so not great for conversation and so so food. Blue Ginger is an excellent choice, as is Kouzina in Waban. I have never had anything good at sweet basil- you need to wait in line (no reservations) it is loud and crowded, no credit cards and marginal food. Masala Art is good for conversation if you like Indian food.

[phipsi102]

Blue Ginger is a great place to go

[lag1974]

try Vela (on Washington St b/w Wellesley Sq and Wellesley Hills

[sushidad]

Places to consider: The Cottage in Wellesley, Kouzina in Waban (Newton), Sweet Basil or Masala Art in Needham, Isabella in Dedham

[gyppielou]

The Cottage looks interesting

[veryveryrosalind]

Unfortunately, the Cottage is really not very interesting. They have a full bar, which is welcome in dry Wellesley, but the food has low ambitions and a dull execution. It's like Applebee's with higher ceilings and better lighting. Masala Art in Needham is much better at that price level. Blue Ginger is the only really good restaurant in Wellesley, but even though it's good, it's so expensive that it's not really a good value.

[gyppielou]

thank you so much