Dinner in newton area

[foodie in CT]

looking for a nice restaurant for diiner Thurs. Night. Will be staying at Marriiott in Newton. Don't want to drive too far. Last time I ate at place that was known for its watermelon steak. Enjoyed it ant that kind of inventive food but am open to something else.

[Mr Bigglesworth]

I've heard good things about the Cottage in Wellesley as well...

[C. Hamster]

We ate at the Cottage in Newton last week and it was prety darn good

[Blumie]

A friend raved about the Chestnut Hill location of The Cottage.

[sallyt]

I wouldn't bother with the Cottage - it's overpriced and very hit or miss. Alta Strada is in the same price range, and SO MUCH better.

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Alta Strada
92 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

[dojemi]

LOts of great suggestions mentioned and I have to agree with those who have recommended Alta Strada......it's one of my favorite restaurants. Fiorella's is also excellent and now that they've enlarged the restaurant the wait isn't quite so long. The Cottage (both Wellsesley and Chestnut Hill) are also very good, however, at times they're not so consistent with portions. LaCampagia is also quite good. I must say that the food at the Marriott is good too. Haven't been there in a while but the filet and lobster rolls are excellent. Depending on what you're looking for or what price range, let me also suggest Not Your Average Joe's in Watertown. Whatever you want, they have it. Enjoy wherever you go.

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Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460

[mabelm4050]

Second the Fiorella's recommendation, and also consider Amarin Thai in Newton Corner. Relatively inexpensive but a lovely restaurant and they don't rush you at all. Parking can be a pain, though.

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Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460

[Blumie]

If the OP is looking for inventive, Fiorella ain't the right place. It's as old school as it gets. Also, while I think the food is decent there, and a good value, it's hardly great.

[teezeetoo]

there's a post on the recently renovated Fiorella, on North Street in Newton. You might check it out and look at their menu to see if it's for you. As with Lipoff, I'm a fan of Kouzhina, but prefer it for lunch and, in Waltham, I love Mulan and like La Campagnia.

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Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460

[Science Chick]

Fiorella is great for a casual red-sauce Italian experience. For more upscale, I'd also add Lumiere in West Newton, just about 5-7 minutes from the Marriott.

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Lumiere Restaurant
1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 02465

Fiorella's
187 North St, Newtonville, MA 02460

[opinionatedchef]

excellent suggestions from lipoff. pull up their menus and see what appeals. do let us know how it went!

[beforesunrise]

You're just a short drive from Wellesley Center which has Alta Strada. It's one of Michael Schlow's restaurants so much better than your average suburban Italian joint.

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Alta Strada
92 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

[lipoff]

It sounds like you went to 51 Lincoln last time, which is okay --- I find it is an expensive as similar restaurants downtown, but isn't as good, and thus wouldn't be a destination, but is convenient if you're already near by. Since you seem to be, that does make sense. I would, however, prefer Lumière in Newton, for creative, high-end food, which is at least as close to the Marriott, but a lot better, if maybe a touch more expensive.

Although that Marriott is in Newton, it is right at the Waltham line, and there are many options in Waltham. For similarly high-end food, I would recommend La Campagna, perhaps the best Italian in the Boston area. Il Capriccio is also a very, very good high-end Italian restaurant. Taqueria Mexico is excellent, authentic Mexican and is very affordable. Mulan is very good, authentic Taiwanese and is similarly affordable. And there is Solea, offering quite reasonable tapas. There are also several above average Indian restaurants nearby in Waltham.

Kouzina in Newton is good for interesting Med/Greek food (although better at lunch IMHO), and although people on this board have recently expressed some concerns that it has taken a turn for the worse, I still really like Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton (I can't speak to the BBQ pork, but the beef brisket is consistently one of my favorites, especially with their gold sauce).

Have a nice trip!

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Blue Ribbon BBQ
910 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

Taqueria Mexico
24 Charles St, Waltham, MA 02453

Il Capriccio
888 Main St., Waltham, MA 02453

51 Lincoln
51 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA 02461

Kouzina
1649 Beacon St, Waban, MA 02468