Venue for dinner meeting for 5 people - Waltham / Rt 128 area?

[northxnortheast]

Help! I need to set up a dinner meeting with 5 people, moderately priced, where we can have just a bit of elbow room, not be hurried, and not disturb others around us Lexington - Waltham-Newton-Dedham / Rte 128 area. Obvious answer would be to reserve a room, but that is out of the price range for this early-stage start up. Any suggestions? Thanks much, in advance.

[CookieLee]

While not particularly chowish, I have had dinners at the Newton Marriott restaurant, Riverbend Bar & Grill. Haven't been for a while, but the room is v. big, and they have large booths that can accommodate your entire party. We had the lamb chops and the lobster mac & cheese, and they were v. tasty. As I haven't been for a while, I can't attest to the food now.

[northxnortheast]

CookieLee, Barleywino, Riverboy, FrankEnbean, justbeingpolite, Taralli:

Wow - thanks for the great feedback and suggestions. I really appreciate this.
I have looked at all of your suggestions:

La Campania -
Solea - http://www.solearestaurant.com/party/ - They have some smaller rooms, and tapas might be a nice way to eat during a business discussion.
Blue Ginger - http://ming.com/blueginger/lounge/blue-ginger-lounge-menu.htm (large booths in the lounge area
)Newton Marriott restaurant, Riverbend Bar & Grill - .http://www.marriottmodules.com/restaurant/hotels/hotel-information/travel/bosnt-boston-marriott-newton/riverbend_restaurant/

CookieLee - interestingly, I had thought of the Newton Marriott's Riverbend as well, and I am thinking this may be the best choice for us.

A couple of others that I thought of as well.

Karoun's - http://www.karoundining.com/
Le Casa de Pedro - http://lacasadepedrolatincuisine.com/

Thanks again. My thanks to each of you.

-----
Blue Ginger
583 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482

La Campania
504 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452

Karoun Restaurant
839 Washington St, Newtonville, MA 02460

Riverbend Bar & Grill
2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02466

[opinionatedchef]

Casa de pedro is wicked small.

Just w of 128 in Lincoln is AKA Bistro. On a wknight I think you'd have your own space. Terrific food w/ dual French/Japanese sided menu.

I would not recommend the food at Solea or Blue Ginger.

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AKA Bistro
145 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773

[Taralli]

CDP on Arsenal Street is huge. You must be thinking of the original location on Main St. in Watertown Sq.

[opinionatedchef]

ah yes, sorry; thnx for the correction. you mean they were successful enough with that boring food- to open a bigger place? yikes.

[Taralli]

On the contrary, at the original, we and our out of town guests enjoyed our meals there, as well as the warm and congenial staff. I cannot speak for the food at the new place, as I've only been there for drinks.

[SuzieCK]

I can speak for the food. I've been twice in the past two months with friends and family. First, the service is thoughtful, attentive and very pleasant. Second, the food was outstanding. A special ceviche was terrif and we wanted more!!! Food is plentiful, flavorful, and presented in a lovely way. One evening there was a great 3-piece music group playing quiet salsa and samba and tango, just the perfect background...not too intrusive,. I would go back there for special occasions and just a weeknight treat. Plus, the room is a stunner! Don't miss it and there is tons of free parking!

[SuzieCK]

Unless you can say why you wouldn't recommend a restaurant - the specifics--then do not make such blanket statements. They add nothing to our body of information and are really worth nothing.

[barleywino]

Blue Ginger is near 128 and iirc has large booths in the lounge area

-----
Blue Ginger
583 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482

[riverboy]

Palia's on Hartwell ave in Lexington. Decent Italian and they have some private rooms. They might let you use one if you explained the situation. I did a dinner meeting for 20 there and they did a nice job

[Frank Enbean]

It's gone. Now an irish pub/bar "Waxy O'Connor's".

[riverboy]

too bad, they were very accomodating for our meeting last year.

[cherrytomato]

La Campagne would be a great choice. I have seen large party tables in there when I have eaten there. They also have a back room area that is more secluded and quieter. The food and wine are excellent.

[Taralli]

Do you mean "La Campania"? If so, probably pricey for OP. http://www.lacampania.com/

[northxnortheast]

cherrytomato, Taralli - thanks much. This is the restaurant in Waltham, right? I have to laugh, though. I have just tried to get to their site twice to check the menu, and am being warned away each time as a possible malware / attack site.....I will see if I can check this out some other way. I appreciate your feedback.

Other suggestions?

[Taralli]

I had the same problem, so went through another food board(Y), to open their website safely and, yes, it's in Waltham on Main St.

[justbeingpolite]

How about Solea? They have some smaller rooms, and tapas might be a nice way to eat during a business discussion.