50th birthday in the suburbs

[MWFoodTrio]

La Campania, Stellina, or 51 Lincoln? Four people, one is a little hard of hearing. Also under consideration: Il Capriccio, and Solea, but have been there before.

Thanks! Will take other recommendations in Newton, Wellesley, Watertown, and Needham.

[BostonMAC]

I would highly recommend La Campania - we have never been disappointed there over the past few years we've frequented it. Food is always top notch, and we've only ever experienced good - if not excellent - service. I like that we never feel rushed when we are there.

I do like Il Capriccio as well, but favor La Campania. In terms of others, Blue Ginger in Wellesley is always nice for an occasion if you like Asian-flare food.

[Kat]

Not Solea, i think it is nice for a regular dinner but not enough for a special birthday celebration. Have you considered AKA Bistro in Lincoln? It is a bit further than your other selections, but not so far from Waltham. The food is delicious, good service and nicely appointed space.

[nsenada]

In that general area (Natick) I would add Maxwell's 148 - really great and interesting food, and some of the best cocktails I have had outside of Boston/Cambridge/Somerville.

[justbeingpolite]

Lumiere?

[MWFoodTrio]

Been to Lumiere twice. Loved it the first time, was really disappointed the second. Just looking for good food, not to be rushed out, and not gazillion kids :)

[teezeetoo]

I do like La Campania and find it has more charm than Il Capriccio but I also like Il Capriccio. If Brookline is in the "burbs" for you, I'd consider La Morra whose food is firstrate and in a similar vein - I also like Blue Ginger in Wellesley and find it festive. I have only eaten at Lumiere and 51 Lincoln twice each but did not find either impressive enough to keep on our rotation. Others on the board have different views on it, but I've never had anything but good service and interesting food at Blue Ginger.

[Duster17]

I've eaten at all of the restaurants under consideration. Food and service-wise I would pick 51 Lincoln, but the vibe at each of these is quite different. What sort of atmosphere are you looking for? You may also want to consider Lumiere.

[opinionatedchef]

We have found Campagnia to have top notch food and elegant atmosphere. Don't remember snotty service. 51 Lincoln and Il Capriccio food not as impressive for us. Didn't care for Solea.

[pollystyrene]

I can only speak to La Campania. Both times I've been, the food has been good, but the service snotty. I remember reading a post here a while back where someone complained about the same thing. Maybe the koot is gone by now (the server, not the poster). The atmosphere is charming, though, and not too loud.