Excelsior
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 426-7878
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Arlington Street
- Specialties:
- Bartenders, Lounge, Martini
- Best of Citysearch:
- Aphrodisiac Restaurant 2008, Special Occasion Dining 2007, Bar Menu 2006
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 4:30pm-12am, Fri-Sat 4:30pm-2am
Editorial Review for Excelsior – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Excelsior's spacious second-floor dining room, with its attractive views of the Public Garden, is one of Boston's most romantic. Gourmet drinks (basil mojito, frozen grape martini) and snacks (lamb pizza, wood-roasted shrimp cocktail) help attract a mature, moneyed crowd to the stylish ground-floor lounge. Oenophiles rave about the epic selection of international varietals, all of which are strikingly housed in a climate-controlled, three-story glass tower. An impeccably attired waitstaff provides exemplary, attentive service.
The Food
From the first bite (the city's most impressive bread basket) to the last (intricate desserts like a Meyer lemon souffle cake with wild blueberry jam), diners enjoy an exciting--and pricey--culinary ride. Chef Eric Brennan's can't-miss starters include roasted veal sweetbreads, served with rock shrimp and deep-fried quail egg, and a sinfully rich lobster stew. Typical of generously portioned entrees is a carved Long Island duck breast that's served with an outrageous, chevre-smoked duck confit salad.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyBudget-constricted foodies should stop into the lounge to try Excelsior's signature lobster pizza, made using celebrity chef Lydia Shire's original recipe.
Know Before You GoThe lobster pizza is a favorite of a certain well-paid Red Sox slugger. Excelsior also attracts dignitaries and other big names, many of them guests at neighboring Four Seasons.
ParkingBest bet: $14 for the valet. Because of the restaurant's proximity to the theater district, spaces are rare.
User Reviews for Excelsior
09/23/2008 Posted by bostonrunner20
Great service, friendly staffs, and the Lobster Pizza so delicious! This is definitely gets a five star!
Pros: Great Food, ambience!
Cons: parking
08/16/2008 Posted by WashingtonStreet
The food was way too greasy. It took at least an hour for our food to come out and it did not taste fresh. I was very disappionted as I was expecting a top quality restaurant. Instead I got Chilis. This was the worst meal I have had in a long time. The pork potsitckers were greasy. The shrimp tempura tasted like chemicals. The olives were soaked in way too much grease. The service was very slow and the table were cramped. Overall, VERY disappointing.
Pros: Martinis
Cons: Food, Ambience, Service
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