Sibling Rivalry

(617) 338-5338

525 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116 42.3447 -71.0706

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Neighborhoods: South End, Shawmut

SIBLINGRIVALRYBOSTON.COM

Hours:

Monday To Thursday From 05:30 PM To 10:00 PM Friday From 05:30 PM To 11:00 PM Saturday From 05:00 PM To 11:00 PM Sunday From 04:00 PM To 09:00 PM

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard, Travelers Check

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

New American, Traditional American, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

No

What People Are Saying About Sibling Rivalry

Featured Review

Eric Grossman

Contributor

The Scene – True to its name, Sibling Rivalry provides patrons with a split menu in which two brothers offer different approaches to common ingredients. These aren't just any old siblings: Bob Kinkead is one of Washington, D.C.'s most recognizable chefs, while David has worked in some of Boston's finest kitchens. Tthe restaurant is a study in minimalist chic, with warm earth tones surrounding diners. Deftly efficient servers gladly point out the menu's numerous intricacies. – – The Food – The Kinkeads have fun with the concept, dotting their respective menus with…

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
Sunday brunch service features upscale fare like tuna carpaccio and truffled scrambled eggs.
Know Before You Go:
When making a reservation, those hoping to enjoy a quiet dinner should make every effort to request a table in one of the restaurant's quieter corners.
Parking:
Allow time to find a spot along Tremont St. (almost all the side streets are resident permit parking only), or expect to use the restaurant's $14 valet service.
When to Go:
On Tuesdays at 7pm, Chef David Kinkead hosts Show & Taste Tuesdays ($50 per person). The three-course meal includes cooking and food demonstrations, complete with lots of kitchen tips.
ambiance
92.8600025177002% positive
  1. The decor is wonderful, rather there are 3 separate dining areas, with totally different feels to them.
  2. The trendy decor and great atmosphere is the perfect spot for dinner and a few drinks with friends.
  3. Very unique, great atmosphere!
  4. It is a fun place, not too pretentious and not stuffy at all.
  5. Cool name, bad decor: The name, concept and logo are great- but, the decor was terrible and "corporate modern" cheapo looking.
  6. Menu just fun!
  7. If you are not wearing very expensive jeans and driving up to the valet parking in an SUV, get ready for some eye rolling from staff.
  8. ........ impressive food, service and decor
  9. The location is great.
  10. Seats comfortable.
  11. The food was interesting, but the staff snobby, the decor a bit chilly, and the prices extreme (check out the a la carte menu, and be prepared to really PAY for those mashed potatoes and string beans).
  12. Where do I start the drinks were out of this world, the service was top notch and I loved the atmosphere!
  13. Overall though the food was really great and I liked the romantic yet modern intereior.
  14. fun place, interesting menu set up, nice atmosphere
  15. Our server, Fred was attentive but not annoying, made some great suggestins for food and wine, and the atmosphere of the place was perfect.
  16. Great food, service and ambience
  17. The dining room has a great view of the kitchen.
  18. Great decor.
  19. It has a nice location and a good ambience but the food does not live up to the expectations.
  20. The bar is also fun after dinner, they had some great music later in the evening, it was a very good time.
  21. The ambience was really wonderful and romantic with the low lighting and I liked the fact that I could view the open kitchen from my seat.
dessert
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. For my friend's birthday cake, they were nice enough to give her 5 stale cookies and a mug
  2. must suggest the blood orange martini and that you definitely save room for dessert
  3. My friends and I tried Sibling for the very first time last week and from the host to service to the wine and dinner and the dessert, our entire dining experience was amazing!
  4. We finished with a few desserts I must recommend the desserts we ordered a few for the table and they were the best I have ever had!
  5. Everything was amazing, from the Menage a Trois blanc and perfectly paired little salt cod tartlet bites - through my salmon entree which was moist perfection paired with creamy mushrooms, gorgeous herbs and wraped in a crispy filo wrap, to the heavenly d
  6. From the moment we were greeted to the last dessert spoonful, a delightful experience.
  7. We shared a sinfully yummy chocolate dessert and would definitely go back there for another special occasion.
  8. Havre the fried squid, the duck in port sauce, the creamed spinach, the sweet potato pie with great cinnamon ice cream, the chocolate daquoise - they are all wonderful - but drink plenty of water - the use lots of salt.
  9. The Have your cake and eat it too was adorable and ingenius, the passionfruit cheesecake was the most imaginative presentation, and then the seven layer mocha cake was perfect -- decadent, and yet the perfect protion for such decadance!
drinks
96.42999649047852% positive
  1. The food her was incredible, very reasonable, drinks, everyone all around enjoyed, out of all the places we at for the 4 days we stayed, this is the one that's most memorable.
  2. My friends and I tried Sibling for the very first time last week and from the host to service to the wine and dinner and the dessert, our entire dining experience was amazing!
  3. The martinis were fantastic and they had an exquisite wine menu, we started off with a few appetizers that were to die for I must suggest the pumkin ravioli , beet salad and tuna then dinner topped that the the swordfish melted in my mouth.
  4. would think that a party of eight would be given some good attention, especially with the amount of food and drinks we ordered.
  5. Where do I start the drinks were out of this world, the service was top notch and I loved the atmosphere!
  6. The bar is also fun after dinner, they had some great music later in the evening, it was a very good time.
  7. The staff was friendly, but not overly attentive and actually brought us someone else's drinks, but I understand mistakes are made and was not put off by this.
  8. Everytime I have been to Sibling Rivalry I have enjoyed their food, wine and service, and will return soon.
  9. Our server, Fred was attentive but not annoying, made some great suggestins for food and wine, and the atmosphere of the place was perfect.
  10. the waitstaff was extremely friendly and helpful with the wine selections.
  11. Although we did not drink at the bar, the bar looked very nice as well.
  12. Havre the fried squid, the duck in port sauce, the creamed spinach, the sweet potato pie with great cinnamon ice cream, the chocolate daquoise - they are all wonderful - but drink plenty of water - the use lots of salt.
  13. The wine and cocktails are great, the Kiwi Martini is so good.
  14. The trendy decor and great atmosphere is the perfect spot for dinner and a few drinks with friends.
food quality
87.76000022888184% positive
  1. The food was tasty: The concept of the 2 brothers is great and the portions were decent sized but it was really expensive.
  2. ........ impressive food, service and decor
  3. It has a nice location and a good ambience but the food does not live up to the expectations.
  4. Food review: Presentation was outstanding (the food really looked appetizing!)
  5. The food her was incredible, very reasonable, drinks, everyone all around enjoyed, out of all the places we at for the 4 days we stayed, this is the one that's most memorable.
  6. We anticipated a great meal and that's exactly what we received.
  7. Comp starter mango avocado mousse was dazzling, appetizers devine, entrees outrageously delicious.
  8. Excellent service and delicious food
  9. The martinis were fantastic and they had an exquisite wine menu, we started off with a few appetizers that were to die for I must suggest the pumkin ravioli , beet salad and tuna then dinner topped that the the swordfish melted in my mouth.
  10. We shared a sinfully yummy chocolate dessert and would definitely go back there for another special occasion.
  11. The food was excellent, im still thinking about it till now, the service was great, and the amience was perfect for a date.
  12. Service was great, we hardly waited for our food Highly recommended and we will come back.
  13. Overall though the food was really great and I liked the romantic yet modern intereior.
  14. We started with a few app's and they were so exquisite, the portion size of our dinners were perfect and presented so well not too mention how great the food tasted.
  15. But when one eats a tasty meal, one never counts on seeing that meal again.
  16. awful food poisoning
  17. Two small plates are reasonable priced, enough food for a meal, and give a mixture of styles from Asian, French, to Latin.
  18. The food was too die for not to mention the blood orange martini is a must have and the service was outstanding!
  19. The food is over the top, I recently had the sweetbread raviolis, delicious and the spicy tuna tartare is the best!
  20. Our server, Fred was attentive but not annoying, made some great suggestins for food and wine, and the atmosphere of the place was perfect.
  21. Despite the delayed seating, the waiters were great and the food yummy.
  22. the food was pretty good, including the tuna tartare appetizer and the steak entree and salmon entree.
  23. Everything was amazing, from the Menage a Trois blanc and perfectly paired little salt cod tartlet bites - through my salmon entree which was moist perfection paired with creamy mushrooms, gorgeous herbs and wraped in a crispy filo wrap, to the heavenly d
  24. And the meal was quite good.
  25. The food was interesting, but the staff snobby, the decor a bit chilly, and the prices extreme (check out the a la carte menu, and be prepared to really PAY for those mashed potatoes and string beans).
  26. Good food isnt everything and the service/experience left a bad taste.
  27. would think that a party of eight would be given some good attention, especially with the amount of food and drinks we ordered.
  28. spotless, so clean, open kitchen, great service, great food, we wish we had one in NYC!
  29. The food, for all that, was good.
  30. Terrible customer service and food was undercooked
  31. We ordered for our main course: the flat iron steak, the lamb, the crispy duck (which had to be sent back because it was so bad), and the chicken entree.
  32. Their two chefs create amazing food for brunch, lunch and dinner.
  33. contemporary setting, beautiful food
  34. Great food
  35. Love the variety of food!
  36. Everytime I have been to Sibling Rivalry I have enjoyed their food, wine and service, and will return soon.
  37. Creative concept, great food
  38. Havre the fried squid, the duck in port sauce, the creamed spinach, the sweet potato pie with great cinnamon ice cream, the chocolate daquoise - they are all wonderful - but drink plenty of water - the use lots of salt.
  39. My meal consisted of a plate full of vegetables.
  40. The service was surprisingly bad, especially for the price of the food, which was very good.
  41. atleast I think it was Irish soda bread, but whatever it was it was fabulous!
  42. the food was great but the best part was the service.
  43. Great food, service and ambience
  44. The food is superb, perhaps they could go a little easy on the salt, but nevertheless, unbelievably tasty.
  45. The food was excellent.
  46. The food was terrific, and the concept of the two chefs was a blast!
  47. The main courses were tasty but not worth the exorbitant prices.
  48. The appetizers were tasty, but the entrees needed some help.
  49. The menu is so diverse, although I did not like my dinner combination of salmon and Mexican flavors of black beans and spicy chile rellano.
menu variety
85.0% positive
  1. the waitstaff was extremely friendly and helpful with the wine selections.
  2. The menu is so diverse, although I did not like my dinner combination of salmon and Mexican flavors of black beans and spicy chile rellano.
  3. With all the fantastic options this city has, skip this place!
  4. Amazing menu.
  5. Love the variety of food!
  6. If you can handle the snobby attitudes of the staff and the pretentiousness of the place as a whole, by all means do go - they do offer an interesting menu unlike many other restaurants.
  7. fun place, interesting menu set up, nice atmosphere
  8. Needless to say, we will not be returning to Sibling Rivalry especially with all the other outstanding restaurant options in the area.
  9. The food was interesting, but the staff snobby, the decor a bit chilly, and the prices extreme (check out the a la carte menu, and be prepared to really PAY for those mashed potatoes and string beans).
  10. The martinis were fantastic and they had an exquisite wine menu, we started off with a few appetizers that were to die for I must suggest the pumkin ravioli , beet salad and tuna then dinner topped that the the swordfish melted in my mouth.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. The duck was the best that I have ever had at any restaurant.
  2. Our server, Fred was attentive but not annoying, made some great suggestins for food and wine, and the atmosphere of the place was perfect.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. Service was great, we hardly waited for our food Highly recommended and we will come back.
  2. Everytime I have been to Sibling Rivalry I have enjoyed their food, wine and service, and will return soon.
  3. We shared a sinfully yummy chocolate dessert and would definitely go back there for another special occasion.
service
76.84999942779541% positive
  1. Everytime I have been to Sibling Rivalry I have enjoyed their food, wine and service, and will return soon.
  2. Where do I start the drinks were out of this world, the service was top notch and I loved the atmosphere!
  3. Good food isnt everything and the service/experience left a bad taste.
  4. ........ impressive food, service and decor
  5. the waitstaff was extremely friendly and helpful with the wine selections.
  6. but most people don't order according to ingredients.
  7. The waiter was slow and not very attentive to our needs.
  8. When we arrived the hostess was friendly and checked us in.
  9. Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and didn't mind answering all of our questions in detail.
  10. Excellent service.
  11. Terrible customer service and food was undercooked
  12. Most of the negative reviews seem to point out the poor service.
  13. The food was interesting, but the staff snobby, the decor a bit chilly, and the prices extreme (check out the a la carte menu, and be prepared to really PAY for those mashed potatoes and string beans).
  14. Some of the worst service I've received in Boston
  15. My friends and I tried Sibling for the very first time last week and from the host to service to the wine and dinner and the dessert, our entire dining experience was amazing!
  16. We made reservations and were seated right away the waitress was great very attentive.
  17. Excellent service and delicious food
  18. Drinks were nice but overpriced, Tuna was overcooked, service was average.
  19. The service was surprisingly bad, especially for the price of the food, which was very good.
  20. spotless, so clean, open kitchen, great service, great food, we wish we had one in NYC!
  21. The food was too die for not to mention the blood orange martini is a must have and the service was outstanding!
  22. Our server, Fred was attentive but not annoying, made some great suggestins for food and wine, and the atmosphere of the place was perfect.
  23. Service was disorganized and we did not get the professional service that should come with a restaurant of this reputation.
  24. The service was wonderful.
  25. The waitstaff was very attentive and provided great, nondisruptive service.
  26. If you are not wearing very expensive jeans and driving up to the valet parking in an SUV, get ready for some eye rolling from staff.
  27. Despite the delayed seating, the waiters were great and the food yummy.
  28. the food was great but the best part was the service.
  29. If you can handle the snobby attitudes of the staff and the pretentiousness of the place as a whole, by all means do go - they do offer an interesting menu unlike many other restaurants.
  30. The staff was friendly, but not overly attentive and actually brought us someone else's drinks, but I understand mistakes are made and was not put off by this.
  31. Great food, service and ambience
  32. Our server was nice, however I felt a little rushed, or like I was not of his normal caliber customer.
  33. It is always exceptional and the service is great.
  34. The food was excellent, im still thinking about it till now, the service was great, and the amience was perfect for a date.
  35. Food aside, the service was good and our waitress was attentive.
  36. am really big on customer service, and the waiters are extremely friendly and helpful.
value
75.0% positive
  1. The food was tasty: The concept of the 2 brothers is great and the portions were decent sized but it was really expensive.
  2. The service was surprisingly bad, especially for the price of the food, which was very good.
  3. The main courses were tasty but not worth the exorbitant prices.
  4. Drinks were nice but overpriced, Tuna was overcooked, service was average.
  5. The food was interesting, but the staff snobby, the decor a bit chilly, and the prices extreme (check out the a la carte menu, and be prepared to really PAY for those mashed potatoes and string beans).
  6. If you are not wearing very expensive jeans and driving up to the valet parking in an SUV, get ready for some eye rolling from staff.
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. have never been to a restaurant that was so slow in a negative way.
  2. The waiter was slow and not very attentive to our needs.
2 Star Rating: Below Average

07/08/11

Lots of room

by Backbay at Citysearch

One positive note on Sibling Rivalry is that you can always be seated. Not the most popular restaurant in Southend. The menu was so limted we had to settle for something less than appetizing. The service was good and the help seemed pleased to see customers. Outside tables abound except on extremely busy weekends where every outdoor restaurant is packed.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/25/11

Eh... won't go again

by OldPine at Citysearch

Guess I was naive thinking that the chefs would actually be there, but still, the four of us, with three different entrees, two different apps and two different desserts found nothing to get excited about except maybe the pleasant waitress.

The only thing to even remark on was that I was looking forward to the "dates wrapped in bacon" and, alas, only one date appeared on the plate of my so-so pressed duck.

Overall, very disappointing visit considering the price levels.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/16/11

Wonderful Group Dinner

by aileenbarry at Citysearch

I organized a celebratory dinner for a large group of 16, on a Saturday night, which was wonderful. I contacted the restaurant in advance regarding ease of seating etc. for such a large group and Elaine was wonderfully helpful, suggesting table configurations etc.

Upon arriving at the restaurant we were seated at a table that comfortable sat all persons with enough space. Drinks and food arrived together, timely, and as described. All parties enjoyed the food, the duck was a particular favorite. The service was wonderful, thanks to TJ, and others, for that.

We had a lovely evening and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to a friend. A wonderfully warm setting for either an intimate dinner, or a large group. I was incredibly impressed with the service, the food, as always, was excellent, and everyone had a very enjoyable time.

1 Star Rating: Poor

12/09/09

awful food poisoning

by Erato at Citysearch

Most of the negative reviews seem to point out the poor service. I thought the service was ok, considering the restaurant was packed. And the meal was quite good. But when one eats a tasty meal, one never counts on seeing that meal again. Unfortunately, I saw it again, and very soon: classic food poisoning with a very quick onset. I don't know if it was the clams or the swordfish, but before our check even arrived I felt nauseous and had to rush to the bathroom to throw up. Threw up again in the taxi on the way home, and again and again for a few hours until there was nothing else to come up. Never going to this restaurant again.

1 Star Rating: Poor

08/15/09

Out of 1/2 the menu!!!!

by lynnzamanian at Citysearch

Three of us went to this restaurant during Restaurant Week. We were incredibly disappointed, my husband and I would have left, if not for the friend who brought us, who remained enthusiastic. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that 1/2 the menu options were not available. We sat at the bar, and the bartender went through all the things they were out of, down to BUTTER! These brothers really should realize that they lost many customers that night. I had no idea it was restaurant week, and don't feel that is a satisfactory reason to be out of 1/2 the menu. Out of 5 possbile dessert choices, only two were available. The bartender told us all this in an unapologetic, almost sarcastic manner. We dropped a lot of money, left hungry, and deeply disatisfied.

  • Pros: ambiance
  • Cons: 1/2 the menu not available

The Details on Sibling Rivalry

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • great service
  • helpful waiters
  • interesting wine menu
  • great entire dining experience
  • great atmosphere
  • worst customer service
  • worst restaurant
  • impressive decor
  • helpful waitstaff
  • great ambience
  • snobby food
  • extremely knowledgeable waitress
  • quite good meal
  • outstanding restaurant options
  • not too pretentious fun place
  • nice few drinks
  • recommend desserts
  • romantic intereior
  • nice location
  • amazing food isnt everything
  • not overly attentive staff
  • great wine
  • great entrees
  • very nice bar
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