Finale
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 423-3184
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Park Place
- Best of Citysearch:
- Dessert 2007, Dessert 2006, Date Spot 2005
- Hours:
- Mon 11:30am-11pm, Tue-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm, Fri 11:30am-12am, Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 4pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Finale – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
Finale's handsome, softly-lit dining room provides an ideal pre- or post-show spot for couples on a date to the nearby Theater District. An overhead demonstration mirror affords a view of the pastry chefs that construct Finale's signature desserts. Young, friendly waiters are pleased to recommend selections from the epic drink list.
The Food
Dessert is the focus, but there's also a respectable light dinner menu that allows patrons to enjoy a well-rounded meal without getting too full before the sweet stuff. Smart options include the rosemary-rubbed chicken Caesar salad and a Mediterranean pizza. Most diners skip the savory items and dive straight into desserts, like a divine, baked-to-order molten-chocolate gateau or the caramel carnivale (caramel mousse layered between puff pastry and served with fresh fruit in raspberry puree). Advanced sweet tooths should opt for the Temptation for Two, an assortment plate of cakes, gelato and mousse.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoDon't fret if your diet doesn't allow a sinful slice of cheesecake; there's at least one fruity dessert (e.g. brandied fruits with a refreshing sorbet) available nightly that won't bust your belt.
User Reviews for Finale
05/08/2008 Posted by FoodieLePue
It's strange that for a dessert restaurant, the only decent thing about this place is the lunch menu. The dessert menu is far too overpriced for what you get. Sure, they have tasty sweets, but you can get the same thing at the grocery or a regular pastry shop. The ambiance hardly justifies the price: there was a piece of gum stuck under my table, a large stain on the chair fabric (gross!) and my table was wet from being wiped - pretty disgusting experience after having to wait 40 minutes to be seated. These are things you don't expect to happen when you are paying $20 dollars for miniature cookies, berry sauce and a scoop of ice cream. Our waiter took forever, the ice cream was melting, but he insisted on explaining what all the things on the plate were. I wanted to tell him I already knew what was on the plate, I have the ability to read menu's!!! I felt like I was at the Olive Garden or something when he was giving his little rehearsed speaches - yuck.
Pros: Feeling superior
Cons: Feeling cheated
04/12/2008 Posted by freewilly7
once you get into the restaurant, you're basically engulfed in the aroma. don't go there hoping to eat a full meal, though; it's a DESSERT place serving small dishes and wines. of the food ("prelude") menu, the cheese plate for 2 is, indeed, very cheesy (not worth it). however, the mediterranean pizza is simple but delectable (love the balsamic). signature dessert, molten cake--the ultimate finale--is a complete death by chocolate. you can't possibly resist the aroma of quality valrhona, but half a cake is enough to stuff your belly for the next 2 years. i was getting nauseously overwhelmed and couldn't possibly finish that small piece of cake even though i was actually HUNGRY. the coffee ice-cream that accompanies it is in actuality a mouth cleanser! and my personal suggested beverage pairing: pure water. i had a creme brulee before, it was ok but i've had better. their creme brulee is actually more pudding-like and less custard-like. so don't be taken aback by their less "sturdy" consistency. forgot what cake i got for my parents' anniversary last year (don't find it on menu at the moment); it was some sort of really rich chocolate cake w/passion fruit creme inside. everybody agreed that though it was good, it was way too sweet. went a few more times after that, was getting less thrilled each time. ambiance is perfect for a date, but i stopped caring much for their desserts, which somehow appear less and less "special." service is polite at best, if a bit haughty. :)
Pros: hotel quality decor, good ambiance
Cons: long wait at peak times, difficult parking
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