Mistral Restaurant
(617) 867-9300
223 Columbus Ave
Boston,
MA
02116
42.348
-71.0727
Neighborhoods: Central, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Mistral Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Mistral is as much a place to dine as a place to preen. The bar area is such a hot spot that well-dressed locals hover just to be in on the action. The overall look is modernist-Provencal with some carefully-crafted wall patches worked in amid towering, arched windows. Though huge, the space--flowingly divided into bar, cafe and restaurant--is oddly intimate. Stylish servers try to not let the commotion overwhelm them.
The Food
The exceptionally modern menu incorporates a plethora of high-end ingredients (boutique lettuces, truffles, forest mushrooms). Among starters, fresh brioche is stuffed with morsels of seared foie gras and confit of duck, all covered in a reduction of Wisconsin cherries. Entrees feature high-end fish and game like Dover sole, Cornish game hen and Colorado lamb. Thin-crust pizzas (typical variety: beef tenderloin, mashed potato and white truffle oil) prove popular for sharing at the bar.
User Reviews
Raina413
April 17, 2009
I've come here for a few my birthday dinners over the years and am never disappointed. Definitely the ambiance is representative of the South of France and I clearly remember the actual Mistral in Provence, that famous wind that sweeps through violently and often out of nowhere. This restaurant has the same sort of enchantment and allure of being in Southern France itself whatwith not only the shrubbery in pots around the room, but also with the gynormous photos of lavendar fiedls and other Provencal scenery hanging around the room. The high ceilings give you a great sense of vertical space and rising. For my special occasion, I had the Kir Royale, and escargot, and the catch of the day which was Red Snapper. For dessert the profiteroles were delectable, covered in not only yummo fudge sauce but also pistachios. My friends and I were well attended to and the service was 5-star. Would definitely go again for a special occasion and/ or to just sit up at the bar which has a lively and buzzing atmosphere separate from the dining room, with the shrubs acting as a natural and pretty noise / wall barrier.
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Mabelline
March 27, 2009
I've always really enjoyed my experience at Mistral, and have made it a regular choice for business dining. But last night was an unmitigated disaster. Hectic and unorganized, the stage was set early when I was unable to get a cocktail at the bar, and made worse when twice during the three courses, I was served the wrong meal. Perhaps I should have taken it, though, as food was a surprising let-down: my salmon was overcooked and under seasoned, and I feel ill this morning. The real issue, however, was the service. Our waiter was rude and abrupt, interrupting conversation and rolling his eyes at questions on the menu. I finished my glass of wine before my entree arrived, and he took the glass away without asking if I'd like another. Dessert was served without asking if we'd like coffee. But the most embarrassing aspect of the evening happened as we were collecting our coats at the front of the restaurant: our waiter chased after us, loudly calling out that we'd forgotten to pay. As everyone turned to stare, we tried to talk discreetly, but he kept his voice loud. It seems that we'd left the unsigned "guest copy" credit card slip on top in the bill folder and though the signed receipt was underneath, he hadn't noticed before causing a scene. He scarcely even apologized as we called it to his attention. Atrocious. I pray that this was a fluke experience brought on by the stress of Restaurant Week, but I've already changed the location of my client dinner next week.
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quincycat810
July 10, 2008
I live right down the street from Mistral and have been going there for years. The food is excellent (love the fois gras appetizer), the atmosphere is terrific...however, the service at the bar is absolutely unbearable. I went there this past weekend with my boyfriend and we were pleasantly surprised to see it was quiet at the bar. Most likely because it was a holiday weekend. I swear, we sat at the bar and waited at least 10 minutes for someone...anyone to acknowledge us!!!!!! We just wanted to order a cocktail. Probably several. You would think that one of the 2 bartenders could have even addressed us. I don't know, perhaps with a "I'll be right with you." I mean really. IHow rude. Isn't that how they make their money? through tips? Needless to say, we walked out and gave our money to another establishment who actually was courteous and acknowledged us upon sitting down. Get it together. The place may be busy with the folks driving in from the suburbs because they've heard great things but you should also pay attention to the regular neighborhood customers who would probably frequent it more than when we can get a babysitter and head into town. I will say, that when we are looking a place to go and have a nice bottle of wine or meet friends out for drinks, it will not be at Mistral. Dinner with a reservation, perhaps someday when I get the anger out of my system for how we were treated. There are many other good options all within an arms reach.
read full reviewThe Details on Mistral Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
Due to high noise levels, it's wise for those enjoying a romantic rendezvous to ask for a table far to the side.
The Extras:
Dinner is served until 11pm, but weekend latecomers shouldn't fret--a late-night menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:30pm.
Parking:
Spaces are hard to come by in this neighborhood--fork over $13 for the valet service.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Celeb Hangout, Business Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
