Soma

08/22/2008 Posted by MariaSF

I and 12 of my closest family and friends went to Soma a couple of weeks ago, and I must say that this was probably the best meal I have had in a long time! Noted we did get some special things prepared for us as a couple of my friends knew the chef but no matter what the food was excellent. Being a large group the restaurant accommodate us very well. We decided to do a 3 course menu and as everyone wanted to try all the appetizers we decided upon the kitchen made sure there was plenty of everything and served them family style. Having heard that Soma is famous for its Mojitos and Martinis we dove right in and tried plentiful and the rumor is true - they are really good! The food was unforgettable and cooked to perfection. We all shared Calamari, Mussels PEI, Arroncini which were all to die for. Maine courses were even better: Homemade pasta with lobster in a cream sauce w fennel was exquisite and the Scallops w pureed cauliflower and pea puree and a redwine reduction was to die for. The duck and lamb were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The desserts were especially made for us and were unreal. Napoleon style wafers w berries and cream anglaise and best of all white currants which is a very rare sight here indeed- it was so light and refreshing and was a great end to an excellent meal. But wait the chef wasn't done - knowing that I LOVE Madeleine’s he prepared fresh, warm ones for us. Happy and stuffed to the guiles I must say that this is the best experience and food I have had from Chef Seth Fernald. If you are ever in the neighborhood you should try this place and it is definitely worth the drive from Boston - great food and drinks, great atmosphere. Price is better then the City for the quality of food, try it!

Pros: Food, Drinks and Atmosphere

06/30/2008 Posted by SGHale

My husband & I were looking for a nice date place. I'm 9 months pregnant & we won't have the opportunity for a while, so after reading some reviews we decided to try Soma. We can't wait to go back! The space is clean, simple & modern - but not that "trying too hard" mod some places go for. The waitstaff was competent, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, but not intrusive. Although I cannot comment on the taste of the booze, I was jealous of all the options my husband had to choose from & can't wait to go back to try them. The cocktail list is expansive & creative; the wine list is varied with many affordable choices; great beer selection - overall fantastic bar. As for the food, we chose to share 5 appetizers like a 5 course tasting menu, which they were totally cool with: Course 1 - Tempura fried stuffed squash blossoms over arugula with a citrus vinaigrette. Loved the seasonal, vegetal squash blossoms, creamy filling & light tempura batter. Wasn't oily at all and the clean citrus dressing & spicy arugula cut the richness of the blossoms. Get it while you can! Course 2 - Chilled Tuscan Melon soup with creme fraiche & prosciutto chip. Yum! Cool, smooth, light & refreshing. Creme fraiche added creaminess & the prosciutto chip provided an excellent salty counterpart. Course 3 - Risotto of the day with garlic scapes, fava bean, fennel & truffle oil. Not gluey, good texture, very cheesy, could have used a bit more liquid - but we prefer a soupy-er risotto than most. Great flavors overall. Course 4 - Panzanella Salad with cucumbers, yellow pear tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil-infused olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Loved the texture as the bread was NOT soggy! Refreshing yet filling. Course 5 - PEI Mussels with fries. Perfectly seasoned fries with an herb aioli, good quality mussels with a very flavorful broth. Dessert - Lavender shortbread with fig sorbet, balsamic reduction & fresh figs & strawberries. The perfect end to the night!

Pros: Bar selection, Food Quality, Value

Cons: Busy on Weekends

05/16/2008 Posted by jaime73

I love the atmosphere, drinks, and food at Soma! The service needs work - I think they are going for a non-pushy staff setting, but we had to flag them down to get drinks, food, AND the bill at the bar.

02/23/2008 Posted by epm0609

It has the best food ever from the drinks to the bar menu to the en tree's. We go there at least once a week. Prices are reasonable, quality is great. Cant wait to go back. Talented chef!

Pros: nice ambience, great service

Cons: none

11/15/2007 Posted by bettyeverdene

I especially love Weds - a glass of wine - Further From Zen, cool Indie jazz, singer Jesse Ciarmataro's sweet sounds!

09/07/2007 Posted by 2and3more

I was in the area traveling for business last saturday and stubled upon Soma with a few co-workers. I was greeted by a very nice women and seated promptly. The decor was beautiful and the atmosphere exactly what I needed fun but most of all relaxing. We were greeted by our server Barbie who was a delite to have wait on us. She was very knowledgable and polite. I have traveled quite a bit and it is rare to find this type of service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of wine with our dinner, I definetly recommend the blueberry pomegrant martini, it is to die for. The food was wonderful, and their were so many things to choose from. I ordered the scallops and was blown away starting with the appearance and even more by its flavor. Scallops are a tough thing to cook and the chef Mark Zimmerman did an unbelievable job. I loved the aparagus wrapped in bacon and the sauce was amazing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. It was a pleasure to dine at.

Pros: Service and food choices

Cons: Needs a bit more lighting although relaxing.

08/02/2007 Posted by zati

DJ Zati Trend Settin' Thursdays @ Soma Music: Funk,80's,Top 40,Mashups & House No cover charge 21+ Soma 256 Cabot Street Beverly,Mass www.somabeverly com Soma has the best night going on the northshore on Thursday nights. Stop in and see for yourself

Pros: dj's music on thursdays

Cons: none

06/02/2007 Posted by maccoombs

i was just browsing city search when i came accros the review below. after dining at many restaurants in and around boston i've experienced simalar situations. i think it is absolutly rediculous that you would be expecting part of your meal comped. when i've been asked to move in the past i did so no problem, carrying my own plate of food and all. you obviously are the kind of person who doesn't understand the restaurant industry and i have a feeling that you were probably making a big deal about being asked to move. i personally have eaten in the bar and dining room at soma and loved it every time. they have great martini's and a good variety of food to choose from. i even met the owner once and he was a very likeable guy. anyways i give soma 2 thumbs up and would suggest all to try it.

Pros: wine and martini list

Cons: muddled cocktails (take to long to make)

06/01/2007 Posted by dlipset

I've eaten at Soma several times, and the food has always been good; however, on our most recent visit, we experienced poor service in the absolute extreme. After being seated, having our wine and salads served, the waitress came over and said the manager was asking us to please move to a different table so they could push a some tables together for a larger party! Apparently a group of 12 came in (without reservations) and the manager was willing to offend two patrons in order to accommodate the larger party. We were left to traipse across the dining room, carrying our wine glasses, to a different table to complete our meal. I was so flabbergasted, I was speechless. When I regained my voice, I asked to speak to the manager, who was not only unapologetic, he was downright insulting, saying something to the effect that he had the opportunity to seat a large party and he could hardly be expected to lose the business to the restaurant next door. While on some level I can completely understand his position, the fact that he neither apologized nor offered to comp us for at least our wine, was unbelievable. While the food is decent, there are many other great options on the North Shore where you won't run the risk of having to endure such incredible rudeness and poor service. Try Mandrake (next door), Tryst, or Chianti (just up the street) for equally good food and far better service!!

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

04/13/2006 Posted by jbmalik

Nick Speros obviously cut his teeth in Boston's finest restaurants and brings his outstanding talents to Beverly. I am not one for 'eclectic' food but even so, Soma's dishes are outstanding and worth the drive. Eat, be merry, and share the love at Soma. If you see Nick tell him "Big J" sent you, and ask him about the time 15 years ago when we used to sneak him into the dorm cafeteria so he could eat.

Pros: menu, chef, atmosphere

Cons: none, none, none