Elephant Walk
(617) 247-1500
900 Beacon St
Boston,
MA
02215
42.3465
-71.1058
Neighborhoods: Kenmore, Fenway/Kenmore
Reviews & Ratings for Elephant Walk
27 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 27 reviews
Boring food, atrocious service
by bostonjustin
June 23, 2009
We went to the Beacon Elephant Walk after hearing generally positive things, but the only thing memorable was how absolutely horrible an experience we had. The food itself was boring but not awful. What did leave a bad taste in our mouths, however, was the atrocious service. I know this is Boston, where customer service isn't a top priority, but our server was either having an off night or should get out of the business of working with people. She was plain rude from the beginning of the meal to the end, never once introduced herself, smiled or did anything to make us feel appreciated. She bossed around the busser when she didn't like what he was doing, skipped over our table for 15 minutes when it was clear we had finished our meals and remained an absolutely miserable person throughout the evening. It was hands down the worst service I have ever received at any restaurant. Unless you enjoy feeling dejected and unworthy, I'd suggest steering clear.
- Pros: Got to leave when finished with meal
- Cons: Miserable unfriendly service
Unique menu offers different dining experience
by lsarao
April 19, 2009
Dined here at the Boston location the other night for the first time. Everything on the menu looked great and it was a difficult decision. Although they say the cuisine is a "fusion" of Cambodian and French, the two are clearly separated on the menu. Although I really wanted to try an authenic Cambodian dish, I was tempted by the French rare, pan-seared tuna loin encrusted with bread crumbs; sliced over spiced red and green chili cream sauces with crisped pear and scallion ravioli. And yes, it tasted as good as it sounds. The tuna was cooked perfectly and the sweetness of the pear ravioli complemented the spicy chili sauces perfectly.
Highly recommended for people who are not afraid to step outside the box and try something different!
- Pros: Delicious
- Cons: Parking tough, but valet was only $7
Not bad by D K. at InsiderPages
Contributor
January 29, 2008
The staff was fairly friendly, and the food was alright, but a bit pricey for the quality. I've been here four times so far, and they have been getting better each time. If your girlfriend likes chocolate, their chocolate torte is like foreplay for her.
Cooking Classes by Whitney A. at InsiderPages
Contributor
January 23, 2008
I actually took a cooking class at Elephant Walk and it was really interesting. The French-Cambodian cuisine has some atypical ingredients but the chef explained each one along with its nutritional value to us all beforehand. Then we went into the kitchen and started cooking... and we actually got to do it ourselves and use their equipment! It was a lot of fun, I'd suggest gong in a group, and afterwards you get to eat the delicious meal you just prepared.
Serendipitous change of scene
by mitcoffee
January 14, 2008
When it comes to French-Cambodian cuisine, there are very few restaurants names in Boston that come to mind besides the Elephant Walk restaurants in the back bay and Cambridge. With this in mind, we went specifically for the change in palate, and what a surprisingly nice dinner it was. The back bay restaurant is discretely located on the East end of the BU campus- not too flashy from the outside, but upon entering- the ambience is pleasantly fancy. It accommodates to a wide variety of clientele- business partners. first dates, girls' parties, family dinners and local restauranteurs. We went on the night of a big Patriots game; yet it was rather packed! The staff was friendly, attentive- yet not overly in-your-face. As for food- the menu consists of cambodian and french cuisine- which was actually to our surprise since we'd expected the trendy 'fusion-cuisine.' Both of us went with cambodian- starting with spring rolls and a raw tuna/avocado salad- both of which was quickly yet delicately prepared- not too salty but flavorful, and furthermore: unusually generous in portions! For entrees- we went with the traditional braised/steamed seafood stew and the sea scallops- both of which were nothing like what we could've ever imagined! Delicious, not too salty (which is unfortunately the case for many restaurants!), delicate balance of different flavors, well-portioned, and beautifully presented. The mashed edamame that came with the scallops was particularly memorable! We indulged so much in the appetizers and entrees that had no room for dessert ! This restaurant comes well-recommended. Another note: for the food quality, service and ambience- this restaurant is not over-the-top in prices!
- Pros: Ambience, Service, Unique cuisine
- Cons: You might need to make a reservation!
would never come back
by meemz
May 07, 2007
After waiting a long time to find the time to go to this highly recommended restaurant, we were utterly disappointed. Service was ok at best with the waitress not being knowledgeable of any menu items to recommend. My dish was described as "Signature Cambodian dish", but fell short of being even close to average. The seafood was overly fishy and the flavors were unpleasantly pungent. My bf's lamb was ordered medium rare and came out borderline medium-well done. Prices were insanely overpriced and the authenticity of Cambodian food was far from met. We have had a lot of great, authentic Cambodian food in Long Beach, California for half the price, which leads us to ascertain that Elephant Walk is an overly hyped, overly priced, mediocre restaurant claiming to creatively infuse French with Cambodian food with absolutely no success. Perhaps they should try to master Cambodian food and French food individually before attempting to infuse the two together.
I would not recommend this place to anyone.
- Pros: easily accessible
- Cons: pricey, overrated, mediocre unauthentic food.
Usually Really Good----Last time just average
by kelbot74
January 27, 2007
I have been to this resturant many times when I have been in Boston on business and LOVED IT! Have always had great food and service. We recently moved to Boston and I was excited to bring my husband to one of my favorite resturants to much disappointment. Great atmosphere, however our waiter was the most incompetant person that I have ever experienced at a resturant. He took too long to bring our drinks (martinis not so cold) and the appetizer was also cold. The only good thing about the meal was the delicious wild boar that my husband ordered.
The service was so poor that our empty drink glasses sat at the table as the wine was poured and we ate our main course. It was impossible to get the waiter's attention. When we did get his attention it was like we were asking for his first born or something.
I will come back one more time, however I will make sure to request a more experienced waiter!
Best lettuce wraps!!!!
by msbhvn12106
January 17, 2007
All I have to say is that the staff was more than courteous and the let us stay a little past when they should have because we were so involved in our conversation. Food was excellent, and one last thing... LETTUCE WRAPS. Get 'em if you can....
- Pros: Service, food
- Cons: We ran out of time! Next time we know to make an earlier reservation.
A loyal following of area academics and professional couples flock to the original location of the city's lone French-Cambodian restaurant.
by Contributor
December 16, 2006
The Scene
A colorful crowd of food lovers make the trek to sample hard-to-find Cambodian dishes and non-fussy French fare. Attentive young servers and colorful, eclectic dishes provide the bright, upbeat dining room with plenty of atmosphere (there are also many elephant images, for good luck). Libation lovers have a menu of fruity house concoctions to select from, as well as an exciting wine list that's full of rare, international varietals.
The Food
Wise diners mix and match the menu's endless assortment of French and Cambodian dishes. Must-try starters include devilishly fun Nataing (ground pork-coconut milk dip that's served with crunchy jasmine rice cakes) and Leah Chah (steamed mussels in a savory Asian basil broth). Among the Gallic options, a smart choice is the Porc Diplomat--grilled pork tenderloin with a creamy mushroom, garlic and black pepper sauce. Leave room for light, pleasing desserts like white-chocolate mousse with tart raspberry coulis.
lovely dinner spot
by citylover77
December 10, 2006
Having always walked in front of the Elephant Walk I had never even paid much attention to this restaurant. It wasn't until someone recommended it that I decided to try it out with my boyfriend. The idea of a Cambodian-French cuisine could sound like an particular mix but we were really pleasantly surprised. The appetizer was wonderful and so were our entrees (we had one french and one cambodian, both extremely tasty and original) and then ended with a typical french chocolate layer cake. With two glasses of wine it came out to about 90 dollars but it was absolutely worth it! the waiter was also extremely nice and helpful! great for dates and for anyone wanting to try something new!
- Pros: ambience, vegetarian/vegan friendly, service
