Fava Restaurant

10/21/07

overcrowded, mediocre food

by taster2007

The tables were so close together that everytime the waiter wanted to reach the table behind us, we had to squeeze in. The service was remarkably slow (we waited over 45 min for the entrees) - for which they eventually apologized. The food was spotty -- the bread came to the table chilled. The entrees - while not inexpensive - were of mediocre quality at best. We certainly won't return.

• Pros: local to suburbs in you live nearby
• Cons: not good value (expensive for what it is), slow, overcrowded

03/06/07

Awful meal, freezing cold inside, but they opened anyway, don't trust them

by milmo

The restaurant's heating system wasn't working. It was freezing, literally, inside. Still they opened and told customers it would warm up soon. They left the blowers on even though that made it worse because they were blowing cold air in. Extraordinarily uncomfortable. No concern for the guests comfort, just wanted to squeeze a few more dollars out tonight. No class, should have been closed until a proper atmosphere could be attained. Don't trust them.

• Cons: Freeezing cold inside - why were they open?

10/30/06

Everyone Makes Mistakes

by clee5157

even Fava...my wife and I went here on a recommendation...great ambiance, great menu and wine list. My dinner was a bit salty but decided not to say anything however that didn't stop my wife from letting the waitress politely know about it. Not only did they comp the dinner but sent us a complimentary dessert. We've gone back several times since and have never again been dissappointed. These guys know what they're doing...keep customer's happy...customer's come back!

01/27/06

A homey, intimate eatery in Needham Center dishes out straightforward Modern American fare.

by Contributor

The Scene
Located in what was once the Needham Center train station, Fava is truly a hidden find (it's not visible from the street). After passing the open kitchen, diners encounter the welcoming, candlelit dining room. Pleasant servers rattle off daily specials and excel at keeping water glasses filled. A smartly-chosen wine list features a limited selection of varietals available by the glass.

The Food
Fava's menu features large portions of upscale comfort fare (homemade venison sausage, grilled Long Island duck breast) at prices geared more towards the suburbs than the city. Starters include savory Maine crab cakes and steamed PEI mussels with applewood-smoked bacon. Among entrees, a maple-brined pork chop is served with chorizo-sweet potato hash, while a Chianti-braised lamb shank comes with Mascarpone polenta and roasted root vegetables. Popular desserts include fruity homemade sorbet and a warm flourless chocolate torte that's made with Grand Marnier.

01/05/06

a true hidden gem!

by bostonoffice

thank you citysearch for helping me discover this hidden restaurant (behind train station) in needham ctr...

great modern american fare, prices a few bucks less than in the city

• Pros: food, ambience, free parking
• Cons: drafty/cold

02/22/03

Favalous

by Suburban_Gorment

Hidden in along the tracks of Needham Center, Fava is an unpretentious diamond in the rough. Once you find it youll never want to loose it. An intimate room, with a cordial and knowledgeable host, I think he doubles as the chef. Appetizers like quail stuffed with duck sausage, and the best-fried clams I have ever had, are complimented by their extensive wine list. Equally memorable are the entrees; Cashew Crusted Halibut w/ Pad Thai, move over Amarin you have competition. The service was spot on, not in too much to be bothersome, but always there when you wanted them. This restaurant is one of the best finds I have had in the Metro West area. I tried to sneak in on a Saturday night without a reservation but it was packed. Tuesdays and Wednesdays seem to be the best bets without reservations. The globe said it bestFavalous!

• Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Intamate Room
• Cons: Hard to find, Portions a bit large

11/17/02

great food

by susenelson

Really wonderful food, skillfully presented. the pumpkin ravioli appetizer was great, but the ipswich clams were even better. The salmon was tasty but the lobster shepherd pie was really wonderful. Good wine list. Definitely a place to go more than once.

• Pros: Great Menu, Good Parking, Knowledgable waiters
• Cons: small