Chef Dave's

If I could give chef Dave and his staff 10 stars I would . I am renowned for being churlish about food that’s not tasty, i.e I grew up in India where the food is fresh and sensational. My Mothers Kerala cooking was sublime so I am not easy to please when it comes to eating out, every thing we ordered was of the best quality and seasoned to perfection. The chef definitely elevated the classics like The Filet or the blue cheese burgers. Wow . Highly recommended . Not a single complaint . High praise only.

On 4/9/25 I had a 7PM reservation for two. It was a romantic atmosphere. I think it was a little too dark for my liking. They didn’t have my favorite alcohol beverage when I did order my alcohol beverage. The waitress brought the bottle over to me suggesting that I couldn’t afford it. The menu doesn’t show the prices so why would she think that I would be concerned about the price of alcohol beverage? When my drink came it had a slice of lime in it. which I didn’t like. I told the waiter he took the slice of lime out of my drink with his bare fingers. Fortunate, his bare fingers didn’t touch the inside of my drink. It definitely wasn’t a good look. I ordered the 22 ounce prime ribeye- Cook medium. My guest ordered the Faroe Island Salmon. When my steak came. It looked burnt. I would’ve thought for a five star restaurant It would’ve had a better presentation. The taste was bland not well Season. The dining area was very compact. The public can walk-through to go to the parking garage. It had a unisex restroom. I would definitely not dine there again or recommend this restaurant. If I do not use steak sauce that means it’s well seasoned steak. In my opinion. I have dine in a lot of steak restaurants across the country, even on cruise ships. This definitely wasn’t a good dining experience for me, especially for the price I paid.

What a wonderful evening we had, loved the ambiance, brilliant customer service and beyond delicious food. This is true gem, must go again.

My wife and I have enjoyed this restaurant twice over now! Last night, we started with southwestern grilled shrimp, then enjoyed our main courses of halibut and prime filet. We also enjoyed a side of the mac and cheese. As for drinks, we enjoyed sparkling water and an espresso martini. Excellent service and food as always.

Chef Dave’s truly shines as a gem in the culinary world. His establishment is a rare find where exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and finely crafted drinks converge seamlessly. Every dish is a testament to his passion and unwavering attention to detail, creating an unforgettable dining experience that I believe everyone deserves to enjoy. I find myself drawn back time and time again, not only for the delectable food but also for the genuine hospitality that makes each visit feel like a warm welcome home. Thank you for consistently surpassing expectations and crafting moments that linger long after the meal is over.

Went to Dave’s for dinner with my husband recently and we were both very impressed with everything. From the design, to the presentation of the dishes, to the flavor of everything… perfection! 👌🏼 You can tell that Dave only chooses the best ingredients. My husband and I each had two signature cocktails, the ribs and duck wings, the tomahawk steak with a side of fries, and the imported orange Greek cake with espressos. I would order it all again! Also, all the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The GM Helen does a great job and the bartender Antonio was very pleasant to talk to. Looking forward to visiting again!

Everything about this place was incredible! They made it easy to change a reservation, parking was simple, and the outdoor patio was so cute we said we felt like we were in Miami. The food was exceptional. Fresh ingredients and made with love. The Greek touches from the water to the dessert were also impressive. Will definitely be returning and telling everyone about it!

Great place for the absolute meat lovers with a solid wallet We enjoyed the appetizers - ribs - shrimps - duck wings And different entrees - steak - lamb rack - chicken All were delicious What we would love to see for the 5th star - somewhere to hang your coat so it does not have to be on your chair and hang on the ground - transparency on wine and their prices. We were informed there was no wine list we could pick out any bottle from the shelf, like how would we know anything on that bottle - further transparency on prices when educating on the menu (items with MKt price ans specials) so peeps don’t have to ask for it

Firstly TASTe in everything is excellent. Orange cake has a bit of rind, and super. Pasta excellent pasta and clams I sent back to add red sauce and garlic. The cabinet wine perfect. Lots of staff, we sat at the bar. 100% Oh Mack and cheese, loaded with flavor

The quality of the food here is really good . The staff is so warm and welcoming. I come here to treat myself whenever I can . With cocktail, drink and food it is pricey. However it's worth every penny . The service is excellent. The vibe can't be any more friendlier . You feel like your eating at your best friends house that's rich . I really appreciate that vibe it makes me happy . I am happy . I mean happier . You get the feel the people that work here love the job it radiates that . They have a big parking lot so parking is not an issue .

Steak was the best I've ever tasted. Appetizers excellent. Service excellent. I wish the restaurant was larger and could accommodate more people at a table.

So disappointing. To begin, if you are charging $19 a glass for wine that retails at $23 a bottle, do not use that tacky carafe to fill the glass. Pour the wine at the table for the diner to taste first, then pour the wine from the bottle into the glass directly. And be generous with the pour. At a 4x mark up you can afford to do that. The salad was so overdressed that the lettuce, which was described as field greens but was, in reality, just Boston lettuce, was soggy and drooping. The oven roasted fennel had a texture akin to beef jerky and the crispy beets were limp and flaccid. The only textural counterpoint in the salad was the pepitas which lost much of their crunch due to the tsunami of dressing, which was overly sweet, for no particular reason. Thank goodness I asked that the cranberries be omitted otherwise I would have experienced an insulin spike. The halibut was undercooked and wildly underseasoned. I cut the halibut into three large pieces to determine the extent of the undercooking and discovered it was the entire piece that was still slightly pink. I called over the server who, at this late point, informed me that the chef likes to prepare the halibut medium rare. Ok, I get it. He believes that temperature creates the best flavor and texture. However, it is incumbent upon the server to mention this to the diner and get his/her/their approval at the time the dish is ordered. I would have declined and asked to have it cooked thoroughly, knowing and understanding that is not how the chef prefers to prepare it and also understanding that my cooking preference might alter the outcome of the dish. The server took my plate back to the kitchen when I very politely asked if it could be cooked more thoroughly. Most restaurants would simply fire up a new plate. Not Chef Dave. When the plate was returned, the halibut looked like it had been attacked by a feral cat who had scarfed down more than two thirds of it and had preemptively shredded the remainder of it before relinquishing it to the server. I took one bite, realized it was somehow even more bland than its original presentation, and was now ridiculously overcooked (I immediately recognized the passive aggresive play by Chef Dave) and chose to eat only the spinach and mushrooms. When the server returned to ask if we were "still working on" our meals, and we said we were finished, she did not ask me how my fish was, nor did she comment on the fact that I clearly had not eaten any of it. She simply cleared our plates. When the bill arrived I expected at least an apology that my meal had not been to my satisfaction or perhaps to see that our carafe pour wine had been comped, but it was a no on both counts. My husband's meal was similarly disappointing. Needless to say, we will not be returning.

Went on a busy Thursday evening. It's TINY! Had big expectations...and they were delivered on some fronts, but missed on others. First I will say that the salmon dish we got was EXCELLENT. Drinks were very good. Service was very friendly, but sometimes slow (as mentioned, it was busy...so somewhat forgivable...but it was a bit of a challenge when we needed to check out). Now the bad--two things: 1) The pork chop (the night's special) was waaaaay over. We ordered to chef's specs (medium rare)...and got WELL. To be fair, we could have sent the dish back and given Dave's another shot at getting it right...but, frankly, we were in a bit of a rush (and also it simply shouldn't have come out WELL DONE). 2) PRICE. Holy smokes, I was unprepared for these prices in, essentially, a strip mall in Chestnut Hill (especially when not EVERYTHING was impeccable). The prices were high-end-downtown-Boston-or-NYC prices. As others have suggested, the price point does NOT match the experience. It really feels like Dave's is trying to compensate for a small space at the expense (literally) of the fools who'll pay the high prices. I really wanted to like this place, but definitely not gonna rush back. C'est la vie.

Oh my. I'm at a loss for words. I went last night with 3 friends, all of whom had been before and I see why. It's a cozy little place in a strip mall on Route 9 with plenty of parking. The web site said no parties over 4 but there was a table set up for 7 so maybe there are exceptions. It *is* a smallish place, a few tables and a bar in the front, some tables further back. But charming, with a cozy friendly ambience. Chef Dave came through as we were getting settled and gave a friendly greeting as he came by. The wait staff was helpful, pleasant and efficient. The bartender is a magician if the French Kiss I enjoyed is any indication. My dining partners had sauvignon blanc which they enjoyed (okay, I had a glass too after I finished my French Kiss). We had many many questions about the menu and the specials and our waiter--wish I had gotten her name--answered patiently and came back multiple times before we were ready to order. We shared a Burrata salad which was delish. I had the Prime Filet with mashed potatoes and haricot vert with a demi glacé. Cooked to perfection! My mouth is watering just remembering. My companions had the pan seared halibut, another similar seafood dish I don't recall--salmon maybe?--and the lemon roasted half chicken. Raves all around. Okay I won't lie, the steaks and a couple of the seafood dishes were expensive so I'll have to pace myself regarding a return, much as I'd love to eat here regularly. But I truly can't wait to return. I envy those whose proximity and budget allow them to be the regulars warmly greeted as we sat there enjoying our meal. Kudos to Chef Dave and the staff!

One of the best dining experiences we've ever had! We went a little early soon after they opened and we had the place to ourselves. Service was friendly and accommodating with my husband in a wheelchair. Food was delicious! And the best we've had in recent memory. We didn't order anything special. Chicken Caesar and pasta with shrimp. But it was very very special and incredible! And it made our night out extra memorable. Thank you!

Our go to in Newton! We live close and are somewhat regulars here. Staff is amazing and chef Dave is the best! Such a warm classy vibe in there - very cozy. We love the ribs and the veal chop along with everything on the menu! Bar: Antonio always makes the dirty martini of my dreams! Also a great wine selection! So happy we have this gem here!

The food was very good. My friend orders the pepper steak which was exceptional. The ribs were average - sauce was fantastic but not a whole lot of meat on the bones and was a bit dried out. I ordered the pork chop but would get the steak next time. Nice but pricey!!

The meal started off fine, with a very good Caesar salad and a pleasant waitperson, but my main course was terrible. The so-called "Indian curry-crusted salmon with baby bok choy" was not edible. The crust on the salmon had no trace of curry flavor but was, instead, burnt way beyond blackened. The soy sauce on the bok choy made the whole plate so salty that I thought I was eating salt water. My mistake was not sending it back, but we had already waited too long to be served after the salad, so I just ate it, with several glasses of water to dilute it. The price was high enough to expect a gourmet meal by a master chef; instead I got an inedible plate of salt and charcoal.

Excellent. Highly recommend the French Kiss, crab cakes and lamb chops (which were generously sized). Location was a bit unusual (in the same complex as Star Market) but parking is plentiful so not complaining! Small dining room, call ahead as it can be hard to get tables for that reason. Service was great, our server was personable and attentive even though wait staff was lean. The vibe was refined but not suffocatingly formal. We even met the chef who seemed really down to earth ! Great place for a nice night out with a small group of friends.

We just left and I felt compelled to leave a review. We came to celebrate a birthday - which after being notified they failed to acknowledge. The ambience leaves something to be desired, a little claustrophobic after walking in via the Star market parking lot locale. And the food and wine... Overall good, although the lobster fra diavolo was average at best, tasted like sauce from a jar and lacked lobster meat. Halibut was missing a side for the price. That's the theme overall, this restaurant is good, but could use some price adjusting based on the location, ambience and originality of dishes.

lamb was over cooked, potatoes were burnt and asparagus was ice cold. cocktail was weak. lamb came back cold and raw in the middle 2nd time everything else still cold. $85 for lamb with attitude. $19 for a margarita plus another $19 for just a shot of tequila to make it right. table next to kitchen door unpleasant and had to be propped up so it wouldn't rock. best part was a glass of over priced red wine.

Date night out with my wife and was super excited to try out a tiny place in a really surprising location. First expectation that hits as its notably higher priced menu which in a way, sets up expectations for the imagination and quality of the food. Unfortunately they don't converge. There are other reviews that attest to the high price point vs quality of food and our visit confirmed that same feeling. Way too expensive for what was served. To start, $20-3 drinks need either quantity, quality or unique take on ingredients. Didn't happen. Our food course started with Dave's celebrated smoked ribs. 4 small ribs ($20) were over sauced, not meaty with one being so overcooked that should not have been served. They were more sauce than meat. The buratta salad I would swear did not use buratta as neither of the small balls of burrata had a creamy interior. Genuinely sad these were so disappointing after all the reviews. The mains were definitely better. One prime filet ($60)which we cooked perfectly but nothing unique. And one bone-in swordfish. Yes, bone-in swordfish. I had never heard of bone-in for any fish but our server spoke so well of it, I got it and I was relieved it was indeed delicious. Dropping almost $300 on dinner for two with a few drinks, no dessert is just too high to pay for an average dinner.

The food here is very good. Dave is a real chef. But even considering the Chestnut Hill location, inflation, post-pandemic demand, etc., the price point here is nuts- on almost everything. The value argument only goes so far. Yes, you pay more for quality, good service and ambience, but mashed potatoes are still mashed potatotes. And green beans are still green beans. Maybe there are enough Moderna billionaires in the area who don't care, but if Dave wants to succeed,he might consider dropping the prices down a notch.

Seafood pasta was good. Nicer ambiance. Rib was dry. Duck wings even dryer. Dont order

What a find!!!! Great vibe! Incredible food! Duck wings!!! What a surprise! Simple but super fresh and flavorful salads. We also had 12 in strip and lamb of rack... I have to say it might have been the best steak and rack I have ever had! And I have been to many legit steak houses and fancy restaurants... melts in your mouth! Incredible! Definitely leave space for dessert! Unique and absolutely amazing! Oh, and Antonio is a master of drinks!

Traveled an hour to meet a college friend. Had a 7pm reservation. Waitress was very pushy to order.....and have us leave. She circled our table, waiting for us to pay the check after about an hour. I have never been so rushed in a restaurant as expensive as this. There were no other reservations after us and the restaurant was not busy and not closing. Would recommend a better waitstaff.

Absolutely wonderful food and ambiance! Small and cozy. Antonio the bartender is wonderful! The tomato and burrata salad with freshly made pesto is addictive!

Food and drinks were great. Service was good. The 3-star ding is for the cost-to-value ratio. Even in a post-COVID, inflation-riddled economy, the menu prices felt quite excessive. Perhaps they're trying to compensate for a tiny dining area that only seats ~20 people and a 6-seat bar?

Wow, Incredible dinner! We were looking for a special place to celebrate close to home on eve of welcoming our 3rd kid and remembered that we still hadn't tried Chef Dave's. So we arranged care for the older kids and made a reservation for 8pm on Tuesday and were surprised to see the small restaurant was packed when we walked in. The menu was full of great options and then they had specials upon specials to offer and it was almost overwhelming. She ordered the strip steak and I got the surf & turf burger. We were blown away by our dishes as every bite was absolute perfection. We also ordered a field greens salad, some Bordeaux and the orange cake and it was all really good. We can't wait for another special occasion to return!

What a wonderful surprise in Chestnut Hill! This food is superb and the tastes are so delicate and creative that it is an experience just to take part in it! Yes its more expensive than we expected but we will most certainly return. He is truly a master chef and its worth keeping him here at the Street so that we can have an artisan practice his craft! Can't wait to return!

Really loved this place. Came early on a Sunday with four people and we were able to meet Dave, who steered us to some great selections. We started with the ribs-delicious. Seriously, it's hard to share bc you are really gonna want your own. The crab cakes were fine-small single bites. Entrees were fabulous: I had the pork chop special that came with peaches, while others in my party had the steak (and said it was the best) and the halibut (also good). My pork chop came with asparagus, which was not great; if you get it, maybe sub fries or some starch. The drinks were on point (watermelon margarita!!), and the service was efficient and professional. The space is small, but there is a bar. Make reservations and come through. It's a great experience, for sure.

Food was excellent but service was terrible and drink prices were atrocious. They didn't have the drink I wanted so I had to pay more just to get a drink. No duck wings available so they offered chicken wings. WTH. I ordered the spare ribs. I asked for a wet nap. They laughed. Yes a sophisticated place but come on. I grew up in the South. Nothing wrong in eating ribs with your fingers and needing something to clean them afterwards. Not going back. Chef needs to take some action on some of these issues. And I'm someone who hardly complains.

Best new Restaurant in Chestnut Hill. The food is absolutely amazing here. If you haven't been here you need to come try it

This hidden gem is amazing! The staff are outstanding - friendly and knowledgeable! The food is top notch and I highly recommend this place!!!

I'm a private chef and a food snob ( but a nice one and I always try to praise in public and give negative feedback in private). I have lived in Brookline/ Chestnut Hill for 20 years and eaten at most of our restaurants at least once . Dave's is one of the very best (and probably soon the best in IMHO). Phenomenal food, great wine and the best tequila and bourbon selection of any restaurant/ bar I have visited anywhere in the world. And the atmosphere is unbeatable- 4 tables outside, 2 tables inside and 7 bar se

This is probably the second Yelp review I have ever left for any establishment, restaurant or otherwise. We are local to this establishment and patiently and excitedly awaited its opening! We were entertaining a guest from out of town and wanted so much to enjoy a nice meal together. I was able to obtain a last min reservation- 4:30 dinner- informed that the restaurant was fully committed starting at 5:00pm. Please note that when leaving at 5:55 - we were still the only party. Where to begin... upon arrival, we arrived separately, I was not greeted in any way although the entire staff including owner chef Dave were seated at the bar- not 5 feet froM the 2 tables on our side. I joined my guest and was offered some lukewarm bottled water by a young smiling server - no welcome or greeting again in any way. We were asked unenthusiastically if we would like to begin with starters - already underwhelmed and a little uncomfortable we ordered our meals. One person in our party ordered a starter as their main course and requested their salad accompany it - unfortunately the other salad for the two other diners was to be split and also came along side the main courses. Not to mention we indicated we were sharing the salad and took for granted it would be split in the kitchen - it was not and when asked for serving spoons our server was confused and did not know where to place them on the table. Let's go on to the food - ribs were excellent- salad nice, Cesar salad subpar. Two different fish entrees were good and accompanied by small greens, asparagus and veg medley respectively. No starch on the entrees and when asked for bread - "we don't have bread" Seriously, as indicated by another review the prices are exorbitant, what does it take to order from a local bakery each day and have a fresh baguette on the table. No one ever asked if we were enjoying our meal or needed anything else. We are not people to ever make a fuss or complain - the food and hospitality business is a hard go and we always understand if one or two things are a little off or people are having a bad day but as the ONLY 3 patrons in the restaurant I was appalled. As I previously indicated - I am never one to review and certainly not negatively but this was an unpleasant experience. We paid our check and upon exit were asked if we'd like to take the half bottle of water as we have already paid for it. No particular thank you for coming in - nothing. Not sure the owner will take note...

It is rare that i assign a negative review given it is based on one visit, which may not be representative of the norm. So, if there are one or two omissions in service , less than stellar food, episodes ofrude or indifferent treatment by the owners or upper management. Isolated incidentcan be secondary to unknown circumstances or subjective expectations. Some dishes may not meet overly high expectations in comparison to high end venue . But when all of these boxes were checked, along with exceptionally overpriced, menu with hidden padded charges, it was hard to enjoy the visibly well prepared but otherwise undistinguished food. We were met by a manager or owner who avoided direct eye contact, begrudging directing us to the one available table, right outside the front door. Our server, like all employees, dressed in black clothing, was a nervous young girl was surprising unfamiliar with the actual the content the dishes, was more focused on pleasing her boss. It seemed clear that we were disappointed that we did not order from the extravagantly over priced cocktail menu, whose appeal I never quite appreciatedhh. A black clad staff delivered a luke warm glass of water for my wife, i nodded the Affirmative if I would prefer us "sparkling water." It was delivered by another wraith in an what I suspected was an already salvaged from full quart ope bottle of undistinguished seltzer water. The place itself, a pretentious concept in long bus witha crowded seating plan of what used to be called a luncheonette. They seated us outside on one 4 small cheap half tables and chairs on an unadorned narrow sidewalk overlooking a second rate supermarket black top parking lot, very much what you'd expect that were dining on at $1 hot dog instead of a hunded buck repast of 2 entrees and a shared appetizer. And how about the single unkempt restroom with a single commode The room was was mostly flooded during the hour and a half that we were there. The janitor who was finally called to mop it up, and We boyh shaked our heads with disapproval, Besides with hidden charges, my wife, unlike me, actually checks the bill, and caught a $40 overcharge (a $45 swordfish entree was billed $85) . Perhaps a mistake by the nervous waitress. But a bit of a delay, I got up and pointed out it on the menu it to the owner in person. she did c was handedly corrected the owner directly who seemed, dismissive and unapologetic. For me, I'd rather go 12 times to Latino family storefront kitchen where the mother feeds and blesses me with what's cooking with the rice and beans. Or, get my periodic cravings for curried goat 20 times from the Jamaican guys spill out that spiced elixir emerging briefly and returning to their sacred Reggae chanting.

Delicious food with a constantly changing menu. Restaurant has a cool atmosphere and cozy vibe. Chef Dave is charming and friendly. This restaurant is a fabulous addition to the neighborhood. We can't wait to return!

A hidden gem. The food is absolutely exquisite! It does not disappoint. A great addition to the area. Everything from the ambiance, service, and food was top notch. I tasted the chicken and it was delectable, the shrimp was flavorful, and the burger is better than any burger you may have tried. The drinks served by Antonio were crafty. What will make you come back is the flavor and service. I did not want to write this establishment a glowing reviews b/c I selfishly wanted to keep it to myself, but it would be a travesty if I didn't tell you how amazing it actually is. Worth every cent. Please support this place, not because I am asking, but because I am TELLING YOU, it is that hidden gem you wish you had in your life years ago.

Chef Dave's is an outstanding establishment that earns each and every star of a 5-star rating. Simply put, I challenge you to find a restaurant anywhere in Boston that executes proteins as well as Chef Dave's. This is a restaurant where the ingredients are enhanced and sharpened through thoughtful accompaniments and measured seasoning, not muted by over-the-top preparations that hide sub-par ingredients. The halibut is perfectly prepared, just barely opaque in the center, glistening, and flaking upon the touch of your fork. The NY strip can be prepared any way you prefer, but I encourage you to go with the Chef's medium-rare recommendation, which was executed to perfection - a flavorful, seared crust giving way to a warm pinkish red center. The space is classy, warm, and inviting -- lively while not being overcrowded or loud. The restaurant has just the right amount of buzz. The service has been outstanding each time we've attended (we've been 3x already). The servers are attentive while not being intrusive and the chef-owner is always willing to visit your table to elaborate on his culinary creations. A quick word about value. Value is a two-part proposition, something certain reviewers seem to forget. Value is the intersection of price and quality. Value is not price alone! In my mind, Chef Dave's offers outstanding value because the prices are commensurate with the exceptional quality of the food and the underlying ingredients used to create those dishes. Just by way of example, Chef Dave's uses prime meats. Ask your favorite downtown restaurant whether they are using the prime grade; you might find yourself disappointed in their answer. Simply put, Chef Dave's delivers. If you read some of the "negative" reviews you will see that they amount to the restaurant not having a water/skyline view, using only the highest quality foods which are priced accordingly, and a few good-faith mistakes by staff that were promptly rectified. Don't let these tenuous "criticisms" cause you to miss out on this gem of a restaurant. We will continue to frequent Chef Dave's and look forward to seeing you there! Congratulations to Chef Dave's for bringing first-class dinning to Boston's suburbs!

Having dined at Chef Dave's a few times I can honestly say this place is phenomenal. Each time I've tried something different, and each time I've been super impressed. Food is always super fresh, cooked to perfection. I got to know Chef Dave from eating his food at different catered events around Boston, so I was really excited to hear that he was opening his own place. I was not disappointed, even given the high expectations that I had. The cocktails are superb as well, super refreshing and innovative. Make sure to make a reservation!

Great spot! Drinks, apps, entrees, and dessert were all awesome and service was wonderful. Dave came out and introduced himself to everyone which was a nice touch as well. Menu is a bit pricey but well worth it for the quality

My hubby and my parents and I went here for dinner severs were nice and friendly as well as the chef he's makes the most delicious food I had the pasta with shrimp it was delicious I highly recommend eating here

Such a pleasant surprise finding this place! Great, modern, clean aesthetic, delicious high quality cocktails and flavorful, classic food. Service was also excellent and Dave was walking around the restaurant checking in as well. All around great experience and will definitely be back!

I would rate this between a 3 and 4. The pros: the halibut and salmon was good and served right on time. The vegetables served with the food were good, too, though a bit heavily seasoned.The atmoshere was nice and, given the very hot day, the AC was welcoming. Also, the chef (Dave) seems like a very friendly fellow--he was waving to us from the kitchen area. The Cons: There seemed to be too many staff people and too little room for them to move around in such a small space. Also, as someone else mentioned, we got no bread before the meals, which given the VERY high prices, was a let down. Finally, just after we put down our forks at the meals' end, the waitress came by--never asked us how the meal was--and said immediately, "Do you want some dessert?" It felt very rushed. I like to give the local businesses a boost, esp given covid. I think Chef Dave could be a very good place--just needs some fine tuning.

First off the waitress needed to be more personable - also I asked for three simple things and had to remind her about all three. It was quiet so I expected her to remember. Second I ordered the Fra Diavolo. It was supposed to come with lobster. I asked that it be mild instead of hot, but I got spaghetti I could have made at home with my own sauce. The pieces of lobster were as small as cashews (some pieces even looked like that) and had no taste. There wasn't even half of a cup full on my spaghetti. For $45 I could have gotten two lobster rolls with fries at the 99.....not kidding. I won't be going back there. I'll stick to restaurants that offer a good-sized, good-tasting meal for less money.

Oh wow, what a treat to have this restaurant in Brookline. It's a quiet, small place, but an intimate atmosphere with great food and great service. My family of four had many different dishes and all were absolutely first rate. Chef Dave came out and thanked us for being there....and we thanked him for such a wonderful meal. Highly recommended.

My wife and I stopped in on a Monday without a reservation. I'll start by saying I'm a CRAZY critic about food, plating, service etc etc. Chef Dave's was really on point for EVERY box!! We had a salad (really good!!), crab cakes with a mustard aioli, (yum), the swordfish special (cooked to absolute perfection - like butter) and an orange cake dessert. (so good) Service can make or break the experience - right? Pella was great, with just right amount of attention. Chef Dave came out of the kitchen and was so gracious and pleasant. Do yourself a favor - if you really enjoy GREAT food - Stop in. Awesome......

Food was "ok" but not consistent with what you should get for these prices. Pasta Pomodoro basically tasted like spaghetti with jarred sauce--not at all a true Pomodoro. Salmon dish was over salted and not that interesting. Server was nice but without the knowledge and poise you expect when paying top dollar prices. She didn't take our entrée order until well after we finished our first course, resulting in a long wait. Wanted to love this place but was disappointed.

Restaurant with terrific food and vibe. The crab cakes are the best I've ever had. I also recommend the Manhattan.