Chef Dave’s

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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