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Name: Bergamot
Address: 118 Beacon St, Somerville, MA, 02143
Telephone: (617) 576-7700
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.05

Bergamot

118 Beacon St, Somerville, MA, 02143

(617) 576-7700
Store is closed

Bergamot Menu

Appetizers

Pepper-seared Yellowfin Tuna

House-made Charcuterie

Vegetable Charcuterie

Marinated And Chilled Seafood Salad

Vermont Rabbit Tortellini

Glazed Veal Sweetbreads

Butternut Squash Cavatelli
Entrees

Grilled Cavendish Quail

Grilled Berkshire Pork Tenderloin

Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon

Local Wild Sea Bream

Grilled Skirt Steak

Root Vegetable reverse Risotto
Bar

Crispy Skinned Salmon Belly Roulade

Griddled Burger

Lobster Melt

Grilled Lamb Merguez Sausage

Charcuterie Plate

Assortment Of House-cured Meat And Artisanal Cheese
Dessert

Poached Squash Clafoutis

Chocolate Cremeux

Meyer Lemon Tart

Pear-toffee Cake

Daily Selection Of Artisanal Cheese And Accompaniments
Single Malt

Bowmore Legend Islay

Dalwhinnie 15yr Highland

Balvenie 15yr Highland

Aberlour 16yr Speyside

Glenfarclas 17yr Speyside

Caol Ila 12yr Islay

Lagavulin 16yr Islay

Balvenie Portwood 21yr Highland
Brandy

Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac

Pierre Ferrand Reserve

Pierre Ferrand Selection Des Anges

Daron Fine Calvados
Digestives

Chartreuse Green Or Yellow

Chartreuse Green Or Yellow Vep
George Howell Coffee

El Vergel Patsun Coffee Guatemala

La Magnolia Decaf Coffee Costa Rica

Matalapa French Press El Salvador

Daterra Cerrado Espresso Brazil

Milano Decaf Espresso

Cappuccino Or Latte
Mem Tea

Bergamot

English Breakfast

Finest Earl Grey

Champagne Oolong

Lemon Mate

White Silver Needles

China Green

Red Zen

Seven Fairy Tea
Bergamot Cocktails

Blood & Thistle

Beacon Fix

Assembly Cocktail

Monte Cassino

Martinez

Le Quebecois

Elixir Dauge
Bottled Beer And Cider

Victory Lager Pa

Pinkus Organic Pilsner Germany

Schlenkerla Helles Lagerbier Germany

Schneider Organic Edel-weisse Germany

Gouden Carolus Triple Belgium

Trabanco Natural Dry Cider Asturias

Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale Belgium

De Ranke Xx Bitter Belgium

Green Flash West Coast Ipa Ca

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock Germany

Mayflower Porter Ma

Pretty Things Baby Tree Ma
Sweet Wine

2004 St. Croix Du Mont reserve Bordeaux Chateaux La Rame

2007 Chaume Coteaux Du Layon Loire Valley Chateaux Soucherie

1989 Riesling Beerenauslese trittenheimer Apotheke Mosel Grans-fassian

Nv Pedro Ximenez Jerez El Maestro Sierra
White Wines - Seashore Citrus And Stones

2008 Albarino Riax Baixas Do Ferreiro 375ml

2010 Reuilly les Pierres Plates Loire Valley Domaine De Reuilly

2009 Cassis Provence Domain Du Bagnol

2008 Savennieres Loire Valley Chateau Depire

2009 Corbieres pas Des Louves Languedoc Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie

2008 Vr Minho Portugal Quinta Do Ameal

2009 rami Sicily Cos
Red Wines - Forest And Farm

2010 Vin De St. Nizier Vin De Pays Durfe Domaine Des Pothiers

2009 Moulin a Vent Cru Du Beaujolais Jean-paul Dubost

2007 Saint-romain sous Roche Cote De Beaune Domaine Henri & Gilles Buisson

2010 Fleurie cuvee Tardive Cru Du Beaujolais Clos De La Roilette

2009 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain Domaine Robert Chevillon

2007 Chinon les Petites Roches Loire Valley Charles Joguet

2008 Corse Calvi e Prove Corsica Domaine Maestracci

2007 Rioja Alavesa Remelluri

2006 Aglianico Del Vulture bosco Del Falco Basilicata Grifalco

2001 Bandol Provence Chateau De Pibarnon

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bergamot

Appetizers

Pepper-seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House-made Charcuterie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Charcuterie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinated And Chilled Seafood Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vermont Rabbit Tortellini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Glazed Veal Sweetbreads [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butternut Squash Cavatelli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Grilled Cavendish Quail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Berkshire Pork Tenderloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Local Wild Sea Bream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Skirt Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Root Vegetable reverse Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bar

Crispy Skinned Salmon Belly Roulade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Griddled Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Melt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Lamb Merguez Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charcuterie Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assortment Of House-cured Meat And Artisanal Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Poached Squash Clafoutis [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Cremeux [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meyer Lemon Tart [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pear-toffee Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daily Selection Of Artisanal Cheese And Accompaniments [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Single Malt

Bowmore Legend Islay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dalwhinnie 15yr Highland [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balvenie 15yr Highland [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aberlour 16yr Speyside [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Glenfarclas 17yr Speyside [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caol Ila 12yr Islay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lagavulin 16yr Islay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balvenie Portwood 21yr Highland [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Brandy

Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pierre Ferrand Reserve [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pierre Ferrand Selection Des Anges [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daron Fine Calvados [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Digestives

Chartreuse Green Or Yellow [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chartreuse Green Or Yellow Vep [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
George Howell Coffee

El Vergel Patsun Coffee Guatemala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

La Magnolia Decaf Coffee Costa Rica [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Matalapa French Press El Salvador [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daterra Cerrado Espresso Brazil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Milano Decaf Espresso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cappuccino Or Latte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Mem Tea

Bergamot [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

English Breakfast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Finest Earl Grey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Champagne Oolong [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemon Mate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Silver Needles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

China Green [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Zen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seven Fairy Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bergamot Cocktails

Blood & Thistle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beacon Fix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assembly Cocktail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Monte Cassino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Martinez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Le Quebecois [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Elixir Dauge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bottled Beer And Cider

Victory Lager Pa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pinkus Organic Pilsner Germany [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Schlenkerla Helles Lagerbier Germany [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Schneider Organic Edel-weisse Germany [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gouden Carolus Triple Belgium [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trabanco Natural Dry Cider Asturias [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale Belgium [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

De Ranke Xx Bitter Belgium [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Flash West Coast Ipa Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock Germany [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mayflower Porter Ma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pretty Things Baby Tree Ma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sweet Wine

2004 St. Croix Du Mont reserve Bordeaux Chateaux La Rame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2007 Chaume Coteaux Du Layon Loire Valley Chateaux Soucherie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

1989 Riesling Beerenauslese trittenheimer Apotheke Mosel Grans-fassian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nv Pedro Ximenez Jerez El Maestro Sierra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
White Wines - Seashore Citrus And Stones

2008 Albarino Riax Baixas Do Ferreiro 375ml [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2010 Reuilly les Pierres Plates Loire Valley Domaine De Reuilly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2009 Cassis Provence Domain Du Bagnol [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2008 Savennieres Loire Valley Chateau Depire [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2009 Corbieres pas Des Louves Languedoc Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2008 Vr Minho Portugal Quinta Do Ameal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2009 rami Sicily Cos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Red Wines - Forest And Farm

2010 Vin De St. Nizier Vin De Pays Durfe Domaine Des Pothiers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2009 Moulin a Vent Cru Du Beaujolais Jean-paul Dubost [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2007 Saint-romain sous Roche Cote De Beaune Domaine Henri & Gilles Buisson [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2010 Fleurie cuvee Tardive Cru Du Beaujolais Clos De La Roilette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2009 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain Domaine Robert Chevillon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2007 Chinon les Petites Roches Loire Valley Charles Joguet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2008 Corse Calvi e Prove Corsica Domaine Maestracci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2007 Rioja Alavesa Remelluri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2006 Aglianico Del Vulture bosco Del Falco Basilicata Grifalco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2001 Bandol Provence Chateau De Pibarnon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Patrick B.

Great service, nice comfortable hip decor. I appreciate what they're trying to do with the food but the execution just isnt there which is unfourtane because I wanted to like this place .... the hanger steak was beyond tough, almost unedible and was over powered by a strong roasted pepper flavor. The swordfish was grosly over salted, almost unedible as well(and I'm a salt person). The best part of the meal was the desert. My girlfriend and I shared 2 different deserts both excellent. Maybe we caught them on an off night but my experience was not deserving of another visit.
(2)
Emily L.

How had I not heard of this place before?? We found it on Zagat last night and decided to try it out - one of the rare times that I go to a place without knowing all about it. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent - one of the bartenders used to work at Craigie on Main and even recognized us from a few times there. To eat, we had delicious risotto with rabbit, butter-poached lobster, and pork two ways. Everything was great!
(4)
Pat M.

The service is excellent, though pretentious for this location. Quality of the food is excellent, though portion size of the food and wine is definitely skimpy. I am a size 2 and definitely not a large portion person, but the appetizer and entree portions were quite small. In addition the wine pour was skimpy, and from the volume of the wine bottle, the restaurant is clearly trying to get 5 glasses/bottle. The quality of food is higher and the staff is very professional, though pretentious for Somerville
(3)
R C.

Meh. To start, I had the pernil and avocado appetizer and it was good. I ordered a swordfish which came chopped up in little cubes and overcooked. It wasn't great. My bf ordered the pork special and that was pretty good, but nothing remarkable. The banana pudding dessert left a lot to be desired. It is unlikely that we will come back.
(2)
Cara H.

My boyfriend and I went to dinner here for our anniversary and were very impressed. The wait staff was incredibly attentive and professional - best service I've had at a restaurant in years! Before our meal started we got a delicious amuse bouche of raw salmon and herbs. I also got the "I'll have another" cocktail which was refreshing and summery. I had the chicken liver appetizer and the fig on top was the perfect complement. For an entree I had the steak, which was also amazing. 100% recommended for a moderately fancy dinner.
(5)
Scott S.

Great, great meal with a dessert of disappointment. To start, my date and I shared the arugula salad with duck prosciutto and also shared the corn bisque soup, which was really, really superb -- like fresh corn in a soup. Our entrees (leg of lamb and bass) were delicious. Our desserts were also great -- the goat cheese cake, which wasn't as amazing as some reviews have indicated in our view -- but the corn ice cream was really a hit. The wine service is fun -- we ordered glasses (not bottles), and the glasses of wine were served in the style of a full bottle, which was fun. The ending left a really bad taste for us though, and because it was handled so poorly by the manager, this is why I'm leaving only one star. I had a BuyWithMe coupon that they would not honor. The fine print indicated that it was not valid during restaurant week, and we dined on the Saturday in the middle of the two-week restaurant week. But restaurant week does not include Saturday nights, so we assumed we were in the clear. I should have checked. I could have been more diligent but we felt the manager acted as if we hadn't just ordered $130 of food and drinks and were trying to pass off a coupon at a cheap pizza shop illegitimately. He told us that it had just happened with another party, so I suspect they were prepared for this to happen. I would have been perfectly satisfied if he perhaps offered us a free drink or dessert if were to come back -- but he didn't. No concession or nicety at all. Instead, he kept nervously rambling and tapping the chair next to my date. Not enough class in handling this situation for the the price of this place.
(1)
Katie M.

I've always left Bergamot happy, savoring the stand-out dishes of the meal in my mind with admiration, happiness and a full belly. I've always felt comfortable and welcome; although the crowdedness of the tables along the wall put me off at first, my servers have been attentive, friendly and informed. I've been absolutely thrilled about a few dishes: the Tomato Four Ways appetizer was a heavenly way to present -- you guessed it -- tomatoes in four innovative forms, and more recently, the grilled sturgeon with port wine reduction was seriously to die for -- I don't even really like fish! The cocktails, too, are nice, and the wine selection impressive. Yet sometimes the idea doesn't always come through for me. On my first visit, a month or two after their opening, I ordered the steak; it was cooked to perfection, but the flavorings (Worcestershire sauce?) were too salty and uninspired. Similarly, at a special event for Coturri wines, several plates seemed to aim for innovation but fell flat: for example, a cauliflower veloute began deliciously, and the surprising addition of garam masala and something chocolate was at first pleasant, yet it was soon overpowering. I think Bergamot is a solid place for a really enjoyable dinner -- four stars for good service, atmosphere and high-quality food. But I feel like for five stars, every dish has to be spot on. With such promising reviews, though, I'm sure that Bergamot can find that balance. Just maybe get rid of the cartoon bee. I just can't get behind that.
(4)
Eva K.

Everyone raves about this place. I think the high prices and shi-shi plating have pulled the wool over their eyes. First, be prepared to drop at least $100 on an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. The baby beet appetizer was really good, and ditto for the olive oil ice cream dessert. My fish entree was bleh, and I'm just one of those people who needs a little starch with my meal to feel satisfied. What I got instead was a piece of (unexceptional) fish and a few boiled veggies nicely arranged on the plate, which, don't get me wrong, is nice, but not nice enough imho. Something seemed off with the atmosphere also - It just seemed bright and sparse. I think it had something to do with all the light coming in through the windows.
(2)
Christy C.

We had a lovely family dinner at Bergamot. The staff were wonderful, and the food solid with occasional jumps into full-fledged deliciousness. First off, two of us arrived about 20 minutes early for our 6pm reservation (yay rain!) and were courteously dealt with by the staff, who seated us immediately and happily provided us with appetizers and beverages. The bartender made some really fun/interesting non-alcoholic mixed drinks, which was also quite nice! The food: Appetizers were by far the best thing we had. I'm a big fan of offal, so the charcuterie plate and the sweetbreads were fabulous. The mains were quite solid and well-executed, but a bit more pedestrian - pork chops, steak, and fish. I would have liked to see a bit more variety, especially given the range of the appetizer options. Our entire table jumped on the seasonal and delicious-sounding "berries and cream" dessert, which unfortunately turned out to be a small dense piece of cake (think cross-section of blueberry muffin) with a scattering of berries, dense "cream" quenelles, and a bit of delicious sorbet that failed to save the rest of the dish. This is really a 3.5-star review for solid-and-occasionally-inspired food, rounded up because of the excellent service. Since the downward trajectory may be the result of our food choices, I'd give Bergamot another couple of chances to get into regular rotation. But this could also be another of those places where it's best to graze from a selection of exciting appetizers, and leave the entrees for those who want something more standard.
(4)
Bethany B.

What a treat for me! My mom came into town and treated me to a highfalutin dinner, and let me tell you-it deserves every single star. Bergamot takes the farm to table concept seriously, so you know that what you're getting is fresh and in season. I got the swordfish and had to restrain myself from licking the plate. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Bergamot also has a great ambiance--not too loud so you can have a great conversation without yelling. Would be a perfect date spot...now to find someone to take me there besides my mom...
(5)
Matthew P.

"To be salted, or not to be salted?" One star is an understatement. As a chef, a few people in the industry mentioned it was pretty good so I wanted to give it a go. I want to set the scene by saying, it was my boyfriends birthday, so naturally I was a little on edge and wanted things to go smoothly. This wasn't the case. We arrive with our friends at about 8:45 for a 9:00 reservation. After sitting around for an extra half hour and a sub-par bottle of wine, we sat down to eat. Our waiter then came over 10 minutes later and asked if we wanted drinks, but we had no menus.... needless to say, we got another bottle of wine, the second bottle was much better. 10 more minutes go by and our menus came over. We opened a two page menu to see nothing jumping out at us, if I had to describe the fair, it would be "contemporary" but it was boring. We ended up ordering the following.. -Pork Belly Ravioli, braising greens, crispy shallots (The dough to the ravioli was too thick, the pork belly had no flavor, the crispy shallots were too salty to eat, I didn't see any braising greens, overall it was a D+) -Quail with Napa, Chorizo dust and chickpea puree (Quail was well grilled, I found no dust on my dish, the chickpea puree was fine, the napa cabbage was too salty to eat, overall it was a C+) -Foie Gras with Quince paste in a tart (the Foie Gras was a little on the rare side, the Quince paste was nice, the tart was nice, overall it was a B-) -Pork 3 ways, braised shank, fennel sausage, belly confit (The braised shank had a nice flavor, the sausage was completely under-salted and lacked flavor, the confit was solid because its confit and hard to fuck up, overall it was a B) -Winter Vegetable Risotto with truffle butter (The rice was overcooked....... yep. There were chestnuts, brussel sprouts leaves and NO truffle butter or flavor at all, overall it was a D+) Dessert was my favorite part :) -Meyer Lemon Beignets, espresso glaze, tequila ice cream (The beignets were dense and had no sweetness flavor, the "espresso glaze" tasted like soy sauce, again here we go with the salt, I think the prep chefs forgot to label their service containers and who ever plated the dish did not taste the glaze, straight up soy sauce. The tequila ice cream tasted like rubbing alcohol, it was the epitome of an epic FAIL, even now as I type this, I'm thinking, who thought this up "hmm lets take an acid fruit, mix it with an acid glaze, then pair it with an acid ice cream, mmmmmmm perfect way to end a meal!) Big ups for the courage to open a new restaurant with what looked like to be a really young kitchen staff, but if your new in the game, do not make new food bad, new food is supposed to wow and inspire, not leave us with a sour taste in our mouth, literally.
(1)
Ina C.

My husband and I went to Bergamot last night (inspired by Robert Nadeau's 4-star review), and it was fantastic! I ordered the soft shell crab appetizer that was on the blackboard, roasted lamb loin for my entree, and we shared "That Grapefruit Dessert." My husband had the pea green salad to start and the monkfish medallions for an entree. Everything we ordered was delicious! I especially liked the soft shell crab which was full of flavor and the meaty chunks of bacon and frisee were excellent touches. I couldn't help but express the deliciousness in a very unwomanly grunt. My lamb loin came with what I think was fava risotto, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted onions, which were a perfect complement to the meaty lamb. As others are mentioning, the service was perfect. Any time we needed something, our server happened to be right there. Our server was also hilarious, friendly, professional and made us feel so welcome. Another thing I really appreciated about Bergmot was that even though it was a full house by the time we left, the noise wasn't overwhelming, and my husband noticed the noise-absorbing tiles on the ceiling (I think??). One recommendation I have is to order all three courses. The portions are not Cheesecake-Factory huge (a good thing!), and three courses are recommended, even for this diner with a bird's appetite. One last tip: The blackboard special (an appetizer, entree and dessert) are available for $40 between 5-7pm, but after that, you can order the items a la carte, which is how I got my yummy soft shell crab! Oh! One very very last tip: Other yelpers have categorized the attire as "casual," but be warned: a guy in faded jeans and a polo shirt will most likely feel under-dressed. Fantastic restaurant!
(4)
Stephanie G.

The food was good to be sure. I had the plantain gnocchi which mixed deliciously with the avocados and blackbeans it was served with. I liked it both because it was creatively conceived and well executed. I loved the lamb bite at the beginning, although the vegetarian at our table sadly had to pass it off. The atmosphere is fun, though the service is very traditional and dignified. A word of warning - the portions are small, almost appetizer sized (with the notable except of the steak) and I left still a little hungry, despite the fact that I'd had dessert. Maybe they could have been more liberal with the bread, at the very least. Plus, get ready for some wacky dessert options. Olive oil gelato? Give me some straight forward chocolate mousse! But I did have the strawberry on strawberry dessert which was a special that night, and it was very delicious, although again, very small. It didn't help that it was served in a huge bowl that I literally had to peer into. What's down there??? Excellent food, wish there had been more of it.
(4)
Yoonie C.

I think I found a way to dine at a gorgeously delicious place like this for on the cheap. Go early and take advantage of their blackboard special. I had a yummy bacon-lentil soup, mahi-mahi, and baklava for dinner and loved every bite. I'm waiting for the next chance to go back and have another lovely dinner. Hm, date night, anyone? (JK - gotta go with the bf here... hehe)
(4)
Andrew H.

First time visiting this destination since it housed EVOO. From beginning to end a totally fabulous experience. The host and manager were uber welcoming when we walked in the door. Some other reviews complained about the lack of choices on the menu, but my view it is always easier to do a few things excellently than it is to do many things moderately well. I started with the Salmon a la Jack somebody or other which is a piece of super fresh poached salmon rolled up with sauteed leeks inside and a wickahd delicious sauce on top. As good as it sounds. They had a black bass on the menu which was stupendous. That's all I can say. Plus they ran out of it soon after I ordered it which made it taste even better. The comments made about small portions are valid, but they clearly have recognized this and offered fresh pea rissotto as a side which also happened to be the best rissotto I've ever had in my life. The portions are not tiny, but they won't fill you up. Get the Taza Chipotle Chocolate cake for dessert. It's not even really cake. It's like a fudgy cube of deliciousness. And the service was attentive, pleasant, fun, and not overbearing. This place is great and I'll definitely be back. An equal or even a slight improvement over my other local fav - TW Food.
(5)
Agnes H.

Bergamot... I love you. And I also love restaurant week. This restaurant was a part of my unforgettable Boston trip, which is why it deserves 5 stars! The atmosphere was superb, and the servers were very warm and friendly. Since the restaurant week menus are different from the regular, I'm not going to talk so much about the specifics of the meal I had. The quality of the ingredients was so amazingly fresh. I'm usually not a fish fan, but the Cod fish I ordered for my entree tasted so tender I would eat fish prepared like that every day if I could. The service was friendly and warm. The wine my friends and I had were superb. Even though the restaurant is a bit pricey, I would go back the next time I visit my friends in Boston. I think what I enjoyed most about the food was the freshness of everything prepared. Give it a try!
(5)
Laura G.

Had wanted to try Bergamot for a while and finally got there for restaurant week with a friend. It was, well, fine. I liked the option to order off the restaurant week menu for a small additional charge. The cocktail was great. My appetizer was fantastic -the sweet corn agnolotti. But the rest of the meal (roast chicken and a flourless chocolate cake) was downhill - unmemorable and bland. We also found the waitress a little awkward. All in all, if I want to spend that much on dinner there are better options around.
(3)
Gilbert B.

I came here on a recent trip out to the east coast and was impressed. The dishes to have: Definitely try the quail. The attention to detail shines through on this plate. You will not be let down by the Halibut offerings, very nicely prepared. For Dessert: the Chocolate Pave. Hands down. Awesome. For cocktails: You're going to be nicely surprised at the spirits available here. You can get all of your classic favorites but you can can also try a flute of rare sparkling red wine or a taste from a limited batch of hand crafted gins. The bar menu is French wine heavy, all obviously hand selected with care.
(5)
Jeannie H.

ATMOSPHERE - Last week, we had reservations on Saturday night but their kitchen hood broke down and we just couldn't tolerate eating in a sweltering restaurant where the waiters would be sweating on our food, so we rescheduled for this week. Tonight, it was still hotter inside than outside the restaurant, so it appears they have some ventilation issues. SERVICE - Our waitress was perfectly friendly but overall, the service was slow and inattentive. We asked for bread 3 times before we got it. We got seated at 7:20PM and didn't get our appetizers until 8:35PM. I think the problem is that the kitchen can't keep up with the dining room pace. They really need to sort these issues out because the service was bothersome enough that I won't be back. FOOD - They advertise themselves as serving "progressive American cuisine," but there isn't anything progressive about it. Amuse bouche (Fried fritter with aoli) - This was a dried, cold lump of something that was better not served. You don't want to open a meal with a crappy bite of food. Duck duck duck salad - The duck three ways included dry cured duck, duck confit, and deep fried duck skin. I like the idea of this dish but it was relatively uninteresting in flavour. Pea green salad - Horribly bland. It consisted of a pile of greens, some peas, and a boiled egg covered with panko and then fried. It felt unfinished. Plantain gnocchi - It was a Mexican version of gnocchi if there ever was such a thing. The gnocchi were deep fried, which made it a little heavy but gave it an interesting crunchy outer skin. It was mixed with black beans and piled on top of a simplified guacamole. Pan-seared scallops - The plating was a mess. The scallops weren't as plump as I like them but they were seared perfectly. There were some bacon bits which made the dish a little too salty and a sauce that was extremely heavy. Amuse bouche (White chocolate mousse with gooseberry and yellow raspberry) - The mousse was gritty and the sourness of the gooseberry overwhelmed everything else. Financier cake - This dish was lovely. There was an olive oil ice cream (that was surprisingly subtle), black pepper financier cake, basil infused tapioca balls, and strawberries. It was an unusual combination of flavours that worked beautifully together. The major problem I have with this restaurant is that it lacks an identity. I guess it could be classified as "American" since it draws upon multinational flavours such Mexican, Asian, French, etc but it isn't done in an interesting way. The appetizers were bland and unimaginative. The main courses were solid and on the hearty side. The dessert was the highlight of the evening. Then they served amuse bouches that were poorly done...why bother? For the price point, it seems they are trying to achieve the level of a more refined restaurant, but overall, the food was sloppy. Between the very average food, bad service, and stinginess on AC, I'd rather stay at home.
(3)
Joel G.

I almost feel guilty that I have lived so close to this place for years and never tried it until last night. Everything from the service, to the ambiance and especially the food was A+++. My friends and I loved everything we ordered. If it is still on the menu, I would especially recommend the perfectly cooked ocean trout and the delectable pumpkin cake for dessert. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kathryn H.

Disappointed. Went here with my husband for a New Year's Eve 7 course meal (with wine pairing). Checked when I made the reservation and when I confirmed that they could do a pescetarian menu for my better half - no problem, they said. Then we arrived and the waiter tried to tell us that the pescetarian menu was only 5 courses (despite there being a 7 course menu in front of my husband) - so I pointed that out to him. Then we both got the same first course, despite me requesting the omnivore menu. When the second course also arrived exactly the same we realized what was going on and brought it up to the waiter - multiple people apologized but also told me the first course was the same between the menus (not sure how they thought the bacon consomme was the same as an oyster on the half-shell). Long story short, my subsequent courses were fixed by to pay $95 per person for a meal (not including alcohol) and then have to deal with service failures is not my idea of a "special occasion" restaurant. I will go back for a normal meal, but not consider it to be in the ranks of my favorite Boston restaurants (TW Food and Oleanna, among others) - the food was okay, but their inability to maintain reasonable service while managing a pretty simple (and common) dietary request left a bad taste in our mouths, especially at those prices.
(3)
Peter P.

I live in Manhattan and consider myself somewhat of a food snob. Came to Bergamot for a Boston friends birthday dinner. To cut to the chase this restaurant is fantastic. Exceeded all my expectations even though I knew that the friend who selected this restaurant has one of the most sophisticated palates around and is an amazing chef in his own right. The service was spot on. Not overbearing, but properly attentive. We were eleven people, which can get messy for some restaurants, but they handled us perfectly. Attractive space, with a reasonable noise level. I had the Berkshire Pork Chop entree, and it had to be the best of its kind that I have had ever. They also have a great wine selection. They made for us, by previous request, a birthday cake that was to die for. Highly recommended. Am anxious to go back.
(5)
Jennifer N.

The Bergamot is the new kid on the block. I love new kids on the block, and I love restaurants that add something new and distinctive to the Boston culinary scene. If I went strictly by gut feeling, Bergamot is right at about 3.5 stars, but I'm bumping them up with the hope that this place adds some excitement and sparkle to the Kirkland/Beacon corner. I think with a few tweaks, this place could move from fairly good to good. First impression: Bergamot feels a bit like an aesthetic jumble. The decor (from the cute font used on the sign to the playful, whimsical website -- which should be updated to clearly include food prices and descriptions -- to the fairly casual, unrefined looking menus) signifies New England fresh -- like Henrietta's Table -- and yet it's clear that Bergamot is reaching for something far classier. From the ricotta served with bread (think Sportello) to the small, fairly refined dessert list, they clearly don't want to be thought of as a place for New England comfort food. My immediate reaction is that they need some image reformulation -- either they are understated elegant (which I think Bergamot's predecessor, EVOO, aspired to) or they are playful and whimsical; either they are New England cutesy or they are classy. The food has some of that same jumbled feeling. They call themselves "progressive American" (Cantabrigians, I don't think they mean "progressive" to mean some profound Left politics) but the real borrowing/fusion/mix of foods here is at times successful, and at times less successful. More than anything, the food all felt a bit too skimpy, even though the preparation and flavors were generally good. I should note, I'm hardly one of those people who celebrates a place for big portions. But I definitely don't want to go home after dinner and think, "hm, now I should eat my real meal." For example, I ordered the scallops (three scallops) which were served on a tiny bed (not even a bed -- more of a small pillow!) of mushrooms, fennel, and asparagus. Loved the scallops, loved how they were prepared, but it felt like far too little -- especially far too few veggies -- to constitute a $24 entree. My husband had the halibut (and the waitstaff was *wonderful* about making something dairy-free for him as he has bad allergies) which, again, came with far too little on the side to feel adequate. Our dearest friends and frequent dining companions had the chicken and the pork; the most exceptional was the chicken (juicy, with a rich flavor that was enhanced by ham) but again, it was far too ungarnished to feel like a full meal. Generally, I hate places that do everything a la carte, but I think Bergamot either needs to encourage customers to order side dishes, or come up with portions that are about 15-20% bigger. Dessert: we had the pistachio baklava - definitely not a conventional baklava (far less gooey than something you would get a Mediterranean restaurant) but flavorful without being overwhelmingly sweet. It was served with a truly awful fig and blue cheese (here, an example of where the "progressive American" fusion fails); my dearest friends shared a dense, rich chocolate pave which they enjoyed. Other highlights included the slightly spicy Bergamot iced tea (fresh brewed! My dearest friend loves a fresh brewed iced tea, so this was a definite plus), the ricotta served with the bread (thank you Boston for embracing the ricotta trend) though the bread itself was far too tough and generally unexciting (note to Bergamot: embrace the cool, funky bread basket concept! People love cool bread baskets). Service: Our waitress (Amy) was sweet- I particularly appreciated how helpful she was with getting my husband some good dairy-free food, and with ensuring that anything that he ate was allergy-free. It's the kind of restaurant where there's a lot of interaction between staff and diners - the constant folding of napkins, the constant replacement of silverware. All of thees touches are nice, and indeed quite elegant, but they surprised me given how the restaurant presents itself as more New England comfort food. One other note on service- in all the attentiveness, sometimes things felt a bit too rushed. I don't think that was anyone's intention, but it's the kind of place where all the interjections can make you feel like you're supposed to hurry up and finish. Also appreciated the basic graciousness of the staff-- when dearest friends' meals arrived at a chilly temperature, the waitress quickly took it back to the kitchen, apologized profusely, and removed both entrees from our bill. Their apologies almost seemed excessive, but I left with the sense that Bergamot wants to shine, and that they value customer feedback. And so, I have my fingers crossed for their success. I think with a few adjustments, they could be quite popular.
(4)
Joanie L.

Very nice meal last nite with just a couple minor quibbles. Like it took forEVER for the first round of cocktails to come, not sure what took so long since it was only 1/2-2/3 full. But mine was excellent and B's was a little weird (The Big Easy) but we had fun trying new things. We split the duck salad (which also took a little while) and they did that in advance for us, scallops were sweet and tasty and skirt steak was great. Side of asparagus was fine but not a big deal. We split the wonderful choc. pave w/ stout ice cream and bits of pretzels. Airy comfortable room, excellent very informed waiter. With another round of drinks, it was $118 before tax/tip, well worth it.
(5)
Rachel J.

This place is really great! The service was great. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and offered great advice. He was attentive but not annoying. The food was also great! My husband started with the lobster corn chowder which was lighter than expected (good for a starter) and I had the breaded sweetbreads. It was my first time having sweetbreads and I really enjoyed them - tasted just like chicken nuggets - I just had to not think about what they were. For the main course my husband had the flat iron steak which was cooked perfectly. I had the scallops with bacon, corn and potatoes which were cooked perfectly and delicious with the saltiness of the bacon. We skipped dessert though everything on the menu looked great. We will definitely be going back!
(5)
Richard C.

I'm done with expectations, the next time I hear great things about a supposed great burger I'm going to ignore it. The problem with mostly eating burgers is that in the case of a higher end restaurant, the burger is a perfect barometer to judge any future meals at the same establishment. Fair or unfair, if they can't properly cook a burger, what hopes do they have to cook any other dish? Served only at the bar, the Bergamot burger is rumored to be a beef blend consisting of marrow and brisket, but it was so salty and cooked so poorly I could have been eating a turkey burger. Ironically, we waited close to an hour for what was promised to be a very thin, medium cooked, and incredibly juicy burger. For such a slim patty, which should have taken mere moments to cook, the wait was far too long, but that's what happens when you're banished to the bar, our backs turned to the rest of the dining room. The bartender described our burger as being "similar to In-N-Out," and would be one of the juiciest burgers we'd ever have. Quite the build-up, too bad it couldn't deliver. What we (finally) received was a pencil thin patty topped with far too many greens that were beyond overdressed, and all sandwiched between a house-made Milk Bun that easily weighed over a pound on its own. The burger was seemingly rushed, despite us waiting for far too long, it had no sear, no crust and was basically raw in the middle. The only flavors to come through were salt and salad dressing. Yes, salad dressing, as the overdressed greens became an overdressed burger, and a pool of vinegar and oil camped out on the corner of my plate. Juiciness? Not a chance, but greasiness? Absolutely. The bun is a borderline disaster, I guess I can appreciate the homemade approach, but it tastes like a stale biscuit, and is at least ten times too big for the paltry burger. A tomato-bacon aioli is promised, as is cheese, but neither can stand up to the massive bun, and the oily/salty burger. French Fries are once again in the McDonald's mold, which are very satisfying and well seasoned, if not, once again, very uninspired. Needless to say this burger just didn't do it for me, and for $12 it was completely unremarkable and fairly unpleasant. Another poor burger mixed in with potential chef greatness, although it might be tough to convince me to come back.
(2)
Michael T.

First off, I'm giving Bergamot 3 stars for the overall value. The food itself is 5 star quality. The combinations of flavors and the uniqueness with which the menu is pulled together is truly something to behold. The portion size for what you pay, though, is a 2 star value. If you plan to be satiated at all, make sure you get an appetizer and dessert. I had the pan seared scallops and they were prepared to perfection. Here's the rub, though. The dish costs $24, comes with no sides, and I got three scallops. That's right--- three! These weren't enormous man-eating scallops either. The $9 carrot cake is delicious, but it's the size of an hors d'oeuvres. Seriously, you can't cut me a hunk of cake for $9? If you have money to burn and don't care about leaving the restaurant hungry, it's worthy of a try. Like I said, the food itself is exquisite. There's just zero value for your dollar.
(3)
Chris R.

No AC in the dining room??? ...server said the AC is on, but that it's "overwhelmed". Hence the portable fans, but that helped only a little with the heat and the humidity...I reserved by phone only a half an hour prior, host could and should have mentioned they are having ventilation/cooling problems. Put me in a really awkward spot having taken guests here. Steak was a hit, as was the duck salad. Most dishes received decent feedback, but the lemon sole and gnochi were "so so." Apps priced $10-12ish, entrees $20-27, desserts around $10. I'm perplexed by by their high prices, considering 1) the casual atmosphere(servers dressed in jeans) and 2) the smallest portion sizes I've yet to see served in any restaurants... and $60 per person for dinner to sit in a sweltering humid heat?!? Shame on you Bergamot.
(2)
Sandy H.

I have been to many fancy schmancy places over the years so I can say with confidence that my experience at Bergamot was top notch. The service was excellent even though it was a busy night. Our water glasses were always filled and there was not a single crumb on the table. We ordered the special, beef scallopini, and the scallops. The beef was a little dry and tough, but the scallops were divine. For desert we had the toffee pudding -- it was amazing!
(4)
Devi B.

Quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Boston. The service is impeccable. It has the potential to be a really pretentious uncomfortable place but the bartenders and servers are really friendly and helpful. Berg is a 20 minute walk from my house and so worth the walk. My favorite things to order are the Duck, Duck, Duck Salad and the Pan Seared Scallops. Also, you can't leave without letting the Guajillo Chile Chocolate PavÃ© melt in your mouth. A must try!
(5)
David D.

REALLY AMAZING! The meal didn't start off so hot - they were out of the chicken, and my girlfriend doesn't eat much of anything else. So, the chef whipped her up some crazy vegetarian dish (not on the menu) that was super seasonal and really flavorful. I found myself stealing bites. I love artic char, and they did this awesome app with it. The plantain gnocchi was really rich and quite filling for a small plate. The deserts were decadent, can't remember exactly what we got, but we cleaned our plates. Staff was very friendly from the host to server and I'd give this place another whirl despite it's somewhat remote location. These guys seem passionate about their food and that's usually going to result in something great!
(5)
Lindley E.

We headed to Bergamot early on a Sunday evening to enjoy a family dinner. My friends had been frequent patrons of the previous occupant of the space, evoo, and were anxious to see if Bergamot was a worthy replacement. Warning: this review contains too many superlatives. Yes, I am kvelling, but that's because so much of what I've eaten in Boston has been a big disappointment, and it is always a pleasure to find a restaurant that is both reasonably priced and just plain good. Which Bergamot is. On with the review.... The first thing we noticed were the curtains - they were open and let in the light, which filled the dining room. Evoo had kept its heavy velvet curtains drawn, something my friends didn't really care for. There was a new coat of paint on the wall, some new art, and new curtains, but not much else had changed about the space. But the food - it was lovely, seasonal, exquisitely prepared and appropriately portioned, if a bit salty (speaking of salt, lately I've noticed that every Boston white tablecloth restaurant I've visited is a little generous with the salt. A little too generous. A little salt goes a long way, cooks and chefs, and too much damn well ruins a sauce). Because ramps, fiddleheads, fava, asparagus and spring mushrooms (like morels) are in season, all were on the menu, some even in the same dish. I'm a big fan of spring vegetables, even if they have to be shipped in from California (locavores everywhere are likely wagging their fingers at me...how many hail Pollans must I say?). So is Bergamot so new and different? Not so much. The food is pretty standard fine dining fare du jour: you'll find all the 'in' ingredients and proteins on the menu. But the execution is excellent; an idea that would be merely good at a typical Boston restaurant is genuinely delicious here (save for the oversalting). A "Duck Duck Duck Salad" was an exciting tower (though not in the 90s sense) of duck prosciutto, duck cracklins and...what was that, duck breast? combined with a Spanish sheeps milk cheese and seasonal greens. It was crunchy and tender and crisp and chewy and full of visual contrasts. It was good, honest, simple food that was almost too good to share. My dining companions loved their meals as well: a roast beet salad was a crowd pleaser and the quail appetizer was a study in simple perfection. Our entrees - a steak, the chicken, a fish dish and scallops - were eaten quickly and without much conversation. The only misstep was the oversalting - my entree had a sauce that had been given just a pinch too much, which made the flavors disappear under a salty veneer. Dessert almost overshadowed our meals. Our desserts - a simple carrot cake served with a light-as-air cream cheese bavarois and candied carrots, then some pate de fruits with our check - were as tasty as they were smart and well-conceived. I'd go back to Bergamot just for sweets. They really were that good. Really. Good, impressive dessert. I wish we had ordered everything on the menu. During our meal, the partner/manager walked over to our table and greeted us. They recognized two members of our party and welcomed them back. It was slightly awkward but appreciated. Throughout the evening we watched him work the room, an old-school touch that matched his demeanor. At the end of our meal, my companions agreed that Bergamot is actually better than evoo. And promised themselves they would be regulars now that Bergamot was in the neighborhood. I'm a bit envious.
(4)
Frank D.

Summary: I took my cousin to Bergamot for her Birthday and I I'm sure I'll be returning. Flavorful food, attentive and knowledgeable staff, and creative menu. Let's just set some expectations here: you do not go to Bergamot if you are looking at quantity over quality. You do not go to Bergamot if places like Vinny Testa's, Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden make you salivate. And, of course, you do not go to Bergamot if you are on a budget. Although, the prix-fixe menu can help if you order before 7. I actually was underdressed because I wasn't aware of the ambiance of the restaurant, but I wasn't treated any differently. Service: Outstanding and attentive. I watched the waiters and waitresses constantly surveilling the tables. While you do have a waiter/tress that tends to you for your meal, any of the other staff will tend to you if they see an empty glass, an empty plate or even the slightest inquisitive look on your face. They HUSTLE. Par for the course for a restaurant in this price level, the staff know the food, they know the drinks and they describe how the food tastes. The menu has about 6-8 entrees to choose from and, judging by other reviews, changes frequently. The food: I started with a beet salad, moved on to the snappy scallops and shared the artisan cheese plate for dessert. I had the Mayflower Porter as a drink since the only draught beers where all on the lighter side. Presentation is clean and pleasing to the eye. The beet salad was very tasty and was served on top of a mayonnaise based aioli and had, what appeared to be, a type of pesto. All the flavors complimented each other perfectly. The snappy scallops were fantastic. The scallops are on top of black beans and an ahi piquant. Slices of avocado crown the scallops. The scallops were sweet and fresh and, though I would have never guessed, the black beans and piquant all fit perfectly together. None of the flavors overpowered and each could be easily discerned; all were very pleasing. Lastly, sometimes a big soppy hunk of cheesecake is just not want you want to finish such a well balanced dinner. The cheese plate is both sweet and savory and the pairing of the cheeses was perfect. It's not something I tend to gravitate to, but I'm certainly glad I did. I couldn't remember the names of each cheese, but I can tell you the 3 pairings: apricot mostarda, a kind of whipped bacon (yes, sweet and savory bacon: delicious) and honey. Why no 5th star? I'm tough. I would have to had to hear angels sing and witness the second coming of Jesus (okay, not literally, but you get my drift). I'd go with 4.5 stars if I could! Buon Appetito
(4)
Lauren D.

Bergamot has earned itself another star. On my trip back to Bergamot yesterday, I sampled more of the menu (aside from the appetizer and cheese plate I last time). I was VERY impressed. Portion size was perfect. The gnocchi was divine (had a southwestern flavor to it...quite different) and the halibut was light and flavorful. My strawberry Summer Something dessert was fantastic. Oh, and the waiters/staff are WONDERFUL. Not an ounce of pretension in the joint.
(4)
Ann M.

Went again last week with some friends. Service was much better and the food was delicious. I had the arctic char and a spring onion risotto to start. The artic char was very good but the risotto was to die for. I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)
Vien N.

oh wow. great service great food great service, great place for a date night, or meeting up with friends. dessert blew my mind, remember to save room!
(5)
Susie C.

So you're trying to decide where to go for dinner or if it's worth your time going here, right? Do yourself a favor and cross those over-hyped places off your list and just go here. This was the best dining experience I have had in a very, very long time. The place itself has a French/Gargoyle's feel - very warm, golden, tasteful interior, big windows, but plenty of warm air circulating in a not-gross kind of way. The kitchen is open and you get a great view. We were not too close to our fellow diners and we didn't hear other conversations. The food. Ohmagod, the food. The pumpkin soup was perfection, as were the cheesy, impeccable rabbit risotto and delicate butternut ravioli. This stuff is made with love. Or the chef is some annoying food prodigy who cooks lazily with one hand and still can't get anything wrong. Entrees: I had the chicken w/ mashed potatoes and gravy. A simple meal in theory but very, very easy to get it wrong. But uh, yeah, they got it very right. Can potatoes be described as flawless? And the gravy was so good I wanted a cereal bowl full of it. Others at the table ordered cod (flawlessly cooked), the salmon and the short ribs (packed with flavor and they melted in my mouth). We had two excellent bottles of wine (can't remember what) and a yummy cheese plate at the end. Others ordered dessert but I didn't have room. Note - they take your jacket at the door, like a valet, and whisk it away behind the scenes for safekeeping. This is a free, optional service they provide, but I actually wish I had kept my coat with me because I got carded (carded!) and has left my license in my coat pocket.
(5)
Anthony R.

Delicious! Love it! Bergamot takes the place of Evoo on Beacon St, offering a similar price point and standard of service in a warmer, more inviting space. The food is top-notch -- I went in for the pre-7pm 3 course prix fixe menu, but ended up being unable to resist the charms of the normal menu. I had a meal of Spanish mackerel, rainbow trout, and samples of my friend's excellent "Duck, Duck, Duck" salad. The salad was particularly amazing - duck confit and cured duck combine in a tangy, creamy, refreshing dressing over friseee in a way that's absolutely divine. The most knockout part of the apps and the main dish were the sauces and dressings -- serious thought and care has been put into them and it shows in the layers of savory flavor. Let me put it this way -- just recalling them is making me hungry again. The cocktail and bar bites list looked outstanding, as well -- twists on classics seem to be the name of the game. I'll have to come back for drinks another time. Bonus: excellent lamb amuse bouche and moist, amazing zucchini bread to start out the meal. Sweet!
(5)
Chris D.

Service was excellent and it had a nice, relaxed atmosphere. My wife and I had the heirloom tomato salad and fried oysters as appetizers - both were very good. For an entree my wife had the arctic char, which was good but over-salted. I had pork two ways which was also quite good, but probably more fat than I usually eat in week (of course I knew what I was getting into when I ordered it). The plantain puree under the pork with black beans and pickled peppers was excellent. Overall the presentation of the food was quite nice and I would definitely go back here again.
(4)
John C.

My friend and I were looking for a decent place to eat and there was a new groupon for bergamot. looked like an interesting place and the menu was BOMB so we decided to check it out. i called and reserved a window seat but when we got there we didn't get one.. not a big deal, but not the best start. the one thing i wanted on the menu was the monkfish and that was the one thing that they did NOT have.. sigh, in fact the online menu and the restaurant menu did not match. appetizer: we had the salad with fried poached egg and the baby roasted beets. i'm a BIG fan of beets and i must say, these were BORING. i mean the walnuts were a plus, but not enough of them were given.. the beets themselves were just not very earthy tasting, i prefer the beets i make at home. the egg salad was fantastic though. nothing like a nice deep fried farm fresh poached egg. entree: as stated earlier, i was real sad about the monkfish but the waiter said they had WOLF FISH! that blew my world, it's my favorite fish, sweet, tender, juicy wolf fish. obviously i had that. my friend had the lamb, which she generally isn't a fan of but found it to be very good. all in all the entres were FANTASTIC. dessert: i honestly need to write these reviews right away, because if it's not an amazing dessert i rarely remember it. this is the case. they were ok, nothing that blew us out of the water. side note: deval patrick and friends were there.. they sat a table of 5 and had 3-4 people catering to them while the rest of the restaurant had to wait for service at times.. yeah, he's the governor, but my credit card is just as good as his.. i specifically recall having to wait 10 minutes to pay for my check, i had to call another waiter over. even then it took another 5+ minutes. service was sub par for me.. then again it was opening weekend for them and i'm sure the staff has improved since. all in all bergamot serves fantastic entrees. the restaurant decor is fair and the big plus is that there is parking, something rare in the cambridge/somerville area. don't let the 3 stars fool you, i liked bergamot a lot.. A-OK right? that's not bad.. i'll definitely be back for a group bite and a 2nd or 3rd date, but if i was looking for a killer anniversary meal or birthday meal i have others in mind.
(3)
Brandi S.

I'll start by saying I wanted to NOT like this place, and they just didn't let me leave that way. The ever changing menu is a bit of a mixed bag - it's certainly creative and makes for great, seasonal fare, but it presented some challenges where my company's food choices became limited. The vegetarian/pescatarian fare is limited at best with a fair amount of pork mixed into accompaniments for main fish dishes. That said, though, the food is very good. I was less impressed than others by the sweet breads, but an app of butternut squash raviolis in duck jus was impressive - and substantial for a first course. Companions started with chicken consume and rabbit risotto --- both impressive in their own right. For mains, our group tried melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi (seriously, these things were like light little pillows just meant to transport the sauce to your mouth), pork butt (not my thing), and scallops. Similarly, I wasn't as blown away as others have been by the desserts. The panna cotta is a definite skip - the presentation outplayed the taste tenfold; the chocolate dish was very good, but I won't crave it as with others (TW Food's Chocolate Boudin). If you go for dessert, I'd suggest something to share. Put your dollars on the cocktails instead. I'd say part of your bill comes from the atmosphere and the scene as much as it does the food. It's a lovely place and service was great (well time, well tuned, and an impressive waiter who insisted we try a new wine when he could tell the Bordeaux didn't quite hit the mark), but we ended up with a check of $70pp where I can say there's better value in other fine restaurants. But don't get me wrong, you'll leave still feeling you had a great meal, or perhaps a great experience.
(4)
Cheryl L.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bergamot. We started with the black bean soup with bacon and creme fraiche - very tasty and although it was part of the Prix-Fixe Menu ( until 7 ) ordered it a la carte. Moved on to the Roasted Crystal Valley Farm Chicken with dirty rice , Shrimp-Tomato Sauce which was excellent and Grilled Prime Bavette Steak with hedgehog mushrooms,cheddar-chive gnocchetti, sauteed spinach, beef jus which was delicious. The Farm Chicken was juicy and tender & had the spice just right, always wanting more. The Bavette Steak melted in your mouth. And the bread with Honey butter began the whole ensemble -mmm good ! Many complimentary tastes were delivered - all very, very good. The service was friendly and attentive - always there if needed. A very comfortable place to eat. Well worth many trips !!! Oh and do not forget - there is a bar menu , same as the floor but additional items such as Burgers and small meals.
(5)
Taylor W.

My g/f and I live within walking distance, and we've been here several times. As such, I feel comfortable giving general evaluations on different dimensions (1-5 stars), rather than recounting any specific dining experience: Ambience - 4 stars - Dim lighting, soft, jazzy background music, and a single large dining room make Bergamot a cozy, but not very private, place to eat. Excellent atmosphere for impressing snobby parents-in-law or romancing a date; horrible atmosphere for having an intense debate, a boisterous discussion or a drawn-out argument. Service - 5 stars - This place has the most attentive service I've received pretty much anywhere, period. Upon being seated, you will experience a rapid parade of waiters to your table in the following sequence: Saying hi and clarifying the menu/taking drink orders, bringing drinks back/taking food orders, bringing amuse-bouche, taking amuse-bouche away. Once they get through the amuse-bouche, the service slows to a more normal pace and you get your first and second courses as they are cooked. Bottom line: Great service, if a little overbearing at first. Food - 5 stars - Of course, the food is my favorite part. Chef Keith Pooler is renowned for utilizing local, fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes not only every week, but usually every day (thanks in large part, I'm sure, to the specialty Savenor's grocery store around the corner). What makes the food at Bergamot really special, though, is Pooler's ability to wring every iota of flavor out of the ingredients he is using so that each dish becomes an oral experience - like a rainbow of bright, vibrant flavors blending in your mouth. Of course, each dish is cooked fresh to order, and the portions are very healthy (especially for what I would consider a gourmet restaurant), so in terms of plate speed and size, I've never had a problem at Bergamot. Also, there is a fully stocked bar (with a few stools for solo diners) that features super-tasty specialty drinks, such as the Beacon Fix or Blood Thistle, as well as after-dinner aperitifs, wines and whiskeys. As a final note on price, at Bergamot, you get what you pay for. The first courses are typically in the $15-25 range, and the second courses range from $20-35. With a couple of drinks and maybe a dessert, you're easily up near $50 or $60 per person for the meal. Honestly, though, you'll be so thrilled at the meal you just ate that the price won't seem high at all when the check comes. Bottom line: If you've got the money to spend and the right dining partners to enjoy it with, Bergamot is guaranteed to be a great dining experience.
(5)
Safi B.

This place is great!! Hard to get a decent reservation unless you book a week in advance. Everything we ordered kept getting better and better. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Scott M.

This is a nice local upscale restaurant. They have good ingredients, great service and tasty meals. A good meal for two with wine comes in around $120-$160 which is reasonable for the quality. 4 stars because it never blows me away but certainly no complaints. They are often busy but you can drop in and wait for a seat at the bar (or failing that go to Dali across the road).
(4)
Adam B.

In Short: Friendly Service, Good decor and well composed dishes, all for a reasonable price (for a New Yorker) My girlfriend is living in Cambridge while in Grad school and lives 5 minutes from Bergamot. We've passed it on several occasions now and we finally ended up going. The bread was a slice of whole wheat with a garlic, herb and chive whipped butter. The bread was good quality, although cold to the touch, leaving something to be desired I had the Various super-rich appetizer thingy (it was three kinds of pork) which was good, but not spectacular. The GF got the Quail and that was well balanced, and well garnished with a hummus like paste. I'm not a quail guy myself (too many little bones, feels like you're eating a baby), but i found the bite I had to be delicious. The flank steak special (served over a panfried patty of "paella") which was very good, but was missing a certain something. The paella really lacked that saffrony flavor that makes it wonderful. But they definitely made up for it with an off-menu side order of oyster mushrooms. The special that night was supposed to come with it, but as soon as we said we would like a side, our waiter asked the chef and brought out a PILE of mushrooms for only $7(!). They were perfectly prepared and served as the perfect compliment to our dishes. I ordered the Hudson Valley Duck Breast served over sweet potato puree with cipolinni onions, swiss chard, black trumpet mushrooms, seasoned with a mustard-spiced honey. The duck was perfectly prepared. It wasn't excessively oily, nor dried out and the puree was velvety and lovely. The onions lost that biting edge but kept the crunch that makes the quite satisfying. Unfortunately I can't attest as to the desserts. We grabbed macaroons from La Burdik, which were delicious, but that is neither here nor there. The one thing that I must say is that the clientele there is somewhat...geriatric. Now I have nothing against old people per se, and in a college town I guess most of the younger people are too busy filling their brains to get jobs that let them pay for places like Bergamot, but it might be a little odd for say a first date. My girlfriend and I (we're both 24) were the youngest people in the restaurant by about a decade. And they were younger than the next people after them by about 8 years. Despite this one idiosyncrasy, I have to say that the food was good, the service both accommodating and attentive and the prices reasonable, all things considered.
(4)
Greeley O.

Every few months I migrate to the bar at Bergamot for a great cocktail and delicious dining. Lobster melt and the calamari app are my top two favorites. Always enjoyable, even when my only date is a good book.
(4)
Rosy R.

Positively our best meal, and service in years. We try all the 4 star Boston restaurants, even from North Shore. Tis is by far the best. Incredible food, service... . Now our go to favorite
(5)
Yelena A.

Great food and service! Everyone in our party of 5 was very happy with the meal and drinks. The service was impeccable.
(5)
Michael B.

Right on target! This crew has got their act together Food and service was spot on Fresh and creative,great ambiance This is a great place...right up with the best in Boston......but located in Cambridge.. a return visit is right around the corner
(5)
Meredith K.

I was really sad to see Evoo leave this location and move further away from me in Cambridge, but was happy to see a promising new restaurant move into the space. The host is incredibly nice, like I seriously felt like I had come to his house for dinner and he really wanted us there (and to come back again). Drinks were tasty and we had a great /attentive server. Bread was good. We go the duck salad to start - overall I liked the duck, but I felt like the dressing tasted a bit more like a gravy than dressing. Entrees were absolutely delicious though. Dessert was pretty decent though quite small (we split the goat cheese-cheesecake). I felt like overall it was really good - a little pricey, but that they were trying a little too hard - though in their defense I think I went in the first few weeks they were open so they are probably trying to impress people. I will definitely come back here again.
(4)
Abby L.

I was really impressed by my meal at Bergamot last week. I hadn't been there since the first week it opened - and I would never judge a place on that. Everything was delicious, and it was even restaurant week, which is always a fail! I ordered off the restaurant week menu and got the chicken, which was totally delicious. My boyfriend stayed on the menu and got the lamb which he loved. I stole his dessert, the chocolate, caramel tart, and ate the whole thing! The service was great, I would definitely go back.
(4)
Melissa K.

I had dinner here on a Friday evening with my husband. We are both vegetarians and come in specifically for the plantain gnocchi. We were seated right away for our reservation. The bread of the day was very good and served with a honey butter, and they gave us seconds, yum. Based on our order they asked is we were veg and then supplied us with a veg version of the amuse bouch, a very nice touch, We split the beet salad which was good and typical except for the addition on avocado, The gnocchi was delicious and so unique and gave us even more avocado. We passed on dessert but were given a small macaroon to end our meal with. Service was very good overall, but there seemed to be a ton of wait staff on hand and always in constant motion. Perhaps since the place was small it was distracting. I prefer service that you don't even notice, but you are never without what you need. We will be back, maybe when the menu changes to offer a new veggie dish. Would be nice if they offered more than one option.
(4)
Vince T.

Outstanding! went to Bergamot this past weekend. Honestly I thought it was going to be tough when we changed our reservations from 4 to 5 and management said they would have to seat us at a small table. When we arrived they sat us at a table large enough to accommodate the 5 comfortably, Thank you! Without going into detail about each plate from appetizers to desert everyone loved their food. Fish, Pork, Risotto, Chicken and Steak, presentation was nicely done. We spent nearly 3 hours without any delays in the seamless service. Atmosphere is very warm and comfortable, noise level was no problem talking around the table. As a family we visit in and around Bostons fine restaurants (although I don't always write about them) this is one of the best.
(5)
Kristin A.

I went to Bergamot last night for a birthday celebration. From the moment I walked in the staff was incredibly friendly. We were sat by the window & immediately offered drinks. Throughout the meal I was continually impressed, I am a vegetarian so typically at higher end restaurants I have a hard time finding a satisfying and complete meal. No problem here, from my fresh arugula salad to the yummy sorbets that were brought to our table after the meal DELICIOUS! Our server Alli was super sweet, and balanced being attentive and giving us enough time to enjoy our food perfectly. I could have spent the entire night there, I will definitely be heading back hopefully sooner rather than later.
(5)
Lisa D.

I should start this review by outing myself as a person with extremely high service expectations. Keep this in mind when reading my comments. First visit to Bergamot on a Monday night in late June. Bless the reservationist who dealt with multiple time changes to our reservation in the days prior. We arrived to our table set for 6 and we were only 5. They handled it gracefully. We were offered the $39- 3 course at 8PM...which was cool since it was only meant to continue through 7PM. None of us ordered it but it seemed like a good deal. Red bibb salad, fish and strawberry sorbet. Our waiter was kind and professional all around. He may have offered more context of description around more obscure menu items in the 'specials' he announced. I'm in the food and wine biz and did not know what several of the ingredients he listed were. Love the open concept and clean design of the space although the cavernousness of it can make it a challenge to hear anyone more distant than a seat away. Excellent music... I heard some Belle and Sebastian played...thumbs up to any place that includes this in their mix! The food was AWESOME. I had the freshest pea shoot salad for my starter...simple and briliant flavor combos that were shouting EARLY SUMMER way loud! Loved it. For my entree I had the skirt steak. It was truly AMAZING and more rich than one might expect. I was only able to eat 1/3 of what was on my plate...fresh beets, lupini beans, pureed leeks...deeeelicious! There were 5 of us and we shared a bottle of an unoaked french chardonnay....it was crisp and delicious. It was VERY WARM in the restaurant though and a chiller for the wine might have been a good idea. I looked around and all the tables that had wine bottles on them were not in chillers so maybe they just don't use them as a matter of course. Next time I will ask for one. One other pet peave I had may come off sounding a bit nuts but indicates the level of service their attempting...it seemed there was ALWAYS a server or back-waiter at our table...we were constantly being approached which is normally a good thing - indicating attentiveness...but it resulted in a lot of interruptions. (more bread? more water? crumbing the table every course...rearranging silver...all stuff that indicates high quality service but it wasn't as transparent as it might be) Overall the night was excellent and I'd go back in a heart beat...when I was feeling flush of course. It's not top price but it's not an everyday place for my wallet. I'd most surely stop in for a glass of wine more often. Their 'by the glass' list was excellent. Oh, and parking in a small lot at the end of the building - in that little 'intersection' of Somerville - a REAL TREAT! :)
(3)
Janet L.

the scallops here are very good. i just wished there were more side veggies. the desserts were a bit too sweet and the portion is small. the service was excellent!
(3)
Josh W.

My wife and I moved to Boston last August and this is the best meal we've had since we got here. No aspect of the experience disappointed. We started with expertly crafted cocktails (Old Fashioned for me and April in Paris for my wife). For dinner I had the 3 course prix fixe meal. It started with mussels in a saffron and white wine risotto, followed by pork shoulder and the craziest little veggetable called a fiddlehead, and a vanilla lavender sponge cake for dessert. My wife had the flank steak and a passion fruit and mango mouse for dessert. All was spectacular. Both dishes were prepared superbly, showed some creativity, and were solid portions. This restaurant is a little hidden in Somerville but the ambiance, service, and food all scream for many more visits!
(5)
Kim H.

Having moved to Medford from Manhattan, my expectation to find NYC-worthy restaurants was pretty low. Thank goodness I stumbled across Bergamot on Boston's Restaurant Week list. It was FANTASTIC and really reminded me of the quality and service of a great NYC restaurant. The food (even the few selections on the RW menu) was outstanding. Perfect portions, incredible pairings and an overall wonderful menu. Our server (I think her name was Lindsay) was amazing. She really made the evening even more special. The wine list is tough to get through but she recommended a great bottle of wine. They have a large wine selection with prices on every part of the spectrum so it's easy to make a great choice. We had the fried chicken liver and black bean soup for starters. Both were outstanding! We both had the yogurt-marinated leg of lamb. WOW... it was cooked to perfection and the cous cous it was paired with was the best I have ever had. We're big carrot cake fans so we each had the carrot cake, and it was presented in the most creative way and was exceptionally good carrot cake! They also have a pastry chef! I forget her name but she is obviously very talented and it was a great surprise to see that a small restaurant in Somerville has their own pasty chef. I highly recommend this restaurant. I know Somerville and Cambridge are full of great restaurants but this is exceptional, the service especially. It's refreshing to find a restaurant where service is as important to them as the quality of the food. I hope they stick around for a very long time!
(5)
Peter D.

Still the best! Had the flank steak and sausage gnuddi and both were incredible. You MUST go here if you haven't been yet.
(5)
Kristina F.

Hmm. This is a tough one. The food is good. I had a scallop dish that was surprisingly filling, cooked to perfection with lovely peas and bacon and a carrot puree (I think). But the service, while nice, was terribly slow. Not sure if its just the new kitchen or what but I swear I was waiting forever for everything and was frustrating. Our server was nice, but didn't know enough about the wine we had, but the win was good. The decor feels weird. Something is off. Not sure if it was the night I went, or what but it just doesn't feel comfortable. Manila clams appetizer was good. As was the goat cheese cheesecake. I feel weird giving only 3 stars, but I wasn't blown away. But it wasn't a bad experience. Just ok. On the flip side, my friend had the pork tenderloin and the pea salad with the egg on top and loved it. My other friend had lamb and he said it was good.
(3)
John J.

I'm writing under my fiance's yelp... With all honesty...literally some of the best service we've ever received. We had reservations on sat 5/26.. My fiance's birthday...but silly him..he had a yard "accident" earlier that afternoon and had to take him to the hospital...called bergamot in hopes that they could possibly push our reservations back on a saturday...and the gentleman on the phone was incredibly kind and understanding and told me to call back when I had an idea of a time we could make it in and that he would make it happen for us and need not to worry! ( he also wished him well) How sweet! Just as promised..they squeezed us in at 8... Our server kat was terrific! Knowledgable, attentive and genuine...very patient with our inquires and a smile 24/7.. Food was delicious! We had 2 apps..the cavatelli ( very fresh tasting ) and the house ham? ...also nice Our entrees : I was hoping they had scallops but their menu changes nightly and alas..no scallops on our night...however...my pork tenderloin was no runner up! Perfect portion, incredibly moist and flavorful and my fiancÃ© was delighted with his chicken..which I tried and was happily impressed. I feel chicken is a hard dish to make taste....... "impressive" since it's just chicken...but not when you get it at bergamot! Drinks and dessert: beacon fix martini..refreshing with a light lemony kick...super! And dessert...they were so sweet...they wrote happy birthday on the plate and lit a candle...awww! The chocolate pave was like a soft fudge and the lavender honey comb...so awesome! The server knew we were torn deciding between that and the special menu dessert...ricotta cheesecake..that she brought us each a sample of it! Really..thats service...and I'm glad she did because it satisfied my curiosity and it was yummy to say the least! The staff seemed to work really well together, bringing out each others meals/drinks... and the kitchen worked seamlessly ( open kitchen ) they seemed to be having a good time which was nice to see.. I recognized the chef from their website and he seems like a great guy to work for! Then there was Servio! Oh Servio! He's the one I spoke with on the phone...he's incredible...watching him work with professionalism and care to detail..like refolding a patron's napkin as the patron went to the restroom...and his table visits with us...he's so nice! In the end ...as we were leaving, we shook his hand, and when i looked up, the whole kitchen smiled and waved to us! It felt nice...I just thought it was so sweet! As former servers ourselves ( I was also a restaurant trainer and he was also a restaurant manager) we always observe service and guiltily critique...and this place is 2 thumbs up all the way! We are commonly disappointed with service..which is so important to the dining experience...especially because we both used to put our 100% for our guests..and we so desperately want it in return now that we're the customers....and bergamot was that for us! Thanks guys! You're the best! Will definitely be back and have already recommended to others! P.s. Free parking? ...ummm...SCORE!!!!! :)
(5)
Jin C.

So this is one of those restaurants that I get mixed feelings about. The food is good, but when I think about the whole experience, I'm left with a feeling that I was paying for the decor as much as I was for the food... which isn't always a bad thing. In this case.. the food didn't seem like enough of the equation. (It's been a while since my visit, so off memory...) We had: rabbit risotto - it was good... not memorable. duck with baby bok choy and tiny grapes - better than the risotto I can't remember what else we had here... that's the thing I guess. Maybe I was a little too excited about this place, everyone was very professional, and the service was good too... It is about the food, I don't care if I eat in a cave if the food is fantastic. I remember the decor more than I do the flavors. Don't get me wrong, food is good, but for the prices, I'd rather goto Toro. =( sorry. I will say it is a very nice place for a date though.
(3)
Sylvia C.

I avoided this place for a while because its kind of cheap looking. It was amazing. The food the drinks the service . All on point . Staff is knowledgeable and proffesional. Rabbit tortellini was MIND BLOWING. Charcutiere plate was amazing, I had chicken two way which was off the charts. Place like this are the reason I love going out from service to food to drinks . Just amazing.
(5)
Peter M.

I was disappointed in Bergamot from the moment the server poured us half glasses of wine. It was absolutely the stingiest pour I have ever experienced. It was as if she was being watched and was afraid she'd get docked if she poured more than the equivalent of two shot glasses of wine. From there it got worse. While the selections were presented well enough, there was nothing particularly distinctive about the food. It was a meal that can be gotten in many venues. This is a restaurant trying to hard to be upscale, but came across as pretentiousness. High priced, small portions--a three course meal should satisfy as well as scintillate. No rush to goo back there
(3)
Beth C.

I took my family here that was visiting from out of town, and I'm so glad I did. The food was fantastic, service was perfect, and wine was excellent. Pork three ways, miso salmon, and lamb ravioli: all excellent. I think our favorite appetizer was the cavatelli, hands down. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The avocado ice cream was incredible. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a really longtime. Thank you for everything, we will be back soon!
(5)
Beth G.

Went there for the first time tonight. Nice vibe, warm welcome when we entered. Our waitress Lindsey was pretty fabulous. Had the charcutier good (although the pork was a little too fatty for my taste), the rabbit dish was yummy, we had the red snapper - fabulous mix of flavors, skirt steak was tasty but a cooked a little too rare (they said it was medium rare - was more rare - they offered to re-cook) and the chocolate cake was very good. Wine list was interesting and the two rioja's we had were excellent. We will most certainly be back for a second visit! Enjoy.
(4)
Steph P.

I have wanted to go to Bergamot for so long, and I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. The restaurant is very cute, the service is good, but I was bugged by the portions. Now, I am not one of those people who expects enough food to take home for lunch the next day, but I expect to feel full after my dinner. There for Restaurant Week, I ordered a frisee salad, cod with Yukon gold potatoes and green beans and That Grapefruit Dessert. The salad was good but didn't seem like something I couldn't make at home. The cod....well that really confused me. The piece of fish was huge, probably about 6 ounces cooked which is surprising because cod is supposedly really expensive right now. Generous, right? Ok, here is the weird part: my sides were about an 1/8 cup total. Go ahead, go to the kitchen and get a measuring cup to see how small that is, I'll wait. .........................waiting..................Â............................. Tiny, right? You couldn't even see them under the fish and the potatoes were cut about the size of that diced ham you get at a salad bar. I couldn't even get a flavor from the potato or the green bean (yes, bean singular) because there was nothing there to taste. The cod was perfectly cooked and delicious, but I really wanted to have a little more side dish- who wants to just eat a whole piece of cod with nothing else to break it up. The dessert was equally tiny, but I was ok with that. I generally only want a little taste of something sweet, but I can see someone being disappointed in a piece of cake about half the size of a deck of cards. It was very tasty and the grapefruit was unique. For cocktails they have a list of drinks with random unpronounceable ingredients that seems very pretentious to me. I probably would have gotten a cocktail if I knew what any of that stuff was. A flavor profile on the menu might have been nice. I asked the waiter for the sweetest of their sparkling wine and he brought me the first on the list (which I will not even try to type all the way out) and it was delicious. Definitely going to look for that! I'm not really sure if I would go back to Bergamot. I was there for RW, so I thought that maybe the tiny portions were related to that, but judging by other pics...notsomuch.
(3)
Adam E.

Food was pretty good. Service was absolutely abismal.
(3)
Jennifer S.

I love the atmosphere in this place, and had an excellent experience there the first time I dined there: when the entree that was recommended to my friend turned out to be salty, they took it off the bill, even though he had said it was fine and he ate it all! This was impressive. However, the second visit these same features reappeared and were overdone. The service was too attentive, to the point of wait staff repeatedly interrupting our conversations, even when it was clear that we weren't at a lull (e.g. right at the punch line of a joke, about 4 times!). They'd do this just to ask if my friend wanted another beer even though he was half way through his first. I never complain about service, but this got annoying. More importantly, the food was even saltier than before! Both the butternut squash entree and the duck confit parpardelle entree were extremely salty, which is very disappointing for a high end place. The flourless chocolate cake for dessert was not warm and dense as they usually are, but instead had a cheap-tasting chocolate icing on top. I really want to love Bergamot, so I hope they can do better...
(3)
Shantanu K.

Bergamot had been on my list of places to eat for a while and finally went there a couple of weeks ago with my wife. Was it worth driving from Boston to Somerville for this restaurant? oh yeah!. The food at this place was awesome, not only did it taste fabulous, but also the way it was served was great. We had some gnocchi and fish, tried the sweet corn ice-cream for dessert (it had a nice hint of cilantro). The only complain I have is that the dinner menu is very limited. There were just 13 food items on the menu (including the appetizers), so there wasn't much to choose from. On my way out, I ran into one of the waiters who told me that the menu changes very regularly ( i guess daily), which means that if you liked something at this place, it may not be on the menu the next time you show up . I would also highly recommend to make reservations, this place get fairly crowded.
(4)
A D.

Im a big believer in judging a restaurant by the bread they give you and bergmot has very good bead but its one of those restaurants where the server asks you would you like A slice of bread and puts one slice of bread on your plate - thats how you know your in a fancy restaurant and im more of a bread in a bowl in the middle of the table kind of girl. The dinner was great. I had cod. Portions are small for my standards but its thats kind of place - fancy - where they give you small portions. Dessert was yum too - althought a tad bit on the small side as well. I ordered coke and got cola in a bottle - it was very different and a nice treat. Although the food, drink and service was top notch. I knock half a star for the small portions and the other half star as i felt the dinning room for a fancy restaurant lacked any personality. They should make the dining room have the personality there food has.
(4)
Tuli S.

I came back to Bergamot to try the 7 course tasting (Groupon is 85 for 2 people). Overall the tasting was nice. Nothing wowed me but for the price I felt like it was worth it. We ended up spending another 50 or so on drinks. Still water is 8.00, (which they do not warn you about). We started with a complementary melon and mustard seed. Simple. 1st - Beet and goat cheese salad. I love beets so this was good but teeny. 2nd - Bean salad. Not a fan. Pretty boring. 3rd- Mussels and sausage with a parsley puree. I liked this. 4th-
(3)
Elizabeth V.

Came here recently for the 7-course chef's tasting, and it was great. We had a groupon deal (like many others) and the entire staff never blinked an eye about it - a nice touch for sure, as some places look down their noses at Groupon customers. The entire experience was lovely, top to bottom. All the staff were friendly and nice, and the service quality was great down to the timing of the plates and our wine pairings. I've come to Bergamot in the past and found it was ok, but not "wow". This evening definitely made me rethink my position and I would definitely return for a nice meal (especially with a Groupon!)
(4)
Zest A.

We went for a 7-course Chef's Tasting menu. Please check the link below for photos and my reviews on Bergamot. zestandleisure.blogspot.â€¦
(5)
Kara C.

If you love fresh ingredients and interesting combinations, Bergamot is hands down the best deal in greater Boston. They have this amazing $40 prix fixe menu for an app, entree and dessert. I took my whole family, and they had a blast, even though we all ended up ordering similar things! The wine list was perfect, and the waiter provided excellent recommendations. The food service is timed perfectly and they bring multiple rounds of bread in case you're extra hungry. You need a reservation to get in, but if you have enough foresight, it is great for groups of 2-6!
(4)
San W.

Bergamot (ber-gah-mott...should've looked this up sooner, I've been leaving out the "t" all along...) b. took me here for my birthday as a sort-of-surprise. (I guessed where we were going before we got there...I know, I know, it's really annoying for the surpriser but it's just so much fun for the surprisee!) We got there a bit early so were asked to take a seat on the couch while we waited for our table to be prepared. The couch faced the dining area, which is one big open space so that was a little awkward especially since we were so close to one of the tables of diners (one of whom is a food blogger I follow! I was a little star struck and trying my best not to be creepy about it). We didn't have to wait long for our cozy table in the corner by the wall-length windows. And the night went like this: Pretty much perfect. Yup. Got a couple of glasses of a muscadet (moos-cah-day...yeah, didn't get it right that time) wine with their 3-course prix-fixe (pre-fix...this one I knew!) menu, which they offer every night. $42 for a choice of any appetizer, entrÃ©e, and dessert! And their menu seems to change often enough so you won't get bored. If they have the lobster risotto, GET IT. You're welcome in advance. Everything was tastefully presented and delicious. And they even brought out a candle for me with dessert. Service was impeccable, higher end without the pretentious air. Fancy as in dinner napkins are promptly refolded and placed back in place on the table even when you leave temporarily to use the restroom. Our waiter was knowledgeable and courteous. And the food is just so good! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and I look forward to coming back!
(5)
Ozma O.

An absolutely wonderful spot for a celebration. Beautifully prepared and innovative food with an unpretentious atmosphere.
(4)
Lauren M.

My husband and my parents came here for dinner on a Friday night. We had reservations and were seated right away. We all dined a la carte and loved every bit of it! Everything from the food to the cocktails was innovative, balanced and delicious. The only hiccup was our server who was clearly on one of his first shifts and seemed a bit nervous and shaky because of it.
(5)
Kevin D.

I had an excellent time here. Food was great (the mustard walnut butter that comes with the bread was quite the treat!) and the service was excellent. While a bit pricey, this place makes a great date spot or really any semi fancy dinner
(4)
Janet J.

Bought a Groupon for the 7-course tasting menu for two ($85). Some dishes were pretty good - the steak and the fish, but some were not - roasted beets, salad with cherries. Out of the 7-course meal, I only truly enjoyed about 3 dishes. A little disappointed. Overall, service was nice and the ambiance was great. The food definitely could have been better. Even with the Groupon, it is pricey for what you get. But I'm curious to return for their regular menu because it was packed on a Wednesday night!
(3)
Aaron K.

Came in with a groupon for the 7 course tasting. Most importantly we weren't treated like we were dining at a discount. Bergamot provided excellent service and a nice atmosphere. Service was extremely polished, knew every ingredient in every dish, knew when to come to the table, served dishes to the entire party (of 4) at once using multiple servers (for every course!), and timing was on point! The food was very good, well prepared, beautiful to look at, and used many fresh ingredients that worked very well together. Was there anything that wowed us? Not really, but everything was very good. The tasting menu was nicely balanced with 2 salads, a couple fatty meat dishes (pork belly and sirloin steak), a salmon dish, and a dessert. Stand outs were the fresh salads and pork belly. Dessert was disappointing as it was very tiny. While portions seemed to be good enough for a tasting and I felt content leaving the restaurant, I was hungry a short time after leaving. I recommend grabbing extra bread with some of that mushroom butter (one of the other highlights of the meal). Mixed drinks are not to be missed, well prepared and definitely well worth the price tag. Overall Bergamot provides an all around very good dining experience. Is it a unique experience? No. Do they do everything extremely well? Yes.
(4)
Jeff M.

On my most recent visit I found mediocre food and impersonal service. And slow service for others. I ate my entire meal in an hour while the table next to me didn't even have a single course yet. Is that what happens when a chef spreads himself thinly across two separate restaurants?
(2)
Diana B.

The best restaurant experience in a very long time!! I came in as a solo diner and got the royal treatment. They totally respected me and took care of me as they did all the other patrons. The interior decor is charming and beautiful. Booth and table seating are comfortable. The $44 3-course options the way to go. Best way to taste the range of dishes. The cuisine is delicious and seafood is their speciality. I had the Pollock app, Scallop entree and specialty dessert of the day. Also definitely pair with wine their selection is excellent. The service is excellent, food is inventive, decor is beautiful - I highly recommend coming here!!!!! Thank you to all the staff, cooks and chef for giving me such a great and memorable experience!!! I appreciate your generous hospitality! Thank you
(5)
Colette M.

The three course for $42 is a great deal. I had the lamb ravioli as an appetizer, cod as an entrÃ©e, and corn dessert. The cod was tender and just melts in your mouth. The eggplant is also wonderful. Also had a bottle of Domaine Monpertuis wine which was excellent. The waiter gave us a treat at the end, coconut caramels. Fantastic place and the service was wonderful.
(5)
Nicolay S.

This is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, but you need to do it right. Do: The three-course prix fixe. Best deal in town. Choose what's seasonal. Their menu changes often. Go for the fish. Whether it's halibut, salmon, or tuna - doesn't matter. Just go for it, and you won't regret it. Get a cocktail. Don't: The 7-course tasting menu is a bit of a drag. Plates are too small, take awhile to arrive at your table, and you won't necessarily like everything they give you. The wine pairings are hit-or-miss. Choose a nice bottle of wine and call it a day. Their sommelier is super helpful.
(5)
Richard H.

Excellent experience, flawless service, well-prepared cocktails, and fine food made for a wonderful Saturday evening. I booked Bergamot well in advance for an anniversary dinner and the waitstaff went out of their way to make our evening extra special. From the warm greeting at the door, to the window-side, candle-lit table, to the thoughtful anniversary message on our desert dish. Bergamot scored five stars across the board. The waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable - refilling water glasses, offering more bread, checking-in at perfect timing, providing advice and overviews as needed. Despite the restaurant being full, we never felt rushed or in want of getting the waitstaff's attention. Bravo to the staff and service! Cocktails were delicious. I settled for the Quebecois (a fantastic spin on the classic Manhattan). The wine, beer, and cocktail list was comprehensive. As for the food, I agree with some of the other reviewers that the food is fine, nothing to write home about, nothing extraordinary, but a good value for the $42 prix fixe - seasonal American food. We opted for the prix fixe with the pumpkin risotto and charcuterie for the first course. Definitely order the rabbit risotto - delicate, juicy rabbit made for a great starter. The charcuterie featured three small portions, of which I enjoyed 2 out of the 3, the 3rd portion, a mixed cheese with chicken skin was a bit too salty and thick and I left most of it on the plate. For the main course, we settled on the monkfish (excellent dish, tasty, well-portioned) and the steak. The steak was tender and served over a white bean, but again, nothing spectacular. It left me satisfied, and ready for our final desert course. The caramel desert served with tart apricot was a bit overwhelming, but the chocolate cake was fine - served alongside a banana ice cream scoop. Overall a great meal due to the service, ambiance, and cocktails - food was fine - we will definitely recommend it to others as a great choice for a special night out.
(4)
Chantal G.

Review is specific to the bar burger. This may be the best burger I have tasted in the Cambridge-Somerville area. Highly recommended if you are interested in a quick burger- but the fancier upscale kind!
(5)
Maine D.

We really like this place . Recent visits have been good with nice service and tasty dishes; nicely seasoned fish and novel appetizers ; last evening our dinner was OK but service really BAD with waiter who never visited after dinner was served and who forgot a drink after it was ordered and was basically off the grid during our stay .Other reviewers reference the spotty service and they are correct. Not rushed , good desserts and small portions - few small pieces of flank steak; wine list is very good and very funky and wise selections . Not sure I would rush back; in fact I would not
(2)
jim b.

Quite frankly, of all the higher end / nicer places I've eaten in Boston (Craigie, Ten Tables, TW Food, etc) this is the only one I thought was really worth the money and would go back to in a heartbeat. That simple.
(5)
Samantha G.

Decent food and service! We got the 3 course meal...I ordered a seafood appetizer, the pork tenderloin (SOOOO GOOD!) and the "cheesecake" for dessert. Portions were small, but I was definitely satisfied by the time the meal was over. Cool environment, a little small, and maybe a little overpriced. Overall a good experience and will likely be back.
(4)
Alik W.

Overall, good but not great. Like many others, we were here with a Groupon for the tasting menu. I also got the wine pairings. I would say that at the discounted price, it was excellent value. Had I paid full price, I'd be irritated. We had: -amuse bouche of octopus and chickpeas (excellent) - beet and goat cheese salad (well executed, but not exactly inspired) - house smoked salmon with soft egg (great execution, good balance of smoke, fat, and spice) - butternut soup with bacon and smoked mussels (pretty good; I don't like squash soup and I still liked this) - rabbit risotto (perfectly cooked and loved the rabbit, wanted more) - roast salmon with potatoes (really not great; under salted, looked like farmed Atlantic Salmon, and overall a big deviation) - skirt steak with broad beans (in a lovely veal jus that I would have mopped up had they not grabbed my plate) - dessert of walnut, meringue, cranberry, and pear. (Well balanced) What was missing for that final star would be (A) ditching the environmentally terrible and bland salmon and (B) a little more consistent service. Started out great, good with the wine, then suddenly disappeared around course 5 and when the check came. Then suddenly an extra check-in from the host on the way out, which was puzzling. The wine pairings did go well. It's an expensive flight at $50, and nothing that I'd run and grab a bottle of, but a nice complement to the meal, the pours are enough that two light drinkers could share them.
(4)
John L.

Om Nom Nom Nom! Bergamot combines excellent service with excellent food for an overall wonderful experience. Everything about Bergamot is perfect: from the greetings at the front to friendly bar service (the trivia board is an excellent touch, and everyone there is really into it) this place is a major winner. The drinks are excellent: well made and delightful, with a perfect balance of spirit and other things. The food is excellent (I had monkfish, perfectly prepared). The service is outstanding, from coat check to the bar (both bartenders were beyond excellent) to management. In general, if you are looking for excellent food and excellent service in Somerville, this is the place to go!
(5)
Noa C.

Seasonal american food - what more can you ask for?? The food here is wonderful, every single ingredient on the plate has a purpose and it's all so very pretty. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is welcoming. Everyone who works there know their stuff about the cocktails, beers, wines and dishes. It's always impressive when I can ask a runner about a dish and he can answer my question. It really shows how well trained and cared for the staff is. I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)
Alyson S.

How does one choose to start a review for Bergamot? You need and I mean absolutely need to go check out their tasting menu. Life changing good food! A friend and I did just this one evening fully enjoying our girls nice night out. We arrived and were promptly seated for our reservation (I highly recommend a reservation). The intimate but not too small space provides an atmosphere to catch up and chat while enjoying quiet meal. The tasting menu changes by what's available and fresh. Literally didn't meet a course I didn't love. It ranges from salads to chowder to a variety of meats. We opted for the wine pairing and were not disappointed. There are no specific words that could get across how much I enjoyed my meal, how nice the waitstaff was, or how much you should go check it out for yourself!
(5)
Emily L.

First, I want to start this review by giving a shout out to David C. for informing me of their spectacular $39 prix fixe menu! The prix fixe menu is available 7 nights a week and includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert. What's the catch you say? Being absurdly full by the end of the meal. Although the price is low for the prix fixe, the staff at Bergamot does not cut corners when it comes to portion size. For my three-course meal, I had the charcuterie plate, the pan-seared Sea Bream, and the Chocolate Bourbon Bete Noire - omg, every dish was amazing! The charcuterie plate offered three different types of meats: heart liver, sausage, and head cheese. The fish meat was light and flaky and was the perfect balance to the charcuterie. The chocolate and the mint julep ice cream that accompanied it was probably on par with the dessert that I had at L'Espalier - yes it's really that good! I definitely look forward to visiting Bergamot on a regular basis!
(5)
David G.

I used to live a couple of blocks from this place and it was always a great venue for celebratory drinks. Of course, I would always make up events to celebrate just so I could return. The bartenders are awesome. Knowledgeable, friendly, great conversationalists and eager to introduce a willing patron to a new cocktail or liquor. The house drinks are almost all a little sweet so come prepared with an idea of what you like or just try something new. We would usually eat at the bar as the bar menu was slightly more inexpensive and delicious. The fries that accompany the limited quantity burger are so good, Also that is the only way to get your hands on the fries. I came here once to sit in the restaurant, not at the bar, with enough people that we ordered every entree. I sampled everyone's dish (I was eating with family, so it was kind of OK) and seriously, every dish was spectacular. I love Bergamot.
(5)
Emily S.

Had reservations here for a Sunday night. The atmosphere and decor is very elegant and chic. Everyone in my group of 5 decided to get the Prix fix menu for $42. They start off by placing a piece of bread on your plate, they have a few different varieties, but they give you a spicy honey butter that is delicious! I started with the braised rabbit risotto and it was delicious, I ate the entire thing and wanted more! The process of the 3 course meal is pretty lengthy so prepare yourself to be there over 2 hours, but it's because they wait a good amount of time in between dishes so you're never too full for the next round. For dinner I got the Pan roasted monk fish, which I thought was delectable, particularly the caramelized onions it came with and the celery root purÃ©e, which was more the texture of mashed potatoes, than the liquidy side I was expecting. At the end of dinner they provide you with a dessert menu, which was a little disappointing because they offer about 5 dessert options that all had some sort of strange combination of ingredients. I don't remember what it was called but I got a chocolate dessert with banana ice cream. The cake turned out to be delicious, but the banana ice cream was not for me. Overall, if you're looking for a nice dinner with dishes that are thoughtfully put together, this is a good place to try!
(4)
Adam G.

One of the best meals I have had this year. We went for the chef's tasting menu and were pretty blown away. First off, bravo to the staff for impeccable service. Probably the best service I have had in Boston in several years. From the moment we entered, to each plate coming out, we felt cared for and like the staff are proud of the food that they are serving. Well, they should be! We started with a beet and greens salad, had some amazing pureed vegetable soup, beef tartar and a beautiful piece of fish among other things. Each dish tasted delicious, a thoughtful and carefully prepared collection of flavors, textures and smells that continued to get better as it lingered in our mouths. We had a vegetarian in our party and his dishes were every bit as delicious as our own. I am happy to have discovered this place and will certainly be back. Well done Bergamot!
(5)
Yvonne D.

Went back for another seven-course tasting again tonight and was so pleased to see that they are consistently top notch in both food and service. The foods are so unique, creative, and flavorful. Waitstaff is very attentive, but not annoyingly so. Nice balance. Always happy to give their advice on best drinks to order based on your preferences. I ended up with a perfect mojito. Not sweet at all. The restaurant dress recommendation is dressy, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and button down shirts, so my advice would be don't overdo it. The food is fine dining quality as is the waitstaff and service, however the atmosphere is pretty casual. The only thing I would change is maybe a card with the evening's course tastings listed, so you know what you're eating. Sometimes the wait staff speaks too quickly or quietly. I know this might be difficult as things change so quickly, but just a thought... Loved it so much, we booked our next reservations!
(5)
Nina K.

The restaurant is nice and the food was delicious, but the chef's tasting menu disappointed. $75 for 7 tiny different dishes that did not fill us up was very disappointing. I think we'd rather pay more money if it meant getting more food or at least more dishes....? The mocktails and wine were delicious at least!
(3)
Lauren S.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in all of Boston/Somerville/Cambridge. We moved to the neighborhood when it opened and we've been loyal customers since. First of all- best bartender I've ever known. Go introduce yourself to Paul. Best jokes, best cocktails. Servio and Kai and Lilly will all make you feel at home. Creative takes on American cuisine. Great value (Craigie/TWFoods quality at a better price point) Their dessert chef is superb. Always delicious bread and butter combo. We will miss Bergamot! Thank you for adding so much to the Somerville chapter in lives!
(5)
Xin Z.

Went there with BF using a Groupon. Had their 6 course tasting menu and loved their veal dish! BF said all the course are great that he wants to do it again :)
(4)
Mark T.

Great food, best service I've ever received. The sketchily didn't count my meal as prix fixe because I ordered tea instead of desert--- but it wasn't enough to tarnish my experience.
(5)
Cherry C.

We came here for New Year's Eve dinner last night. I joined Yelp just so I could write this review. 1. We had a 5:30 reservation, but when we got there on time the door was still locked. It was cold outside so we waited in an ATM around the corner and came back after a few minutes to find the door still locked. Somebody actually saw us outside, yet he did not come over to let us in or explain what the delay was. 2. We ordered the 7 course tasting menu. Service was very slow and due to a mix up in the kitchen, they skipped our second course and brought out the third course by mistake. They even tried to explain that our previous dish was the second course, as if we couldn't tell the difference between consomme and carpaccio. Once they realized they messed up, they took the third course back and we had to wait even longer to finally get our second course at 7:30 (seated at 5:45). 3. Food - I couldn't tell if their sea urchin panna cotta actually had any sea urchin in it, but I'm sure one rabbit was enough to make the rabbit risotto for the entire restaurant based on how little there was. The foie gras torte and veal sirloin was just average. 4. Throughout our 4 hour meal, requests for bread and drinks were constantly forgotten. All in all, it was not a good experience for our New Year's Dinner.
(1)
A K N.

We went as a large party and the service was terrible, food mediocre for 8 of us and really good for 2 of us. Waiters were not knowledgeable, food was served cold. This was my first time, and I had heard a lot of good things about the place. I will not go there again. I ordered the quail from the pre-fix menu as appetizer, which was terrible, basically breakfast food at dinner. The main course was salmon, which was also terrible. My daughter ordered scallops which were not tasty. Overall if I could give this place a negative -2 I would.
(1)
Sara F.

My new favorite restaurant -- great service, excellent wine list, and delicious food. The only thing missing is more vegetarian and vegan options (I have a vegan friend who'd be SOL here), but this place is so yummy maybe I'll just find some new friends.
(5)
Anna B.

Unlike at some other places, the prix-fixe menu is 100% worth it! Heirloom tomatoes were amazing as an appetizer, grilled swordfish was perfectly cooked. Somehow I can't remember what I had for desert, as I was quite tipsy by then having downed a couple of whiskeys. From a look at the menu, I think it might have been the Frangipane Tart, but whatever I had was absolutely delicious. In addition, the staff is really great and accommodating. I came with a colleague without a reservation on a Friday night, they told us they were full but we could eat at the bar. Then all of a sudden we noticed a group of our friends and colleagues dining at a big table (they were a group of 6 who apparently just got seated). First they told us we couldn't join them, as they could not find a table that big for us. We said, no problem, don't worry about it. However, while we waited for our place at the bar, we kept hanging out near our friends' table catching up with them and chatting. At this point we didn't have any expectations to be seated with them, but staff noticed how much fun we were having and went out of their way to reunite us. After some complicated maneuvers, they managed to push a few tables together and accommodate all of us!
(5)
Binh L.

This is my new favorite restaurant. Seriously - whoa. So I love Craigie on the Main's Chef's Whim, but the tasting I had a few dishes that were missteps (whilst very delicious) that didn't flow very well. The Groupon 7 course tasting menu was thought out and flowed beautifully.. into my mouth. BREAD: Awesome bread with a maple chili butter. So.good. AMUSE BOUCHE - tomato crostini. Yum! Crisp, light, and savory. My mouth is watering for what is to come. FIRST COURSE: Local strawberry salad and greens with balsamic. Fricking bomb. First, you must know that I hate salad. Second, I love this salad. This was amazingly well balanced and I think I just ate spring in my mouth (with a touch of parm). SECOND COURSE: Fig, flatbread, and some mushroom and endives of sort. This was so interesting. It took the lightness of the first course and added layers of texture (the mushroom and flatbread) . THIRD COURSE: Sorry this will be a terrible description, but it is this thinly sliced meat, with a crostini, and a combination of beans and other greens. This is when I started to see how the meal was progressing with each taste palate from the prior course. This course embodied the brightness of the first course, variety of textures from the second, and start introducing yummy meat.. FOURTH COURSE: Crusted salmon (with maybe a pancetta?), cabbage, a little clam, and some beans. This is the best salmon I have ever had. The crust was wonderfully seasoned and crisp, but the salmon was tender and moist. The clam was a little off for me, but everything else tasted SO good together. Mm that cabbage. This course was still light and just a knotch up in heaviness. So perfect and.. delicious. FIFTH COURSE: Pasta, holy moly, so creamy and good. The sauce carried the creamy palate from the prior course along with the brightness of the vegetables (the tomato really shined). Could eat this pasta for days. SIXTH COURSE: Steak. Perfectly medium, and I will agree the hollandaise sauce is a little heavy, but.. what do you expect from a hollandaise? I can't believe anyone complained this wasn't enough food. I'm about stuffed and remorseful of my second or third helping of bread. PRE-DESSERT: Tamarind sorbet with crumble. Interesting and light. DESSERT: Sadly, I requested no heavy cream due to stomach problems which meant my lovely girlfriend had to deal with a lighter dessert of coconut and lime cake and icecream. This was alright. No Wow. POST-DESSERT: Yummy ganache and creame piece. Practically 10 courses, and I'm the happiest sucker ever. My girlfriend loved this anniversary dinner + the wine pairing was excellent. Win-win.. !!
(5)
Saurabh C.

First off, It was an amazing meal! I think the gnocchi that I had for an appetizer was one of the best things I have ever had. The best part about it was the service. Amazing. Everyone was amazing from the doorman to the servers and in between. We were treated really nicely, and the free samples didn't hurt! Do try their $39 pre-fix menu as it is a great deal!
(4)
Stephanie C.

We had our holiday party here and were treated like gold. The waitstaff were all warm, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the craft beers/cocktails they have to offer. The food was incredible. The menu is creative and delicious. The venison sausage stew was so good as well as everything else I was lucky to sample. My only regret is not coming here sooner! I highly recommend going to Bergamot asap!
(5)
Elizabeth K.

First off, you can't really go to a restaurant expecting to get a seven course tasting menu (especially when it is not on the actual menu) without calling ahead and requesting it. So, I find the people who knocked this place because of that to be totally ridiculous. Granted, maybe the restaurant should have stressed the importance of that fact in their fine print...but, still...it's not worth rating a place poorly because you don't understand how a restaurant runs... Anyway...here is what our tasting consisted of (a quick summary): Bread: Potato bread with rosemary butter. Amuse Bouche: Seabass First: Beet Salad Second: Carpaccio Third: Fig, flatbread, carrots, and grains Fourth: Pasta - amazingly creamy. We were told if we didn't have a lobster allergy in our group this would have been lobster bisque. Fifth: Bluefish. Sixth: Steak. First Dessert: fruity sorbet Second Dessert: hazelnut cake With the check: macaroon type cookies Overall, everything was good. Not mind-blowing, but solid. Surprisingly, everything could have used more salt. We thought that was strange. Also, we got the wine pairing as an add-on and enjoyed it, but, totally got the same glass of wine for two courses in a row. We found that weird too. Also, we would switch back and forth from whites to reds to roses back to reds which signaled to me something in the flow as kind of off. That's also clear from the fact our carpaccio came before our carrots and grains. But, overall, it was a great value, the servers were great, and I would totally go back without a Groupon.
(4)
Mike B.

My wife and I came here for a birthday dinner with high expectations. Expectations exceeded! We had heard some good things, but mostly just liked the look of the place as we walked and rode by it dozens of times. Our meal started with some of the most delicious bread we've ever had and a mustard-infused butter that was just wonderful. (We had three servings.) We skipped appetizers, as nothing seemed immediately appealing, but couldn't have been happier with the entrees. Simply put, they were the best scallops I've ever had. The taste, the texture ... just amazing. My wife had the chicken and praised the creative accoutrements and the lively flavors. For dessert, we did double duty, diving into the chocolate marquise and "The Last Dessert." The chocolate was rich and paired with a wonderfully chosen lavender ice cream. "TLD" was light, airy, and flavorful. The service -- from start to finish -- was top-notch. It was attentive, but not too attentive, which can be a difficult balance. And it was the little things -- scraping crumbs off the table, filling our water glasses whenever needed, folding a napkin during a trip to the bathroom -- that really set this place apart. A couple points off for giving us the table next to the waiter station. (It was a bit loud.) But the deduction isn't enough to take it down a star.
(5)
Basil S.

This is hands down my favorite restaurant to go for a nice dinner. The food is out of this world and the menu is constantly changing so you never get bored. The service is consistently phenomenal. You should absolutely check-out this place for dinner in Cambridge. Some pro-tips: - the bar has a few additional items that aren't available in the dining room - $1 oysters on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Ask Paul (the head bartender) to tell you about the 100 oysters he ate in 1 hour to make this deal available :) - you can get a 3 course prix-fixe for $42 (best prix fixe deal in Boston) - you get a 7 course tasting menu for ~ $70
(5)
Erin B.

2.5 stars. I can't say that the experience was bad, but it just wasn't for me. The service is not my style. At least one person came over to the table every 5 minutes or so to do something ...most of it unnecessary (refill water glass that was 3/4 full, give more bread, even though we said we didn't want anymore) I'm not sure if they were training new staff or what, but there was a ridiculous amount of staff wandering around looking for something to do. I asked that my wine glass be left on the table because I might want wine with my entree and after having to explain this multiple times (sometimes to the same person) someone finally took my wine glass away as my entree arrived. It was rather frustrating. I've dined at upscale restaurants before where the service is superb and I don't run into similar problems. The portions are small, but the food was fresh, creative and tasted good. The tables are too small for the plates that they serve the tiny portions on, and they left two bottles of water (one sparkling and one still) on our table while they went around with a pitcher to some other tables. I'm guessing it was on off night for them, but I wasn't wowed and probably wouldn't go back unless specifically invited by someone else.
(2)
Regina W.

Dear Bergamot, Our love affair continues. Your bartenders are friendly, super knowledgeable and make us want to keep coming back over and over. You could be a wee-bit more vegetarian friendly with your bar menu, but that won't keep us from coming back cause we're in love. Thanks, Regina
(5)
Lisa S.

Oh how I love Bergamot. It's wonderful from start to finish. It's a small to medium sized place with lovely decor. (Small peeve the bench along the wall is so low as compared to the table that I always feel like a midget kid when I sit there.) The service is impeccable: the servers know the menu, they will give honest recommendations, and provide discrete, excellent service. And, oooohh, the drinks. Really one of the best bars in town. Perfectly prepared and very interesting. My husband always struggles with getting his favorite, Le QuÃ©bÃ©cois, versus something new. The menu is small but very well-rounded, with generous fish options. There's something for everyone here: great vegan all the way to full-on omnivore. I tend to limit meat and pasta to an infrequent treat, but, here, I'll treat. The gnocchi! The pork belly! But also: the brussel sprouts! The beets! The mushrooms! If there is a weakness, it's the desserts. I love that they are small and gorgeously presented and -that they are interesting in theory, but I've not loved a couple I've had: one of their clafoutis, for instance. People have mentioned the prix fixe menu for good reason. It's a wonderful deal and a great insider find.
(5)
Kate B.

Bergamot is a delight all around! Living in Union Square makes Bergamot a quick walk, and it is an absolute neighborhood gem. They have a fantastic prix fixe option for $42- appetizer, entree, and dessert. My husband and I took advantage of this for our anniversary last night, and it did not disappoint. I started with the beet tartar(so summery and fresh) and he had the gazpacho, which despite my distaste for cold soups, was awesome. We followed that up with the eggplant gratin and pork loin, both of which were perfect, and for dessert the Eton Mess and the Corn. The Eton Mess basically is July 4th in a dessert, there's no other way to put it. I'm currently pregnant and abstaining, but his Old Cuban and wine were apparently also fabulous. Service was great- I agree that the multiple people waiting on you, as mentioned in other reviews, is a bit odd, but everyone was knowledgeable, professional, and lovely. A definite must try!
(5)
Bill S.

Flawless service and knowledgable waiters. My wife and I like to be gluten free and generally on a low glycemic diet. They don't even pause. No bread, we will serve you olives (a wonderful substitution). Dish served on toast: we'll substitute lettuce (again excellent). The food is very creative and quite tasty. I have been there three times: two for a 7 course tasting and once for the 3 course special and it has always been excellent.
(5)
Kelly M.

Along with Ten Tables, Bergamot is on our short list of in-the-neighborhood-but-we-don't-let-ourselves-go-Âhere-because-it's-so-good-and-we're-afraid-to-get-Âtired-of-it restaurants. So worth it, though. Keep it for special occasions and enjoy to the fullest: drinks, beer, wine, small plates, entrees, dessert -- there's not anything we've gotten that I wouldn't recommend, and if you see anything on the menu with lobster mushrooms, don't hesitate (maybe if you have a fungi allergy, hesitate. But even then, think about it first).
(5)
Seb G.

First off, food was delicious. We found the menu quite limited, but every single dish was high quality. Bad point: despite a reservation, we had to wait for 25min by the door before getting our table (party of 2...), and an additional 15min to get our drinks (the Montenegroni is delicious!). The rest of the service was correct.
(3)
Daniel B.

$39 for a three-course, fixed price meal? Check. Outstanding food? Check plus! Everything was delicious, from the appetizers to the desserts. The food rivaled much more expensive restaurants. We'll definitely be back. One nit: the noise level is loud.
(4)
Adam L.

I scheduled a large dinner meeting at Bergamot for 30 people. The food was amazing. I tried a beet salad, a mushroom risotto, ravioli made with hens in the woods mushrooms and a fantastic pollack. The presentation was beautiful, the food was genuinely gourmet. The service was great and the restaurant was beautiful. The staff was responsive. I would recommend this to my friends without hesitation!
(5)
Eric M.

I liked Bergamot. I went there tonight because I missed my favorite spot in Chicago, the Michelin-and-James Beard-winning Naha in Chicago, and Bergamot seems like it has some of the same goals as Naha. I had great service, which I do highly value, and the food was mostly good. But no matter what, they don't rise to 5-star territory and the difference between 4-star and 3-star is sometimes hard to divine. So I'll just lay it out and you can decide whether I should have gone with 4 instead of 3 stars: Service was very good good for this level of dining. The only thing I consider to be an actual mis-step was "saving" a table knife instead of replacing it. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine when fine dining places don't replace used cutlery between courses. Even from an environmental standpoint, in the course of service and washing for a place the size of Bergamot, it probably doesn't even save any water and it still leaves a buttery knife sitting on the table just waiting to get butter on my jacket sleeve or altering the flavor of whatever else I may want to use it for. Even just one soiled jacket sleeve getting dry cleaned probably offsets a whole month of washing extra knives. In other words - just replace it, it's the right thing to do in a fine dining setting. I had the pappardelle, which was the texture of spaetzle instead of the better pappardelles I've had. Should be thin, smooth, al dente but silky, not thick and soft. Also was a "lemon" pappardelle, with "watermelon radish" but had no bite at all. It needed something to offset the richness. Then I had the yuca gnocchi. Even though two pasta courses is an unorthodox meal, they just both sounded good. The gnocchi was light and fluffy enough, and it was seared just right. I had it with the chicharron addition, which was nice. One thing it did need, though, was more avacado, and something to liven it up. If I hadn't had the chicharron, I really wouldn't have liked it, but even with that it needed something to keep me from thinking, "I just paid $27 for yuca con chicharron." Perhaps they could mix it up with Chinese black beans instead of Latin American black beans, or a splash of something like curtido to offset the richness and liven it up. Finally, I had the cheese course for dessert. This was a solid selection of cheeses. The only two suggestions I might have for it are that the honey could have included some nuts and been more plentiful. The date jam was nice, and had some anise in it. I'd have liked to see a blue cheese in the selection, but that's really just a personal preference and not a criticism. I also asked the server to pair wine with each course. A riesling with the paplardelle was a good choice. For the gnocchi he suggested a special wine from Texas they had. I liked the suggestion for the novelty, although strictly speaking the pairing wouldn't have been my first choice, but I'm glad I got to try a novel wine. With the cheese, he suggested a Piedmontese wine, but I changed it out for a second suggestion he had which worked better in my opinion, although neither would be something I'd pick again. Overall, 4/5 stars for the wine service itself, which was well-presented and well-performed, but maybe only 3/5 stars for the selection of pairings. Overall, I left happy. Even with a good tip, I spent less there than I'd been prepared to spend, which is always nice, and the food was good, if not great. I'd go back if I lived a bit closer or someone else wanted to take me, although it wasn't so amazing that I'd go there again before having checked out other places in the area. Overall, worth trying. I don't have enough Boston-area experience to rate it relative to Boston places, but relative to national places it's good but not great.
(3)
Andrea B.

If it wasn't for the woefully small desserts, I probably would have awarded Bergamot five stars. Because boy are they serving up some DELICIOUS food. The $39 prix fixe is a pretty awesome deal and gets you an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I had: The house-made charcuterie, which was everything you'd every wish for from a meat spread. It wasn't a skimpy appetizer by any means, and I was already feeling full by the time I was done with it. Plenty of bread came with it too. The roasted heritage pork shoulder, which also was generously portioned. It came with zucchini, roasted red onion, corn bread croutons, and buttermilk dressing. Again, no skimping on this dish - there was plenty of everything on my plate. And the pork was juicy and tender. The ricotta cheesecake - with peaches, graham crackers, champagne foam, and honey. Sounds delicious, right? Well, it was. But it was so tiny! Too tiny! I want more! The only other disappointing part of the night was that when we arrived for our 7 o'clock reservation, we were told that our table wasn't ready just yet. We ended up sitting on a sofa and waiting for a good 20 minutes. Don't you usually make reservations so you can avoid that??
(4)
Ja K.

Review is based on sitting and eating at the bar. My wife and I love Bergamot, one of our go to date night spots. We love to come here and just sit at the bar and share dishes and drinks. The restaurant is refined yet perfectly accessible, the service is proper without being pretentious, and the atmosphere is polished while remaining comfortable and casual. The bar staff is entertaining and professional; they know what they are doing and take their roles seriously, its pretty refreshing. The food is always interesting and delicious. Drinks are great, my wife usually gets cocktails and speaks highly of pretty much everything she's had here and I've always liked at least one of the few drafts they carry. It can be a bit pricey but always feels like a bargain for the quality of the service and the food. I cant recommend this place enough for an intimate evening or just a relaxing bite to eat with a friend.
(5)
RoslindaMal E.

I really like the Bergamot and have been here several times; experiencing both their regular menu and prefix menu. Last night I tried the 7 course chef's tasting for the first time. Each course was extremely flavorful. Please note, the portions are small - this is after all called a "tasting". The portions are something to keep in mind as a tasting menu is geared more to foodies looking for a culinary experience than to people looking for a big meal. So if you are looking for a big meal you may want to think twice about ordering the 7 course chef's tasting (particularly at $75/person). Though my main waiter came across as being a bit pretentious, the larger team of waitstaff did a great job of servicing us. The beer menu is great. Though pricey at $12/bottle, I love how the Bergamot offers German Helles on their beer menu. I really like the ambiance at the Bergamot as well. One thing to note, I used a Groupon for their tasting menu. In December, I tried to book reservations for a Friday or Saturday night. I was given a date in February as to the earliest when they could accommodate my Friday or Saturday reservation for two people. The date they gave me was also the date the Groupon expired so if you are thinking about buying a Groupon it will probably be difficult to have a Friday or Saturday seating even if you book far in advance. (I was able to get a Sunday night seating.) I would definitely recommend the Bergamot.
(5)
David C.

I came here on Sunday for dinner with some friends. We arrived at 5:30PM, right when they opened, and stayed for quite some time. Upon entering, the host offered to take our jackets and seated us promptly. I decided to go with their Prix Fixe option, which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I'm really glad I did. I chose the House-Made Charcuterie for my appetizer and was very pleased. The three different meats that day were delicious. One had a quail egg on top, and I love eggs. My girlfriend Winter Salad which was very good as well. For my entree I got the Berkshire Pork. I thought that the dish was cooked perfectly. The Brussels sprouts and sweet potato puree complemented it very nicely. My girlfriend chose the swordfish, which was also excellent. To finish the night, I got the Black Olive Clafoutis, and the girlfriend picked the Sticky Toffee Pudding. I really liked her dish, the cake was really good and the toffee ended my meal nicely. Coffee was solid as well. This is definitely one of the better meals I've had in the Boston, MA area. I'd definitely come back here in the future and would love to try their other selections!
(5)
Chris T.

I was really excited to try this restaurant out and luckily I was able to snatch up one of the 7 course tasting menu Groupons a couple months ago. I should have known that by "Tasting Menu", it would be just that. A taste. Each of the 7 courses was only about 3-4 bites over a 2 1/2 hour period, with some chefs complimentary bites along the way. It's just weird when you leave a restaurant as hungry, or even more hungry than when you first entered. I felt bad asking for more bread, which was AWESOME, but I had to, to prevent my insides from eating themselves. Our waiter was awesome. Very knowledgeable about the drink list and our sparkling Vouvray and explained every course in detail. Our waters were always filled and we were given the right amount of attention. As for the food, some courses were hits, such as the Hake and the Beet Salad, and some were misses, such as the Hanger Steak with a very artificial pepper taste to it and the Pumpkin soup. In the end, I'm glad that I came here because it is a very nice date spot with great drinks and good food, but I can't help to feel that I just didn't get my value. I understand that I was one of those Groupon customers, but the point of it is that you want me to come back into your restaurant. Not leaving feeling unsatisfied. We were seriously looking up other restaurants nearby in between courses because we were THAT hungry. We actually ended up going across the street to Dali which eventually filled us up. But in all seriousness, this is a good restaurant. The service is as professional as it gets, the attention to detail is on point, and there are some creative dishes popping out from that open kitchen. I would just recommend getting a bite and some drinks beforehand somewhere else so you won't have that empty feeling in your stomach come bill time.
(3)
Ken Y.

Started off w/ an amuse bouch of fried salted cod topped w/ a little chunk of olive (see photo) in a bit of tomator sauce. Probably would have been better warm, but it was cold. The prix fixe for the day included scallops w/ fennel on an orange emulsion (sounded more complicated than it looked, but it tasted good :-). The entree was a perfectly cooked scate with mushrooms and tomatoes; this was great and reinstated my fondness for skate (last time I had it at a different place, it was overcooked and terrible). The dessert was a sugar cake w/ ice cream and blueberries (tasted better than it sounded). We also tried the confit tuna on top of heirloom tomatoes from the regular menu. This unfortunately didn't work for either of us because we prefer tuna rare/raw. I'd go so far as to say it was a waste of good tuna :-P The entree off the menu was beef tenderloin w/ corn. This was well cooked and the corn was very sweet...more so than we've been able to find farmer's markets this year. Bergamot changes their prix fixe every day and announce it via their facebook page. As you can see, the portions are a bit bigger on the regular menu. The prix fixe was adequate for me (I'm one of those weird skinny hungry freaks :-), but would have been full if I had eaten from the regular menu. All in all, a good experience for me. My DC liked the prix fixe better since we both hated the tuna. Total for both of us after tips was $110 (neither of us drink unfortunately)
(4)
Rachel S.

One of the best meals I've ever had in my LIFE. From the moment my boyfriend and I walked into the restaurant we felt welcome and at ease. The extremely friendly host shook our hands, took our coats, and made us feel like we were at a home away from home. If you sit at the bar on certain nights they have extremely fresh and delicious dollar oysters from Plymouth and the Cape. We decided to do that and then grabbed a table after we finished our oysters. The prix fixe menu is a great deal at $39/pp and you get to choose from the ENTIRE menu, with only an additional charge here and there for certain entrees. We ate here for our anniversary but my boyfriend will have to forgive me for enjoying most of the meal with my eyes closed because the food was so good I wanted to savor the hell out of each bite. Everything we enjoyed was fresh, super flavorful, and creatively served. I wish there was less pork on the menu but I doubt substitutions would be a problem, so I can't really complain. The waitstaff was helpful and didn't make me feel silly about asking any questions. If you want a high quality, unpretentious, wonderful meal and romantic evening, I can't recommend Bergamot enough.
(5)
Lala I.

decent food but extremely slow service.
(3)
Molly K.

The highest rated restaurant on opentable beginning with a "B" in Boston is Bergamot, in Somerville. A bit far off the beaten path, it is reachable by car. Boasting a 27/30 Zagat score, it has been on my to-go-to list for a while now. I was able to fit in a dinner here before a going away party with a friend. We headed over for an early dinner and were greeted by about 25 staff members spread throughout the restaurant with only 2 other tables seated. At first this was intimidating, but over the course of the meal, all of the tables filled up, and each staff member was bustling around being attentive, but not intrusive. We went for the 3-course meal for a steal of a restaurant-week similar price of $39. We started with their version of Pimm's cup (one of my favorite drinks...obviously) with Pimm's, lemon, Tomr's tonic, and ginger ale. It is definitely one of my favorites I have found in the Boston area, I just wished they had incorporated fresh strawberries! First course was the sweet corn agnolotti with shrimp, tomato, and marjoram. It was by far the highlight of the meal, I could have easily had 2 of these as my entrÃ©e. The agnolotti were little pillows of deliciousness by themselves, and when combined with the corn, shrimp, and tomato, they make a perfect combination. Second course was the grilled arctic char with romano beans, tasso ham, roasted fingerling potatoes, and a green peppercorn beurre blanc. The course was presented cleanly and tasted as good as it looked. The highlights for me were the fingerling potatoes and the small cubes of tasso ham. We finished with the dessert course, where I went with the "Berries and Cream" combination of raspberry sorbet with crÃ¨me fraÃ®che ice cream. It was tasty, but I wished I had gone with the chocolate sponge cake with bing cherries, chocolate peppermint ice cream, and vanilla cream after seeing my friend's delight after tasting it! Overall, the meal was delicious and the ambiance was nice and mildly energetic. The volume was perfect, there was a quiet buzz about but we had no difficulty hearing each other (maybe due to the fact that the next youngest people in the restaurant by 8pm were 40 years old). Yes, I would go again, but the only con would be the fact that is it not easily accessible by the T. Pictures and more on -- ----
(4)
Chad W.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The atmosphere is relaxing, the prices especially with the prix fixe were reasonable, and the food is exceptional. I highly recommend the mushroom bread pudding for an appetizer (it conjures up the essence of the perfect Thanksgiving dinner). I also highly recommend the pork (very balanced and complex). Will return!!!
(5)
Samantha K.

I took advantage of a recent Groupon for the 7 course tasting and could not have been happier with my first experience at Bergamot. The service was outstanding - perhaps the best I've experienced in similar "hot spot" restautants - and the food was absolute perfection. The tasting featured 7stand-out courses including vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish and every bite was an interesting and savory combination of flavors. The cocktails (and mocktails) rival the food menu, and it was worth asking the exceptionally knowledgeable bar manager to "surprise us" with a few of each. I will definitely be back to try more. Expertly done!
(5)
Sarah R.

We had the most fantastic meal at Bergamot - one of the very best we've had in Boston, in fact. We booked a table on the spur of the moment early evening for the same evening, the earliest we were able to get a table was 8.30, which was fine by us. We arrived a little early, but they were able to seat us straight away. We had been meaning to come for a while, and were partly attracted by the prix-fixe menu, which offers three courses from the standard menu for $39. I think this is great value, especially as there are lots of options to choose from, which is not normally the case for a set menu. There are a few things which incur a supplement, but even discounting those there's plenty of choice. There's also a good and not too expensive selection of beers and wine by the glass, including a really great dry Spanish cider which we loved. To start, I had the beef carpaccio, which was delicious. My only complaint was that the accompaniments slightly overwhelmed the beef, but as they were delicious I didn't mind! My bf had the charcuterie which was just incredible. I think it changes, but he had the chicken liver mousse, which was soooo smooth and chickeny, a beef terrine - I'm not sure what went in that, but it was incredible, and some delicious ham. It was, without doubt, one of the best things I've eaten in Boston. For mains, we both had the flat iron steak. It was very nice - the pommes anna were fantastic, and I loved the caramelised onion hollandaise, a very clever idea. We were also very pleased because we were trying to choose a red wine to go with it, and our waiter made some suggestions, then let us try two before deciding, which I thought was great. If I were going again, I would order one of their more experimental mains, because although the steak was delicious, it was quite simple, and some of the other flavour combinations in the mains look really exciting. That's not a criticism, I really wanted a steak last night and it delivered. For pudding (which we really didn't need, but there we go), I had a rhubarb clafoutis, and he had the chocolate gateaux, both of which were outstanding, not to mention beautifully presented. We had the most wonderful evening at Bergamot - really special, and exceptional food. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Maurice H.

We went for our 45th anniversary, and the service could not have been better, The food is excellent and the staff is friendly and helpful.
(4)
Natalie V.

Well the food was okay . But our service was horrible. Lets start with the waiter pouring water all over the table cloth not on the glass and it took us like 20 mins to get a towel for the mess. Are you serious this is an upscale restaurant, who hard is to pour water. The changes of utensils was driving me crazy. Our waiter look like he hated working there. Not welcoming, not friendly and really bad costumer service .
(2)
Renee B.

I've been here on four separate occasions with different people, and feel confident in writing a 5-star review for Bergamot. The food is always fantastic, but the attentive and friendly service definitely bumps it over many comparable restaurants in the area. I have a gluten allergy and the waitstaff is always super friendly and accommodating to my glutardation, and they know exactly what I can eat and what dishes they can modify to suit my dietary restrictions. The space has a great atmosphere and is never too loud. My boyfriend is usually pretty reserved, but he flipped out for an appetizer that came with "chorizo dust" and kept insisting that he may have just had his most perfect, favorite bite ever. That is some seriously high praise from him, haha. We can never figure out whose dish is better - I've tried seafood, beef, chicken, etc here and have always been impressed by the delicious flavor combinations, as well as preparation and presentation with a bunch of seasonal ingredients. On the last time we were here, I couldn't decide between two of the desserts. There was a collection of chocolate stuff that looked great, but I couldn't get the idea of olive oil ice cream out of my head. I ended up asking the manager who was nearby which one he recommended, and he said to go with the chocolate option. A few minutes later the desserts come out, but lo and behold the manager then appears with a little bowl containing a scoop of the olive oil ice cream for me to try. Obviously I'm thrilled any time I receive free stuff, but the fact that he was willing to go the extra mile for me spoke volumes. (P.S., it tasted awesome, in case you were wondering haha.) Even though there are still a ton of restaurants in and around Boston I want to try, I always love coming back here for a special occasion dinner. Plus since my bf lives in Somerville, we can just zip over here in a few minutes rather than going downtown. I really hope they're doing well and stick around!
(5)
Nina D.

After over ten visits for various special occasions, Bergamot has spoiled me and my family for other restaurants with its consistently innovative, spot-on, every-bite-a-wonder delivery. Service is impeccable, (and we have inadvertently tested it by ordering a red when we wanted a white, spilling a glass across the table, etc.). Our Bergamot dinners have been characterized by "wow, you HAVE to try this!" utterances, and sharing of dishes around the table. With all the extraordinary Boston restaurants to choose from, Bergamot is our number one.
(5)
Mark A.

The woes of Groupon... We made a reservation, but didn't explicitly state that it was for the groupon tasting option (most groupons don't require you to make a reservation tagged to the groupon... just a reservation and to mention before ordering, which is what we did). Mentioned to the waiter when he stopped by, and he gave us a disgruntled look, asking if we made a reservation, which I confirmed we did. He went to talk to the manager/host, who promptly came over to let us know that they couldn't honor the groupon because we didn't mention when making our reservation. I forgot to mention... only one other table was seated in the entire place, aside from a couple at the bar. He kindly offered to let us order from the normal menu (note extreme sarcasm... thanks for the offer???), but we were rather annoyed and decided to leave and get a refund from groupon. It's sad that so many restaurants are unprepared for groupon customers when they sign on, and it ends up hurting them more than helping. I read the reviews on Yelp before buying the groupon, they were decent, too bad.
(1)
Jessica B.

I went here 2 nights ago and have to say it was a nice experience, but fell a little short. I thought the food was great and enjoyed an interesting wine...but our server wasn't the best which left me feeling a little disappointed. Given the food, I am still giving it 4 stars and based on other reviews think this may have been a fluke. There were three of us and we opted to do the 3-course menu for $39 which seemed like a good deal, especially for the quality of food. For appetizers we had: Fried Oysters Spinach, Delicata Squash, Bacon, Caramelized Onion AÃ¯oli very light, good flavor House-Made Charcuterie * A Tradition of Preparing Various Meats, Presented in Diverse Ways Served with Accompaniments excellent! For entrees we had: Pan-Seared Local Hake Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Carrots, Cippolini Onions, Beurre Rouge Red Wine-Braised Beef Flanken Potato PurÃ©e, Wild Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Bacon so rich and delicious! Almost like a osso bucco where is just falls apart. Yum! Regarding service, we continually had to hunt down our waiter to order a glass of wine or find him since he hadn't delivered the wine we had ordered 10 minutes prior. At one point we even had to ask the manager. We also felt like he didn't seem interested in serving our table.... almost like we were a pain and didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling. Too bad!
(4)
Anne W.

I was so hopeful as this place had such high reviews. I had been to EVOO before and thought it was good esp with their three course prix fixe option. Now they are no longer.. my friends had suggested heading to the Bergamot. A very limited menu (I believe they had like three fish dishes.. one steak, one chicken, and one pork dish) where most things are just done mediocrely... the only thing that I could even remember was the sweetbreads where the portions were so small we had to get two of them. They were unfortunately better at Sibling Rivalry. It was expensive as you expect it to be... I did like the free amuse bouche... the best part of the meal besides the dessert. Great date atmosphere though...
(2)
Kiki P.

I have been to Bergamont a few times over the past several years. The service is pretty good and the staff is friendly. I have mixed opinions on the food. Restaurant week last year was 10 times better than restaurant week this year. This year, I was a bit disappointed in the food, but that could partly be due to the fact that my expectations were very high from my previous positive experiences. I started off with the green gazpacho soup. It was very different from your traditional gazpacho. For one, they use all green vegetables: green tomatoes, green peppers, etc. I find regular gazpacho to be more tasteful. The flavor of this green soup was too tangy and overpowering for my taste buds. For dinner, I ordered the pan-seared atlantic salmon which was served with peppers, green beans, olives and eggplant. The salmon was good, but not great. It did not taste 100% fresh, so I asked the server if it was a farmed fish or wild fish. I must appreciate the fact that they were honest in telling me it was farm raised. It was still cooked perfectly, I just prefer to eat wild fish because it is fresh and more flavorful. The assortment of vegetables served with the salmon was again...good, but not great. For dessert, I ended with the flourless chocolate cake served with a caramel sauce. The combination of the caramel and chocolate was delightful, however I have had much better flourless chocolate cake. Overall, I was shocked at my experience this visit. Every other experience I have had at Bergamong has been excellent. I would probably give this restaurant another shot.
(4)
Curt W.

I don't give out 5 starts lightly. Bergamot deserved it. First visit, only visit, this is a GREAT SPOT for a special romantic occasion. I can see it being a good casual spot too as they had a bustling bar-area. They fulfilled our request for a private table, and added a touch of class with a complimentary chocolate truffle and a candle for our anniversary. When they are paying attention to detail like this, you know you've stumbled onto something good. Bear in mind we were on the early side - 5:45 ... so it was before things get super-crowded or busy. So this might have aided in our overall experience. We were not rushed at all. Food was outstanding. We both had fish dishes, halibut and salmon (they rotate their menu often depending upon what's freshest) and they were both fantastic. Amazing sauces, deft preparation and clean presentation. But even better was the Vegetarian Charcuterie appetizer. Yes I did say Vegetarian - this is a dream come true appetizer for veg-heads. Also out of this world was the Queso Fresco Gnuddi app which they were able to make vegetarian by skipping the pork....WOW!!! Literally could have eaten 4 plates of this. Service was also outstanding. Saw some previous posts about "overly-attentive" staff ... we found that not to be the case. Their attention was near-perfect. Not intrusive but they were always there when we were scoping for more bread or a drink refill. Very friendly and well-informed without being pretentious or snobby. I put this on-par with a Cragie On Main or Gaslight experiences, but its so convenient being in Somerville! I hope they are here for many years to come. PS ... If you are on the early side you should have no problem snagging free parking in their lot.
(5)
Am S.

I had a great meal here. The super-flexible prix fixe option is a very unique one in this area. How can you go wrong with three courses for $39? The perogi appetizer, chicken entree, and yam tart dessert were all delicious and perfectly portioned. My dining partner very much enjoyed the roasted carrot appetizer, sea bream entree, and chocolate fondant dessert. The lemon-sage butter that came with the bread was amazing. The cocktail menu includes some nice choices too. I chose Le Quebecois to start. I followed that up by asking the waiter if the bartender was open to a bartender's choice option. He said yes. Bergamot might lose a star because it took about 25 minutes to get my second cocktail (we were halfway through dessert by the time it arrived)...the bartender was on his own that night and it was busy for a Monday I was told. Maybe it threw him a curveball that I was asking for something different. But I'm still giving them 5 stars because, yo, this place is excellent on all levels. I'm not gonna fault a guy for being busy when this place has so much else going for it. Something not talked about enough is restaurant lighting. This place had it perfect. Low and sexy but enough to still see your dinner-mates and the gorgeously plated food. The waitstaff (we had a waiter and at least 3 other waitstaff attending to our table) were all very friendly.
(5)
Jeremy K.

It opened around six months ago and Calli C. and I had been wanting to go there for a while to check it out. One night, along with the delightful company of Erin M. and Johnna M., we proceeded to make our way there for a nice dinner. All four of us trickled in at different times, and we all gathered at the bar, waiting for the remainder of the folks to arrive, with some cocktails. I had two different ones, the first one being known as Le Quebecois (Old Olverholt rye, Dolin Dry, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino, orange). The other cocktail I had had the word Lawn in it's name but unfortunately their website is outdated and I don't see it. It was very good though! The staff at the bar was very friendly and meticulous in every step they took to craft the drinks. Their cocktail menu was seasonal and they seem to cycle it often because very few cocktails were still on the website. Once all four of us were there, we proceeded to make our way from the bar to our reserved table. The staff escorted us to a table, the one closest to the kitchen and we promptly ordered while some fresh bread was brought to our table with some honey-mixed butter. They bake their own breads daily and rotate the types of bread all of the time. Yes people, that's pretty neat. And the touch of honey in the butter... it was delicious. Like crack. The menu is fit for regulars as well as foodies. It doesn't offer a ton of selection, but enough, and it has everything from fish, lamb and pork, to sweetbreads, charcuterie, brisque, and salads. It's a very well rounded menu and should satisfy all kinds of appetite. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and order the charcuterie plate (pork rillettes, pork guallantine w/ sweetbreads, pork patee and chicken + duck liver mouse) w/ baguette. Thing is, I'm not very fond of chicken & duck mousse and the waiter told me that they could take it out and add a bit more of the others. I was pleased that they could do that and approved to this suggestion. For one, the ratio of bread to charcuterie was perfect. Not too much bread, not too little. It was well toasted and accompanied the different bits well - the guallantine had pieces of sweetbreads in it, and the texture was very unusual, almost chewy but it all tasted good. The rillettes was my favorite part of the plate. I then decided, after much hesitation, to try their confit of Boston pork butt which came served with spinach, squash, chestnuts and pork jus. The meat was tender beyond belief and it was all very good and tasty. The portions were perfect in size, not too little, not too much. I didn't need to use my knife as I dug in. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food very much and I tasted some of Calli C.'s duck and it was divine and perfectly cooked. And I'm not a big fan of duck. Honestly, our entres were all pretty impressive. Having saved a little bit of room, I decided to order some of their panna cotta for desert, and it hit the spot. It was great and beautifully platted. It came with pear pÃ¢te de Fruit and some plums. It wasn't overly decadent or sweet; honestly, it was great. So to recap, they have pretty good cocktails, a very diverse, well balanced menu and decent prices. The service is awesome and the astmosphere there is warm, relaxing and welcoming. Honestly, this place is awesome. The only complaint I had is that they weren't too clear about the tap or still water and we ended up having to pay $7 for the water. We didn't expect to be hit with the charge. That aside, I look forward to returning there in the future for another awesome meal but not until they rotate their menu. They also have a bar menu that they serve every single day until midnight, which is pretty neat.
(4)
Elizabeth G.

I had a chip on my shoulder about Bergamot. I walk past this corner 2x a week on my way to work, and so I watched with anticipation as they renovated the old EVOO space and posted on Facebook about some of the tantalizing things they were crafting there. Then I took a look at the prices. Sigh. $39 for a three-course meal is their *discount* price? Enter Restaurant Week. The three-course menu was now $33. For this price, my friend and I got to try: APPS: I had cavatelli (pasta) with peas, spring onion (same as leeks?), shiso (an herb from the mint family). I'd normally have eaten this dish with a fork, but the sauce was so buttery, cheesy, yummy that I lapped it up with a spoon instead so I wouldn't miss a drop. I also like that in every dish I had, there was one ingredient that I had to ask the server to identify. My friend had the asparagus and fried egg with crispy pancetta, crab hollandaise, and cumin-scented carrot puree. Yum. MAINS: I had the farro "risotto" (a whole grain kind of like barley) with peas, fava beans, ramps (a green fern-like spring vegetable), cardoon (a vegetable related to the artichoke, that looks like celery), green garlic, ricotta salata (a salty cheese, not the same as plain ricotta), and vegetable "pistou" (meaning pounded with a mortar; I had to look it up). Again, lapping it up with a spoon. My companion had butter-poached hake with mushrooms, grapes, tarragon, and risotta. Also yum. DESSERTS: I had the yuzu mousse, bursting with the flavor of this new-to-me citrus fruit. It was served with sugar cookies (supposedly lemon-ginger; I couldn't taste it) and a dollop of creme fraiche. My friend had yogurt panna cotta with "honeycomb" (peanut brittle), a rhubarb sauce, and rosewater foam. We were both well pleased. Options we didn't try: a beet salad starter with pistachio emulsion and balsamic; crispy chicken thighs with coq au vin sauce; and chocolate cake with vanilla-curry anglaise, peanuts, and popcorn (!). EXTRAS: For starters, seven-grain bread with cinnamon-honey butter. This was just OK. The bread is very dense, rye-type bread. Not my favorite, but at least it's something different. And after dinner, they gave us two tiny (as in adorable, not stingy) pink peppercorn meringues. Unfortunately I wouldn't have known these were pepper-flavored if the server hadn't told us; they just tasted like sugar. They have a few interesting beers on tap and more in bottles. (What's up, Pretty Things Lovely St. Winefride!) I find their wine list slightly annoying because they list locations you'll never have heard of (a region within Austria, a region within Portugal) instead of just listing the country. But as long as the servers know what's what, I guess this is fine. The place was packed to the gills on a Monday night, but the service was polished. Our server could answer questions about the menu and make a reasoned wine recommendation. (Imagine that!) Not sure if I'll be back outside of Restaurant Week (entrees are $23-$27 by themselves) but I'm glad I got to try it. If you come, don't wear your gym clothes--diners here were legit dressed up. If you have an adventurous palate and you like trying new flavors and combinations, you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Kelly O.

3.5 stars. OK Bergamot, you had me at fresh/seasonal/locally sourced, that alone would have gotten me through your door. But you won me over with your refined food, nuanced and unexpected flavors, and creative and interesting combinations. Last night we finally made it here for Restaurant Week, and it was worth the trek from Harvard on a lovely summer(winter?)'s night. To start, I had the Beacon-something, a delightful citrisy cocktail that went well with the weather, and the boy had a (well mixed) Negroni, along with the (standard) bread with (nonstandard) lemon grapefruit butter. My first course, which came out very quickly, was the house-made brandade with egg, asparagus, and hollandaise. Loved this dish, everything went so well together and was so tasty, I wanted to lick the plate clean (good thing there was extra bread). I'd totally come back for this. The boy liked his chicken gumbo fine enough, but did note he felt there wasn't enough of it (I told him, this is not Redbones, you will not get mountains of food with which to stuff yourself... the quality of what you do get speaks for itself though.) For my main, I got the salmon. The best part about this dish was the mustardy sauce, it was really delicious and unlike anything I'd eaten before. Even the creamed cabbage, which sounded not too appealing, was delightful (who knew?). To be honest, I was a bit worried about the salmon to begin with... the waitress said they cook it to medium rare which is usually just perfect for me, but when I cut into it, mine was definitely farrrrr more on the rare side in the middle than medium rare normally is. Sure, I could have had the chef cook it a little more, but I figured, the quality of salmon is probably very high and fresh here, and I enjoy raw salmon in sushi all the time and have no problem with that, so I may as well eat and enjoy this meal. (I did sort of worry in the back of my mind though, but no food poisoning ensued so all is well.) The boy got the lamb, which was tasty, but a bit overcooked for him. So slight issues on temperature of meat/fish, but the entrees were overall tasty enough we didn't really mind overlooking them. My dessert was the yuzu mousse, light and fluffy and very refreshing after my meal, with some lemon ginger cookies on the side. I tried the boy's chocolate tart, and while it sounded amazing on paper and technically it tasted and looked just like you'd expect, I actually found myself preferring my mousse (non-chocolate over chocolate? Have I gone mad? Apparently.). It was more unique and more refreshing, and a better end to my meal I thought. He liked his tart better though, so to each his own. I ended with a lovely dessert wine. Service was professional, attentive, and pleasant. I left feeling just full, and thought the portions for a 3 course meal were perfectly sized. The atmosphere here is friendly, classy, and cozy, a nice spot for a date or to catch up with friends. Overall, despite the slight missteps, Bergamot has impressed me and I'll be happy to return.
(3)
Dominic Y.

Quite simply one of the best restaurants I've been to in Boston/Cambridge. I love the menu, including the three course prix fixe menu which changes daily/weekly. I love the food, which is very creative and done incredibly well. I love the servers, who are all very helpful and cheerful. In terms of value, you will not find anything better in the city. Bergamot is one of those hidden gems you want to keep to yourself because no one knows about it and you want to keep it that way.
(5)
Andy V.

Let me start off by saying, Bergamot has excellent service and an outstanding wine selection. The wait staff is among the most knowledgeable I've experienced and there truly is a team approach to serving the table ("now which one was our waiter; wait,- it doesn't matter!) I thought the menu items were superior to T.W. Food in freshness and preparation. For an appetizer I order Little Neck Clams which were steamed and served with a vinaigrette. The clams were very fresh but I think the vinaigrette should have been served on the side as its acidity tended to overpower the clams. I ordered their "BlackPig" pork shoulder; while it was very tender, I found it to be rather mild and a bit disappointing. Gail order chicken which was amazing. Our friends ordered the Georges Bank Cod, which is a very mild dish (I call it the tofu of the sea). Dessert selection was a bit limited and were rather small portions: two bites and you're looking to nick some from a neighbor's plate. I had the vanilla panna cotta which was rather mild. The other dessert was a chocolate brownie with banana ice cream and marshmallow. It was excellent as long as you can tolerate ginger in the chocolate. Coffee was a roast from Brazil and prepared with a French Press which was excellent and among the best in any restaurant. So the bottom line is that Bergamot shines in the freshness of the food and outstanding wine selection. While the final food preparation assembly steps result in a "cooked to order" freshness, the preparation itself is a bit idiosyncratic. Some dishes are extremely mild, while others have an unusual savoriness. I would venture to guess that rather than relying a canonical recipes, Bergamot's chefs experiment with the freshest ingredients that are available during the season. While this can result in dishes of unsurpassed freshness, it call also startle the taste buds which might have come to rely on a more traditional approach. I though the restaurant was a bit pricy if you ordered off the menu. We did not order the Three Course Special which was $39, and looked to be an excellent deal. I think we'd go back and try the three course meal. But first, there's making a mid-week summer reservation at Oleana in the outdoor patio, for a dinner capped with a Baked Alaska And then there's Toro in the South End. And then there's Miel. And then there's...
(4)
Kate m.

This food was seriously good. Im writing this review months later, and my mouth still waters. The service was lovely. A bit noisy (it was packed), so don't expect something to intimate.
(5)
Hal S.

Flat-out fabulous - creative flavors and excellent presentation, knowledgeable and involved staff, efficient front of house, and at least twice, I found myself saying "Wow, that was different but it works well." The Forono beet salad isn't your usual thin-sliced beets; it's thick slices of beet with toasted pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin puree. While the usual tendency is to pair up beets with something sweet, here Bergamot's chef veers into mildly salty and savory. It works, well. Our dinners - Artic Char, Hanger Steak, and Giannone Chicken - hit every possible preparation and all were outstanding. Two of our guests had food allergies and both main plate requests were handled with aplomb and polite deviations from the normal preparations -- nice to see, and one more reason we'll be back. For dessert we had the Chocolate Chipotle flourless cake. First you get the intense, sweet and dark chocolate flavor, then the spicy hits you a few seconds later. That was the second "Wow", and it worked for everyone. Value-wise, Bergamot is outstanding. Dinner came to about $40 a person (no alcohol and not everyone had dessert).
(5)
Bobby C.

I wanted to a try a new place and recall someone mentioning this place. By the way, this used to be the old location of Evoo. I'm usually with a girl for dinners at nice places. I occasionally dine at nice places with guys but not often. One of my buddies was up for dinner so I had already decided this place for Easter Sunday. Of course, this place had to be somewhat romantic. To make it more amusing, my friend wore a pink polo shirt. Everyone was coupled up at the restaurant. I think my friend felt very uncomfortable. He was probably thinking that people were thinking we were together or something. I'm just here for the food!!! Cozy and dimly lit, but still refined atmosphere. We both opted for the prix fixe menu. We were served their honey bread. I liked it. Slice of bread with a hint of honey. First course was a veal banger. It was basically veal sausage with asparagus. It was good. Main dish was a veal duo, veal tenderloin and grounded veal. The grounded veal was juicy. The tenderloins were just right. Portion size was ok, not big but not tiny. Dessert was great, Ricotta Cheese Cake. It was just right, not too sweet. The crumbs on top was a nice touch with the cheese cake. We did get a nice small sample before our first dish came out. When we received the check, we got these mini cube chewy things. Service was slightly above average for this type of establishment, attentive and professional. I would definitely want to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Tanya A.

Like many of the recent reviewers, I purchased the Groupon deal for a $75 7-course tasting menu for two. I specifically mentioned the deal when I made the reservation, so had no trouble with being able to use it. The meal started off well. Garlic bread with orange-rosemary compound butter was delicious. The amuse bouche, a crostini with green pea pesto and radishes, was tasty and refreshing, just what it should be. The first course was mango, sliced carpaccio-style in delicate pieces, with interesting garnishes and a tart sauce. It was tiny, but that's only to be expected on a seven-course tasting, right? The next course came out, and it was also a salad-type dish. Roasted beets with a few micro-greens and some cheese. Tasty, but again very small. As in, the pieces of beet probably amounted to the size of a ping-pong ball, max. Again, though, it's a starting course in an extensive tasting. The next course... was also a salad. It was about 3 leaves of lettuce (each about 1.5"x3") and two small strawberries with a balsamic dressing. Are you sensing a trend here? Tasty, but small. At this point we were starting to think that if all of the courses were like this, no wonder the restaurant was able to offer such a good "deal." The next course was, thankfully, not salad. It was salmon (maybe 2.5" x 1") served with a single clam, with some shredded braised cabbage. Flavor was excellent, as was the crispy skin on the salmon. A little rare for my taste but it's a "thing" with fancy restaurants, I've noticed. For the next course they brought out the steak knives. I admit, we were very excited to see them, as we were good and ready for something hearty. We were not disappointed. The steak was smothered in a buttery sauce, and the thinly-sliced potatoes (not quite a gratin) were equally delicious. We savored every bite (there were about three small bites on the plate), and thought about ordering a full serving of the steak. It was really excellent. Finally, we were served a dense square of chocolate cake with red wine-soaked cherries and some very crunchy salted almonds with ice cream. I'm usually a dessert snob, and found no fault with it whatsoever. Generally speaking, the food was very good. Unfortunately, at the end of the evening we were both still hungry. Not famished, but not satisfied, as I would expect to be after a 7-course tasting menu. Perhaps I'm spoiled by the 6-course tasting at Craigie on Main, where I have to be careful not to eat any bread before the meal or I'll feel overstuffed by the end of it. But honestly, when three out of your seven courses are tiny salads, perhaps you should revamp your menu. At $75 for two people (plus of course a tip on what the full price would have been), the meal was rather pricey for what we received. I would have been genuinely upset had I paid full price for it, and can only hope that for non-Groupon people, they do things differently.
(3)
Quinn M.

Bergamot is a true gem. My girlfriend and I were in town from Seattle and happened upon Bergamot after doing a little research online. Very glad that we went! The Pre Fixe menu is a fantastic deal, and everything that we had was delicious. Furthermore, the service was exceptional. Our waiter was helpful, attentive, and engaging. I highly recommend stopping in for dinner, whether you're a local or just visiting!
(5)
Nate Y.

"Bergamot can be found in Italy, Morocco and the Ivory Coast, it originated in Asia. Bergamot is a small tree with long, oval green leaves with white flowers. The bergamot bears a small round fruit that is yellow when ripe. Bergamot's essential oil is extracted by cold expression from the fruit peel. It has a spicy, delicate scent that is light and refreshing. Bergamot is used as an antidepressant, and is calming and refreshing for the nervous system." I believe the owners of Bergamot restaurant attempted to create a dining experience that would encompass this definition. I can say that they have succeeded, for the most part. Where they did succeed; Decor - dimly lit with tables that were spaced well from each other so you didn't feel overcrowded with other guests, but with tables that were of the right size that allowed you to be close with your dining companions for sharing of conversation and food if you so please. Service - Attentive, but not overbearing. Served bread, which seemed a bit odd, but not an issue. Excellent attention to detail when I observed one of the wait staff give close attention to place settings. Even after we had paid we stayed longer for conversation and the wait staff continued to refill our water glasses. Food - Excellent. Flavors were wonderful, tasteful but not overpowering. They make good use of farm grown and in-season vegetables. The seasonings and sauces they use were the right touch, enhancing the vegetable, starch, or protein. I had the corn custard as an appetizer and this was amazing! Not a part of the regular menu, it was so silky in my mouth :O...ok, I think you get the idea. My main course was halibut that seared perfectly, flaky crispy top layer and still moist on the inside. My fellow diners and I shared our dishes, and I can say without question I liked everything I tasted. Where it was not quite right; the cocktails. I had my standby, dark n' stormy. I found it to be too light on the rum. It was refreshing and the ginger beer they used had a nice bite, but it could use more rum. Another friend commented that her cocktail was just ok. Prices were very reasonable considering the quality of the food and the service provided. I look forward to coming back!
(4)
Ron D.

I go here regularly as I live just across the street. Bergamot has done everything right with consistently friendly service, wonderful food, reasonable prices and incredible deals (3 course dinner for $39). They also have my favorite bar menu item in the Lobster Melt. Definitely try it - you won't be disappointed. The intersection where Bergamot is located has other nice shops like Wine and Cheese Cask and Savenors, and other nice restaurants including Dali, Kirkland Tap and Trotter and Kebab Factory, but Bergamot is still the standout at this corner. Bergamot definitely ranks as one of my top 5 restaurants in all of Boston!
(5)
Wine lover S.

My husband and I ate here on Christmas Eve. We had the prix fix menu and LOVED it! The food was amazing, the service was phenomenal and every little detail was accounted for. From the start, we were brought a beautiful amuse. It was so delicately put together. Each course was perfectly timed and the server was never overbearing, but always present. Even the support staff was right on. Between each course we were crumbed and throughout the experience, our water was kept full. The deserts were to die for. We have made plans to go back as soon as we can!
(5)
Jason L.

Finally trekked out to Somerville to try chef Pooler's new restaurant. Located in the old EVOO space, the decor is warm and especially inviting with the open kitchen look. It is a mediocre sized restaurant, but with ample space in between each table, which is much appreciated. Here's some of the dishes I tried: Braised rabbit leg w/ portobello - the rabbit was braised for so long the meat was extremely tender and had minimal gamey flavor, and instead soaked up the deep portobello flavors. Dressed with spinach and parmesan, it wasn't a heavy dish and a great way to start the meal. I did, however, find a big bone, which was an unpleasant poke in the mouth. Didn't stop me from finishing the dish though. Rainbow sea trout - 3 words for this dish: Bacon Beurre Blanc. Wow. Dip anything in this sauce and it will complete any dish. Don't worry, the dish is not heavy at all, as it is accompanied with a lightly seasoned trout and asparagus/green beans. I do wish the skin on the trout was crisped but that's just my pref. I also did try my friends' plantain gnocchi (delicious and innovative) and halibut (tough, slightly dry maybe overcooked but good cream sauce). For dessert, I had the carrot cake, which was ok. The cake was moist but the portion was tiny, and probably not worth ordering again. In addition, the fish amuse was a light and savory start to dinner, and I immediately fell in love with their walnut butter + bread. I always appreciate it when restaurants do something unique, although I wish they had zucchini bread the night we went. Our waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly, and talkative. Generally, service was top notch, with some minor spotty times. Slow kitchen. Portions err on the smaller side, but Bergamot is definitely one of the top restaurants in its price category (~$50 /person) and has sure made an impression as the new kid on the block. Food (8/10) Plating (3/5) Service (4/5) Decor (3/5)
(4)
Sarah W.

Excellent food. The service was, as other Yelpers have noted, completely impeccable. The chicken liver mousse creation that was part of the charcuterie plate.... was orgasmic. Ditto the chocolate dessert, which was like the most delicious chocolate truffle you've ever had.
(4)
A C.

No cute analogies. No strained attempts at literary excellence. I will just say, this place rocks. Granted, it's based on one dining experience, but it hit every mark. The menu is seasonal, so many of the previous recommendations were no longer on the menu. No worries, whatever else they have on it will be good. Both our appetizers (Turkey roulade, Rabbit Risotto), and both entrees (bone-in pork chop, snappy scallops) were fantastic. Just damn tasty. Even the sides of the pork chop (brussel sprout leaves and cauliflower), which are typically an after thought, were amazing. The service was really spot-on. The after dinner coffee came after our desert, and so it was on the house. A small cost, but the acknowledgement and the gesture mean much more.
(5)
Nick S.

Heard great things from both Yelp and the Tiny Urban Kitchen blog; made a reservation for 8:30PM last night earlier in the day; lo and behold it's right next to another awesome restaurant, Dali. Ambience inside was very inviting; semi-open kitchen, inviting bar, exposed duct work, and cozy tables. Since we had perused the menu beforehand, we already knew we'd do the prix fixe for $39; great deal! Basically like getting a free dessert since the app/entree totaled 39. For cocktails we both had the Beacon Fix (Reyka Vodka, lemon, Luxardo Triplum, Bergamot-Rooibos Syrup). One of the better cocktails I've had, great balance. Bread was served with homemade honey-cinnamon butter; yum. For apps I got the veal sweatbreads and the girl got the charcuterie plate. While a tad on the small side, the crispy sweatbreads only had the slightest sense you were eating offal (but in the best way). The mustard jus and sweet cabbage accompaniment made the perfect bite. The charcuterie was also delicious; the beef terrine and pork rillette were freakin' awesome, while the chicken pate was forgettable. Unfortunately, they were out of the pork entree, so we both opted for the hangar steak. Cooked a perfect medium rare, I inhaled my plate, scraping up every last bite of the sauce with leftover bread. The slight Mexican flair lends well to the cut of beef (similar to flank steak). One of the perks of going to eat with my GF is that she rarely finishes the entree; I had the last 3 slices of her steak and they were also cooked well, but noticeable chewier. Oh well. For dessert I had the ricotta cheesecake with fresh peaches, some type of tuile, and a champagne foam. Would have preferred more peaches and none of the foam, but it was a great dessert. From what I saw in the few seconds it was there before my partner devoured it, the berries and cream dessert was great as well. Overall first impression was very impressive. I will be back for a delicious and extremely well priced dinner. Though I could do without the 8$ charge for still water. Other than that, it was a home-run.
(5)
Emma D.

My fiancÃ© treated me to Bergamot for my birthday, and ohmygoodness it was so delicious! Before any of our orders, the servers brought out some dense white bread with honey butter and an amuse-bouche. No idea what the amuse-bouche was, other than a delectable little burst of flavor. For appetizer, we ordered a dish of prosciutto, pistachios, and peaches with a deep-fried ball of ricotta-type cheese. I like all of those ingredients, and they weren't too shabby together either. But the main dish. Oh, the main dish!! I ordered pan seared scallops in sweet corn and some sort of chowder-type sauce with little potatoes and a few bits of bacon. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and the corn+chowder was sweet and creamy and divine. I was in heaven! My fiancÃ© ordered the plantain gnocchi with black beans and avocado, and it had a hearty southwestern flavor, but I was too in love with my sweet corn scallops to pay much attention to it. We were too full from the meal to order dessert, but the server sent us off with vanilla-strawberry macaroons! I would even say that they were on part with the world-famous macaroons from LadurÃ©e in Paris... Service was fantastic. Atmosphere was bright but intimate, cozy. Love the complimentary starting/finishing touches. I definitely want to come back again!!
(5)
K M.

The chicken dish with hazelnuts was amazing!! Outstanding service, cocktails, food & ambiance.
(5)
Josephine L.

Bergamot gets my vote for "Best Turnaround in One Night". When I arrived with my boyfriend, I was not a happy camper after running around Harvard Sq for almost half an hour trying to find a bus that would take us to the restaurant. Said bus(es) never arrived and we ended up cabbing it up to Inman. Things just got worse when, upon arriving, we had to stand some 8 minutes waiting for a host to appear to seat us. Things felt even worse when, after being seated, we were left alone with no waiter for close to 10 minutes. Then, suddenly, things changed! The host re-appeared and took our drink orders. He then returned and took our dinner orders, apologizing for the wait. From that point on, though we never had a regular server, we never lacked for attentive service by different waiters/waitresses around the restaurant. Once I realized the service was very much "the village raises the child", I felt a lot better. We got to meet tons of different servers and they were all incredibly friendly and nice. But the clincher for the turnaround was the food. I knew I was getting that locally-sourced, organic, fresh, uniquely New England type of cuisine a la EVOO, Henrietta's Table, Craigie on Main, etc. but I've had mixed experiences with restaurants like that and didn't expect too much from Bergamot. Enter expectations-exceeding (to stratospheric levels) food: Amuse-bouche: Local cucumber with baba ganoush - Refreshing, yet savory with all those delicious Middle Eastern spices packed into one small bite. The cucumber was SO FRESH! Tomato 4 ways: caramelized, custard, heirloom, patty - If you love tomatoes like I do, this appetizer is for you. What a sensational way to experience this fruit/vegetable! The heirloom was so fresh, the caramelized was appropriately sweet, the custard was mind-blowing and the patty...There are no words to describe the patty. It even got my boyfriend's seal of approval and he dislikes raw tomatoes. Lobster and corn chowder - Rich, hearty, delicious. I think my boyfriend may have discovered his new favorite soup here. Pan-roasted Arctic Char with oyster mushrooms and veggies - Deeeelicious! The char was melt-in-your-mouth tender, yet crisp on the outside, and the accompanying sauce mixed perfectly with the oyster mushrooms and other veggies. Bergamot gets top marks for offering mushrooms with so many of their dishes. Scallops with bacon, Yukon potatoes and corn - Very tender, perfectly-seared scallops filled with that savory smokiness of bacon. Dessert amuse bouche of cucumber water with watermelon ice - I did not like this very much as far as tastes go because the cucumber was overwhelming and you couldn't taste the watermelon. I love cucumber on its own, but dislike it as a flavoring agent. However, the goal was to cleanse the palate for dessert, and in that realm, it succeeded. Guajillo Chile chocolate pave with milk stout ice cream, taza chocolates, pretzel and apricot cream - Very nice for the first few bites but ultimately too sweet for me. I loved the milk stout ice-cream, though. Creme fraiche panna cotta with pear and almonds - Heavenly. I love the fact that they present the panna cotta as little spheres of yogurt rather than the typical inverted-dish shape, mixed with slices of juicy pear and almonds. Since we had $100 to spend for dinner, we indulged and got drinks too. I had the Beacon Fix, which was lemony, sweet and delicious. Boy, I wish this restaurant weren't located in Nowheresville, Inman. What a great dining experience that just begs for a repeat.
(5)
Simon L.

Bergamot, as another reviewer notes, is my new place. 3 trips in last 3 months and what can I say that others haven't? It's awesome. Although the crowd does tend to be a little older, this is probably good for the restaurant - hey they have all the money anyway. Their menu changes constantly and is intuitive and fresh. The space is the old EVOO place that I always liked. Service is timely and professional with a team approach. I had the fresh sardines followed by the fresh monkfish. The sardines were not in any way too fishy and the monkfish was buttery (not because it was cooked in butter, but because good monkfish has a buttery tone if you are familiar). The monkfish was tender and moist and nice meaty medallions lightly breaded. On another occasion, I had the roasted pork tenderloin that was incredible as well. My sister and her husband ordered the chicken and scallops, both of which were excellent. We ordered several cocktails from their creative list including the big easy aviation and the bumble in the rye. We also had a bottle of the Beaujolais from cote d'or. I can not stop talking about this place. Desserts are tasty too.
(5)
Victoria G.

i LOVE this amazing restaurant. It is dark enough that it's romantic-----just really fantastic atmosphere. We had several appetizers and entrees. Every single plate was incredible, i would say phenomenal, edible art. The chef/owner Keith obviously puts a lot of love and thought into his food. All of the fish entrees are my faves, and the skirt steak is the best i've had anywhere. The wines and desserts are fab!!!! By far one of the best restaurants in all of Boston area.
(5)
Jonathan P.

Gave Bergamot a third try last Tuesday night. I mean, why not....? It's only a short walk from home. That third try will be the LAST try. Yes, the service is good - perhaps too good...to the point of being annoying. The food, however, is pretentious. They're trying too hard...and to me, it shows. What starts out as a great main protein; be it meat, fish, bird, has each time been over-prepared (and for a whomping price too!). My last experience (the topper, if you will) involved something off of their bar menu - the lobster melt. More like a hot mayo sandwich with bits of lobster here and there. Overpriced? Definitely. Did I like it? Absolutely not...I'm not particularly a fan of hot mayo sandwiches. What have I enjoyed at Bergamot? It's a short list: raw oysters and some of their cocktails. For the price, though, go to East Coast Grill, or ICOB, or Neptune. $3.00 each for shucked oysters is toooooo much ($3.00 is their 'list' price, I happened to go on a $1.00/oyster night...maybe they have trouble moving them...maybe it's the price?!?!?!) Maybe Bergamot's just not for me. I can tell you in all certainty though, I'm not for Bergamot.
(2)
Lily L.

Oh my I love the seven courses that the chef prepared! : )
(4)
Lisa S.

Made it here again a few days ago, and happily it was just like I remembered! It wasn't too busy on a Tuesday evening. However, the waitstaff was still quite attentive. We checked our coats, and within a few minutes had our drinks (I ordered the Quebecoise to start) and a tasty amuse-bouche. The bread was wheat (love) and never-ending... they kept asking if I wanted more. They had regular butter this time, and I missed the parsley butter I had last time I was there. The menu had changed a bit since last time, but was still earthy and delicious. I started with the risotto, then had the scallops. My mom started with the quail and then had the salmon. We shared a bottle of white wine- Rami from Sicily- which we had never had before, but we enjoyed. We also shared a cheese plate for dessert, and my mom had a glass of dessert wine and I had a glass of port to go with the cheese. We had absolutely no complaints throughout the meal, and left feeling full and content. Bergamot is a great place because it's on the casual side (the servers wear jeans), the food is amazing, the prices are moderate, and the service is professional and fantastic- with tons of cute touches.
(5)
Sohini R.

I was very excited to try Bergamot, but the meal had highs and enhs, so overall I'm non-plussed. Highs: They have brachetto (a dessert wine), which I love and only have found at Sportello previously. Everyone who had drinks liked them. Also the salmon pastrami was a wonderful appetizer, nice textures and well-balanced. One of our party also really liked the cod, and said it was perfectly cooked which is a tough thing to do. Lows: lots of salt, an amuse bouche that seemed like a fried pita chip with no flavor, and only oh-kay brussels sprouts.
(3)
Voula K.

We left the place Sad and Hungry!! The 7 course tasting experience was a joke. One bite maybe two per course and very average food.
(2)
Linda P.

My friend who's a huge foodie brought me here. After trying Bergamot, I can see why she comes here about once a week! Although, I'm still a graduate student and she's a lawyer - you see why frequenting this place may be an issue. Perhaps once I've paid off my loans... Bergamot's interior is simple, clean, and elegant. The menu is constantly changing, so it will never get boring - new, creative dishes are constantly being added. Keep in mind that the portions will be small and if you're looking for a hearty meal, you won't be full here. The service was great - and if you frequent the place like my friend does - they'll know your name too. Oh and there's a parking lot in the back. (not many people know) I tried the 3 course menu for $39 before 7pm. (Be prepared to pay ~$60, especially if you plan on getting a drink + tax/tip.) On the menu that day was: Beet Salad, Blood Orange, Pistachio Vinaigrette - it was okay. Pan-Seared Salmon, Shiitake Mushrooms, Chinese Mustard Sauce - it was perfectly made. flavorful. just amazing. Sponge cake, Mascarpone Mousse, Coffee Ice Cream. - pretty good, it was drizzled with coffee grounds. yummy! I love creative food, so I'll definitely be back!
(4)
BN C.

I really wanted to like this place.. the atmosphere was nice and the restaurant was nicely decorated and servers friendly, but some of the food was pretty bad. My wife and i both got the three course prix fixe and shared our dishes. Appetizer: - Mushroom bread pudding - was really quite bland.. - Smoked white bean soup - the soup itself was quite good.. the one thing that bothered me was that at times, i would taste a few beans that felt like they hadn't been properly thawed before cooking (they tasted frozen). Main course: - Pan-Seared Local Hake - excellent! this dish was delicious and cooked just right. I wish we just got two of these - Grilled Pork Tenderloin - i'm not sure if i just got a fluke, but when the dish came out, it smelt pretty bad (very pork-smelling).. i thought it was just very "pork" smelling.., but after reading online after dinner, it was probably spoiled. Some of the slices tasted ok, but a few of them clearly tasted very "porky". My stomach felt a bit funny afterwards. Desert: - The last desert - it was pretty average.. skip if you can - Chocolate Marquise - chocolate was very decadent .. highly recommended Overall, some of the dishes were pretty good.. but for the price, i would not have expected: 1. Frozen beans in my soup 2. Spoiled pork!! Gross! Will not go again.
(2)
Tilly F.

LOVE, LOVE , LOVE this place! From soup to nuts this neighborhood gem is a perfect 10! Bartenders were knowledgable and the drinks suggested were amazing and inventive. Our meals were by far some of the best food we had ever tasted! Perfectly cooked, balanced and creative. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail makes you want to come back for more!
(5)
Kim K.

I am a weird mix of impressed and apathetic towards Bergamot. I think it's the cursed location, I can't make up my mind. Service: Excellent but doting in an annoying way. I was thrilled my water glass stayed full but the individual serving of bread and the crumb removal between courses was totally unnecessary and kind of sad, like "See, we're doing SUCH a good job!" The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. But there were a barrage of them, we were attended to by at least 5 different people. Why? Food: Very nice, fresh, original, and inspired. But a little pretentious. Small portions and fancy plating are very nice but didn't pack the flavor punch I'd hoped for. You really need to back up the visual with the technique if you're going to serve compact and stylized dishes like they do. Also, nice beer/wine list. I ordered a very tasty local Pretty Things Jack D'Or and was very happy they had it! Decor/Interior: Completely spotless, open, high ceilings, airy, lots of natural light. I very much dug the vibe/interior here. Price: Surprisingly pricey. Wow. I almost had to go with the Restaurant Week menu because entrees alone are $25+. I think for the portion and quality, the dishes are overpriced but a place like Bergamot can get away with it I think. I'm not mad about it. Overall: A very pleasant dinner, I'm glad I went but wouldn't rush to return. Maybe would be a good place to bring out of towners if you need a local place that will impress.
(3)
Julie R.

I liked this place. I heard that it just opened and jumped to try it out and am now pleased to do the first review. The restaurant occupies the old EVOO space. I had never been to Evoo but heard they moved and Bergamot has since revamped the inside. The atmosphere has neutral tones with comfortable banquettes along one wall and single tables in the middle. Everything felt new and fresh. The menu was small but tasteful. I also thought the same of the wine list. There was even a nice single malt scotch selection. We started with a couple appetizers, the duck, duck, duck, and the sardines. These appetizers were amazing. The duck was mixed in with a frise salad. The flavors coming off of it were busting. The sardines were nicely plated over fingerling potatoes. The outside remained crispy. I would recommend you try both. Entrees were awesome. I had the rabbit leg tagliatelle. The involved shredded rabbit leg over a creamy house made pasta. It was accompanied by peas and carrots. Simple but delicious. My boyfriend had the flat iron steak. No complaints there. The steak had a truffle taste to it with mashed potatoes below. We both thought while the entrees were excellent, they were definitely on the smaller side. Prices for apps and entrees were moderate. The focaccia bread with cows milk yogurt and oil they serve before dinner is excellent, if not addicting. They were happy to bring over a couple additional servings of it when we couldn't get enough. Service was 5 stars. Our server Matt was very friendly and professional. He made some suggestions and even could tell what we both might order. Throughout the dinner he was a pleasure to deal with. The whole server team worked in sync. Even thought the place is new you could tell they will continue to work well together. The owner, Servio, was making his way around the place, introducing himself and offering any additional service if needed. I would definitely return here. A great meal with pleasant service awaits.
(4)
Leah M.

I was a bit disappointed after all of these good reviews. Bergamot was not bad...it just wasn't that incredible. And for the price that this restaurant it? It better blow my mind. But there wasn't anything like that! Everything was just....alright. If I'm going to get a meal that is just pretty good, why would I ever spend over $20 on an entree?? I also think there were WAY too many waitstaff hovering around just waiting to jump on a moment to fold a napkin or fill a water glass. I need some space to enjoy my meal with my family please! Overall - I will be spending my money elsewhere, but you wont get a bad meal here.
(3)
Alisa K.

A pear shaped orange of a Mediterranean tree. It may not make sense but it's how Merriam Webster defines bergamot. A non-restaurant-week restaurant-week of a Somerville restaurant. How I define bergamot. Seriously, it's like every day is restaurant week except they let you order off the regular menu. The prix fixe is a steal - 39 bucks for a three course meal with generous portions for each course. Service is friendly and nice. Tables are a little close together, but that can be fun if you want to guess what website the first daters next to you met on ( match.com ). Loved the pappardelle with edamame and squash- creative, creamy, savory, and sweet. The dessert was delicious too - deconstructed devil's food cake with blood orange and passion fruit. Docked a point cuz I found a crab shell in my pappardelle pasta and because the yucca gnocchi with black beans and roasted red peppers entree was only so-so. It tasted like a salad bar bean salad and a food truck knish mated in a convection oven. Otherwise this place was amazing- great service, execution, creativity, and taste for a good value. Definitely one of the best 3-course prix fixe menus I've ever had. Yeah pear shaped orange of a Mediterranean tree.
(4)
Sara C.

I had been wanting to come to Bergamot for ages since I was always a fan of the space when EVOO was there and I had read such good things on Yelp. So finally I went and it was good but not great. Not sure I'd be returning any time soon. Atmosphere was good, free parking in Somerville always a plus, and service was good. Appetizers were a bit of a disappointment. First, its an expensive place and I don't mind when expensive restaurants give you small little appetizers if they are amazingly delicious. These were not. I had a duck confit salad and it was very bland. My dining companion had the tuna and it was super small and not great flavors but it was slightly better than the salad. Main courses saved the meal though. I had the quail and it was pretty good and decent sized portion. He had the hake and it was amazing. If we had both come in and only ordered the hake this would be a 5 star review. I was a little annoyed when I was told that the special desert was no longer available considering it was still written in huge print on their specials chalk board and I had been thinking about it since we had walked in. But we ordered two different desserts which were both fine but not great. I just wanted to like the food more, especially considering the price.
(3)
Dan E.

GOUGING WINE LIST It is a pity that this otherwise fine restaurant finds it necessary to "stick it" to its customers on wine. The bottles on the list are obscure but not particularly distinguished and are marked up excessively. There are no moderately priced choices in the $30-40 range. This is fairly fatal flaw to the overall customer experience. Dan E.
(2)
Hannah L.

Tried their seven course tasting menu and was so impressed! The service was great and the food was phenomenal! Such a great date night.
(5)
John S.

So I Restaurant Wee'ked here and, as such, I won't have as comprehensive an experience as some. That said, I was able to get a good enough sense of the place, and I like what I saw. I'm going to mention the service before the food because the waitstaff did a memorably good job. A throng of attentive Bergamotians made sure our water glasses were always full, sourdough bread was always on our bread dishes, our empty plates were always cleared, and our table was kept crumb free. They were efficient and friendly, working with a drive that was nearly startling. Food-wise, I felt as is everything was somewhat underspiced, from the spinach salad to the tender pork loin to the delightfully plated panna cotta for dessert. Everything was tasty, and artfully presented, but I felt as if everything was just a touch flatter than it should be. Still, I appreciated what they did with their food, and I am aware that I won't get the James Beard Memorial Meal of a Lifetime for Restaurant Week. The ambiance there was airy, with local art adorning the walls and high ceilings that make the place feel like an urban bistro. I'd say Bergamot would work best as a date place, assuming one of you has a car. It's a bit of a walk from Porter Square (though a very nice one, if you want to digest after your meal). Overall, I was pleased and would happily recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)
Yuko I.

I have been thinking about checking this restaurant out for about 6 months, luckily, I found a 7-course tasting menu groupon. I went with my friends. The food and the wine, we were absolutely full by the time we finished half of the course: fab! Especially, their pasta and steak were just fantastic. It was appealing on the eyes and it was appealing on our tongue. If you think you will be full or fat and skipping the carb (i.e. bread), reconsider on this restaurant. Also, their wine menu looked small and predominantly French. We took a long time to decide but we tried 3 kinds - all good. I will definitely come back!!! They seemed to offer generous $35 3 course menu. Having had such a great palate experience, I am not giving 5 stars because fish dishes and service could have improved. Fish is not as fresh as I wanted them to be (I am Japanese and I am picky with fish), salmon smelled fishy even when side veg and sauce were amazing... very sad because I normally order fish dish if I eat out: now I know I will stick to pasta or meat for this restaurant. Service-wise, the restaurant was crowded: not enough space in-between chairs and tables; servers bumping to chairs often and felt sometimes their responses we felt rather rude. Anyhow, I would still say I will come back and I will bring more friends to this restaurant!
(4)
Ken L.

Seriously, this place is worth a visit in a blizzard,which was our fate last night. The dining experience was exceptional. I can not wait for the next dining experience. Outstanding
(5)
Joanna F.

Ok... so I kind of gave Bergamot the benefit of the doubt the first time I came, but I'm just simply not enthusiastic about it. The food is good, but it could be 100 times better (I'm looking at you, TW Food and Ten Tables). The prices are really high for the portions and the service is slightly overbearing. I really enjoyed the "Tomatoes Four Ways" I got this time for an app, but I think I enjoyed it because it was strange. Some of the flavors worked really well and some didn't (which seems to be their calling card). I ordered the scallops for a main course. 5 scallops in a sea of butter with a little bit of corn isn't exactly my idea of a satisfying meal. I also didn't appreciate the waitress trying to pressure us into getting dessert. Overall, I like what Bergamot is trying to do, but if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a gourmet meal, I'm going to go to either of the above mentioned restaurants before Bergamot.
(3)
Laura C.

Lousy bread? Pretentious service? If these things were ever true, they've certainly been fixed! Had the 7 course tasting menu with paired wines last night and it was simply one of the best meals I've had in years. Roasted beets with duck confit, asparagus salad, spring pea risotto (a knockout!), garlic soup (the only slight disappointment), pan roasted mahi-mahi, a palate cleanser of coconut lime sorbet with toasted coconut, the best pork tenderloin I've ever had, rich, meaty and full of flavor and an almost indescribable dessert with a small cake, marinated muscat grapes and candied kalamata olives - truly inspired. The wines were varied and perfectly matched. The bread was so good I ate *three* slices (with an outstanding house 'everything' butter that included garlic, salt, sesame seeds and more). Presentations were artful and the many flavors in each dish made for ever changing notes throughout each course. Service was friendly, informative and quick without being obtrusive. If I had one small complaint to make about Bergamot's, it's that the banquet seating along the wall is short by an inch or two, making the table seem too high up on that side. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Sara W.

We had the 7 course tasting menu and also did the wine pairing. The food was fantastic and so was wine which matched perfectly to each course.
(5)
Em P.

Top notch. Fresh ingredients, beautiful preparation. Relaxed atmosphere. My beet salad had little delicate flowers on it! I had the taglieatelle pasta dish that had these amazingly seasoned mushrooms. The ricotta custard dessert was incredible. I also was a little high maintenance and asked for the bartender to "create me a mocktail that is not too sweet and not too much citrus." Done. Well executed. The next drink was "I want something bubbly like a French75, but no alcohol" again, delivered ta fabulous drink. ( I usually like full strength drinks, but can't right now). Everyone at our table ordered different items and every plate was completely cleaned. I would put this restaurant in the same category as Realto and Oleana without the hype. I am almost sad to rave so much because I don't want it to get busy and over-run by the masses. That being said, I was so happy with my experience that I feel they deserve a rave review.
(5)
J. P.

Good dinner on a Friday evening; not quite as polished at it could be. Well-lit, comfortable room with decently-spaced tables and friendly waitstaff. We started with cocktails, including a decently-mixed negroni. For a starter I had a well-made, fresh salad, and one companion had the cured yellowfin tuna with squid ink couscous, piquillo peppers, green garlic, sweet potato fondue and almond streusel -- a creative combination that worked and was well-executed with good-quality ingredients. For mains, two of us had the grilled skirt steak, which came with fried mushroom nuggets, sautÃ©ed vegetables and creamy polenta. Our third had the roasted chicken with egg crÃªpe, cannellini beans, green garlic and Korean BBQ-chicken ju. Both dishes were good -- the steak flavorful and well-grilled, and the chicken very tender and nicely-complemented by the rest of the ingredients. Dessert for me was spice cake with creme anglaise and vanilla ice cream - fine - and for one companion, meyer lemon tart with toasted meringue, tarragon and camomile ice cream - also good. Missteps included not asking how I'd like my steak done; the waiter knocking over two glasses of water and soaking the table; and a 10-minute gap between the arrival of the first and second dessert dishes to the table. There were however apologies for the spilled water, and the house comped the desserts. With a bottle of riesling, tab came to ~$200 for three with tax/tip.
(3)
Heather C.

The food here is delicious. I've only been once, but we tried two apps, two entrees, and two desserts. For the high price however, I'd prefer slightly larger portions. The apps were 3-5 bites each. My bf got the seared scallops, which he loved, but there were only 3 or 4 scallops. My salmon was a decent portion, but smaller than most places. The desserts, again, amazing, but were only 3-5 bites. It's a good special occasion place when you have the cash, but I recommend getting a side with your entree if you have an appetite!
(4)
Carl H.

My wife and I and another couple had dinner on a Sunday evening. One in our party is gluten free the staff was great with options. The food was prepared wonderfully with excellent pairings. We are a group of sharers, so we all got an app and let everyone at the table try, same with meals. You know care and preparation have gone into each bite. The waiter had great wine suggestions to go along with the meal as well. I highly suggest for a night out, you will not be dissappointed.
(4)
Meka A.

I stumbled upon this place on Best of Boston list and ended up taking a friend from out of town. We all ordered their prix-fixe menu - for $35, you get an appetizer, entree, and dessert - a deal that's unparalleled for this kind of food in the Boston area. Even better, the drinks kept flowing as we wanted to try as many of their creative cocktails as possible, all with an old-world spin on them (think a lot of bourbon and whiskey). It's not often I visit a restaurant like this where I find myself constantly telling friends and visitors "you MUST visit this place," but Bergamot is hands-down one of those places.
(4)
Tamar A.

In preparation for this review, I looked inward. I organized my yelp profile by rating and took a long, hard look at my three-star reviews, in an attempt to understand why it's so clear that I should give a pretty tasty, high-end, expensive meal an A-OK and nothing more. I've also given three stars to financial district happy hours, a used car lot, and a particularly pleasing convenience store. Seriously, Teele Square Convenience, check it out. I took my boyfriend here for his Annual Special Birthday Dinner on a Saturday night. Perhaps this was our first mistake, as the only reservation I could get as I was desperately search on Friday was for 9:15. So, we rationalized, we'd get a late lunch and dine romantically into the midnight hour. Theory is lovely, but reality had us seated at 9:30, with a good number of the most delicious-looking appetizers, entrees, and desserts 86'd. The service was hit and miss. Our waitress was in full "this is my job; I'll save my actual personality for my boyfriend who is waiting for me at the end of this interminable shift" smile mode, and, ironically, slowed down as the restaurant started to empty out. I'm convinced we lost the last chocolate cake because of her dawdling, which smarts even to this hour. Our dinners, by contrast, were sadly...unremarkable. And yet, on its unremarkability, remark I shall. His salmon Ã la Patrick Clarke appetizer was fresh though a little bland, and my Wellfleet oysters were fried in panko, which did very little except mask the taste of our fair mollusks and demand more savory flair from the marinated hearts of palm than the little guys could really give. We both ordered the steak and some truly spectacular red wine (it was the most expensive glass--methinks our waitress just stumbled upon greatness in the midst of her upselling). I can say nothing about the entree without this anecdote: earlier in the evening, we arrived as a jovial gentleman left, all but blowing kisses at the maitre'd as he complimented all within earshot that the steak entree was one of the best meals of his life. Between bites, my boyfriend and I vowed to track that man down and take him out to a few more places. It wasn't bad! Goodness me, it wasn't bad. But it just wasn't that GOOD. Three unequivocal stars. It was a fancy night out, and there was nary a flavor that stuck with us. In the end, they were out of the one dessert that looked appetizing, and so we went home and bought some Ben & Jerry's. Um. Go earlier?
(3)
Lindsay P.

I've been to Bergamot six times and I always leave thinking that I should go there more. The service is outstanding. The cocktails are great. The food is consistently delicious, complex, and enjoyable. I've never had a bad meal or experience here. Bergamot is fantastic.
(5)
Calli C.

Pete and I headed over to Bergamot on a date on a Wednesday night a few week's back, and I was so excited that I didn't even look up the menu ahead of time like I usually do. I perpetually have issues making decisions so sometimes I like to plan out my order in advance, but I wanted my return to Bergamot to be special. We had a reservation for 7 and were seated right away. We started off with some cocktails; I had this variation on a gimlet that was crisp and refreshing, perfect for a spring evening. To begin, he ordered the charcuterie plate, which had duck liver mousse, porchetta, duck proscuitto, and one-other-thing-I-can't-remember, and I had the lobster pierogi. Wow, the pierogi were amazing; the lobster flavor was so subtle and delicate, but the real stand out was the carrot butter sauce. I wanted to lick my plate clean, it was that good. I ordered lamb ravioli, which was part of their blackboard special, and Pete had the scallops with black beans and avocado. I lucked out apparently and got the last plate of the ravioli, so the chef threw on top some of the leftover roasted lamb short ribs, which were heavenly. Beyond all reason mouth-gasm. The ravioli were good - the lamb inside them was a little on the salty side, but overall a delightful dish. Pete really enjoyed his scallops which were cooked to perfection, and appreciated the fun combination with avocado. That dastardly don, ordering up a dish that I am completely allergic to, while he can freely filch bits of mine! We shared the cheese plate for dessert: a soft goats milk, a semi-soft cows milk, and a harder sheeps milk. I really liked the harder cheese; the softer ones were tasty with some unique flavors. As usual, the service was perfect. The ambiance was perfect. I'm so glad that Bergamot is blossoming in this location, and will be around for many more seasons.
(5)
Kara S.

It's official, it's love. I love absolutely every last thing about Bergamot. Prior to last week I'd gone in a few times with my boyfriend for drinks and bites from the bar menu. We loved it, not only the quality of the food and drink but the amazingly attentive yet not overbearing bartender. Just good energy all around, especially compared to EVOO, which used to occupy the space with snoot and attitude. Last week we went for dinner for the first time, and the meal just blew my mind. It was the best meal I've had in easily two years. The amuse bouche was a pop of fresh bright spring flavors, a small bite of fresh homemade ricotta, a sprinkling of fresh peas, and a sliver of radish, which added a nice textural contrast. It was the first time an amuse bouche really did for me what it intended, got me so excited for what was next to come. I was on the edge of my seat. I had the pea shoot salad with the crispy egg, and it was as divine as everyone says. The waiter informed us that they just the day before added it back to the menu, since pea shoots are now back in season. I felt so lucky, as it was the perfect spring salad. My dining companions had the duck, of which I ate quite a bit. Thank god for the generosity of others. It was succulent and juicy, not fatty at all. It was accompanied by a delicious variety of mushroom that had such an interesting and unique texture. I went with the trout in a beet sauce, which had so much depth, just stunning. I was literally floored by the meal. And then dessert was a rich chile chocolate cake which honestly changed my view on desserts, made me want to try cooking more desserts myself. It was just elevated to this level that I rarely experience. This was a creative, near perfect meal that will stay with me for so long. Just a perfect evening all around. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jared S.

Came to Bergamot on Friday for my anniversary (it was also Restaurant Week, a happy coincidence) and really enjoyed it. Food was good and service was excellent. When I made my reservation, I had told them it was my anniversary and I would prefer a table by the window, and they said they would be able to accommodate. When we arrived for our 8:15 reservation, the host informed us that the previous party was lingering at the table he had for us and it would be 15 or 20 min before it was ready, and he also offered us another empty table right away. But it was close to the bar by the stand for the waitstaff, so the wife and I chose to get a drink at the bar and wait for the original table. The host even ushered us to the bar and took my umbrella for me. A note on the ambiance - Bergamot is not a big place (though not tiny) and they seem to pack a lot of tables in the space. So I wouldn't necessarily call this place "romantic" since most of the tables are very close to one another. A better description would be the "cozy" euphemism. I do like how Bergamot walks the line between casual and classy - I was in jeans and a button down and felt fine, there were men in three piece suits, and others in shorts and hawaiian shirts. Female attire ranged from cocktail dresses to a few ladies in capris and knit cotton tops. Back to the story - the bartender greeted us right away and was attentive and convivial. We started with a glass of sparkling wine, but the cocktails he was mixing up looked fantastic. When our table was ready, the host retrieved us from the bar, and the bartender took our glasses to the table for us. Our waitress was similarly attentive and friendly without being overbearing. I did the restaurant week menu and my wife ordered off the regular menu. First thing to note, Bergamot is obsessed with basil, it's in pretty much every dish. Which isn't a problem for me because I love basil, but just something to note. I had the tomato and peach salad which was good but not mind blowing. Though my entree of roasted pork shoulder was terrific, I had to stop myself from licking the plate. My wife started with the pork belly app which I thought was very good but she thought the pork belly was sliced too thick and therefore wasn't "melt in your mouth". She got the skate wing as her entree and loved the basil mashed potatoes but thought the skate wing itself was just an average piece of fried whitefish. To finish, we split the carrot cake (from my RW order) which really wasn't anything special at all unfortunately. So while the food was good, it was mostly missing a "wow" factor, but Bergamot makes up for it with stellar service. We enjoyed our meal and will likely be back.
(4)
CW W.

One of my friends kept hounding me to try this place called Bergamot. Sadly I should have ignored him. That's a little harsh, the food was good but it's not all about the food. We didn't have a reservation but was seated right away. We promptly were asked what type of water we would like and began to browse through the menu. The browsing did not take very long because the menu is so limited. So with full glasses of water and closed menus we waited. After a few minutes we were still waiting and again waited a few more minutes. At this point I took a look around the restaurant to see not 1, not 2 but 3 servers literally standing doing nothing. Not a very good start. Finally our server comes over and asks if we would like something to drink. My bf ordered a beer and quite quickly I added we were ready to order. For appetizer we got the goat cheese risotto, it lists mushrooms on the menu but I asked to have w/out. The server asked if someone was allergic and I said no but my bf does not like the taste. While waiting for our appetizer we received an amuse bouche. This is a small 'bite' that some restaurants give free to their patrons. I was very impressed that this amuse bouche had mushrooms but for my bf's they did not add them. Sadly the amuse bouche was made from fish and my bf does not eat fish. For dinner my bf got the gnocchi while I got the steak. Both entrees were good and tasty but WAY too expensive. They were both overpriced by at least $5. Also the appetizer was pretty good but again for the portion you receive not worth it. After we were finished with our dinners we once again played the waiting game. Dishes cleared and waited. And waited. And waited. Sadly our server helped 2 tables one behind and one next to us and yet we still waited. At one point I was going to get up and ask the hostess if we could get our check as our server should have clearly seen we were getting anxious. Finally our server comes over and did the one thing that annoys me so much. Presenting me with a dessert menu without asking first if I would like dessert. As soon as we saw our server walking towards are table I could see the dessert menus in her hand. Without asking if we were interested in dessert the motion of handing us the menu began. I quickly thwarted the attempt and as politely as I could asked for the check. To sum up, food was good but overpriced and service was not only slow but presumptuous. I would consider getting take out if they offered it but I won't be returning to dine their again.
(3)
cath e.

wonderful drinks see Evan work carefully with unique ingredients. Gracious young man willing to explain his skills. great menu again unusual ingredients make each dish memorable.My husband I have been to some great Boston places- and Bergamont will be included in that list.
(4)
J D.

Where to start with Bergamot. I had no problems with procuring a reservation, same day (8:15pm on a Saturday). That may suggest to some that business is slow, but upon our arrival we found that nearly every table in the establishment was full. We were greeted courteously by the hostess and maitre d, the latter of which bid us "Welcome, and thank you for dining with us." We were seated immediately in a comfortable though somewhat high traffic area, and the waitstaff promptly removed the extra two place settings. Not bad, so far so good. Suffice to say that our waitstaff were very attentive throughout the evening. There were absolutely no problems there. The restaurant itself is comfortable. The clientele appeared to be mixed, with some dressed more formally than others. However, I did not feel under-dressed having arrived in a pair of jeans and a polo. All in all, the environment is not stuffy, pretentious, or intimidating. The semi-open kitchen was interesting and did not pollute the atmosphere with too much noise, though I did find that I left smelling like the food. Bergamot is not cheap. Patrons should expect to spend upwards of $150 per couple, which really isn't at all offensive when you're going for a dining experience that's a little more upscale. My date and I shared one appetizer, two entrees, two desserts, two glasses of wine, espresso, and tea. We finished our meal at just a little over $140, after tax and tip. I found this to be perfectly acceptable given the service and quality of the meal. In fact, Bergamot's menu seems to be somewhat perfectly designed to remove all doubt for the price conscientious. I'll explain further. Each category, whether it be appetizers or entrees, offers an excellent variety of dishes and ingredients. What's more, the dishes are all within $5 of each other. I found that this removed the price altogether from my mind and allowed me to focus on the descriptions and the ingredients offered. It's about as close as you can get to a freestyle prix fixe menu. I found this to be remarkably smart, and I marvel that more restaurants haven't designed their menus in a similar fashion. True, it's nice to have a cheaper option here and there. But if you can surrender to the fact that you're having a meal that you wouldn't have every day, or even every week, Bergamot's menus remove the guilt completely. Their wine list is varied, and it was nice to see a few moderately priced bottles along with some of the more expensive offerings. My date and I find it difficult to empty a bottle of wine, so we chose to go with one glass each at $11/ glass. While the prices per glass were all within a couple dollars of each other, I do wish that they offered a wider selection. Compared to the 30+ variety of red wines, it seems silly to only offer five on the per glass list. It would have been nice to have a little more variety there. The food itself was phenomenal. Our experience started with a crispy bread served with some unbelievably tasty honey butter. We were also pleasantly surprised with an amuse-bouche of sorts: a small bruscetta-like caesar salad. We also enjoyed the panko-crusted pork belly as an appetizer, though I found the portion to be a little too fatty. I know, it sounds a little naive to describe pork belly as being too fatty but there was really no meat to be had. However it was incredibly flavorful, and was served on a thin slice of watermelon, with a corn and bean relish. All in all, the flavors complimented each other well. Our entrees also did not disappoint. My date enjoyed some of the most unbelievably tender and juicy free range chicken we have ever tried served with polenta. My skate wing served on a bed of basil mashed potatoes was also well balanced and savory. The portion size is also right on the money and satisfying. For dessert, my date enjoyed the EVOO Gelato served on basil tapioca , with slow roasted cherries. The cherries seemed to be out of place, but the gelato was delicious. I enjoyed the vanilla yogurt mouse, which was complimented nicely by candied angelica (wild celery). Both desserts were refreshing and cleansed the palate. It's also worth noting that their tea selection is good, as well as their quality of espresso. Even the small coconut cookies were a nice touch. Bergamot did not disappoint and definitely demands repeat visits. True, the price level may make this a "once in a while" establishment for most casual diners, but you'll find that you won't be disappointed when you do decide to give it a go on those special occasions. I'd give it four and a half stars if I could, with a half star deducted for some of the wine limitations. Also, while comfortable, the tables are placed somewhat close together so it's not the most intimate setting. Otherwise, Bergamot is five stars all the way.
(4)
Rebecca S.

Oh my, Bergamot. If I weren't in such financial straights at the moment I'd be a regular at this gem. A dear friend offered to treat me to a meal at Bergamot, because she'd been a few times and was keen for me to try it. I hadn't been a fan of Evoo, Bergamot's predecessor, and it felt to me that Bergamot had discerned the things that I hadn't liked about Evoo and corrected them: the decor (airy and light due to removal of awful heavy velvet curtains from the windows), the waitstaff (warm, knowledgeable, witty, unobtrusive) .... and of course the food. The few times I'd eaten at Evoo the food, while tasty, had been presented ostentatiously at prices exceeding its merits. The cod dish I ate at Bergamot was, in sharp contrast, perfect. My friend's risotto (made vegetarian at her request, without any fuss) was also spot-on. And the desserts we shared were simply delicious. Bergamot isn't trying to blow you away with presentation or overwhelm you with flavors. Rather, its low-key style allows you to enjoy conversing with your dinner companions over a meal whose quality speaks for itself. Yes, please.
(5)
Heather W.

WOW. Alright, I am a food snob. I'm out in Cambridge for law school and, for the most part, have been horribly depressed by the ridiculously high prices and generally lackluster food offerings in Boston. Minus the lobster rolls. Those are great. But I digress... It was the last day of law school, I was emotional exhausted, and my boyfriend had made reservations for us to go here to celebrate. At first, I just didn't feel like watching us spend a crapload of money for another whatever restaurant. Thus, I made him cancel. Then, about an hour later (much to his chagrin) I changed my mind and decided I wanted to try it out. He called them up and they (magically) were able to seat us. Ok, let's just get to the food. You know how there are places where they say you should try a little of everything on your plate at the same time? You know, like the chef is legit and has all these grandiose thoughts about food pairing and all that jazz? Ok, well this place really really means it. I have to say that this was the most cerebral dining experience I've pretty much ever had. The combination of flavors absolutely transformed what was on the plate from something tasty to something truly divine. Seriously, I think my IQ went up while I was dining. Really, if you're looking for that sort of experience - where you really want to talk about the food; where you want to sit back and think about the food - then this is your place. The other great plus is the atmosphere. Awesome food but totally relaxed and cozy. You feel comfortable. The only down side was my boyfriend's dessert. I think he got something with lots of dark chocolate and some ice cream with it. It was totally delicious but the proportion of ice cream to super rich dark chocolate was off (not enough ice cream). I got the carrot cake and it was awesomely wonderful. I will definitely be back!
(5)
David H.

Bergamot is great addition to the Somerville area. Small bar open to the dining room, medium size dining area, formal for Somerville standards, good wine list, limited menu but all very good. Favorite item is the Chicken entree, Appetizers, salads all very good. Save room for dessert. Good for a date, small group, comfortable night out with out going into Boston. Parking is the negative.
(4)
Jessica L.

I heard the good word about this place and, while in town, decided to check it out. I very much appreciated the amuse bouche, which was a nice touch, especially when not at a super high-end restaurant. It was a delicious bite and made me excited for more. The wine list was a little overwhelming for me, since I don't know French and Italian wines too well, but the waitress made a great suggestion and I was very pleased with both the white and red selections she made. We had two appetizers--the butternut squash ravioli and the sweetbreads. These were some of the best butternut squash ravioli I'd ever had. The filling was rich and sweet and there was a good amount so you could taste it well, as opposed to a slim layer of filling. The prosciutto in the sauce just added the perfect amount of salt. For my entree, I had the pork butt, mostly so I could say "pork butt" a lot. It was good, but super fatty and a bit flavorless. My companion had the duck, which was delicious and I ended up wishing I had ordered that. Of course, we couldn't pass on dessert, so we decided to try the chocolate pave with guajillo chile and coffee. I was very disappointed that they were out of some of the coffee options on the menu, but we made it work. The pave was rich and tasty, but lacked the chili flavor, which was far too subtle. Overall, a very nice experience and a place I would visit again when back in town.
(4)
Sweta B.

Beautiful evening...good conversation with friends, great food and some good wine...it was a perfect evening at bergamot. It was my first time at this restaurant and I loved it. The food was fresh, light but satisfying and the portions just right so you could relish all the three courses. I went for the oyster mushrooms with ginger raita for the appetizer- just loved it, sweet corn risotto with ministrone sauce for the main course and as I said, this dish was so satisfying yet not feeling heavy, the risotto was perfectly cooked and for me the star of the evening was the dessert I ordered-the olive and zucchini cake with chocolate gelato...I could see the doubt on my hubby's face when I ordered the dish as he went with the o! so boring chocolate sponge cake...but everyone on the table agreed that my dessert was the best...not too sweet but refreshing..... We had a lovely evening...the place is warm and homey, casual but classy. I only minus that I found in the place..the wine selection..it was the first time ever that I return back a wine after tasting...the wine selection was not varied and for someone who loves spanish and italian wines more than french there was nothing to choose from by the glass...also the bottles were slight more expensive than they are in this profile of restaurants....the wine that I finally had was good but not great by any standing.
(4)
Miri R.

Bergamot made this week's date-night wonderful. I had duck, he had steak - both were spectacular. My orangy floral cocktail was fabulous also. Panna cotta to me is an easy sell because it's my favorite dessert at the moment. It didn't disappoint. The place was packed and we couldn't get a reservation, but sitting at the bar was great. The bar staff is friendly and very knowledgable. We never once felt that they were too busy to take care of the bar guests, even though they never stopped making cocktails. Overall a great experience!
(5)
Talbott C.

This restaurant is quite a gem. Great food, awesome specials, and a menu that is always changing. I have never been disappointed at Bergamot. There is parking in a small lot two doors down.
(5)
Daniel H.

When I give a restaurant 5 stars, I don't always do it for the same reason. Sometimes 5 stars means amazingly delicious and inexpensive (Cafe Mami in Porter Square for instance). In this case, the 5 stars are for the taste of the food, quality of the ingredients, dedication to the craft, passion for unique and unconventional flavors and preparations, and commitment to real service--where the people who work there are professionals and foodies and they aren't merely trying to up sell for tips. It's not cheap, but when compared to similarly priced restaurants, you are actually getting a lot more for your money (I'm talking about you Hillstone...). I've been there twice. The first time I sat at the bar and had 2 cocktails and a glass of wine. The cocktails were prepared with care and dedication and came out delicious. The wine was a new bottle they were testing out that came from grapes grown at the base of a volcano in Italy. Officially, I'm not special--but I felt it, and I have a feeling this place does a good job of making everyone feel like they are. In other words, if you show them love and appreciation for what they are doing, they show it back. For food I had their house cured meats and the "bacon and egg, egg and bacon". The in-house cured, thick cut bacon, served with chimichurri, a runny egg, and some other things I can't recall at the moment was effin' unbelievable. The flavor combinations on the cured meats plate were awesome--you can tell these are people who think about food and flavors--not merely flash (hence the honey roasted peanuts paired with the MA farmhouse cheese and in-house cured prosciutto as one of the three 3-way pairings on the plate...epic). The second time I went I had a repeat cocktail. Very consistent and delicious. That is important. I also had the pork tenderloin. Perfectly cut and cooked, tasted delicious, and was actually a good portion size. I also shared a charcuterie plate (delicious, although I would appreciate more variety preparation wise--three of the meats were essentially pates and I can only do so much raw or super undercooked meat at once) and some type of beet salad (super tasty but a bit too skimpy). For desert about five of us ordered different things and shared. I think I won. I had some type of unbelievable chocolate cake with an actual honeycomb. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Service was always great. They are hardcore, scraping the crumbs off between courses, taking your dirty silverware and replacing it between courses, etc. They also gave us an Amuse Bouche before the meal and a gift from the kitchen after (a just-out-of-the-oven warm macaroon for each person). Full disclosure, I now have a friend who works there...but that did not affect my previous service, it just affects the even greater respect I have for the restaurant as I've gotten insight into what their process actually is. Suffice it to say these guys are really, really, really into what they are doing and definitely have a life-cycle approach to their business. Doo ittt.
(5)
Mark T.

Bought a Groupon for Bergamot and when we arrived at the restaurant we were told that they could not accommodate us since the GroupOn menu is a special menu -- the seven course meal is not on their main menu. Spoke to the manager at the restaurant and he told me that there was nothing they could do and that we would have to come back if we wanted the GroupOn menu. This was after waiting 15 minutes for our table to be ready (when it was empty when we arrived). I will be getting my money back from GroupOn and will never come back here again.
(1)
Thomas B.

...an unexpected delight tonight just around the corner from an old Somerville friend as a picture perfect weekend comes to a close in New England. We arrived as they opened to the rich tones of Miles Davis and sat in the comfortable yet elegant open style dining room and sampled a crisp 2010 Anjou 'ChauvignÃ©' from the Domaine Richou in the Loire Valley and a 2008 Minho from Quinta do Ameal in Portugal thanks to waitstaff who understood we might like to taste the wines since we were were familiar with them.. This restaurant is known for it's locally sourced foodstuffs and its constantly changing and lovingly prepared meals. We could not have been prepared for just how much care and love everything was prepared with. In opening a perfect slice of crunchy crusted french bread appeared with a whipped butter on the side flavored adroitly with what I swear was lemon rind and textured lightly with fresh parsley. For dinner we selected a prix fixe menu and my companion began the evening with a spectacular selection of Heirloom Tomatoes, Verril Farm Peaches, Cucumber Vinaigrette, and Tomato Molasses, which was finished with delicate flavors of Thai Basil. In counterpoint I tried three Fried Potato-Crusted Oysters, with a fantastic Corn and Bacon Relish, and Sweet Vidalia Soubise. My companion and I shared with abandon because everything was like turning a corner in a new city where old friends have gathered. Crazy! Two entrees followed. A Grilled Arctic Char garnished with Caramelized Onion, Maitake Mushrooms, Dandelion Greens, Herbed Bread Crumbs, Bacon Lardons, and Onion Blossom. The last time I ate Arctic Char so wonderful I was north of the Arctic Circle. And my lovely companion ordered a Barbecue Beef Flanken with outrageous Sweet Potato Hush Puppies, Pickled Black Eyed Peas, Green Beans, and Corn which was equally spectactular. I actually chose not to order this myself and part of it was the term hush puppies. I couldn't wrap my brain around what that would be but what came out on the opposite plate was much more interesting than the word implied in my blindered brain. Both entrees were accompanied favorably by a 2008 Rioja Alta Crianza from Mencos which was modestly priced and terrific. On occasions I can be drawn all around the winelist and today was just one of those days when the exploration was less brave but not unhappily so.. The wine capped the meal exquisitely and I can truly say I have rarely eaten a meal so nuanced and textured with flavor and satisfaction. Stacy's desserts were equally pleasing and delicate. A berries and cream offering anchored by a Blueberry financier cake with creme fraiche mousse, and a perfect kumquat-shaped scoop of raspberry sorbet for me. And part deux across the table was ostensibly a Chocolate Sponge Cake garnished with Bing Cherries, Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream, with a tiny dollop of Vanilla Cream. Also fabulous. particularly the ice cream reported by my now sated companion. What Keith Pooler and Servio Garcia have created here with a great staff is truly remarkable. And I didn't even try what looked to be a fantastic cocktail menu and an interesting bar area.. Free parking offstreet added to our convenience. Can't imagine not returning. Tomorrow night would be perfect.
(5)
Sara F.

After a first amazing dining experience at Bergamot earlier this year, the wife and I decided to go again right before Christmas. I was ready to be disappointed because our first meal was so great, and my expectations were so high. I should NOT have worried at all- our second meal at Bergamot was as fantastic as the first! Other people have described the decor and ambiance better than I can, so I'll just say that it's cozy and comfortable. I will, however, talk about the service first. Dropping $100+ on a dinner out is not exactly something I do all the time, so when I do, I want the experience to be as near perfect as it can get. The service we experienced both times at Bergamot was exactly that- a team of waiters and servers filling water, taking plates, cleaning crumbs, and folding napkins so quickly and seamlessly, you don't even know they're there. The staff is very friendly, but not intrusive, and they all seem to actually care that you are enjoying your time in their restaurant. Somehow we got Jason, the same waiter that we had at our first dinner at Bergamot, and he was great. Knowledgeable and friendly, and both times he picked a glass of wine that perfectly complimented my meal. This time, he suggested the Martinez cocktail for my wife- a combo of gin, sweet vermouth, and maraschino. I had a sip- it tasted spicy and herby, like Christmas in a glass. Delicious! Ok, now for the food- I had the $39 blackboard special, which I'm convinced is one of the best deals in the Boston area. Salad to start- had lentils, pickled onions and duck fat croutons, and was delicious. The wife had potato-battered oysters for her appetizer- apparently it was amazing, since I didn't even get a bite! :) My entree was beef scalloppini with caramelized brussels sprouts and potatoes, over some sort of lentil puree- rich tasting (but not heavy) and very tasty. The wife had cod over bacon (I think)- I had a bite, and it had a great salty kick. My dessert was a composed cheese plate- two sweet things next to a soft cheese that tasted like a barnyard full of goats (but in a good way, I swear!) We also had a chocolate mousse with mini beignets in a citrusy passion fruit sauce- so good! Wow, this was a long review. Suffice it to say, this place is great- both times we left full and happy after a really nice meal.
(5)
Morgan H.

After a host of disappointing high-end dining experiences in the Boston area, Bergamot was a much needed high note. It partially reinstated my faith in gourmet cuisine. It was intricate, but not fussy, and the flavor was there. We only had two complaints - our waiter was nervous and inexperienced and the portions (particularly the wine pours) were quite small. That said, I would love to go back. My bottom line was met - the food was delicious. Amuse bouche: white bean puree and bacon jam on toast. This was so. good. I could have had several of these. Appetizers: duck confit salad and fried oysters. These were also amazing, particularly the oysters. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The roasted, spiced peanuts in the duck confit salad really pulled it together. Entree: pan seared Mahi-Mahi with spaghetti squash and mushrooms. This dish was almost too salty for me, and I LOVE salt. I also couldn't finish the fish once I ran out of the other ingredients to eat with it. That said, I'm not a huge fish person. But it was cooked perfectly. One of my friends got the Hake with cauliflower, shrimp, and olives, which was a great bite, and another friend got the roast chicken, which was solid as well. The potato dauphinoise was delicious. Dessert: pear toffee tart and devil's food cake. These were both great, particularly the toffee. I would not have ordered this but a friend did and we were SO glad. It was heavenly, particularly paired with the ice cream. The devil's food cake had carrot sorbet on top which I LOVED but others weren't a fan of. More for me. I finished the meal with a nice smokey Scotch and had red wine throughout. Like I said in the beginning, the pour on the individual glass order was fairly scant. The flavors were amazing. I will definitely go back once my bank account has been replenished! Great for a date or intimate group.
(4)
Ave H.

Bergamot I likey a lot! I went here during restaurant week for the first time, with the lovely Steph P. The location couldn't be better - right on Beacon St AND with a parking lot (semi smallish granted, but none the less). Atmosphere is really nice. The space is not huge, but they use it well - the tables are slanted in a manner that is more comfortable and private than standard rows. They have a decent sized bar in the back. We all ordered off the Restaurant Week menu, although I must admit the Snappy Scallops almost drew me away from it. For my appetizer I ordered the Split Pea Soup since it was cold and mucky out. It was presented wonderfully, in a large (and I do mean large) lipped bowl. In the center of the soup was a small amount of meat and spices. The texture was perfect. For my entree I ordered the Plantain Gnocchi. Delicious! The texture is unlike anything I have ever had. Slightly firmer on the outside than most Gnocchi, but soft on the inside. For dessert I had That Grapefruit Thing. It was hard to settle on something non-chocolate-y, but this sounded too interesting to pass up. There was a small vanilla cake underneath wedges of sweet grapefruit both in a sweet sauce. This place is, as another reviewer pointed out, quality over quantity. The portions are very small... but they are delicious and well presented. You most likely will not be taking a doggy bag back with you from here. If we hadn't been doing the Restaurant Week menu (and therefore had an appetizer, entree, and dessert) I am not sure I would have felt full. I also give them props for having a somewhat wide range of wine by-the-glass prices. Since I was splurging on the food, I stuck with a $7 glass of red wine. However, the wine prices ranged anywhere from $7-16. I look forward to returning and experiencing Bergamot sometime outside of Restaurant Week.
(4)
l s.

my 3 stars is because it was an A grade in one sense and a D in the other. The A was for the food, which was terrific. The D is because my husband and i used a groupon for their tasting menu, and not only were the portions designed for a Barbie doll (i.e., tiny, tiny), but then they listed on the bill the value of the groupon as $150 -- which means we paid an outrageous tip on the tiny, tiny meal , as it's understood that one has to tip on the "value" not the actual cost of the meal. I see this a lot w/ groupons that the restaurant way overvalues the cost in this way and it makes for a problem for the diner. Of course we want to be nice to the servers (although i would say Bergamot may want to consider not being so Edwardian and changing all the silverware after each miniscule tasting bite). What's a diner to do? Maybe Bergamot can re-assess that ludicrous $150 "value" as no one would ever pay that for what we got. But again the food is terrific.Also, as others have noted-- and we definitely experienced-- the service was painfully slow (as in over 2 hours, ie waiting for long periods of time between courses for the next bird-size portion, and for them to do the endless Edwardian change of silverware). Not a good value of time or money in the end. Sorry.
(3)
Valerie C.

Amazing staff! We stumbled upon bergamot and had a wonderful experience. Bartenders Paul and Kai were spectacular and made the evening memorable. I whole-heartedly recommend Bergamot (especially if you sit at the bar)!
(5)
Eamon K.

I can't say enough about this place. Sat at the bar for dinner and everything was perfect. Well selected wine and beer list as well as delicious cocktails. The food was incredible. I want to go back tonight!
(5)
Andy L.

Bergamot is the ideal place to eat dinner after a meal someplace else. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with creative, excellent ingredients. The service is professional, attentive, and affable. But the portions are as parsimonious as I've seen in a long time. Think you're getting a nice little amuse bouche from the kitchen? That's the $10 dessert you ordered. And it is NOISY! Too bad, because if it was a little easier to hear a conversation at my own table and each dish was not doled out with an eyedropper, this could be right up there with beloved neighborhood places like T.W. Food.
(3)
Julia L.

Bergamot has arrived and the food is well worth the trek out to the old EVOO location, between Harvard and Union Squares. The head chef and sommelier deserve kudos for their impeccable selections and inventive menu design. The cocktails are masterfully mixed, the wine selections adequate and the beer list, if sparse, is at least well rounded. The flavors blending together in even the simplest dish are enough to bowl you over. I cannot emphasize this enough, get the pea green salad. The pea shoots can be challenging to wrestle and could be cut into a more manageable size, but the spicy arugula like flavor compliments the pecorino, the ham and the delightfully fresh and firm English peas. The fried egg is more like a soft boiled egg with a runny yolk and (panko?) fried exterior and it threw off my dining companion for a moment when the yolk broke over the greens. Don't be concerned. The whole dish is sublime. We also tried the calamari, the halibut and the scallops. All were very good. The halibut was buttery and cooked to perfection, yet I found the overall plate a bit bland. The scallops were a far more exciting and satisfying choice. I am confident that every dish on my next visit will be just as good. Just don't skip the salad! There are a few minor notes that could use improvement. The decor is a touch dull and could use a few more pops of color. Bring in a hint of yellow from the website design! Despite the bar being empty and a handful of empty tables, the host made a sour face when we said we didn't have a reservation. This is Somerville, not the Back Bay. He found a place to seat us, we declined a table and sat at the bar. Don't. The bar stools are the wrong height for dining and the food rests were flimsy. I had to switch chairs. My first foot rest was broken. The service was a bit awkward. The waiters and waitresses struggled to maneuver the meals onto the bar, which brought about the question of why the bartender wasn't serving our food. That question was answered shortly, since he could barely reach the serving area to clear our plates due to the awkward layout. The bar needs a redesign or a taller bartender with longer arms. Lastly, while the menu isn't misleading, the novel American cuisine is so flavorful and surprising that suggested wine pairings wouldn't hurt. In summary, although there are still a few kinks to work out, you can't miss Bergamot. Go now! Even without a reservation... (Insert sour puss here.) With a few finishing touches, this could be the best new restaurant to open in Cambridge since Craigie On Main.
(4)
greg k.

The rating is for the food and service. Don't really understand why good food means high price around here though. And there are so many places that serve pricey but awful food too. Bergamot isn't one.
(5)
Dana R.

We were extremely disappointed in Bergamot. We waited 1/2 hour for drinks. We also had to wait a long time for all courses. The food was simply terrible. The pork was tough and lacked flavor. The quail came raw in the middle. The soup was lukewarm. There was nothing to like about Bergamot.
(1)
Lizzy G.

I have eaten at Bergamot maybe 10 times. And I have eaten at many restaurants in the 20 plus years I have lived in Boston/Cambridge. Bergamot is now my favorite. At Bergamot there is no hint of preciousness, hipness or snobbishness. Warm greetings await you at the door and when you get to the bar (where my husband and I usually like to eat), you are welcomed by a most charming group of bartenders, Paul, Kai and Colin, whose open friendliness is disarming and completely genuine. You get a drink--a good one I might add--and then you sort out what to eat. And the food is the hook. Although I don't remember everything I've eaten at Bergamot, these are the things that stand out. The salad with peas is a crisp, complex and satisfying mix of greens, fresh sweet peas (apparently peas are one of the chef's favorite ingredients), cheese and the perfect combination of herbs and vinaigrette. A good salad is not to be taken for granted, and this one is special. On to the fish. We have become quite risky when it comes to ordering fish at Bergamot. Whether it's cod, salmon or halibut, the result has been absolutely mouth-watering. Tonight, however, my husband ordered the tenderloin of pork, which was perfectly cooked--lean and tender--and was accompanied by an inventive and flavorful combination of spinach, turnips and apricots. The dessert, so-called "pistachio financier," was a tremendously flavorful savory ice cream/cookie/tapioca confection, which simply put me over the moon. To repeat: Bergamot is good from beginning to end. As my husband mentioned to Paul tonight: After a brutally long week at work it is curative to find a safe haven where you feel welcome, pampered even, and best of all, well fed. I hope Bergamot stays in the neighborhood for a very long time!
(5)
Terri C.

Service was outstanding, food was Delicious, I can't wait to go back.
(5)
S Z.

We splurged on Bergamot for my fiance's birthday, and while it was expensive, it was worth it. My fiance does not eat meat, and we often have trouble finding special occasion restaurants that have vegetarian dishes on the menu, as opposed to on request. In our experience, "vegetarian on request" means whatever leftover veggies are in the kitchen thrown together haphazardly- and then priced at $20+. Anyway, we booked a 9:30 table, showed up a little early for a delicious cocktail at the bar (try the quebecois!), and had a delicious meal. I had sweetbreads with golden beets to start and pork butt with creamed spinach and chestnuts as a main. She had an asian pear salad with robiola and gnocci with corn and parmesan. Overall, the food was delicious- sweetbreads were crispy and delicious but not greasy, and the pork was fork tender and went well with the intensely flavored spinach. I found her gnocci a little underseasoned, but I like more salt than most. The chocolate pave we shared for dessert was JUST RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. I have read on yelp that some think the portions are too small, and I must admit that I thought I was going to leave hungry, but the richness of the food left me quite satisfied by the end. We paired our meal with a killer Alsatian Riesling, which was elegant, balanced, and not ridiculously expensive. A final word on the service- everyone was friendly and professional at all times. We had good banter with the wine director and the waiter, and we did not feel rushed at all. The service is fairly formal, which might make some uncomfortable, but all in all it was excellent. A delicious, leisurely experience that is worth the extra money.
(4)
Josh C.

In one word - Unimpressive. We ate at Bergamot on Saturday night with high hopes given the restaurant's "local" focus and given some of the other reviews on yelp. Well, first off, we found the service and clientele to be annoyingly pretentious. From the crumb scraping after every portion of the meal, to the rearranging of dishes and silverware on the table before every new plate arrived, to the waitstaff rushing over to deliver a new napkin everytime mine fell out of my lap (accidentally) - it was rare that we went more than 5 minutes without a member of the waitstaff doing something on our table. the entire experience was overdone and not in a good way - i would even call it overbearing. I found the entire situation irritating because it seemed that everything was done so that things would look a certain way - NOT so that we, as diners, would have a quality experience. One would think that a restaurant with a local focus would also have a more robust interest in sustainability - however, the number of dishes and napkins that were wasted throughout the meal calls into question the restaurant's real commitment to the topic. As for the meal, we found the food to be over-buttered to a fault. We had high hopes for savory and fresh delivery, but realistically the food was so buttery that the freshness was lost. The veal appetizer with risotto base was quite fatty and the risotto was smothered in butter. The roasted trout was quite bland, and the cabbage/apple mixture that it came with was so buttery that It actually tasted like soggy buttered popcorn, which was disgusting. My partner got the duck, which was good - however, NOT good enough to salvage the meal. Overall, the amount of butter used in all of the dishes we had detracted from the freshness of the ingredients, and in my opinion, we paid a premium for a trendy concept that was NOT backed by quality, well-prepared meals which SHOULD showcase the freshness that is so central to the restaurant's concept. I'm actually on the way to the gym now to try to burn off some of the cholesterol I ingested during the meal. Additionally, we found the atmosphere of the restaurant to be boring and fairly generic. The tables are too close together, and I found that I was overhearing our neighbors' conversation too much for comfort. Also, the table lighting is pretty bad - its a cheap, fake candle with a flickering yellow light thats supposed to emulate a real candle. Ours flickered so much in the corner of my eye that we actually had to ask our waiter to remove the light so it wouldn't be so distracting. I know that Cambridge does not allow open flames on table tops, but the cheap yellow-lights they use at Bergamot are crappy alternatives. Overall, I do NOT think this restaurant is worth your money or your time. I would not go again, nor would I recommend this place to anyone that I know.
(1)
Chris T.

I have never had anything at Bergamot that I didn't love. You can tell that special care goes into selecting super fresh seasonal ingredients. Their menu is fairly short and changes often, but you can be sure that everything will be done right with whatever you end up selecting. The fried clams are delicious, and the corn bisque with rock shrimp is heart-palpitatingly-good. They have a reasonable prix fixe always going. Great, but abbreviated cocktail menu (try the Quebecois) & a nice wine by the glass selection for pairing with the food. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area, one of the better local restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)
Arestia R.

Oh hello, Bergamot. You are most welcome here! I crashed a friend's dinner here and am so glad I did! It was comfortable (and I am not just talking about the couch outside the bathroom, but it was a nice touch) and warm and welcoming. The servers were all relaxed and friendly and didn't mind that we overstayed our welcome gabbing away (actually, I think they liked it). My party of 4 all ordered different things and we had to share all around - gazpacho, pea shoot salad, sweet corn custard, steak, fish, scallops and roasted chicken and all with the perfect accoutrements. They kept the daily bread coming and even sent out an app bite on the house. A great menu with just a bit flair, for those of us that like inventive food that actually eat it and not just write about it. I wasn't wild about my cocktail, nor were my other dinnermates, but they did the job and the rest was so fantastic, I almost forgot about that part. But what I did not forget were the very reasonable prices! Apps around $10 and entrees in the low $20. They even topped it off with a complimentary ginger molasses cookie - I love that. Such a wonderful experience!
(4)
J D.

I went to try this place since yelpers gave them such high reviews. First of all, their menu was very limited and quite pricey for the food portions. I ordered the chicken pot pie (more like a modern deconstructed version) and a side of wild mushrooms. Both dishes were overly salty to the point I had to refill water so often. The salt was overpowering the natural flavors of the chicken and the mushrooms. I couldn't even taste much seasoning or spices in the sauce since it was just a SALT BOMB. Tried it once and don't plan to come back when I'm in town.
(2)
Karen R.

One of the best restaurants I've been to in the Boston area. Great place to east fish. Lobster Sandwich very good. Last time I tried Gnocchi and I wasn't blown away although it was tasty. But tried 3 or 4 entrees of fish and all were amazing.
(5)
Adam v.

Very friendly service and nice atmosphere. Tasty food. Highly recommend the mulled cider if you've just come in from the cold!
(4)
Lena B.

we love bergies, partly because it's a short walk up the street, forget Dali for romance, check in across the street instead, you will be very pleased. the cocktails are creative, strong, and delicious. the beer list is divine. the food is fresh and seasonal. you could go here for the dessert alone and walk out very satisfied.
(4)
karan K.

I guess its one of the few restaurants that really live up to the hype. We got there 20 mins before time but were seated promptly. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. I had the charcuterrie, which was mostly pork that day and delicious, for the appetizer. Followed by the pork chop. Easily the best pork chop I have had, cooked just right, crispy on the outside, while still juicy onside. The wife had the black board special. She enjoyed her salad and the entree of Sole. My dessert of Taza chocalate cake was good. The wine reccomended was excellent as was the dessert wine. A regular for us from now on.
(5)
Sara H.

I just dined for the second time at Bergamot. In general, the food was more polished and successful than during my first visit (which was closer to the time of the restaurant's opening). On this occasion, the food (including a vegetarian entree) was excellent- appetizer through dessert. Truly among the best meals across top-tier restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. The room is charming and tasteful, and the crowd (a mix of age groups and decidedly not "flashy") is so appealing. A detractor for me that marred the experience was the service, and I would otherwise give Bergamot 4-5 stars. I'm a professional woman, and both my boyfriend and I plan (and pay for) dates. On this evening, it was my turn. When my boyfriend and I entered the restaurant, I stood before the host, who was on the phone. He ended his call and without looking at me, asked my boyfriend (who was standing behind me) for the name of our party. My boyfriend gave my name, he and I exchanged glances, and we were led to our table. Ok; we could overlook this, particularly given the positive experience with the food that unfolded next. Our server's demeanor seemed a bit forced and unnatural, but she was generally quite helpful and professional (as were all of the other people attending to the table). Unfortunately the second and more significant faux pas came when she not only brought the bill directly to my boyfriend, but drew inordinate attention to the fact that I was paying. There was no way for me to reach it, and he literally had to pass it to me. When the server observed this, she embarrassed us both by exclaiming (to my boyfriend) something to the effect of "Lucky you! Oh how nice! What is the occasion? Must be something special! Is it your birthday?" etc., etc. On and on. When I stated that surely it was not so uncommon for a woman to pay the bill, she said something approximating, "Oh, I always present the bill to the man." Really? In 2011? What does she do when she encounters a same-sex couple? Boston has a hard time bucking a reputation for being provincial, and in my experience these things just do not happen in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and so on. Good manners, and good service, means making people feel comfortable and neither ignored nor conspicuous.
(3)
Susan C.

Bergamot is a stellar dining experience. The food is interesting, presented beautifully, and the service is impeccable. Our fancy friends from the Big Apple were totally impressed and wished they lived closer so they could bring their friends.
(5)
Delilah W.

I went here for my Who's-A-Special-Girl birthday dinner a few weeks ago. What a treat! If you have ever wondered if there is somewhere local where you can see artistically presented food a'la "Top Chef" while on a budget, this is the restaurant for you. Not only was the presentation of each course impeccable, but the attention to subtle and unique flavor combinations was unparalleled. I felt that I was treated to a high-end dining experience from the moment I walked in the door, but at the same time I didn't feel like I had to dress a certain way because the establishment had that magical Somerville charm of acceptance and diversity. One thing to note is that you aren't going to get crazy American sized portions here (go to a diner for that) so if you go with someone who doesn't "get it" you're likely to hear about it. I highly recommend trying Bergamot for a special occasion. Two people, three courses and two cocktails each for under $150.
(5)
Joy W.

Relaxed, casual atmosphere with unique, well prepared food and attentive service. We tried almost every appetizer on the menu that evening, which we found to be delicious, and found the Pea Green Salad to be particularly impressive. Each dish on the menu had its own unique twist, but the end result was well thought out and cohesive. The service was spectacular and our waitress was super attentive, but in an appropriate and helpful manner. It also had a small, but well-chosen beer list, with a mix of local brews, like Pretty Things, other American microbrews, and Belgian beers. My only criticisms would be that the restaurant gets very crowded come 7 pm on, almost annoyingly so. It is almost impossible to get around and you feel like you are sitting on top of another table, detracting from the restaurant's comfortable atmosphere. Although the service was great, the crowdedness was unnecessarily aggravated by lots of extraneous wait staff (e.g. separate people to fold napkins, pour water, clean crumbs). It was almost bothersome having someone come to the table constantly, although I appreciate that Bergamot is trying to provide attentive service. Overall, wonderful experience and I'm very excited to have a neighborhood go-to, but would insist on going early to avoid the crowd.
(4)
bob c.

Definitely worth a visit; and a return visit. Excellent food with a flair. The wait staff is knowledgeable and very attentive without being overbearing. Nice contemporary room with enough space for privacy and to have a conversation, while retaining energy. In a neighborhood where you can find some parking
(4)
Lynne C.

Flavorful dishes. Excellent service. Had dinner here for the first time over Labor Day weekend. I'm vegetarian and my boyfriend is carnivorous. I asked if I could get something other than the sole vegetarian entree, gnocchi. The waiter asked if I saw sides or vegetables on the menu I like and brought that info back to the chef who whipped up a tremendously flavorful mushroom bean and vegetable ragout over potatoes for $20. My boyfriend had the prosciutto appetizer and the roasted duck entree. Both very good. The waiter was also really helpful with wine selection. Overall a solid enjoyable experience. We would eat here again.
(4)
Geni B.

just phenomenal. the service is out of this world, our waiter was so attentive and knowledgeable. we went on a monday night and the place was packed! so obviously we aren't the only ones who have discovered this amazing restaurant. we had the blackboard special- $39 for 3 courses. we also got 2 appetizers- the salt cod and the prosciutto. we also got the pork shoulder (first entree on the menu). honestly, probably the best food iv had in the area. at the end they gave us these little square candies-- passion fruit, caramel, white chocolate. great way to end the meal.
(5)
Paul T.

This place is amazing. Excellent food, fantastic service. I travel here from Chicago and this would hold up in every city. Well done. Jen is an excellent server. I'm taking her back to the 312 so she can teach class
(5)
Soaring E.

Best new restaurant in Somerville! Great service and terrific food (if not a bit on the pricey side).
(5)
Lynn C.

We went to Bergamot yesterday with a party of 7 to bring out of towners who sometimes dine out at great places in NYC to the best Boston could offer at a reasonable (for a nice restaurant) price. I'd heard a lot about Bergamot, and it did not disappoint. The service is impeccable, and as one person said, discreet. We had 8:45 reservations, but the tables weren't really turning over. We hardly noticed, because the (owner? maitre d) came over several times to check on us. He asked if we wanted to order a drink while we waited. Their wine by the glass list is somewhat small, and they don't have all the typical grapes, so my friend wasn't sure what to order. The maitre d brought over three different wines for her to try, and made us all very comfortable saying no if we didn't like something. Eventually he found a pinot grigio she was happy with. And after sampling some of the tastes she had, we settled on a delicious gruner veltiner for table for dinner later. Our server Ally (sp?) was so wonderful. Friendly and attentive, and always there at just the right moment. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, and as another reviewer said, made honest recommendations that were actually helpful. She'd tell you something about how the dish tasted and what the flavors were, not just what she thought was good. After her description, I settled on the carrot panna cotta for an appetizer and the scallops as an entree (as part of the prix fixe, with a small supplemental charge added for the scallops). I never would have ordered the carrot panna cotta without her recommendation, but it ended up being my favorite part. It was creamy and room temperature, sitting on a tomatillo salsa that was both spicy and flavorful. The acidity of the salsa perfectly cut through the natural sweetness of the carrots. And there were other things on top. I have a very strong sense of taste, and in the first bite had a but of everything. There were so many and complex flavor it was almost too much! My table joked that after the amuse bouche we received, that this was a confuse bouche! But in the next bites, I mixed different elements of the dish in different combinations. Every bite was delicious, but each bite tasted different depending on what I combined. SOOO good! I am not a meat lover, and tried the chicken and dumplings my boyfriend ordered. He loved it, but it was a little too "meaty" tasting for me. The scallops for my entree were quite good, and accompanied with an interesting foam. My party tired the lemon papardelle pasta, the lamb, and the port loin, all of which they proclaimed to be delicious. For dessert, we tried the chocolate cremeux and the carrot cake. The carrot cake was a tad dry but very tasty. The chocolate was DELICIOUS. I generally avoid ordering chocolate desserts out because they are usually too sweet or too rich. This one was just creamy and smooth and just chocolatey enough delicious. This is the first time I've gone out in Boston and felt like we had a really special experience. The service here was top notch, and better than some other pricier restaurants I"ve been to in Boston in the past year. It felt both professional and genuine. I'll definitely plan to return her when I want to make a special impression on someone. One note - they do have a parking lot, but it is small. Given that we arrived before the first main round of diners left, there weren't any spaces left, and neighborhood parking can be found but may take a little time. Thanks Bergamot for making or get together special! We'll try to come back to try the bar menu soon too.
(5)
Evangeline L.

Oh Bergamot I had high hopes for you but you made me feel like I had escaped from the Betty.... Lets break this down: Bar: Obnoxious bartender who was not good at multitasking. For example, my friend ordered her drink but I hadn't decided yet...instead of making her drink he moved on to the guest next to me and had a discussion about wine. Back to me, still no drink for her. We had the same discussion about wine. Friend still very thirsty. Bartender starts to make her drink...vodka gets poured over ice, goes into shaker, and just sits there. Bartender comes back to me to talk wine. Vodka sits in shaker in front of friend while friend watches ice melt into Vodka. Bartender pours my wine and finally goes back to shake friends drink. Positive note: wine list rocks. Food: Big sigh of relief to leave the bar area and move onto dinner. Sigh of relief didn't last very long. I started with the pear salad and my friend had the rabbit risotto. Her dish was quite nice actually but was on the brink of being way too salty. Did I mention she had a cold? So yes, it was SALTY. Mine, however, was "meh" and salty. Have you ever had a salty salad? Its not pleasant. Anyway, willing to overlook salty because having grand ole time catching up with friend. Entrees arrive and are cold. Both of them cold. Take a bite and....SALTY. Like, inedible. Both, yes, I said both! At this point we just can't overlook it anymore...its one thing to have one salty dish but for all the dishes to be over salted? No bueno. Send back dishes and server brings menu over to pick new entrees. Service: Manager was extremely nice, apologetic, and helpful. He made some suggestions about which items to try and seemed genuinely interested in making us happy. Our server, however, not so much. He went over the menu with me to help us pick out some dishes (even though my friend was so over it at this point) and I really wanted to give them another shot. Like I said, I wanted to like it here. When I mentioned the issue of salt, our server got so condescending that it was shocking! I even interrupted his hidden *how dare you not like our food we are so better than you* speech to tell him we needed a minute to discuss. I worked in the industry for 10 years...there is no need to be rude to your customers. After dealing with his attitude, we both decided to call a spade a spade and asked for the check. I was willing to give it another go but not after the way the server spoke to us. Escape from the Betty: Now this is where is gets Twilight Zone on us. While waiting for the check multiple servers passed by our table to glare at us. Having worked in the business, I know this game. Its the "lets check out the jerk customers so we can gossip about them" game. Even the chefs were staring (open kitchen). It was so unbelievably uncomfortable, I just wanted to run out of there!! SO unprofessional. Three stars is because there are two good things about that place: One is delicious wine. Two is nice and professional manager.
(3)
Mark W.

When I first had dinner at this location it was EVOO but since then they have relocated to Cambridge and Bergamont has taken its place. The space as far as I can remember is the same as before. The service was excellent from the moment we walked in the door until we left. Glasses were never empty for long and plates were cleared quickly. The food was really tasty, seasoned well and fresh. The prices are a little steep for the area but the excellent food and service are worth the price. I highly recommend Bergamont and look forward to returning.
(4)
Megan A.

Bergamot hosted our wedding dinner, which was for our immediate family, our officiant, and our photographer, who attended our intimate wedding ceremony prior to a larger reception. My husband and I had enjoyed a meal at Bergamot last fall when we had just moved into the neighborhood and had such a fantastic meal that we knew this would be the perfect choice for our special day. We had very high expectations. Servio and Keith went far out of their way to accommodate changing plans and complicated food allergies to make the meal everything we'd hoped it would be without overstuffing us and rolling us out the door. It was the perfect balance and the menu Keith made for us was superb. While I personally remember the squash stuffed ravioli as my highlight of the evening, those in our party who had the duck raved. The cod was really well cooked as well, and the beat salad was, thankfully, full of beats with a fabulous creamy citrus sauce and beautiful presentation. Bergamot made our wedding dinner perfect!
(5)
RenÃ©e P.

Just went last night and MAN that was delicious. For appetizers we got a coconut milk soup special, which was creamy and amazing and satisfied the needs of 2 paleo eaters. We also got the ceviche which I believe was both of our favorites - we kindly asked them to leave out the cancha (fried corn) to keep on track with paleo eating. The beef tongue app was also very delicious (we left the mustard in, that's not a horrific thing to eat "whole grain") Entrees were the vietnamese flank steak which was juicy and velevety and so delicious, and the pork tenderloin which was juicy and paired with amazing champagne grapes and zuchini. For dessert we both got our own because we were done sharing at this point. The name of the dessert is not coming to my brain at the moment but it had pistachio ice cream a custard and candied pistachios. We left absolutely no survivors on the table except those 2 pieces of bread they brought out. We did spoon the sweet cream butter into our mouths though. pshhh - weird paleo eaters ;)
(5)
Nicki S.

Unable to email directly to Bergamot I am forced to go public. I would prefer not to. We had dined once before and loved it. We selected it as our 29th annual dinner with the same friends. we select the best dining experience of the year to share with this couple. We trade off who selects and pays for dinner and have high expectations as a gift experience for these friends. Unfortunately grim vegetarian options and limited choices in general make it harder. I reject that only pasta and salad offerings are offered when creativity abounds. We had an unhappy stern server to start the evening a bit tense. Our guests picked up on it right away and wondered out loud, "why?" The server attempted to satisfy our difficulties in selecting a great red. She would not relinquish the job to the sommelier, after much go around, though earlier she said if she could not help she would acquiesce to the sommelier, but would not in the end. We ended up with an unsatisfying choice for wine. The salmon was interesting in description, delivery, and flavor; however the last third was uncooked. The portions were so tiny that the app and desserts were fleeting. Service in general was unfriendly, but also made very difficult because the tables were so tight that servers reached inappropriately. Size of tables too tiny for our dinners for 4. A good meal was made more unsatisfying by the cramped environment. Get a seat against the walk to feel less like undergrowth.
(2)
Bill H.

Went here for a friends 40th birthday last night......made a rezzy for 8:30, party of 4. We had been here many times when it was EVOO......wish it still was! If you have 3 hours or so to commit to a 3 course meal, then by all means go here.......this was the SLOWEST service any of us have EVER seen at a restaurant. Drinks: don't expect much......not a lot of selection of liquors, kinda pushes you towards their wine list, also not that great and a bit pricey.....we had a 2008 pinot noir that was not very good for $46. Mixed drinks were ok......they had Beefeater (really?) but not Tangueray. Friend had martini, didn't do a good job with that either...... Appetizers: Raviolis were very good, and the Charcuterie was also very good. Entrees: Birthday boy got the duck and loved it......2 of us got the steak, nothing special and not a lot on the plate to eat, also had a pan-roasted trout, which was fairly good but lacking flavor. Menu really was lacking options....chef really loves using mushrooms and seafood in his dishes, which sucked for the member of the group allergic to them since that left about 2 choices (menu online is not current, so we were caught off-guard when we saw the latest). Dessert: we got the panna cotta for free due to the birthday, it was quite good. Overall, food is hit or miss and small portions....we all left hungry after spending over $300 for dinner.....which is ridiculous for what we got. We left at 11:30.......3 hours for dinner!?!?! Wont be going back ever......just a really slowwww place and the results were not even close to worth the wait.
(2)
Elizabeth S.

I was so excited for a Saturday evening date night and had been reading excellent reviews of Bergamot. However, it was an "eh" evening at best. Our server was off kilter, with awkward introductions and abruptly coming over to our table and interrupting. My silverware went missing several times and wasn't replaced until I asked, even though I had already received my food. Glassware went flying in the dining room and my husband's meal was taken back in case there was glass in it, etc. Funny thing is the food was decent. But that was lost in the rest of the evening. Not polished, odd wine list, tables too close together, and overall underwhelming. I had high expectations and likely wouldn't go back.
(2)
Shar p.

4.5 stars for food, 5 stars for service. This is a terrific restaurant for meals in $30 range. FOOD: They have a small menu, and they do it very well. Many items on the menu were locally sourced (e.g. hake from Maine). Our chicken and fish dishes were perfect: chicken had remained soft & juicy and the fish delicate, after being fully cooked. The pairings with the meats were novel (e.g. red potato sauce with hake, lentils with chicken) and went together surprisingly well. The dessert was delicious - you must try. SERVICE: The servers are pleasant, attentive and non-obtrusive. I never had to ask for water, our table was "decrumbed" between courses, napkins were folded when we returned from the restroom, etc etc. Overall, my wife and I had a great Christmas date dinners. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Amanda G.

Went here again and had another kick a$$ time. What I think makes this place shine, aside from great food, a creative menu, and a nice, but not stuffy, atmosphere, is the service. Both times now our waiters have been fun, attentive and smart. Love this place!
(5)
M J.

This place was almost perfect for a relaxing saturday night dinner. The atmosphere is beautiful and the restaurant isn't noisy at all. The bread was delicious, especially with the orange butter. The waitress recommended a great glass of wine once I let her know the type I usually drink, which was much appreciated. I started with the beet salad (delicious and filling but not too big). After that, I had the chicken with seasonal vegetables- the chicken was cooked to the perfect consistency and moist. However, my friend's mahi mahi was practically raw. We asked the waitress if it was supposed to be like that (it wasn't). Luckily, they comped the dish and gave us some great extras (red currant sorbet and fig squares). The dessert was amazing- pumpkin cake- light and airy. I love that the portion sizes leave you full but not stuff and that everything is so carefully and thoughtfully prepared, both in presentation and in flavor. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Andy M.

In a neighborhood full of great restaurants, Bergamot stands out as a stellar addition. Local organic ingredients, seasonal specials, great French-American cuisine. Begamot is a winning choice for fine dining. Plus, will accommodate gluten-free diners with class.
(5)
mj W.

Easy parking pleasant staff delicious food, but a limited menu (mostly fish choices) annoying little things: paper protection on table that continually got caught on my sleeve, jazz music was too jagged Overall, a good choice for delicious food, but I need more options to return again.
(3)
Ben L.

Down to aces. The one spot that I could think of where there was a consensus of have not been there and want to go and things fall spot on a dime. Show up a little bit early, read: on time. reserved table is waiting but sit at the bar while waiting for the rest of the party to arrive. time for a starter drink. we prepare to move and I reach to bring my water with me, none of that, drinks will brought over if need be. perfect square, right spacing white linens. Bread service, and I mean service though I find it odd to have my bread described to me. Amuse bouche and constant flow of water. Prime spacing between plates and don't even bother trying to hang onto the wrong fork. All of our entrees were fantastic tough I was quite pleased with my hangar steak. No huge portions or gigantic sides just the right amount of quality products and extra touches to add flavor, or color or balance. Best of all the entire experience from start to finish was nice and proper and a little bit upscale without being forced or stuffy so generally ideal for having a good time. It does seem like their drinks could kick it up a notch though I didn't put them through their full paces, at the very least I'd look at some additional options for glassware.
(4)
Natalie S.

Knights of Columbus, the food is good here. Seriously. Scrumptious only begins to describe how good the food is. Allow me to disclose. FYI: If you're the type of person who only cares about portion and is looking for big plates of mediocre food, Bergamot is not for you. Yes, their portions are not huge but eating delicious food is about satisfying your senses, not only your stomach. Somehow, when you eat perfectly created and presented food, the combinations of flavors make each bite so satisfying that you don't need to stuff yourself to be satiated. Just sayin'. Okay, onto the juicy details. Food was heavenly. The chef has a serious understanding of flavor relations and nuances. My boyfriend and I started with two appetizers, the baby beet and walnut one and the pea greens salad with truffle oil dressing, shaved parmesan, fresh peas, and poached egg. The sweetness of the beets and the earthy nuttiness of the walnuts were surprisingly complimentary in the first one. Yum. The salad was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. Screw a bed of roses, I'd like a bed of this salad to wallow in, please. It's a lovely, bright, dish that is both decadent (cheese, egg, truffle oil) and buoyant (fresh peas, pea shoots). I was enchanted at first taste. Try it. Our entrees were equally as impressive. I had the halibut, which was cooked to perfection, served with a butter wine sauce and leek, carrot, and potato on the side. Somehow the sauce didn't weigh down or overwhelm the fish. This was a sophisticated dish and I savored every bite. My bf had the plantain gnocchi and though I only had a bite, it was done right and very tasty. This dish was fun because though gnocchi is Italian, the flavors and ingredients were inspired by Mexican cuisine. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary and enjoy Mexican flavors, try this dish out. For dessert, we had the carrot cake and all I can think is that God must have been clumsy while eating dessert and dropped a nugget of his favorite carrot cake onto my plate from heaven. Don't expect a slab of carrot cake thickly smothered in cream cheese frosting, a la your Great Aunt Barbara's recipe. No, this is carrot cake neuveau, thank you very much. Petite and unassuming, but it packed a ton of flavor. It was so delicious. If you like carrot cake, order it. Specialty Drinks: Though I can't remember the names of them, I had a cocktail with St.Germain and muddled basil, and my bf had a drink that was closely related to a mint julep. Both were top notch. Service: Impeccable. Matt was our server and he was knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and very passionate about all of the dishes served. I could tell he actually enjoyed being a server there (an anomaly in waiting tables) and his timing with everything was punctual. Decor: Slightly reminiscent of its previous occupant EVOO, but this is not to their discredit because the space seems inherently difficult. There's only so much you can do with this space because of the shape, exposed pipes & ducts, tall windows, and open layout. Because of this, I was impressed with the textile elements and again, felt that the designer did as much as they could given the nature of the space. I loved the large blossom painting. So, do yourself a favor and go on a sensory vacation to Bergamot. It is a special place. You won't regret it!
(5)
Steven P.

Based on Yelp reviews and recommendations from friends, my wife and I dined at Bergamot to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Bergamot is located on Beacon Street in Somerville, in the location formerly occupied by EVOO. EVOO was the pioneer of new American cuisine in this transitional neighborhood that can be aptly described as neither Harvard, nor Porter, nor Inman. EVOO boldly blazed a trail of innovation and proved to its critics that an upscale restaurant located near the crossroads of Beacon and Kirkland could gain and retain a loyal fan base. On the one hand, this softened Bergamot's debut - its new American menu provided a sense of familiarity to diners who were anxiously anticipating EVOO's surrogate. On the other hand, Bergamot had Shaquille O' Neal sized shoes to fill, and EVOO's departure left a culinary vacuum that would surely swallow any restaurant that was not lead by an experienced chef. Fortunately, a Gloucesterman is at Bergamot's helm, and I anticipate nothing but favorable seas ahead. Bergamot is the inspiration of Chef Keith Pooler, whose resume includes stints in numerous well-respected restaurants in both New York and Boston. Chef Pooler's menu is new American in that it uses locally-sourced, fresh ingredients that are prepared in inventive (if not classical) ways. For instance, our choices included countless items that screamed of summer in New England, though maybe not in a recipe's origin, but definitely in terms of the dish's constituents. Choosing an appetizer was no easy task. I was torn among the gazpacho (with Maine crab and cilantro shoots), the pea green salad (fried egg, English peas, Berkshire ham, pecorino cheese, pea shoots, and truffle vinaigrette), and the fresh local farm salad (a mÃ©lange of local greens). Since this was our wedding anniversary, and we honeymooned in Spain, I opted for the gazpacho. Chef Pooler's interpretation perfectly captured the heart and soul of this classic Andalusian soup. It was neither too chunky nor pureed to the extent that proteins began to break down into a flavorless foam. Rather, it was ideally blended to preserve the consistency and identity of its ingredients. And the flaky, sweet crab meat, though entirely unnecessary, was a nice and opulent distraction. My wife had the grilled peach salad with crispy bacon, fresh greens, and goat cheese. This was a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, salty, and sour. For entrÃ©es, my wife chose a pan roasted striped bass, which was served with bacon mashed potato and other accompaniments that I apologize for forgetting. This dish was anything but forgettable, but I was far too busy enjoying my roasted duck breast which was served with a slice of roasted potato, baby bok choi, and topped with a lovely semi-sweet sauce and crispy black trumpet mushrooms. The duck was cooked to perfection - crisp skin, moist meat, and a medium temperature throughout. The sides were a nice complement, with the exception of the trumpet mushrooms. These were relatively flavorless, and only added a crunchy textural foil to the softer duck and vegetables. In all honesty, I would have preferred a more pliable alternative, such as shitakes, chanterelles, or even a few sparse morels (reconstituted dried would be fine). As picky as I am being, the meal was great, and we ended it with a guajillo chile chocolate pave, which was to die for. It is clear that good service is a priority at Bergamot, and the entire staff works together to ensure that the needs of every diner are met. In fact, I believe that each server visited our table at least once to deliver a course, reset our table, or refill our water or wine. And speaking of water, Bergamot has gallantly opted against commercial bottled water, and has instead invested in a water purification and carbonation system for the restaurant that allows diners to choose a bottomless bottle of either still or carbonated water for the table. This is a nice environmentally sound touch. In all, the servers were attentive, sincere, knowledgeable, and quite capable of offering advice or suggestions. If I had to find any fault in the service it would be that it was efficient to the point of being slightly rushed. The taste of each course had barely left our mouths before the next course arrived. Granted it was a Saturday night, and I wouldn't deny any server the opportunity to make money by turning their tables. However, the entire experience from hello to goodbye lasted just under 90 minutes. For me, Bergamot is a restaurant deserving of five stars. Unfortunately, I am awarding it four stars until the pace of service can be slowed for those diners who are not in a rush, who have nowhere else to be, and who simply wish to enjoy the company of others and artfully-prepared cuisine in the hinterlands of Somerville, MA. I will be back soon to award that extra star!
(4)
cat b.

We decided to try this place after Restaurant Week to get a real feel for it. I had been to EVOO, which was in this space previously and loved it, so I was curious about Bergamot. We arrived a bit early, but were seated immediately. Our server brought over a little amuse bouche in the form of a chilled soup which was scrumptious. We shared our apps - mine was panko fried oysters and his was a goat cheese risotto and loved them both. He got the steak and I got the cod and again, both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection was a bit pricey (imho), but we both loved the Gigondas that seemed to really open up after a few minutes. All in all, a special occasion place that I would love to come back to.
(5)
M V.

Service was excellent, the atmosphere was pleasant. I had a bad meal there because I'm vegetarian, and it's a restaurant for meat eaters. If you eat meat, I think it's probably a delightful place for dinner; if you don't, you should know that there are many better options nearby. Most non-steakhouse restaurants in the area (and in east-coast urban areas generally?) offer several non-meat appetizers and even sometimes more than one vegetarian entree. I'm not a demanding or evangelizing vegetarian, and I'm very happy to improvise with limited options on a menu. But here there's not one non-meat appetizer, and the one vegetarian entree was shockingly, bizarrely bad: it seemed like a vegetarian dish conceived by someone who believes vegetarian meals are necessarily unsatisfying and undelicious. That's a pretty outdated perspective in the day of Bittman, Ottolenghi, etc. I could have made something better myself in my own kitchen, and I'm not a very gifted cook. Given the quality of the dish, the price felt sort of outrageous. And given the number of vegetarian types in this neighborhood, and the increasing popularity of non-meat cooking, it was really surprising to have such a disappointing meal. But again: it's a charming spot with good service, and I think for meat eaters a fine place for dinner.
(3)
nicole b.

I had a wonderful dinner there this week. The atmosphere was neighborhood bistro, friendly, welcoming. We dined at a table, but I want to go back to sit at the bar for dinner, I really like dining at bars and Bergamot's looked inviting. There were many (more than I could order) items on the menu that looked interesting which is great! Everything we had was delicious. I liked that the portions were reasonable, no need to put more food on a plate than is necessary. We had fried chicken livers and pork belly ravioli to start. My entree was the Bavette Steak, and Baklava for dessert (I am v. picky about Baklava, and this was crispy, yet not dry with sticky and sweet sauce, perfect).
(5)
Steve Y.

the food was delicious, very attentive waitstaff. got the $39 prefix menu - well worth the price.
(5)
Debra H.

First, have to comment that the food and service were amazing. Stopped by for a late night dinner with my boyfriend after flying in from the West Coast. We each had an appetizer salad and an entrÃ©e. Both salads were fabulous (beet for me and asparagus for the man) and the entrees were spectacular. I had the risotto (which was nutty and so light you could taste every single flavor) and the BF had the salmon (probably the best salmon filet I'd ever had). They definitely specialize in the flavor, so that a crunch of snap peas adds the perfect touch to a dish. So, on food alone, I'd recommend this place. However, I also have to mention Servio, one of the owners. We had reservations for 10:15 pm on a Friday night when the restaurant stops serving at 10:30 pm. It was going to be a tight fit coming from Logan Airport and - sure enough - we were not going to make it in time. After some tense time in the rental car as my BF and I tried to navigate using an iPhone and ended up going in circles in Somerville, I called the restaurant to let them know we were not going make it to dinner. Once I explained we were calling them because we were lost and could not get there before they closed, Servio offered to direct us street by street as he insisted we were close and he could get us there. He stayed on the phone and directed me for about 20 minutes until we made it there! He was so patient and told me not to worry about when we arrived even though they were close to closing. Servio even came out to the sidewalk to greet us as we pulled up so he could direct us where to park. He did all this even knowing we were coming in from the airport and not locals who could become regular customers. The food experience was over the top wonderful, but when you combine that with such a welcoming, warm staff you can't go wrong... We will now always dine there whenever we are in Boston, making sure to call first so we can be certain to see Servio again.
(5)
Kelly C.

Very welcoming, warm space. Food was inventive and excellently prepared. Recommend the pork belly ravioli, flounder, and plantain gnocchi. Price points are reasonable. Will definitely return!
(4)
Debbie L.

If it wasn't for the fact that Bergamot was on my roommate's "Boston bucket list," I probably would have never heard about it. But I'm glad she suggested it and I'm glad I at least tried it. Right off the bat, the service was fantastic; all of our waiters and waitresses were knowledgeable and very patient with our large group. They had to be patient with us, because everything on the menu looked appealing, and it was taking all of us a long time to decide what to order! I guess after all that time I spent analyzing, I ended up ordering the weakest dish (the flounder), because everyone else's entree looked a lot more appetizing and enjoyable. The flounder was just okay, nothing memorable or special. I liked the bed of risotto that accompanied it more than the fish itself. For dessert I had the beignets. Again, just average, although it's fun to order just for the little scoop of tequila ice cream that comes with it. I had a bite of the cinnamon chocolate cake too. For a hard core chocoholic, this cake isn't going to cut it. Luckily, that wasn't me, and I really enjoyed the subtle spiciness of the cinnamon and peppadew with the chocolate. I guess I'll return, but next time skip the flounder...
(3)
Ely W.

Great food, very nice service. Recently I've been going to three or four sit down restaurants every week, this place really sticks out. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michelle F.

My boyfriend and I were split over this, he wanted to give it four stars but I insisted on five. I'll start with the things I did not like about the place: - The decor - For food this fine, I was hoping for a more nuanced design. The menus were presented on this yellow snake-skin-texture menu backing, which I thought was outrageously tacky. The dining room is wide open, so it's just a pool of tables, which is fine but a few screens to break up the space and create more intimacy would be nice. The kitchen is also open, and the jolt of fluorescent lights coming from the corner sort of feels out of place. I like open kitchens fine, but I feel like restaurant designers opt for it at times when it's really not fitting. Like here. - The drink - I'll cover the goodness of this drink later, but the only con was that it was a serious under-pour. Huge pet peeve of mine. If Imma pay double digits for a cocktail I better get my full ounces. - The wait - This I'll chalk up to the newness of the restaurant; it had only been open for a few days when we went in. They were actually really gracious about the wait, constantly offering us more of their awesome foccacia and at one point gifting us a small plate of shrimp salad-y type thing, which was excellent. The wait wasn't actually that bad, and we weren't in any rush anyhow, so I only put this in the con's to warn people not to come here to dine before an engagement...you might wind up being late. Now all the wonderful wonderful things about this restaurant: - The service - Our server was way into the food, and really knowledgeable about it. My only gripe was the he was a wee bit too talkative. Normally, I would have been down to chat, but we were in the mood for a quiet, intimate dinner, which the server didn't seem to pick up on. However, it's such a piddling little thing that I will keep the service in the pro section for sure. The backwaiters and bussers were also wonderful. The teamwork there was palpable. - The Food! - This is some of the best food I have ever had. We started with the pan-seared quail appetizer...I love game meats. It came with walnuts, little boiling onions and mushrooms. The gaminess of the meats paired with the woodsy flavors of the nuts and mushrooms, along with an amazing sauce that we can't remember, was a combination made in heaven. My man then ordered the lamb entree, and I had the butter-battered halibut. I have never tasted lamb cooked so succulently. It came with a green garlic sauce that complimented the gaminess of the meat just right. My halibut was cooked perfectly; the battered crust was crunchy and the fish inside was still of flavor. We also ordered dessert, the baklava, which was awesome but not worth recounting. Still, I could not stop sighing after ever bite of this meal. In spite of the con's I listed, the food was so fantastically amazing that this restaurant still deserves every single star. I'm getting excited just remembering that meal, and I cannot wait to go back. I'm really into their use of local, organic ingredients, that is HUGE for me, so I'm psyched to see what amazing dishes they'll come up with as the seasons change.
(5)
Michael F.

Sooooo close to 5 stars. We've had some awesome awesome meals here. Had this pork shoulder confit over mashed peas that was just incredible, I've never seen pork butt confited and it just fell apart and was rich and delicious and something I still think about. They also used to have this spicy chocolate pave dessert with basil ice cream and crushed pretzels that was ridiculous (note to chefs: chocolate + spicy = good). In general creative food with great ingredients prepared with integrity. Only thing stopping me from that last star is this Prime Rib dinner I had there that was utterly disappointing in every way. Meat sliced too thin, not served on the bone or with the rib, veggies over cooked, au jus just bleh. And come on, this is Prime Rib, dont F that up! In sum been there 4-5 times and loved 99% of what I've eaten. Check it out.
(4)
Adam W.

This is a very nice place, and a substantial improvement over EVOO that used to occupy the same spot. I found the food well-prepared, the wine list interesting and the service top-flight. The prices are a bit steep and the ambiance a bit too pre-fab industrial, but this is a restaurant worth a regular visit. I'd say that the real star of the menu is the nightly $39 special (fixed 3-plate dinner). It's only available during the week until 7pm or so, but it's the best deal and reflects the mood of the chef well.
(4)
Jason M.

After letting two gift certificates to Bergamot burn a hole in our wallets for a year, we finally checked it out... and the experience has led me to more than a half dozen great opening leads on a review: Oh Bergamot, you're so much better than that wacky font you use on your menu. Oh Bergamot, you've finally convinced me to eat brussel sprouts & I'm thankful for that. Oh Bergamot, God Bless You for introducing me to Pork Belly Butter & Pickled Watermelon Rind. Oh Bergamot, I'm a southern boy and I've never had such tasty chicken & dumplings. Oh Bergamot, I still don't know what hedgehog mushrooms are but I no longer care. They're just good. Oh Bergamot, you put olives in your dessert. That takes culinary guts. Oh Bergamot, your Prix Fixe menu is better than any Restaurant Week deal. Oh Bergamot, I really, really dig you in a far out kinda way. You're so good that I don't need to finish this rev
(5)
Mary S.

Bergamot is my favorite restaurant in the entire Boston/Cambridge area. The service is always impeccable and the food is outstanding. They change their wine selection quite often which allows customers to try new rare wines. Bergamot is unique in a sense that it is upscale yet unpretentious and down-to-earth. Looking to impress your business partners or a date? Bergamot won't let you down. Looking to chill and have a delicious burger with a great glass of wine paired with a fun chat with Paul at the bar? They have got you covered.
(5)
Christina T.

I would highly recommend eating here with your honey or small group of friends. The food, drink, service is truly excellent. I had a great dining experience here. We started with the House-Made Charcuterie and I had the rainbow carrot dish with fig (I think it's off the menu now). We had a really nice bottle of vino to accompany our meal. It's been awhile so I forget what we ate for an entree. It's a pain in the ass to get to because there are no trains nearby but come on in for a great dinner.
(4)
Cathy S.

My husband and I enjoyed a really excellent meal here last night. They'd only been open since Friday, so Monday night was pretty slow. Even so, we had a great time and were well taken care of. We decided to try a couple of the cocktails since our server, Matt, mentioned that they do many of their own infused liquors. My husband had the Cooperstown martini, which was sweet and floral with St. Germaine. I had the Bergamot martini, which used their own bergamot-infused gin, and was even sweeter and more floral. Very tasty, but not especially strong, which was fine as they didn't kill our palettes for the wine later. Then they brought the lemon-tarragon focaccia with the whipped cheese spread. The cheese was light and creamy and a bit tart like yogurt, a pleasant surprise instead of the conventional butter. They gave us an amuse bouche of halibut with frise. Then came our appetizers - we ordered the sardines and the quail. The sardines were butterflied and fried for all-over crispyness. The quail was also very good and perfectly cooked. We had expressed to Servio that we had read about the rabbit tagliatelle and were keen to try it, and he welcomed us to order an additional entree and he'd send us mid-course tasting plates of the rabbit. The rabbit was flavorful and tender, and the tagliatelle was just the right texture - this just might be the best dish on the menu! For our entrees, we ordered the monkfish medallions and the flat-iron steak. The ingredients were all flavorful, fresh and delicious right to the garnishes. The wine we got was a very reasonably-priced Cote du Rhone that was almost light enough for the monkfish, but flavorful enough for the beef - a very tricky combination to match. Kudos to the wine steward! For dessert, we got the chocolate pave made with Taza guajillo chile chocolate and a scoop of Left Hand milk stout ice cream. The grittiness of Taza's mexican chocolate had been melted away and the pave was creamy with just the slightest hint of warmth from the chile. We also got the Meyer lemon steamed pudding with lemon sorbet. The pudding was like a panna cotta - not a heavy custard. We had asked the wine steward to describe the chef's philosophy, and he told us that the chef is very proud of the ingredients he sources and does his best to highlight them and not get in the way of those flavors with excess fussiness. This was pretty clear to us in the dishes we ate - the menu is full of fresh, spring ingredients and is pretty light on sauces. I felt the portions were good-sized, but we probably would have been hungry had we not gotten appetizers as well as entrees. The decor was modern, but still warm. My only misgiving is the background music. The volume was right, the tempo was right, but the selections were weird - strange covers and all-over-the-place genres and styles. They're probably still figuring out what makes the right vibe. The food and service more than made up for this teeny flaw. We'll be back - I want to try the scallops with green garlic and the lamb before spring is over!
(5)
Oz L.

My friends kept telliing me I had to try Bergamot so we did. We started with cocktails. Champ Elysees; Cognac with Chartreuse. The Quail appetizer was excellent and we had the Cod and Pork 2 ways. The Cod was good but the Pork was disappointing. The pork was served on top of cannellinni beans. Small average tasting portions. The pork was dry and pork belly was made into a confit. The service was excellent. For all the hype I was expecting more.... There are other venues with more to offer in Cambridge and Somerville...
(3)
Shelley D.

Just went here for the first night of restaurant week and it was a delightful choice. I'm happy to say that this is one of the restaurants that gives you normal size portions for restaurant week prices. After you sit down, they serve you fresh made bread with a ground pesto sauce. Then you get a small palate cleanser of diced veggies in a vinegar sauce. For my appetizer I tried the heirloom tomatoes with peaches topped with goat cheese and it was so light and fresh, I really enjoyed it. For dinner I got the leg of lamb, which was so tender and juicy, with just a subtle hint of mushroom. The smell might literally make your mouth water. For dessert i tried the lemon pudding with quinnoa. Now I got to ask, where do these chef's get these crazy ideas. I know, let's put together lemon and rice pilaf and come up with a truly delectable dish which is so zesty that you feel like you are eating a fresh, ripe and sweet lemon! All in all, this is a great place to go, it's very relaxed (the waiters wear jeans) with the perfect amount of sophistication. A great place for a date, or to catch up with a friend. So if you need a new restaurant to try, then by all means go here (make sure to get a reservation.)
(5)
Jenny H.

My boyfriend and I had a pretty good meal here. I think the prices are a bit high for the kind decor/atmosphere the place has. I had fish with greens that were way over-salted. The dessert portions was tiny. Otherwise, the food was good. My main complaint is that there was an issue with our bill. Several weeks later, as I write this, the issue still hasn't been resolved. Despite several phone calls, emails and reassurances from the management, our card has yet to be refunded. That is extremely disappointing.
(3)
P-Rock F.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the portion size. My boyfriend said he could have eaten a Mission burrito after our meal (I miss you, SF!). However, the food was in fact delicious. We had the beet salad to start and both had the plantain gnocchi. So very good. I just with they gave us more. I had the Front Porch as my cocktail which was just about perfect. Boyfriend is vegan and I wish they had more vegan/veggie options for entrees.
(4)
Caroline C.

My fiance and I recently moved in around the corner from Bergamot and had been dying to try it. We finally did, as an early Valentine's Day dinner, I just haven't gotten around to reviewing it until now. The service, in a word, was abysmal. Which is a shame, too, since the food (and menu) was so lovely. We made an 8:30 reservation and weren't seated until close to 9:00, and our time waiting was spent huddled near the front door, since there was literally nowhere else for us to sit or stand. Once seated, it took 15 minutes for a server to notice us, and nearly an hour for our food to arrive once we'd finally ordered. (In case you're doing the math, we had a reservation and were in the restaurant for almost TWO HOURS before receiving our dinner). After we were seated, so were two couples on either side of us, both of whom finished their meals before we had even received ours. Service was friendly but BEYOND scarce throughout the meal, and it wasn't until someone else wandered over that we could even mention that we were still waiting on our food- our server hadn't even noticed, nor was he apologetic when we pointed it out. In the end we were comped the beers we drank while waiting 30 minutes to be seated for our reservation, a weak attempt at compensating for the awful service. We even contacted management after our visit and, perhaps not surprisingly, never heard back. The food was great, the flavors were nuanced and subtle, but by the time our meals showed up, we were too infuriated by the awful service to really enjoy them. Dining at Bergamot was an exercise in frustration, to say the least. It isn't every day that you can drop $150 on apps/dinner/wine and end up on the receiving end of the worst service of your life. (Even with the service as poor as it was, an apologetic server would have really gone a long way towards minimizing our frustration). We'd heard great things and were so excited to have a new go-to neighborhood restaurant... but I guess we'll have to keep looking.
(1)
sheree I.

I thought the food was pretty good but not outstanding. My friend and I ordered the beet salad for an appetizer, it was yummy. She ordered the steak for entree and I ordered the trout fish, it came with mashed polenta and mushroom. While I was eating it, I noticed a tiny little piece of hair so I called over the waiter and let him know. He took the dish back to the kitchen and came back saying sorry- the chef doesn't know if its from the mushroom or not? He was super nice and gave me a shrimp salad to munch on while I waited for the chef to re-prepare my entree. After all, I though the trout was yummy but a little on the heavy side for my taste because It came with this butter sauce, couple chucks of lobster. We shared a bottle of Rojas, Spanish wine- delish. We were debating on ordering dessert or not, and decided on not ordering any. However, our waiter was nice enough to give us the cinnamon chocolate cake for free- which was alright. Overall, it was a good experience but not the best!!!
(3)
Elizabeth Z.

Tonight was my first visit to Bergamot and it far exceeded my expectations. My boyfriend and I asked our server, Jason, for entree recommendations, and he was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, pointing out his favorite appetizers, entrees and desserts, as well as helping my boyfriend select a wine that would pair well with his monkfish (which was delicious). We took all of his suggestions (chicken liver ravioli, steak, monkfish, and what can only be described as the chocolate form of heaven...and I'm not usually so into chocolate), and every dish was spectacular. Also, I don't know what kind of coffee they serve, but it was shockingly tasty. Even though it was clear who our server was, many staff members swung by our table to clear, refill water, etc. My boyfriend (a sous chef) and myself (a longtime server in Cambridge) both commented on how team-oriented the staff was and how seamlessly they worked together. Everyone we encountered was friendly and professional, and we were both greeted and thanked on our way out by the manager/owner. Already looking forward to our next visit.
(5)
Molly K.

After reading all of the reviews about the service I was a bit underwhelmed.... Server came right away to the table to tell us about the specials and mentioned he might only have a few of one of them (I noted this because of what other reviewers had said) - it was then another 15 minutes AT LEAST before he came back. good thing none of us wanted one of those short supplied specials! The rest of the meal had fairly good timing and service but for the number of people working there kind of suprprised at the long delay in getting our order. I had the quail and the steak which was excellent. Dessert led to some disappointment - bread pudding was good but didn't have the caramal sauce dribbled around it. Per my 2 friends that is a must for caramal bread pudding. The waiter insisted upon removing it from our bill which was nice.. In summary I would not rush back...
(3)
Angela C.

One of my new favorite restaurants! My experience at Bergamot was beyond awesome. I wandered in there on a whim one night, sat at the bar, and was absolutely blown away by everything that came our way. The sommelier was superb, and every wine that that the guys behind the bar recommended to us by the glass was unique and outstanding, and perfectly paired with our food. The rabbit risotto was to die for, as was the boston pork butt (and I don't even like pork!) We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Sara T.

I really wanted to love this place. The menu was small, but that's OK--usually indicative of well-crafted, nurtured dishes. Service was very friendly. Cod croquettes tasted like mushy fishsticks. Pork butt was very salty, which is OK when offset by a good sauce; however, spinach-anise sauce / was too salty as well. The duck was excellent--cooked to perfection. Bill was $80 for these and one beer. A bit steep. With entrees @ $25 or more, I expect to be blown away. I wasn't. Additionally, the average age of the diners was about 55+. Not that I'm a spring chicken, but it just made for a very staid atmosphere (though whoever put together the music was obviously--and gladly--a 22 year old Emerson student).
(2)
Matthias J.

I was unsure whether two write a review at all, given the large number of previous reviews and the fact that I didn't really have all that much (positive or negative) to say, so I'll just make 3 points that hopefully may be useful to guests and management. 1) Solid 4 stars for food and service. Clearly not 5 but anyone giving it 3 is venting some sort of non-generalizable frustration. 2) There is private parking in the back, which is nice since on street parking is limited to 2 Hrs and doesn't feel all that safe. 3) This place was the only restaurant that I knew of that made "plantain gnocchi". This is the kind of original "new American cuisine" dish I found intriguing enough to make me want to try out the restaurant in the first place. When we got there, I learned they decided to replace the one-of-kind plantain gnocchi with the run-of-the mill potato sort. I fully understand every menu needs to be shaken up now and then, but don't throw out what is likely your most original dish that has consistently gotten excellent reviews! I hope they introduce fettuccini alfredo next.
(4)
S. M. S.

An enjoyable dinner but overall nothing special or precious about Bergamot. Amuse bouche was a disappointing first taste, appetizers tried too hard and lacked finesse however two of three fish entrees were perfectly cooked and delicious. Dessert was tasty, but like the rest of the meal just nothing special. Hostess-manager was exceptionally friendly and attentive, servers had a great command of the wine list and were almost fine-dining caliber. I'd go back but not rush back. For my money, I'd rather have dined at Sibling Rivalry which has a similar style and price point but executes with better results.
(3)
Amikam R.

Bergamot is a relatively new restaurant in a nice large room with an open kitchen. The tables are not very close to each other and the noise level is reasonable. We were four for dinner on a Monday night and although the place was almost full we didn't have to wait for a table. The salt cod croquettes were excellent, the asian pear and braised rabbit were very good. The cod, skirt steak and sea scallops were very good and the lobster - served out of its shell- on mashed potatoes was good. The service came in waves - several people converged at once and then nobody looked our way for many minutes.
(4)
Leslie F.

Don't be put off by the storefront in a non-descript office building - Bergamot is a fun restaurant with a terrific menu that is beautifully executed by the kitchen! And our waitress was knowledgable, enthusiastic and attentive, making our anniversary dinner a memorable experience. We will definitely go back to Bergamot!
(4)
Jason W.

Alright, so... I give them three stars. The chef here is definitely doing his job, but the rations are just not that impressive. They say their portions are so that you could enjoy 3 courses and not be stuffed... Well fear not, you won't be. The waiter was friendly, funny, and helpful. The atmosphere is so-so, not really what you expect for a place serving eats of this caliber. The menu is definitely creative, but small. Given the chance to go back, I might pass. Even with a gift certificate we ended up dropping a C-note here and were both hungry about two hours later. I appreciate the plating and everything, but for that kind of dough come correct with the portions. (We both had fish... maybe 8oz each of halibut and grouper. Bleh.)
(3)
Anthony F.

We have been to Bergamot twice now, once during restaurant week and once for a winemaker dinner. The food is very, very good and the quality of the ingredients is excellent. The service was excellent both times. The winemaker dinner was truly a wonderful experience. The pairings of food and wine were perfect. The winemaker even commented on a pairing of one of his reds with pan-roasted, line-caught cod. It was an unexpected combination but it really brought out some of the more subtle flavors of the wine. The Parsnip chowder was excellent. The braised lamb shank was good (mine is better though). The braised beef short ribs were also quite good but maybe just a bit dry. The cheese course was excellent. While I enjoyed both experiences, and I would certainly return for another winemaker dinner, I left both times feeling as though there should have been more--slightly larger portions, and a little more wow in the two meat courses. This is an expensive restaurant and for the money there are others that rate a bit higher overall.
(4)
Kristin C.

After reading so many stellar reviews of this place, I was really looking forward to eating at Bergamot. I had a very mixed experience. The food was mostly delicious, but alas the service was not up to par at all. I'll start with the service. We arrived on time for our 9:15 Friday night reservation and it was around 20 minutes before we were sat. Once we were taken to our table it was another 20 minutes before we were even greeted. My dining partner asked her friend who works there at the end of our meal if they were understaffed. Sadly, they were not. I was willing to look past it if that were the case. We ordered two appetizers and when they were delivered to the table, one of them was incorrect and it was 5 minutes before our server checked with us to discover the error. Our correct appetizer arrived within a few minutes. While the water was always replenished before the glass was the empty, I cannot say the same for our alcoholic beverages. I sat for 5 minutes with an empty wine glass before I was asked if I'd like something else to drink. I found myself constantly having to ask for things - bread, drinks, etc. At a place like this and from reading other (non Yelp) reviews, I was expecting much better service. On to the food. Both of the amuse bouche we received (pre appetizer and pre dessert) weren't anything exceptional. I had hoped to order the duck duck duck salad, but they had sold out of it earlier in the evening. For apps, we ordered the rock shrimp with arugula (spicy but very flavorful) and the pea green salad (as delicious as I'd hoped). For entrees we ordered the halibut (moist but lacking in flavor and the sides were bland) and the steak - while the meat was tender and delicious - the real stars of that dish were the mushrooms, leeks, beans and parsnips. For dessert we had the chocolate pave (rich and delicious) and the financier cake with olive oil ice cream, basil tapioca balls and strawberries - this was my favorite by far. It was a great mix of flavors that made for an unexpectedly delightful dessert. Bergamot has a great cocktail and wine list - also good pickings for wine by glass. As much as I enjoyed the food overall, I can't say that I'm dying to go back any time soon because of the poor service we received. Our server was friendly and charming, but the lack of attention (to us and to detail) was enough so that I'd rather go to a place where I know I won't be forgotten and will get the service I pay for.
(3)
Monica W.

The food here is fine and lovely, although nothing I'd personally write home about. This review is focused on the booze, and is sort of a love letter to Paul, the bartender. Bergamot's bar setup is a double-edged sword. It's tiny, so the bartenders can focus on each patron, but that also means you're SOL if you're hoping to grab a nice drink during busy restaurant evenings. Paul is a splendid sprite of mixology. He not only makes delicious cocktails, he is an encyclopedia of knowledge about all the various ingredients, offering tips and suggestions for developing your own sophisticated boozing. Because of Paul, we are higher beings.
(4)
Sankalp S.

Food: Short menu, not too many chicken dishes they day we went to, but the seafood was very delightful.Good wine selection Ambiance: Quiet, not too dark or too bright - perfect for close conversations. Small place. Very good service, we dropped some water and they immediately offered us to change to a different table. Got us a few complimentary dishes/tastings while we were there.
(5)
Lindsay H.

Came here with the fam when I was in town visiting my sister. I ordered the pan seared trout which was delicious with clean bright flavors paired well the mushrooms and sweet potatoes. What I love about this place is the great deal on the prix fixe, the very non-pretentious atmosphere (it's delicious like a shmancy restaurant, but without the fake shmanciness!), and the farm-to-table feel. The menu has an asian-inspired theme to it, but it's not too literal. They even gave us a free dessert!! Now that's classy.
(4)
Manisha M.

This place is just excellent! Love the drinks! lets just say that they don't abuse sugar in their drinks so you can really taste the detail they put into making them. Their food is excellent too! We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive to our needs. I think this is my new favorite spot! Definitely going back again.
(5)
R C.

Amazing. Hands down my favorite restaurat in the city. I never tire of it. The menu changes regularly, so it's a great place to revisit. The service is fantastic. You'll never want for water, drinks, or bread. Food is amazing but the desserts might be the highlight of this spot.
(5)
Rhea B.

My first time here. Loved it! Had the prix fixe dinner (codfish cake, flank steak, etc.). Can't wait to go back. One thing: one particular waitperson was quite loud and even a bit brusque. She made for a not-very-relaxing evening.
(4)
Yiwen G.

2nd time visit, and liked it more than the first time. Can i say they are making progress ? Got the $39 prefix menu, good deal. 1. House made ginger beer, loved the intense spicy. they passed the first test with having house made soda :) 2. food: everything was seasoned very well, cooked perfectly. i can't remember last time I had good halibut , and I was impressed here. Flank steak has so much flavor, wonder their secrete. 3. dessert: not as good as the savory food, maybe i didn't order the right thing 4. they do have house made candy ( it was actually mini brownie) that comes with bill. i am satisfied :)
(4)
Alison G.

Easily in my top 3 favorite restaurants in Boston. I've been to Bergamot 4-5 times now and each time the service has been incredible. Two different stand-out experiences really made it special though: 1) Sitting with a friend and chatting with the bartender on a slow Sunday night. We were asking lots of questions about our cocktails and other signature drinks that he enjoyed. Before we left he jotted down one of his favorite cocktail recipes for us, and even threw in a bottle of free bitters that we would need to make the recipe! 2) During my last week in Boston before moving to Chicago I called to make a reservation, but there was no availability left. I spoke with someone on the phone to explain my situation and he managed to make room for me during the night I wanted. As we were finishing up our dinner, a free dessert arrived and in chocolate sauce they had written "Good luck in Chicago!" which I had forgotten that I had even mentioned over the phone... it was on of those "WOW" service moments that you so rarely come across. Besides the amazing service, the food is always 10x more exciting than it sounds on the menu. Somehow, I always feel like I'm ordering a really basic chicken or fish dish, and what's presented to me is anything but basic and always delicious. Love the food, love the experience, and cannot recommend this place enough!
(5)
Caitlin M.

I went here for a dinner with work. It was a Wednesday night and we were there just as it opened, so we had the place to ourselves for a while. They were very attentive to gluten-free needs even though they don't have a dedicated GF menu. The food was excellent, but the desserts weren't as good as the rest of the meal. We did the 3-course meal for $44. I had the brick chicken which was the second-best chicken of its kind I've had (the best goes to Zuni in SF).
(5)
Beth H.

Service was outstanding. We did a three course which got progressively worse as the meal went on. The appetizers were absolutely outstanding. If I could have ordered the appetizer in entree portion I would have. The entrÃ©es were okay. If they were the only thing that I had ordered I would've been pretty disappointed. The desserts looked amazing on the menu but when they came out they were just too weird. I love surprising flavor and texture combinations, and I almost never leave a dessert plate unfinished, but we left with most of the dessert uneaten. It was a nice restaurant to try but we're not going to be regulars.
(3)
Laura P.

I had a lovely dinner here for my birthday. We had a reservation and when we arrived we were seated right away. The restaurant felt warm and intimate, perfect for a date night. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and had great recommendations for us. Cocktails were delicious! For appetizers I had the beets and my boyfriend had a pork dish, we really liked both. For my entree I had scallops which I thought was good. He had redfish which was tasty and on the light side. The highlight was dessert... Banana cream pie! Incredible, I basically licked my plate. Would definitely go back, but I'd pick a different entree.
(4)
A G.

The service was excellent. The food was simple and well prepared. Somewhat of a home style flavor to it and very comforting. Beware of noise in this place as we had a hard time carrying a conversation.
(3)
Pam C.

Came here for a group dinner. They have a pretty gourmet-y menu without the gourmety/stifling atmosphere. Waitstaff were all very friendly and attentive - the place almost seemed like it was overstaffed with the number of apron-ed people standing by the walls whose sole purpose seemed to be to come fold my napkin everytime I went to the bathroom. The food was alright - a lot of the options are a bit hit or miss. The fixe price is definitely the way to go; it's a great deal and comes with a lot of food. The quail appetizer is fantastic and definitely comes with the most value, whereas the butternut squash appetizer came a little disappointing - only a few prices of squash that was hidden under a mountain of 'frisee' (aka endive for us normal folk). I'm a big fan of charcuterie, so I ordered the charcuterie appetizer - it came with a terrine, and two pates. I like pate as much as the next person, but a chacuterie board with only three soft, mild components is definitely a huge disappointment and did not leave me a happy camper. Their entree selection rotates, but the entrees are generally meh from what I've found. I ordered the monkfish, which was nicely tender and done well. The lamb shank wasn't very well received at our table (the meat was a bit tough, and it was generally just too much). Desserts were pretty good as well - yam tarts were pretty delicious, and macrons were tiny but good. The menu seemed to be written a strange way, so that it wasn't very clear what you were really getting. A lot of times, we'd order something only to be completely surprised when our dish actually came (oftentimes, not in a good way). Bergamot definitely has a very interesting menu and amazing service. However, a lot of the actual foods were a bit lacking and I wasn't really blown away enough for a second visit.
(3)
Brennan H.

I've actually been to the bar at Bergamot several times and to the dining area only once, so I'll keep my review focused on the former. The food is great, though the drinks are (naturally) where the bar shines. The bar menu is small but solid. I've had the burger a couple of times, and it's on par with most upmarket places in the area. The pastrami sandwich was very, very good, but offered infrequently it seems. The charcuterie plate would probably be my top pick. The bar staff, particularly Paul, the Bar Manager, is the most skilled I've seen in the city. Paul's got an encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails (including some entirely custom-made ones) - I've had more cocktails made from scratch here than anywhere else and they've all been delicious. They're also all very friendly and quick with a joke - it's a wonderful atmosphere (pretty cozy too, what with the smaller bar and snazzy lighting). Simply put, it's the best bar for cocktails I've managed to find. Some recent ones I've had include a Sidecar, French 75, Assembly Cocktail, and an Old-Fashioned. All A+.
(5)
Jason Z.

I had planned a weekend with my girlfriend in Somerville and reserved a spot here because of all the reviews. Needless to say, we were not disappointed! The wait staff was very accommodating and friendly. We never felt hurried or rushed. The food surpassed our expectations. The pork charcuterie had good variety of flavors. My girlfriend had the salmon a la plancha, which was incredibly tender and seasoned to perfection. My lamb was very juicy and tender, with no hint of gaminess (I wouldn't have minded if it was a bit gamy anyways). We had a deconstructed cheesecake for dessert which was a little lackluster but the white chocolate fudge we got more than made up for it. All in all, it was a fantastic meal, and we hope to visit again soon!
(5)
Melinda M.

Got the Groupon for the 7 course tasting dinner, fun night out for me and my boyfriend. It was a small pain in the butt to book a reservation. The tastings seem to be reserved months in advance, especially for anything on a Friday or Saturday night. They also only offer certain times. We ended up coming on a Wednesday at 8:15 (I was offered 8:15 or 5:30 as possible times). HOWEVER, Bergamot let me reserve a date that was after the Groupon expired and still use it, so they pretty much made up for the reservation hassle. It definitely was a fancy night out. They took our coats at the door, for one. The waiter attentive, but spoke a little fast, so sometimes we couldn't understand exactly what it was we we were eating. It was fun to try to figure it out though. The restaurant is small, seating is a little cosy for such a fancy place, but it didn't bother me. FOOD: 7 courses consisted seven real courses (two salads, pasta dish, chicken, salmon, lamb, dessert) plus extra baby things like bread with BBQ butter (good, sourdough bread, yum), an amuse-bouche (cheese beignet thing), and a tiny popcorn/kettlecorn ice cream. Everything tasted fresh, and it was awesome to be able to taste so many things, lots of interesting flavors. The lamb and salmon in particular were cooked perfectly. I usually don't really like to eat salmon with the skin, but this was nice and crispy and delicious. Dessert was probably the least impressive (deconstructed lemon cheesecake thing with lemon sorbet), but probably would not have been my choice of dessert anyway. Similarly one of the salads was a deviled ham, which was interesting, but again, probably wouldn't have tried if we hadn't been doing the tasting. It's definitely pricy, even with the groupon deal. But good for the occasional fancy night out.
(4)
Tamara W.

Came here last night to celebrate my 27th birthday with my family; had a wonderful time! The tasting menu was bought through Groupon and it was 7 courses but really more like 9; they did a special bread on the side and also had a sorbet in between dinner and dessert. The staff were SO friendly, attentive, and great. Wine was great, it was quiet, and the food was really wonderful! We had just come back from 2 weeks in Italy so spoiled in that regard, but this was A++++ Very knowledgable staff who explained everything, the portion sizes were great (maybe a little too big even!) but it was a perfect dinner with really interesting flavor and they accommodate for allergies and dietary restrictions very easily! Go do the tasting!
(5)
Kevin F.

Fantastic prix fixe meal for New Years. Have. Nantucket scallops ceviche. Ravioli with Camembert. Arrived 930 pm. Dessert just after midnight. No rush. Top ten meal of my 64 years. Don't miss out. Treat yourself
(5)
E G.

First fantastic meal in Boston in a long time. We had the prix fixe menu, sat at a lovely corner table. Excellent service, too.
(5)
P. D.

I visited the Bergamot for the first time the evening before my birthday for a "late night charity hog-roast". I love meat-oriented events and was pleased when my other half responded positively to my numerous hints that we attend. I stopped eating immediately after confirming plans mid-afternoon, gently withholding my body of nourishment in preperation of what I thought would be a meat fest. I felt good about myself- I was supporting cancer research and checking an item off my bucket list; I'd always wanted to attend a pig roast. Unfortunately it was a disappointing experience that I fear set the theme for a potentially depressing year. Pros. The atmosphere was quite lovely- The Bergamot is on the smaller side but has an intimate, exclusive vibe. I very much enjoyed the bartender's skills and appreciated the single, large ice cube in my scotch that prevented me from accidentally dumping crushed ice all over my face while "gracefully" sipping my cocktail, per the usual. We were lucky to snag a two-seater in the corner (there was an open seating plan that night) and, with the dim candlelight and lovely decor, I could see why The Bergamot had hosted romantic evenings for so many couples staring at their phones before us. Cons. Everything else sucked. There was no pig. The set up for the event was confusing. The tables were empty, everybody was crowded at the bar, and while the kitchen was busy, there was no food to be found (like the pig). The host was quick to wave us in but with limited direction; we stood around awkwardly for a few minutes before catching a server's attention. We were told to seat ourselves where we could be waited on for drinks. Our waiter encouraged us not to be waited on by being resentful about it (was he, too, upset about the pig?) We realized after about 20 minutes that we had to walk up to the kitchen for our plates. Maybe the pig was back there? It wasn't, but we were nodded towards the counter where paper plates sat half-full of cold food. The pig, it turned out, was a few tablespoons of vinegar-soaked pork thrown on top of a sad piece of (now vinegar-soaked) cornbread next to some hard baked beans, edible coleslaw, and pretty amazing potato salad. We sat there for a few minutes, slowly picking at our food, wondering why things had turned out this way. The couple next to us, having arrived after we did, turned to us excitedly. "How is it?" they asked, standing up eagerly to get their shares. "It's great!" I replied. Their smiles faultered as they realized I was a terrible liar. My date shdh. We agreed then to get drunk as I tried in vain to gain enough courage to ask for another teaspoon of potato salad, the ice cubes and charity work being the only other silver linings to an otherwise disappointing experience. There was no dessert. And not because I didn't want some. There just wasn't any. Bergamot- please do not throw around words like "hog roast" lightly. Stick to what you know maybe? People seem to like that. Happy, at least, that my money went to a good cause.
(2)
Kat B.

I had a few good experiences here since I last reviewed. A few times my husband and I sat at the bar on one of their $1 oyster nights (Sunday - Tuesday) and we ordered a bunch of them. They were absolutely delicious not to mention huge...whoever shucks their oysters is a pro because they come out with all the juices undisturbed in the shell. The champagne mignonette that comes with the oysters is good but sometimes I wish they had an additional sauce (maybe Rialto's trio of sauces that come with their oysters have spoiled me). They also make the most amazing homemade ginger beer. I could drink that everyday! Their charcuterie board was great again...it came with a lamb terrine, jamaican sausage with mango salad and calf liver. I would say that Bergamot's charcuterie board is my favorite in the area. Service is always great, no matter where you sit you receive a complimentary amuse bouche and mini dessert as well as an extra snack (marcona almond cluster, marshmallow candy, etc. ) with the bill. The trip where I dined at the regular table with my husband was enjoyable as well. I really loved the maple glazed quail appetizer...possibly the best quail I've ever had and I am always on the lookout for quail dishes on restaurant menus. The quail came with a farm fresh egg in the hole, sweet potato puree, some house-cured ham, crispy brussel sprout leaves, and lentils. The fish (pan-seared mahi mahi) was good but not particularly memorable, I definitely prefer their salmon entree that I enjoyed on previous visit. The kabocha squash , sugar snap peas, and hedgehog mushrooms were probably my favorite part of the dish. As for desserts their pumpernickel cake with pistachio ice cream, beet ganache, and goat cheese mousse was decent but their deconstructed white chocolate cheesecake that we enjoyed a few weeks later was heavenly. The flavors, textures, and presentation were perfect...if only it was twice the size! Bergamot is still my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. I did notice that their prix fixe went up by $3 and is now $42 for three courses which is understandable if you look at prix fixe of comparable restaurants and take into consideration the rising cost of produce, meat, and seafood.
(5)
AB H.

Bergamont, you had some hits and some misses. One thing that stands out is how loud it is in there. I had to lean towards one side of the table to hear the person sitting next to me! My first course was the pea salad with corn bread croutons. Clearly I wasn't paying attention, because this was thinly sliced ham, the croutons, and a sprinkling of pea greens. My fault for not paying attention or asking, but isn't a salad supposed to be mostly veggies? The whole thing was heavy; I took leftover ham home. I also tasted the pate, which was amazing. I loved the crunchy creamy green beans on the plate. Next up: pea soup with escargot and asparagus. This was excellent. The special of the evening was duck breast, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I loved the layer of fat. The chocolate souffle was too dry and was seasoned with rosemary or thyme, which was just a weird flavoring with the chocolate. The special cheese plate - goat cheese with hazelnuts was delicious! Perhaps I'd go back, but I certainly skip dessert, and I'd ask about each dish to make sure I was getting what I wanted.
(3)
Margaret C.

Just updating AGAIN, with five stars AGAIN, since my last review was a couple years ago it looks like. They continue to hit it out of the park. The whole team delivers the best service in Boston (period), outstanding food, incredible desserts (which tend to the savory or at least boundary-pushing), and killer cocktails. The wine list is fabulous and weird, and the only thing I would tweak (which I've talked about with them). When they launched it was extraordinarily user-friendly, and while the quality is still stellar, I think it's too confusingly constructed for 9/10 diners. That being said, staff are generally well-informed about options. Subtle, delicious, accessible yet sophisticated, blah blah blah just go already.
(5)
Brittany A.

I meant to write a review months ago but I just remembered because were going back for my birthday soon :-) The service here was phenomenal. I was attended, waited on, served, charmed...amazing. It's like I've never been waited on before that night. We went on a Monday night and I loved it because they paid us so much attention. They brought us out a bunch of teeny additional dishes so that, on top of the awesome three course prix, we ended up trying six or seven total dishes. The rabbit risotto was phenomenal, the steak was great and the chocolate dessert was mouthwatering. And look what they did when they found out it was our anniversary (for free)! I can't wait to go back!!!!
(5)
Franck D.

We went there with friends coming from France to visit us. They were delighted by the service and the food. The wine card is not exceptional especially the red wines but the evening remained wonderful.
(4)
Alexandra F.

Very nice dining experience. Purchased the 7 course tasting menu Groupon and received wonderful service. Each course was delicious and we left very full. The wine list was also very satisfying. I would definitely go back to try their regular menu.
(4)
Rose S.

Fantastic! 42$ prix fix menu, high quality food, wonderfully prepared. A 'must try' and 'will return' kind of place! We visited Bergamot on a Sunday evening and the place was full! My husband had the prix fix (3 courses) and I ordered only a main dish. It was more than enough food. Starter: charcuterie plate. Very fresh and refined. Definitely enough for 2 people. Mains: The husband had chicken breast with crispy skin and I had the veal roulade. Both delicious, flavorful and moist. Dessert: sweet potato mousse. Not too sweet. Different from any other dessert I've had elsewhere. Kind of nice to move away from the heavy chocolate desserts. In my opinion, quality - price ratio can't be beat. We will be back to Bergamot !
(4)
Darvin F.

Tried their Chef tasting. It was good but very very small...Left hungry.. Service was great
(3)
Ari W.

I bought the tasting menu Groupon for Bergamot. It was 85$ for two seven course meals. The Groupon was not worth the money. A couple of the dishes on the tasting menu were delicious, but the majority of the dishes were overcooked, over seasoned and sloppy. The most disappointing courses were the swordfish and the steak dishes which I decided not to finish because the food quality was so poor. There was also a custard dessert that was so sweet it reminded me of a child's breakfast cereal, and all the components of the dish were both unevenly cut and strewn about the plate. The best dishes were the initial salad and the Chickpea soup. These dishes highlighted the skill of the chef; unfortunately, this highlight was brief and not consistent. In terms of service, the service was OK. While a staff of 3-4 waiters served us, I only wanted to tip one of them who I think works in the kitchen. Our main waiter was rude and curt. Since we tip Groupons based on the original cost the meal and not the Groupon price, we gave a 18% tip on the $150.00 valued meal. This value is absurd to me - even the Groupon was not worth the money. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(2)
Phil C.

A couple of my friends hyped this restaurant up quite a bit...and it was as good as the hype. Every course I had here hit the mark. I went for the "special side" for an appetizer, which was beef bone marrow with black trumpet mushrooms and brioche croutons. It was pretty much meat butter: very rich, buttery, and velvety. The marrow went great with bread. The hint of citrus in the marrow was a nice touch. My main was the Berkshire pork noisette. The pork was perfectly cooked - just a little pink inside. It was rather tender and the little bit of crisp on the outside part of the pork was nice. I'm not a fan of sweet potato, but the sweet potato puree that accompanied the pork was good. It wasn't lumpy, but smooth and not too sweet. The hint of orange wasn't overpowering. I had sticky toffee pudding for dessert, which was an excellent pick. I guess the ginger ice cream was what drew me to order this dessert. The spiciness of the ice cream was matched well with the richness of the cake. The mascapone tasted really light and airy...a little surprising but fantastic nevertheless. The service was impeccable. The wait staff wasn't too intrusive but was attentive. They refilled water, were readily available when ready to order or request something, and were very detailed with their descriptions of each dish. The decor is elegant, but not stuffy, intimate without being awkwardly too romantic. I wouldn't have minded a little more lighting but it wasn't like you were eating in a cave. (Thanks, Mike and Sofia)
(5)
Sunny C.

Inexperienced waitstaff (a bit confusing as to who your actual server is) and underwhelming food. I've heard this is a "hidden gem" in Cambridge, and as a Cantabrigian I've been meaning to check this place out, but with so many good restaurants in the area it's been put on the backburner. Recently, a friend celebrated his birthday here so it was back on my radar. After seeing the menu, I was excited as the menu seems so inspired. We ordered the Chef's Tasting, obviously, and ordered a side of fiddleheads. However, some of the flavors just didn't mesh well together. My date and I both found the food to be a let-down. My appetizer (Asparagus Royale) was missing a key component - the eponymous mushroom royale!! I'm a huge mushroom lover, so this was quite the disappointment. Just to be sure, I asked our server if it was missing the mushrooms and he assured me that the potatoes were mushrooms. I've worked in the food industry before - servers should be more knowledgeable. This wasn't the only mistake. They completely forgot about our fiddleheads :( We didn't realize until we got home. What a shame. Waitstaff at Bergamot is like a round-robin. Multiple servers come around to wait on you. However, because they flit around, your service may be spotty (like it was with us that night). Perhaps it was an off night for them, but servers would check-in too frequently when you wanted to be left alone, and absent when something was needed. For a "fine dining" establishment, I expect more from the waitstaff. They should know how to read body language! Also, our table was situated in the open dining area; however, servers and busboys would brush up very close to our seats. Getting jostled while dining is not my idea of a nice experience. I'm glad we could check this off our list, but I don't think we'll be back again.
(2)
Sylvia C.

Was around the area...decided to give this place a shot especially with the ample positive yelp reviews. We were immediately greeted by the host. There was plenty options to choose from - grand prix style @ $39 - though some dishes will yield an few extra bucks (ie. meat chartreuse, sardines and the lamb entrÃ©e). The service was top notch - the server crew worked as a team - watering, serving drinks and food. All were very attentive - including the host. My hubby had an emergency work call - so had to step away from the table throughout dinner. The host came by to ask if everything was alright and to see if we wanted them to hold our appetizers/entrees until he comes back to the table. Their rule is to serve when all parties are present. We'd ordered the following: Appetizers: Pan-Seared Sardine - it was nice balance of tenderness and saltiness, though the lil tiny brioche bread didn't really help much to the dish Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup - creamy and savory with the chicken chunks EntrÃ©es: Pan-Seared Ocean Trout - more on the salmon side - cooked medium rare...well cooked with sweet potato and artichokes in a bernaise sauce (creating a blend of tartness and creaminess). Slow Roasted Lamb - cooked medium rare...meat was a bit chewy because of the tendons/muscles...well seasoned. Desserts: Japanese Yam Tart - great combination of sweetness from the pecan ice cream with the tartness from the cranberries to compliment the yam tart Pumpkin Cake - cake was moist and the brown sugared walnuts was a treat. Overall, the food was great ...just wished their portions were bigger than a few bites. Service excellent.
(4)
Roxana F.

I highly recommend Bergamot. From the food and drinks, to the service, to the environment, this place has really nailed it. They have a three course prix fixe menu for $38, and the selection is pretty great. I had: 1) Beet salad. Delicious. Good amount of golden beets with mesclun greens, grapefruit, and a yogurty sauce, I believe. Delicious. 2) Pan Seared Sea Bream - pretty good. This was a very fishy fish but had a really great sear on it. Served with baby brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and bacon. Delish. 3) Coconut Tres Leches cake - very small serving of dessert, I was going to share but finished this in about three bites. Still, it was pretty good. A nice piece of sponge cake on top of a delicious tangerine curd with sorbet. My date did not opt for the prix fixe menu, but ordered the pan seared atlantic salmon, which he said was the best salmon he's had (bless him, he's from California) and a side of the mushrooms, which were delicious. He also ordered the chocolate torte for dessert, which he demolished. Our server, Tim, was absolutely fantastic! So attentive, helpful, and sweet. He was really great at helping me make a decision on which bottle of wine to order, and was very patient with me when I was deliberating dessert (important stuff, peoples). I would really love to go back here and try the bar menu (Tim mentioned that they have a lobster grilled cheese!! holy cow!) and their cocktails, which I've heard are fantastic. Will definitely come again!
(4)
Sarah C.

I purchased the groupon for the $75 tasting for two, and it was the perfect way to be introduced to Bergamot. Note that you'll definitely want a reservation to dine here, regardless of the night. We went on a Monday, and by 7:30pm the place was packed! The atmosphere is really lovely - calm, relaxing, homey, with nice music and comfortable seats. The food was delicious. Yes, the portions were pretty small, but it's a 7-course tasting! You wouldn't want large plates. And, the potato bread is awesome, so if you really want to leave full, have more of it - they'll keep offering it to you until you say no. The food is delicate. It's complex, with many components, and lots of flavor. I've been more wow-ed by this type of meal at other restaurants than I was here, but I'd definitely like to come back to order some dishes off of their main menu. They offer a great, affordable 3-course $39 prix fixe every day, sadly if you inspect the menu further you'll notice that almost half of the entrees come with a prix fixe supplement cost. Kind of annoying, but whatever. The dessert, however, blew my mind. I literally could have eaten 5 of them. It would be nice if they made those portions just a little bigger. This is a nice restaurant for a nice meal, and it has stood the test of time. It's definitely one I'll have in my recommendation arsenal, and I'd like to go back and have another meal there. Good thing I got a gift certificate from my mom for Christmas!
(4)
Shaun G.

How do they make a flank steak taste like sirloin? Dish was fabulous, service is impeccable. The mixed drinks are good too. The 3 course meal is the best deal. Parking is next door. Definitely recommend!! We did the three course pre fixe - best deal. I had the best salad I ever had in my life. Roasted Golden Beets, Flank Steak, White Chocolate Cheesecake. All great. Only issue, sorry to say.. is the Swordfish. It was overcooked, dry, but I definitely understand how keeping this plate warm can do so. Overall great experience definitely will come back.
(5)
Zoe P.

Fresh and wholesome, but also dull and pretentious. Like all those girls riding the Red Line. I listen to them talking to each other and I think, whoa. Not me. Not my friends. Thank god. Less fortunately, I wound up at Bergamot hungry. To start, I had a beets and grapefruit salad with goat cheese and sunflower seeds. Beets had no depth of flavor, in fact, everything tasted a little raw and not in a good way. In an unfinished and slapped on the plate way. The grapefruit, naturally, responded best to this treatment. This was followed by trout, with cabbage and ham bechamel. I love trout and have had it prepared, very simply, in some odd restaurants in strange places. Always delicious. With cabbage, ham and bechamel, not so much. The ham and sauce didn't know whether to go with the cabbage or the fish and wound up working with neither. Like the wealth of quirky accessories those girls wear, if you know what I mean. I can't even get into the walnut oatmeal cake but the coconut tres leches was somewhat better. The potato chip salmon amuse bouche was pretty good, and so was the bite of cherry shortbread that came with the bill. Oh, and the cheese plate was excellent. Cater a wedding, already, Bergamot. Someone at my table had to convince the upselling waiter that I'd actually prefer a vinho verde and I did - very much to my taste. But the cold, wheaty sourdough bread was, perhaps, the worst bread I've had in a restaurant in recent memory. I think my dining companions replaced it in the basket surreptitiously. Honestly, what with all the raw nuts and the trying to hard and the weirdly self-righteous flavor of the food I felt like I was dining with waspy college roommates I haven't remained in touch with. Whatsoever. The office parkesque space is better suited to a budget pedicure than a nice dinner.
(3)
Samuel F.

Wait, I hadn't reviewed this place yet? I've been to Bergamot a few times, it's right in my neighborhood, and it's fantastic. Bergamot just has really consistently high quality. Great little touches, a flexible three-course prix fixe option (to make it all the more tempting to get an appetizer and dessert), a good late-night bar menu (plus full menu available at the bar), very friendly staff, great cocktails, good selection of beer and wine, and a really fantastic cappuccino to go with their great desserts or close out a meal on its own (worth the note, best cappuccino I've had at a fancy restaurant in the area). It's very quiet and peaceful. A great place to get a fancy meal or to enjoy a quiet hour at the bar.
(5)
Florin M.

42$ for a three course menu, not bad; the portions are perfectly sized so one can eat without worrying about reserving space for the next dish. Tidbits offered at the beginning/end of the meal, very good service and nice interior. About the food: first course was rabbit risotto (astonishing, and we know some things about risotto so we're not easily impressed) and mussels (cooked in a way not seen until now); then a veal roulade (a bit fatty for my taste) and mushrooms with rice cake, and we finished with chocolate & potato souffle (or smth similar, but for sure containing the potato word in it). All in all, a very enjoyable experience.
(5)
J O.

Great. service, appetizers and entrees were mediocre at best, but not worth the price. Dessert was great. Had the Banana pudding and eton
(3)
Katrina N.

Bergamot really is as good as it gets. It is a dining experience that you should share with your favorite people (or the people you are trying to impress the most). Be sure to make a reservation. While there is a small bar, I don't think walking in would be possible at dinnertime most nights. Before I even talk about the food we ordered, I need to sing praises about the bread. Who sings about bread, right? But this was hands down the best bread we've ever had. It's from Nashoba and was served with parsley butter. Go to dinner very hungry so you can have a couple slices before your meal. Instead of going with the three course meal, we decided to share one appetizer, each get an entree, and share a dessert. The borscht was lovely and warming on a snowy night, and my boyfriend enjoyed his pork shoulder entree (which I found a little too intense). I had the cornish game hen, and even after learning that it's really just a baby chicken, I got one from Market Basket to try the recipe myself. It was delicious, and is highly recommended. The decision to share one dessert went out the window when we saw the dessert menu. I had the bee sting cake, which was quite sweet and tasty, and he had the ice cream sandwich of the night - oatmeal and raisin cookies with cheddar ice cream. I very much appreciate the experiments of the pastry chef. The staff was professional and friendly, and we felt very well taken care of. The table next to us ordered some sort of "wine journey" and we heard snippets of conversation about soil and hills in France and very special grapes. I'd like to try that next time. All in all, 100% recommended and worth the expense for a special night. Many thanks to KZ and LZ for the gift certificate!!!
(5)
Amy B.

Bergamot may be my favorite place to go for an upscale dinner. After my first visit, my overwhelming feeling was, "I have to go back." After my second visit this weekend, I can't believe it took me so long. Every bite of our dinner was amazing. I was so happy with my corn agnliotti and hake with gnocchi that I didn't really want to let my husband taste it, although I did because I am a first-class wife. I did, however, glower at him for turning down more bread as it made it hard to get all the broth from the agnliotti into my mouth. My chocolate bourbon brownie dessert, served with mint ice cream and raspberry sorbet, challenged my self-image as "not a sweets person." My husband liked his meal too--duck confit salad and the hangar steak. He may have referred to the steak as the best one he's ever had. He had me try a piece, probably just so he could snag some of my hake, and I have to agree it was perfectly cooked. Our server recommended an excellent bottle of wine to us once she learned what we were eating and our preferred price point. On both my visits, I thought the service was attentive and the servers knowledgeable. The fixed price option of any appetizer, entree, and dessert for $39 (upcharges noted on the menu) is a great value. You definitely save money if you plan to eat three courses. My only complaint about Bergamot is that it's a bit of a hike to get there, but on the plus side, this means it's not teeming with tourists or college students. This is one hike I see myself making more often. PS Pro tip: Hake rhymes with rake, not sake (rice wine). Don't look stupid like I did.
(5)
Lauren P.

I loved, loved, loved my meal at Bergamot. My boyfriend took me to Bergamot for a special 30th birthday meal, and I'm so glad that's where we went! (My alternative was Craigie on Main, which I know is supposed to be phenomenal too, but I wanted to go somewhere that allowed wiggle-room money-wise to also get some drinks!) We got the pre-fixe meal (app, entree, dessert) at $39/each, and we also ordered the side of turnips and 3 drinks each. For our appetizers, my bf ordered the quail and I got the cheese pumpkin soup (which is a type of pumpkin, not that there was cheese in the soup). Both were DELICIOUS. I was so impressed by the quail, and I felt like the servings were generous. For entrees, I ordered the trout and my bf ordered the swordfish. Again, both meals were wonderful. I couldn't actually finish all of my trout, but my boyfriend (who has a larger appetite than me) said that he could have eaten more overall. The turnip side dish was probably my favorite thing. It's so rare that a restaurant will use turnips in a creative way, and they were roasted perfectly and were so yummy! For dessert I got the caramelized banana...souffle? And my bf got the tart. I think I liked his dessert better, but I loved the peanut brittle they used to top mine. For drinks -- definitely try their cocktails! They were delightful. I ended with a sweet dessert wine, which was right up my alley. Additionally: the restroom was clean and private. The restaurant has a great atmosphere for a special occasion (although I did see one pre-teen eating with his parents...lucky kid!). The servers were all VERY helpful and knowledgeable about the wine, cocktails, and food. Thank you, Bergamot, for a lovely birthday dinner!
(5)
Steven E.

Really excellent service. My friend and I had a vegan tasting here and they really went out of their way to make sure we had a nice experience. Some really novel and tasty flavor combinations and excellent service.
(5)
Jennifer C.

This review is for the bar only. I stepped in on a Friday evening for pre-dinner cocktails. There wasn't any space at the bar when we first arrived, so we waited on the comfy couch and ordered a cocktail off the menu. It was good, and the waitress was great about helping me narrow down my options. We moved to the bar after our first drink and had the pleasure of being served by the main bartender. He heard our drink preferences and enthusiastically whipped up creations stored in his head. I'm excited to come back here for drinks, and next time I'll skip the menu and instead ask the bartenders what they'd like to mix up for me!
(4)
Derek D.

Came here for the 7 course tasting menu. Good food, not amazing,pork loin was particularly good, as was the seafood pasta. No menu on the table to let you know what you were having next (maybe this is just the way they do it). Strange order to what was presented (fish course, salad course etc. in an order different to what I would expect). Would go back, just not in a rush to do so...
(4)
Brittany T.

This place is absolutely amazing! I purchased a seven course Groupon and it was beyond my expectations. The service was unreal and the food was probably the best I have ever eaten. I would recommend going there for a fantastic meal!!
(5)
Sutirtha B.

We were at Bergamot for my wife's birthday dinner. My experience was fine but it was nothing outstanding. As we were pulling into the restaurant, I was afraid that I would not be able to find street parking (and I would have been right in terms of street parking) but fortunately, there was a designated parking lot right behind the restaurant and that helped enormously in finding a parking spot in time. When it came to ordering food, two of the five of us ordered from the prix fixe menu and another three decided to order ala carte. As we were still in the process of deciding on what to order, our server came and informed us that there were only three veggie strudels left and if we wanted to order one, we should get that soon. As one of our companions was a vegetarian and as the strudel was the ONLY veggie option on the entire menu, she confirmed that she wanted one right away. I went for the prix fixe menu and my choices were cornbread cavatelli as appetizer and pan-seared cod for the main course. The cavatelli was certainly very different from what I had expected (though that probably speaks more to my ignorance than the quality of the dish itself) and was quite unremarkable in its taste. The description read "House-made Ham, English Peas, Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrot, Fermented Honey" and blame my plebeian taste buds but I couldn't make out either the corn bread or the honey. Next to come (after a long wait btw) was the pan-seared cod. It was certainly better than the appetizer but cod tends to be a light fish and so it was quite underwhelming. A pertinent question here would be why order a light fish if that is not what I like and that brings me to my biggest gripe about this place - its super-limited choices. There are exactly 6 options for main course and no lamb or steak or duck items are on hand. Neither were there any lobster or crab dishes available as main course. Given the limited choices and given that we wanted to try out the various options, I ended up getting a dish that was not entirely to my liking to begin with. Lastly when it came to dessert, I ended up getting the milk and cookies. The name for this dish does not quite do it justice because the most important element of the dish is a coffee ice cream rather than either milk (duh!) or cookies. The dessert was probably the part of my meal I enjoyed the most but portion sizes were quite small. Overall, I was pretty underwhelmed by my experience, its good service notwithstanding. It is not that there was anything particularly wrong with any of the dishes or with its service or with the ambiance. It is just that this was a place not quite up my alley. My taste buds like a bit more spice and rich flavors than this place dishes out (no pun intended) and the super limited choices are its biggest drawback. The fact that it is also ends up being somewhat pricey doesn't help. I doubt I would be back here at all. If I were dining out for a special occasion (as was the case today), I would prefer going back to old favorites like Atlantic Fish Company or even another excellent option right down the street from Bergamot - Dali!
(3)
Derek C.

What a joke. The best part of this meal was the bread. It went downhill from here. Each of us ordered the three-course dinner tasting menu. I selected the beet salad, pan-seared cod and white chocolate cheesecake. The beet salad was literally one slice of beet chopped up into 8 pieces, 4 arugula leaves and a few nuts. The cod was about 2 inches by 1 inch. The "cheesecake" was a few dollops of cream cheese, a teaspoon of bread crumbs and some sorbet. WTF? Quite possibly the worst upscale restaurant I've eaten at in Boston, and possibly anywhere.
(1)
Sonia D.

First time here and it was an absolute pleasure. I had dinner with a friend last night and we sat at the bar, the service couldn't of been any better. I started with 6 - $1 osyters with champagne mignonette. They were big, juicy and fresh. They were Duxbury oysters so thats a given that they were yummy. The bartender also helped with wine choices and let us taste a few which was nice. I ended up chosing a red wine that wasn't on the list called Margon...was smooth as a pinot noir, my FAV. For dinner I ordered the Mahi Mahi which was cooked perfectly. It came with grilled pumpkin, fried cauliflower, brussels sprouts and marsala hollandaise. The sprouts were shreaded like a salad which was fun and different but maybe a bit to salty. Other than that it was great. For dessert we got apple beignets with apple carmel dipping sauce accompained by apple ice wine from Canada. This was a perfect meal from start to finish. Great conversation with bartender who was super friendly and down to earth and also there was a couple and a regular sitting at the bar and we all chatted about other restaurants to check out and new wine bars. Overall it was a great experience and I would definitely make it a point to go back and enjoy the dollar oysters at the bar on Sun, Mon and Tues. I didn't get the pre-fixe menu and might try it out next time.
(5)
Ethan A.

Friends booked a table here because they use the OpenTable feauture, and we were seated right away. We all tried several different cocktails which were all made fantastically, and worth the price (maybe 12-14 each) I asked what could be prepared vegan, and several plates could be, and the server assured me the cook was also able to make an assortment of vegetables for my meal as well, which I opted for. The plate came with four separate tastings, all of which were fantastic. My two issues. First, one of the waitstaff was incredibly weird, and went out of his way to put my napkin (which I hadn't touched yet since food hadn't arrived) and put it on my lap for me... which felt odd. Maybe this is fine dining, maybe he wanted to cop a feel, either way it was weird. This server (and others) also came by several times to adjust the placement of our forks, knives, and glasses. Maybe that's fine dining, but I felt very off put by it - don't touch anything I have to touch more than required. Second, which I won't mark them down for, is that this style of dining is not my kind. The drinks were made with precision and quality, but had they been priced two dollars less, than I would consider them a value instead of an indulgence. My plate had four separate tastings, and cost around $25-30. This seemed fair, but consider each of those tastings amounted to maybe a fourth-cup worth of food. I won't mark them down for this, just noting because its not my style to have a $50 dinner that leaves you hungry an hour later.
(4)
Christine J.

love this place, every dish was so well presented and tasted so good. esp the homemade charcuterie app.. portions were generous but not too overwhelming. i really enjoyed my dining experience here. servers are nice, experienced and knowledgeable. i can't believe it took me 10 years to try this place, when it's been near me all this time. Will def be back for more yummy meals.
(5)
Cindy S.

If you look for a nice and classy night out in Boston/Cambridge Bergamot is the place to go! The food is just amazing! Trust me, you will be impressed by every single dish you order! The compositions are very thoughtful and have just the right balance between trying something new but not being too crazy. I am not a big meat eater but I just loved every meat dish I ordered at Bergamot! But it is not only the food that is outstanding. The service is probably one of the best I experienced in Boston. A very attentive staff always willing to meet special requests. And finally the price for value is unique for a restaurant of this quality - especially if you are choosing the prix fixe menu. This way you also save some money for the wine. :) Bergamot's wine list is very extensive with a diverse selection of wines from all over the world.
(5)
Amanda R.

Just came home from a fabulous meal at bergamot. The food was outstanding - absolutely loved the squash and charcuterie appetizers. I got the mushroom main course and my husband got the veal - we loved both. The service was super friendly and accommodating. It was also all very reasonably priced and the ambiance was warm/welcoming. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

I always drive by and wonder what's behind those cute curtains. I finally went and here's how it is - delicious food, special night out. The prix-fixe meal is a great deal! 3 courses for less than the price of 2 (depending on what you get). We got ceviche, beets, steak, trout, cheesecake, chocolate cake. Everything was great. But the best part of all was the bread - potato bread with honey butter. It was amazing and refills couldn't come quickly enough. Nice cocktail list and a good beer selection as well. Weird parts (minor): -We had maybe 4 different waiters. One of them repeated eventually, but at first it was a new waiter for every course (including drinks). We were mostly confused and didn't know who to reach out to if we needed anything. -They came around with a birthday candle on a plate, because they didn't know which of us was celebrating. This would have been cute if I hadn't JUST seen them do the same thing at the table next to us. I'm pretty sure the person of interest was listed in the notes in the reservation... worth writing down, I think!
(4)
E C.

It was a tasting menu for Valentines Day, so some of the things served weren't exactly up our alley, but still very well done. Wife was with child and they altered certain dishes to remove raw ingredients (and replace them with different cooked ones) and cooked some things more, which was extremely nice. Overall a great experience, the food was good and service was excellent.
(4)
Thai-Anh H.

Food and service are consistently great here. We took my in laws here for dinner and we order just about everything on the menu. Everyone agreed that the food was just delicious. We love the casual atmosphere as well.
(4)
Michelle B.

I've been meaning to try Bergamot forEVER. After hearing mostly stellar things about them since they opened, I saw a groupon for their tasting menu, and thought, what better way to have a tour of the menu than that? I, as many others before me, have only positive things to say, dear Yelper. We were treated to an array of colorful, seasonal small plates, many items sourced locally, and even though the groupon was advertised as a 7 course meal, with the amuse bouche, the (absolutely delightful) rosemary-pineapple palate cleanser, and the post-dessert petit four, we had our taste buds wowed by 10 tiny plates of culinary delights. What I liked most about the food was how fresh and simple it was. Not overly heavy, but balanced and restrained. This is the perfect place for a special meals and routine cooking-replacement alike. Cozy and friendly, but with very attentive and knowledgable service. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Sean Matthew L.

Somerville is really coming up in the world. The hipsters have settled in and made it their own Brooklyn. This type of fine dining and understanding of tastes seen at Bergamot blend well with that vibe. I enjoyed their seven course tasting with a friend through a Groupon they offered. They extended three additional small course tastings on the house in addition which was very sweet and savory of them. The sampling gives you a wide scope of their menu and allows you to really take it in. They even offer paired wines with each course for an additional $50 per person. Wine isn't for me, but it's good to know they offer such a thing. Staff was friendly and attentive. Everyone who came to drop off the food was very descriptive of the dishes allowing us to have a great expectation of what was to come. Overall it's a little gem in Somerville you should check out.
(4)
Kathee B.

I'm a total foodie, and have tried a lot of really great places in Cambridge/Somerville/Boston--New American being one of my favorites. Therefore, I had high expectations for Bergamot--it being ranked with some of the area's best: Craigie on Main, Dali, T&W Foods, Henrietta's Table, Oleanna etc. And honestly---Bergamot doesn't deserve to sit on the list of any of those restaurants. I see where they're trying to go with the hyper-formal wait staff and hip atmosphere, unique plates etc., but something went wrong in the execution. Both my boyfriend and I (food-nerds and flavor-nuts) left disappointed with the Prix-Fixe and didn't think it was a good $100 spent. Flavors were not as full as they could have been, especially for foods I've had elsewhere for half the price. I appreciated the creativity of the menu (yucca!) but everything tasted pretentious and not actually remarkable. My experience here led me to believe that folks who enjoyed this restaurant may be drawn in and blinded by the hipster menu and unique items, and haven't tasted what quality and well-prepared cuisine in this price-bracket tastes like Waitstaff was annoyingly attentive but impersonal. I will say the desserts were very good--the pastry chef/dessert chef knows what he or she is doing. Save yourself the trip and go to Dali down the street instead.
(3)
Rosaleen D.

#BostMag50Rest This was installment number 3 of the the Boston Magazine 50 Top Restaurants with friends. My two companions and I went out after the first set of snowstorms to enjoy a Saturday night out. The parking was terrible, but we were able to park. It was so nasty out, we figured there was no meter maid to around so we were safe because we were not parked illegally, just too long. The neat concept here is the prix fix menu. For $44 you get to choose an app, entree and dessert. There are additional sides that you can purchase as well. The service was attentive, though our server forgot to bring one of our sides (this is the only reason for the 4 stars...otherwise a perfect meal). I had the roasted beets with steel cut oats to start. Sounds weird, but I love beet salads and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two of us had the pork tenderloin and our other companion enjoyed the vegetarian option. It was all delicious and it probably was the best pork tenderloin I have ever had. For dessert, I had some kind of deconstructed thing with sweet potato waffles and ginger ice cream. The ginger ice cream was delicious and the whole combination was sweet and spicy. I loved it. I would say if you enjoy great service, delicious food and a great meal for a great price- GO!
(4)
Xiao Z.

Quite a wonderful experience! I came here with my family for my graduation dinner and was not disappointed in the least bit. From the excellent, courteous service to the well-priced 3-course dinner pricing, I strongly recommend this establishment for all newcomers. I strongly recommend the trout cooked slightly rare (it may resemble salmon in appearance, but tastes amazing!) and the chacuterie plate. The scallops were good, but I felt the butter sauce was just slightly overpowering the natural savoriness of the scallops. Food: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Price: 4 stars Ambiance: 4 stars (the placed filled up by 7pm) reserve it early!
(5)
Audrey C.

We bought the groupon for the 7 course tasting menu. Everything was so good. Great flavors, good variety. The salmon was cooked perfectly and I particularly loved the asparagus salad. Our waiter was knowledgable, helpful and pleasant. Before going I read some reviews here and want to address some of the criticisms: small portions: yes, it is a tasting menu. You are not supposed to bring home a doggy bag. There was plenty of food to eat ... come on, it is 7 courses! (actually 9 with the pre-appetizer and the palate cleanser before dessert) many different waiters delivering food: true, our food was brought out and plates cleared by probably 5 different people. They were all pleasant and were able to describe the meals well. We knew who our main waiter was and he was great. not knowing what is coming next: true, that is part of the fun. It is a surprise. If you are going to do a tasting menu, be prepared to try new things. Don't try to special order, just be open to the experience. I don't particularly care for lamb, but the lamb ravioli was delicious. I don't care for beets, but the beet salad was so yummy. I didn't know that there were that kind of variety of beets. I would like to go back again and eat from the regular menu or try the fix pris.
(5)
Patrick D.

This was stop #2 on the "Dollar Oyster Crawl" my girlfriend and I went on and it was definitely our least favorite. We wanted to just order oysters, but the waitstaff made it seem like we had to order something else in addition, which we could kind of understand (I can imagine these tables are expensive but the place wasn't exactly packed) so we got an appetizer too. The dozen oysters we ordered were simply not good, the only flavor we got from them was pure salt. This might've been due to the fact that they were served on a bed of salt and not the more traditional ice, or they could've just been naturally incredibly salty. Wouldn't recommend coming here for the oysters. After we had ordered our appetizer, we got some bread and butter, but not just any old bread and butter. This was bread and butter of the day, rustic potato bread with "Anything but the bagel" butter (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onions). It was really good, highly recommend it if available. We then got the grain and seed torchon, which was surprisingly good. Blackberries, lobster, some patty that tasted like sausage and was described as a "meat emulsion" came together well, we ate every bite. Overall, the food was up and down, probably wouldn't go back simply because the area has so many amazing restaurants that it's not worth it to go back to one that didn't knock your socks off. Also, the service was just bad. We felt uncomfortable ordering so little, and we got charged $8 for our water. I suppose this place is best known for its tasting menus, but if you're planning on getting anything else I'd recommend going elsewhere.
(2)
Traveling B.

If I could review this place off food alone, I would most likely give it 3 1/2 stars. Aside from the food being priced well beyond it's value, it tasted good. But with the price point, you walk in expecting a lot higher of a caliber of food and service, and paper sheets on top of tables, broken toilet seats, and drinking straws in your cocktails really bring down the experience. If this were a cute little bistro with a pricing point about $10-15 dollars cheaper a meal, I would have given them the 4 stars, as it stands, 2 1/2. I had the roasted beets as the appetizer and Raviolo as the entre with the pumpkin spice cake as a dessert. To be honest, I had looked at their menu online and was really hoping the bar menu would be available at our seats as the burger looks fantastic, and the other dishes looked just as they tasted, just slightly above average. While the server smiled when I asked if it was possible to get the burger she definitely was condescending in her smiley reply. Again, if this had been a higher end restaurant I wouldn't have even asked, but with a drinking straw in my Vodka Tonic and a paper sheet over my eating table I just assumed this was a bistro-esque place. I will take their word on the beets being roasted, but there was no roast taste to them or any of the dish. It tasted like boiled pickled beets. I love pickled beets, but this was a let down. The raviolo was ok, what was supposed to be crisp was crisp, though I agree with others, the sauces really were lacking in any kind of flavor. The pumpkin spice cake was decent, but if you are going to serve half inch cubes of pumpkin spice, don't put so much cream cheese between the cubes, if I had eaten all the cream cheese would have killed any flavor to the cake at all. So enh, probably won't eat here again.
(2)
Aimee F.

TL; DR uninspired, mediocre food and poor service For context: I've been fortunate enough to work FOH in some truly great restaurants with talented chefs, and my boyfriend is a sous-chef at a well-known Boston restaurant. I was looking forward to our Christmas Eve dinner at Bergamot, especially since my sister spoke so highly of it. She had eaten there a few times before and had enjoyed her meals. When my mother and I were trying to choose a restaurant, I told her that I would be happy going most anywhere, but the only one that I was excited to try was Bergamot. I'm sad to say that it didn't live up to our expectations, and the unwelcome feelings started as soon as I booked the reservation. *The Christmas Eve prix fixe was $55 per person. I was told that if we didn't honor our reservation, we would be charged the full price, per person, of our meal on our credit card. As in $330. *Open Table told me that there was a 5:15 reservation available for 6 people. I called the restaurant rather than book online, and the man that I spoke to told me that we couldn't have that time, that Open Table was wrong, and that we had to be out by 7:45. *Our server spoke only broken English and was difficult to understand. We had to ask him to repeat things two or three times, and even after that we were still confused. Trying to have the dishes explained or to get a recommendation was frustrating and unfruitful. People who work in customer service really need to be able to speak the language well enough to understand and be understood. *The service was terrible overall. S L O W. Really, really slow. Not a good thing when you are trying to honor the restaurant's request to have the table free by 7:45. Many people attended to us during the night, and they were not communicating well with each other. We felt like we were constantly clarifying and/or repeating requests. Also, the server brought over open bottles of wine on a tray to pour us tastes. A nice touch, but he very nearly spilled the entire tray on my stepdad. He was saved by a fellow server's quick reflexes, but if those bottles had been slightly more full, at least one of us would have spent the meal stained and damp. *The food was only so-so. I had a poached halibut for a starter that had very little flavor and was undersalted (and I'm sensitive to salt). My brother had a pork belly with radicchio that he barely touched. Radicchio is bitter and needs to be prepared in a certain way, or paired with the right foods, to counteract the bitterness. Someone should tell the people at Bergamot this. The other three adults at the table enjoyed their starters. *The main course options were really, really uninspired and pedestrian for a special occasion prix fixe dinner. Our choices were salmon, pork loin, bay scallops, risotto, and duck breast. I wouldn't have minded paying more per person to have dinner options that weren't so boring. My pork was okay, although really, really fatty. My mother enjoyed the risotto very much, and the duck breast was a hit. My boyfriend said his salmon was "boring, didn't feel like a complete dish, and was just a bunch of random vegetables on a plate," although the "salmon was cooked well." *They served three little tastes with the meal. An amuse-bouche, a mignardise, and a little pre-dessert taste. Depending on how you serve little in-betweens like this, it can feel really special, but due to the poor service, it felt rushed and haphazard. The pre-dessert taste was delicious, however: a pumpernickel cake with pistachio ice cream. It was the only thing served to me that I really enjoyed, except the bread and butter. Really, really delicious bread and butter. *Dessert itself was mediocre across the board. I am a huge dessert fan, I tasted all three choices, and none were very good: a sentiment shared by all. They tasted like they'd been made a few days in advance...which I understand is sometimes necessary, but I shouldn't be able to tell that from the taste. *At the end of dinner, my parents asked a man at the host desk, probably the manager, to call them a taxi. He actually told them that he was busy (!), but that he'd get to it in a few minutes. He had to be asked again ten minutes later. It could be that the experience we had was because it was a special occasion. Maybe the stronger staff had the night off, or maybe they were thrown by the almost flat-seating of the restaurant and the extra courses. I know that any restaurant can have an off night. I also know that due to the explosion of new restaurants in Boston, it's hard to find good help. That being said, I won't return. There are too many other consistently good restaurants in Boston to waste money and time on a mediocre experience.
(2)
Thuy L.

Fan-TUCK-ing FASTIC!!! I bought a groupon for a 7-course tasting meal for 4 people and made reservations. I completely overlooked the part where it said to note the 7-course tasting meal when making the reservations. But when we arrived and told them, they were more than accomodating and the manager, David, and his staff were absolutely pleasant, nice, and made the experience very enjoyable. They have a wine pairing for each course for $50pp. We opted for half-carafes of a bubbly white and a full-bodied red at the suggestion of the manager. I arrived really hungry and based on the size of the first couple of plates, I was really concerned as they were small kiddie sized plates. I began to inhale the bread and the lemon tarragon butter. Once we were in course 4 and 5, I realized that I could probably ease up on the bread. My favorite courses were probably the skate wing and the roast lamb w/lamb jus. Everything was absolutely wonderful and I cannot wait to try the restaurant again.
(5)
Wasim Q.

Amazing food and best prix fixe deal in town. $39, for any appetizer, entree and dessert, which would normally run you $50. And the food is just awesome, put together with a ton of different well-executed components--e.g., the roasted beet salad is delicious; really salty sweet beets caramelized and balanced w/ little pieces of this light goat cheese mousse type thing. Sticky toffee pudding is also great-- it could hold its own in Georgia. Given the quality, they could get away with charging a bit more (I hope they don't read this). It's closer to the caliber you'd get at a place like Craigie on Main, which runs $67 for a 3-course. It's a fairly small menu, but I hope they change it frequently so it gives me a reason to keep going back. This could be my new go-to place when I want a nice dinner and don't want to rack my brains trying to find someplace new.
(5)
Vivian C.

At Bergamot, you have the choice of tables covered with white table clothes or a stool at the bar set along the inside wall. If you should score one of these prime 8 seats, you will receive pleasant service by the bar staff - on our night it was Paul - and the opportunity to partake of their bar menu in addition to anything off their regular menu or the 3 course daily blackboard menu. We were started off with soften butter and a slice of a chewy bread with a nice crisp crust. Additionally we were presented with a tasty amuse-bouche of consisting of a bit of deep fried fish and a homemade potato chip. Friends had recommended both the Griddled Burger $12 (Milk Bun, Plymouth Vermont Cheddar, Tomato-Bacon AÃoli, Marinated Red Onion, House-Made Pickle, Julia's French Fries) and the Lobster Melt $12 (Cheddar, Scallions, Brioche) from the bar menu, so we decided to go for both. The sides that came with both were each a touch overwhelming in their own way - the fries were nice and crispy, but much too salty (but that was quickly remedied by the brushing off of a few of the salt crystals), while the fresh greens were a bit too strongly flavored by the dressing. Both sandwiches, however, were quite satisfying, with the prize going to the lobster melt with the chunky creamy pieces of sweet lobster encased between a pair of oh so delicious buttered and toasted slices of bread that were reminiscent of the carb components of a really good grilled cheese. *** 3/2012 RW week #1 *** TERRIFIC! *** 6/2012 visit *** I highly recommend the Shaved Beef Tongue, Pea Greens, Roasted Apricots, Yogurt, Whole Grain Mustard, Lovage $10 appetizer and the Pan-Seared Icelandic Char Onion Compote, Savoy Cabbage, Porcini Mushrooms, Golden Raisin, Sweet Cicely, Champagne Beurre Blanc $25 entree. *** 10/2013 visit *** It was nice to see that they still offer a $39 pre-fixe deal of any selection off their regular menu, but this night we were here for their 7 course tasting - normally $150 for 2, but we had a deal voucher in our possession which priced it a bit more easier on my pocketbook... thank you Bergamot! Service was pleasant and by a multitude of persons. They took my food allergy seriously as did they my friend's voiced preference to avoid a certain ingredient. We were considerately warned ahead of time that a tasting might take 2.5 hours, however, as the night wore on and the tables filled up, I realized that some of the time was due to the juggling of all parties, and not simply to the pacing of the courses. We were started off with a scoop of soft lemon chervil butter and individually served slices of a rustic soft potato bread. This was followed by a tasty little gift from the kitchen of a crisp crostini topped with a soft briny mousse. The three beet salad provided root vegetables of varying colors and tenderness. Rather than to name the multitude of courses that paraded into my stomach, I'll allude to the rest of my favorites! That being the roasted chicken with its crisp and tasty skin (yes, I ate it) and flavorful sauce, and the Hazelnut Clafoutis dessert, finished with a tasty sweetened ricotta smear and a portion of a fruit sorbet. By the meal's end, I had consumed two slices of bread, an amuse bouche, 6 savories, a palate cleansing sorbet - a gift from the kitchen, dessert, and (we're not done quite yet...) a small cube of a savory cake, and no, I was not stuffed... I was just right. *** 1/2014 visit *** We couldn't' decide between their two side vegetable options so we got both and found them quite tasty. $7 each. *** 7/2014 *** The lamb ravioli $14 was a bit one note in comparison to the rest of the appetizers on the table. But my pan roasted cod $27 - wow, it was so good! Tender fish and a terrific sauce! Desserts wavered, however, with the Banana Pudding $10 and Peaches & (Parmesan cream) $10 being terrific, while the matcha almond cream and the adzuki in the Roasted Plums $10 were just too grainy to enjoy. $42 for 3 courses as their prix fixe, and we were happily full. *** 8/2014 *** One of the pleasures of sitting at the bar is the opportunity to order off the bar menu, which includes the Oysters on the Half Shell ($1 on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). Another is being served by the personable Paul. The Zucchini Ripieni (Lamb, Red Rice, Pine Nuts, Tomato & Orange Chutney, Blue Basil, Fennel Pollen) $14 had both a nice presentation and taste. A much better lamb than my last visit. The Lobster Melt (Cheddar, Scallions, Brioche) $13, was sizable chunks of crustacean dressed with a creamy goodness. It was quite tasty though the edge of my toast was burnt (I just scraped it off) and the greens a bit plain with its simple drizzle of olive oil. Another DC's fave of the current dessert menu was the Corn (Blue Cornmeal Cake, Sweet Corn Ice Cream, Blueberries, Avocado, Popcorn Caramel) $10, so I went with that. While the cake and ice cream were terrific, the avocado cream was oddly salty.
(4)
Neal M.

Loved this place. Reservation is smart to get in advanced because this place is very busy. Went with a party of three, having made the reservation 3-4 days before. My only small complaint was the high traffic area our table was in but I suppose someone has to sit there. The staff was very enthusiastic about the menu and quality of the food. We got the corn bisque and the house charcuterie. Loved them both. Dinner we had the beef which was cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Ended the night with the carrot cake. They pay attention to details w/o being overwhelming. Highly recommend.
(5)
C. W.

I took my wife here for our anniversary dinner, which I off-handedly mentioned when making the reservation. For the entirety of our meal, every server, waiter, busboy, chef, host that came by made sure to congratulate us. That alone deserves three stars. The food, however, knocked it into the five star level. We had two of the Price-Fixe menu, which lists an appetizer, entree and dessert. However, with all the small plates and palate cleansers between courses it seemed like a seven course meal. Everything was, it goes without saying, unspeakably delicious. With drinks and tip, we ended up spending about $200 bucks but for a special occasion meal it was absolutely worth it.
(5)
Ethan S.

Best food and servers. Amazing night. Stop thinking and go be served by David, Jocelyn, and the crew.
(5)
Alissa G.

My fiancee and I went here for the six-course Valentines Day tasting menu. The food was good...I was excited to see a list of some of my favorite proteins for the five savory courses (oyster, scallop, lobster, quail, and duck!). Dessert was decontructed eclair. The flavors were really great and unique for the first three courses (all of the seafood). Then it felt a bit repetitive. The spice/flavoring of the scallop sausage reappeared in the sausage that stuffed the quail, and in the bread pudding that came with the duck. Additionally, most of my food was cold, and my scallop sausages had a bit of shell ground into them. These were not major issues; the food really was good. But considering this was the most expensive meal we have every had, it really did not live up to the hype. I left feeling bad we spent so much money on a "pretty good" meal instead of leaving in full foodie bliss.
(3)
Kimberly B.

My sister had been trying to plan a double date since her second child turned 6 months, they needed a night away and since we always go to their house they decided to come visit us. She found a Groupon for Bergamot. It was a 7-course meal for 4. I was pleasantly surprised when we found a place that didn't have an issue making a reservation for a Saturday night using a Groupon, so that was a bonus. Then I was even more impressed that they told us they would honor our Groupon even after the expiration date because the earliest Saturday we could get in was after the expiration date. Finally a place with good business practices. They never had an issue or treated us differently for using one. I have a tree nut allergy and my boyfriend a seafood allergy, even with the pre-fixed menu they accommodated completely without any complaint. The food was excellent and we were always looking forward to the next tasting. The only gripes I had were that even with 7 courses we were actually still slightly hungry in the end. We were holding out hoping the tasting that preceded dessert would be something more substantial. It was a bit underwhelming. The dessert was a bit of a letdown when you got a sorbet then a sorbet dessert...dessert would have been nice if it didn't feel like two serving of sorbet, maybe a nice piece of cake next time. As for the drinks we all enjoyed the great selection and creative cocktail offerings, they were pricy but I guess that's to be expected. It had a nice ambiance. Our waiter was delightful (we felt lucky to have him, since others seemed quite stiff). Would we go back? It was a 50/50 draw.
(4)
Jionglivia L.

Lovely place. Like the pork, so soft~
(5)
Rich T.

Came here with a Groupon to sample their tasting menu a few months ago. The restaurant was insistent on fixed seating times for their tasting when I made the reservation, which I found puzzling and annoying. The food was average. There were some good dishes (pork ravioli, rabbit risotto, deconstructed pear cobbler and the goat cheese butter that came with the bread) but the menu was mostly uninspired. I get that it's fall in New England and squash is in season, but to include it in a third of the dishes--and similarly prepared in each one of those--was just lazy. Service was good though.
(3)
Miranda H.

BEST. BREAD. EVER. When I was here with a friend a few weeks ago, our meal was great, but the next day the one thing I really couldn't stop thinking about was Bergamot's complimentary house-made olive focaccia. So good. The menu is made up of solid, classic food with a few subtle twists here and there (like their Japanese yam tart--my favorite for dessert). Grab a friend, get the $39 prix fixe and share a bottle of wine. This is the perfect place to get comfortable and relax on cold nights in the fall/winter. Our server recommended a very affordable bottle of red wine from La Folie -- we described to him what we were looking for in terms of boldness and balance, and got it perfect with the red he suggested. To start, we had the charcuterie which I usually love, but this board was made up of mostly pates and mouses that I wasn't too crazy about. We also had the Long Island cheese pumpkin soup (for some reason I had it in my mind that this was going to be more hearty, like a bisque, but it's a little thinner and more like a broth -- flavor was good though). Also to start, we had the perogies which you MUST GET. They were fantastic. For our entrees, I had the steak and my friend had the cannelloni. I LOVED the cannelloni. To recap: - $39 prix fixe is a must - Wine recommendation was great - Dishes to definitely get: perogies, cannelloni, Japanese yam tart. Tip: If you don't want to make a dinner commitment, there's also a small bar area. A great spot to hang out and learn about wines from a knowledgeable staff.
(4)
John B.

I've had "regular" meals at Bergamot and I've had the tasting menu. The food was quite good each time. In fact, the entire experience was great from seating to the check. Recently, my wife and I traveled to Bergamot to have their tasting menu. Expectations were high, but they were appropriate, given our past visits. Sadly, things weren't great. There wasn't anything that stood out as particularly egregious, but the meal was mediocre. The food lacked imagination, taste and size (the portions were tiny). With every course that arrived, my thought of "it's going to get better, it has to" turned into "wow, it isn't getting better." And when a terribly bland serving of three thin slices of sirloin arrived, I knew we'd reached the end. Dessert wasn't much better and I was happy to be done rather than be further disappointed. The staff was curiously distant and with one or two exceptions, no one seemed particularly enthused about what they were doing. The place was very crowded for an early week dinner, so they must be doing something right. I used to be very high on Bergamot, but this experience makes me pause when I think of returning. Better food could have offset the disinterested service and better service could have offset the mediocre food. But experiencing of them together was just too much. The whole experience seemed perfunctory, and that's not the impression I want to have after dining out.
(2)
Christina S.

Went here for my birthday. Got the 7 course chef's tasting menu and it was AWESOME. Definitely will be returning. Parking lot is a plus.
(5)
Cindy W.

Had a late reservation on a very wet Saturday celebrating an intimate birthday. What an unexpected surprise to see the staff and chefs going beyond the call of duty to make my bf birthday so special. We started off with 2 Maiki Mule's. They make their own ginger beer. Thats a gold star in my book. The drink was sweet with a good spicy punch. We decided to go with the $39 prix fixe deal. I think this place is the only place I've ever been to that allows you to decide anything you want for your prix fixe. No restrictions and skies are the limits. I got the pork belly ravioli as a starter. The pork saltiness went well with the creaminess of the ravioli. I would have licked the sauce off the plate if I wasn't in a dress. As for my guy, he got the fried oyster salad. 3 huge pieces on top of a tomato, onion cucumber yogurt sauce. Yum as well. For our main entrees. I got the pomegrante glazed lamb with lobster mushrooms with corona beans. I am not a fan of beans but these kind of beans were a different breed. Each bean was huge! You can cut them with your knife it was like cutting up finger potatoes. So not that bad. The lamb was very tender and cooked to the medium rare to my likings. And as for mushroom and kale dressing, it was a great incorporation to the dish. My bf got the grilled hanger steak (med-rare). Holy moly was it the BEST hanger steak I've ever had. The tomatillo salsa, corn with creme fraiche was sooooooooo good. And I don't have to tell you about the cheddar tater tots. I think I've already WON you over with tater tots. I think they should have tater tots has a app. As for dessert, we got the blackberry Claffoutis and the ricotta cheesecake. We were so stuffed but how can you pass up on dessert?! The cheesecake was okay. He both preferred the claffoutis way more. Service was fantastic and very tentative. I can't wait to come back again. Its a great date night place and with free parking next door, what else can you ask for.
(4)
Alan E.

A true foodie tragedy. The food at Bergamot is good - some impressive dishes, some average dishes. The problem, for me was simply that we chose to order the tasting menu. I love tasting menus, a chance to get a good feel for the chef's tastes and their vision. Of course when you pay for a 7-course meal you expect to get enough bites out of it to at least get full. Of the 7 courses, 3 were exceptional, 2 were average, and 2 were "meh". If I had just ordered one of the exceptional dishes I would have given this place 5 stars and walked away happy... and even with the few misses (nobody's perfect) this place would still rate a 4 stars if they were part of a larger tasting menu with some great wins.... Except the average "course" size was 3-4 bites. That doesn't add up to much, especially when you eat it over a 2 hour period. I've never left a tasting menu feeling hungry but Bergamot gave me that experience. When I say "hungry" I'm not saying "pleasantly full, just right", I'm saying "what places are still open this late that we can go finish eating." I'm not super happy about that. I'm giving them 3 stars for the experience I had. I've got plans to go back and try their regular menu and see if maybe I'm not just being harsh.
(3)
Allison R.

Sorry. High prices, high attitude, small portions, out of oysters. I cry.
(2)
Matthew F.

My wife and I had our second meal at Bergamot last night, and I am disappointed to say it may be our last. As other reviewers have remarked, we also are sorry to ding Bergamot on some unfortunate lapses in execution and service, but they're just not acceptable given what Bergamot wants to, can, but isn't pulling off. The space is very nice -- a definite hipster vibe with a comforting blend of sophistication, rusticity, and relaxed indulgence. Therefore, it's surprising their portions for many dishes and desserts are so small. While it is true that there is such a thing as a healthful versus healthy portion -- something you can expect to find in most upscale West-Coast restaurants, bistros, and gastropubs as opposed to the "healthier" portions of the Right Coast -- the exceptional beauty of Bergamot's plating aesthetic aside, their dishes' proportions are just not well thought-out. Similarly, while we were bedazzled by the phantasmagoric array of exotic and specialized ingredients sourced and composed into the evening's various dishes, when fork or spoon came to lips, the tongue was kept hanging in the balance of anticipation for the expected blossom of favors was for nought. We found nearly all our dishes on the bland side, and the chefs held far too much restraint in the seasoning. Were the ingredients themselves brilliantly paired of each other, thus would be a non-issue, but that kind of artistry is a very rare talent, and most of us are more than content with just a little salt to accelerate flavors. Cocktails were somewhat on the tart/assertive side, but still inventive concoctions of the sort Boston foodies have come to expect from such establishments. Wines were good and really interesting -- kudos to their sommelier. We had (1) Cocktails: Southern Belle and Penicillin, (2) great fresh-baked bread with a delicious whipped mustard tarragon butter, (3) a bucatini with various fruits de mer (just had clams so far as we could tell), and a special roasted guajillo pepper pasta with plumped dried persimmons, and several other exotic ingredients I cannot recall (somewhat bland), (4) grilled Berkshire tenderloin (very good), and Lamb confit with stinging nettle pasta (really disappointingly flat flavors, but lamb was delicious), (5) milk and cookies dessert (small but beautiful, crumbly and wonderful textures, and very balanced malty chocolate flavors, a whole-grain cake of some sort with an incredible oolong tea sauce. Most memorable wine was a great special RhÃ´ne-style red. Looks-wise and menu-wording wise, Bergamot's got-it, and they're very good on texture (could still be better), but they really must do better with flavors and executing their assembly. Our waiter was just ok -- a little uppity, but really quite inattentive, which was inexcusable considering our $150+ tab. The sommelier/manager basically took over, as did a much better bearded server.
(3)
Roxanne K.

What can I say? This has quickly become one of my favorite spaces in the Boston area. We tried the 7-course tasting menu, which blew us out of the water, and then have kept returning to the bar ever since for a more affordable, warm, casual feel. The bartenders are lovely and personable, the drinks are delicious (the Jersey sour is a favorite!), the food choices change often enough to remain interesting and are always creative, and the generosity and warmth of the staff makes this place feel like a culinary home for us. The staff remember everything (in a non-creepy, thoughtful way!) -- your recent trips, your upcoming wedding -- and they manage to create a neighborhood feel while keeping the food classy.
(5)
David C.

Andrea B. and I went to Bergamot during Restaurant Week, but found ourselves leaning towards their regular menu almost as soon as we opened it. For only $5.88 more, you might as well (I need to be more diligent in my RW research--I keep going to places that have affordable prix fixe menus all the time!). I started with the corn and shrimp agnolotti, which were generally portioned and cooked perfectly. I'm glad our servers gave us plenty of bread, because I wanted to sop up every last bit of that sauce that came with it. Andrea and I rarely find ourselves ordering the same thing--we like to try as many different dishes as possible--but neither one of us could say no to the roasted heritage pork shoulder with zucchini, roasted red onion, corn bread croutons, and buttermilk dressing. It was the undoubtedly the right decision. My entree came together and satisfied in a way that few often do, and that buttermilk dressing should be bottled and sold at Wholefoods ASAP. Our first two courses made for a perfect end of summer meal, so it was a shame that dessert had to sully things ever so slightly. It wasn't bad, per se, it just wasn't particularly memorable. Perhaps that's because it took me all of three bites to finish it.
(4)
Grant M.

went midweek for anniversary. couldn't have had a better time. despite snow in streets, the parking lot had a spot. that is such an amenity! service was incredibly good. i was unsure of which cabernet to try and they brought me two to sample. the charcuterie is superb and the duck entree was cooked just to my specifications (pretty rare). if you are looking for a special night out. this is the place to go.
(4)
Michael S.

Went here for the 7 course tasting last Friday. First get the good things out of the way: service is impeccable from top to bottom, and the food was incredible. BUT, I simply cannot forgive them for serving FOUR vegan dishes out of the seven. The first four dishes were 1) beets, 2) asparagus, 3) peas, and 4) garlic soup. We were still starving by the time the only protein came out as 5) mahi mahi and 6) a forgettable pork dish. The dessert was not to our liking (nor apparently others because the waitress could only comment that it was an "interesting" flavor combination). The food was great. And nothing against vegan food. But when charging $150 for a 7 course tasting at a progressive-American restaurant, it's simply not right for the first 4 courses to be vegan.
(3)
Emily M.

My sister and I had a Groupon to Bergamot for the 7 course tasting. It was hands down the best food I have ever had. We were blown away by the service, presentation, atmosphere, and obviously the incredible combinations of every dish. You can do wine pairings with every course for an additional $50 each but we chose to just get a bottle which was pricey but totally worth it. Each plate was sort of a tease because they are only about 3-4 bites each which made us DEFINITELY want to go back again. Thank you Bergamot for an incredibly tasty night.
(5)
Suzanne G.

We had an excellent dinner here. The service is top knotch, and the food always has so many tastes, it is unique, surprising, and truly exceptional. The vegetarian options are spectactural, the meat and fish to die for! Thank you for a very special meal, again!
(5)
Charles S.

Short summary: They're trying too hard, but focussing on all the wrong things. The service was pretentious. I'm willing to forgive pretentious service if it's actually *good*, but unfortunately that didn't happen. What do I mean by pretentious service? I mean endless people coming and fiddling with your silverware, moving your glasses, etc. during dinner. I mean self-important descriptions of the chef's "visions." I mean a waiter who seems more irked by our presence than welcoming. What do I mean by bad service? I mean being seated without menus (and having to wait a good ten minutes for them). I mean constantly having an empty water glass. The food was inconsistent, at best. Portion sizes were all over the map: from a cod filet that didn't constitute much more than a couple bites, to a huge chunk of (over-salted) chicken. By and large the food tasted merely alright. But one need not spend this kind of money for an "alright" dinner. Better to head across the street to Dali or Kirkland Tap & Trotter... both better moves in the same price range.
(2)
Jenn H.

Love this place! It has become my favorite restaurant. I know this is Somerville, but Bergamot could compete with any French/New American establishment in Back Bay. Excellent service and an impressive wine menu. Our server was knowledgeable and patient, and even wrote down the name of my wine so I could purchase a bottle. I had a glass of the 2011 Riesling. Best I've ever had. My friend and I enjoyed an amazing 7-course tasting menu, which actually included 2 complimentary courses, so it was 9 courses total. Every single course was light, refreshing and delicious: beautifully plated, and explained in detail by our server. Stand-outs included the amuse bouche, arugula salad, salmon entree, grilled steak with a beautiful wine reduction (the best steak I've ever had), pre-dessert and dessert course of what I remember was a raspberry sorbet. Ok... So everything stood out! I truly enjoyed this restaurant and can't wait to come back soon.
(5)
Fart P.

I joined yelp just to post this review. What a shithole of a restaurant. Everything about our trip was terrible. They tried to seat us at the fucking couch next to the hostess stand. We tried an open bottle of wine from their tasting menu. They poured two half glasses and charged us 30$! The host David, made up a price for the wine and sent it to our table. It was an absolute waste of time and money. I will never go back.
(1)
Joseph H.

We had a great time here last night. Everyone who works here seems happy and glad to see us as if we were old friends. Our Waitperson was a lovely woman who knew everything about the beers, wines and menu offerings. We felt very comfortable and pampered while we were there. The $39 prix fixe menu makes it a good value. The attentive staff make it a very nice experience.
(5)
Nicholas Y.

We ate at the bar, but I'd like to go back and try their full menu. Lovely cocktail selection (we had an old man drink, a girly cocktail, and a classic mixed drink--each was very nice) and an interesting bar menu. The lobster melt and the burger were pretty darn good, complemented by morsel courses. The one blunder of the evening was when the server called me "miss." Time for a haircut, I guess.
(4)
Ana R.

After returning to the Bergamot on several occasions, I've deemed it Much Too Expensive for nearly anything. The fella and I were at the bar on a recent evening, ordered drinks there and were ready to order when a couple we knew came in. We were seated together at a table and promptly had the bar menu extricated from our hands. The supper menu is twice the price of the bar menu (obviously), so I was a bit miffed when they charged me for the STILL water that was placed on the table ($8). Even more nervy was their charging me another $8 for my non-alcoholic cranberry juice and tonic. For that price, I could have gotten a cocktail. Let me rephrase that: for that price I could have gotten a cocktail somewhere else. The staff takes themselves much too seriously and they are awkward as hell to interact with, even after a long evening. Speaking of which, everything takes FOREVER here. I understand it's fancy to have to wait for your food (which is always excellent here), but it should take 20 minutes to get your credit card run up at the end of the night. Never again. Just a sad incidence where bad service and shitty charging policies make for a bad experience even though the food was great.
(2)
Joel O.

Parking down the street is easy. The food is really good. Interesting wines too. Had the corn which I loved and the skirt steak which was delicious also. Mom had the chicken which was cooked perfectly. All was really good.
(5)
Eric C.

My wife and I decided to try Bergamot this past Monday (10/18) for our two-year anniversary. It's always risky business to try a new place out, especially for an important occasion but I'm glad to say that Bergamot was very, very good to us. Not only did we receive a lovely table but excellent service as well. The decor was very tasteful and upbeat and who can not like hearing a little Beck on the audio system? It really help set an excellent mood for our dinner. The atmosphere was casual-to-dressy (I didn't feel out of place wearing jeans but I wouldn't walk in wearing my usual death metal t-shirts), making things nice and relaxed. Speaking of which...wow! We started with the salted cod cakes which turned out a great appetizer for the food to come. For dinner, my wife had the duck and I had the home made potato gnocchi - both were superb. If I had a piece of bread (which I am sure I could've asked for), I would've wiped my plate clean! For desert. we shared the yogurt and fresh fruit which was a perfect ender to our evening. The only dish that wasn't perfect (but still excellent) was the side of mushrooms we ordered. They were wonderfully aromatic and flavorful, but were just a tad salty for us. We still finished them, however. The salt didn't really hit us until afterwards. Oh yeah, and the cocktails. Bergamot makes a mean Martinez with Haylay's Old Tom gin and I couldn't even finish it (I am a lightweight) but it tasted great. Bergamot will be a restaurant we will return to for sure - whether to celebrate another anniversary or just to show off to our out-of-town friends. If you're looking for a romantic dinner with fantastic food and excellent service, or even to have a great gathering with friends (who don't mind paying a little extra), Bergamot should not be overlooked. Parking can be a bit of an issue but that shouldn't turn you away.
(4)
Michael C.

I went to Bergamont a couple months back for dinner with Mom. I don't remeber specifically what I got, I did go with the 3 course tasting for $39. It was well worth it. I will definitely return.
(4)
Ramana L.

My first trip to Bergamot, (ridiculous it took this long, as I live less than a mile away) was a mixed bag. But for some intangible reason, I like the concept, the quality of the ingredients and the obvious skill of the kitchen, though my meal was far from perfect. I dove in, ordering up the heavily pork laden blackboard menu, a three course meal for $39. Before dinner, I was offered an amuse bouche of deviled egg with a lardon on top. Satisfying with a mustardy kick, it set a precedent for the heady meal to follow. First course was a hearty dominican sancocho with a crispy fried pork cutlet. A fairly delicate, lemony broth had potato, plantain, what looked to be cubanelle pepper and some slices of blood sausage. The vegetables were pleasingly firm, though the pepper provided nothing more than color. The cutlet was nice and crispy, but lacked seasoning. The main course was pork done two ways- three generous slices of boston butt and a piece of braised belly, atop a white bean and cranberry hash and pork jus. Three savory segments of roasted oyster mushroom accompanied the meat. The pork shoulder was good, with the exception of the slightly thick skin, which after sitting in jus became too chewy to eat. Unfortunately, the bigger faux pas on the plate was the treatment of the hash. The starchy goodness of the alternately mashed and whole beans, offset by tangy cranberry had lots of potential, but was ruined by a massively slug of salt. The braised belly on the other hand was delectable- the top layer of fat forming a crispy skin that set off the layers of tender meat and fat below. Simple, porky, and delicious, this was easily the highlight of the dish. After struggling to finish this substantial (in size, density, and character) dish, I took the dessert to go. The brown butter cranberry cake looks yummy... but I am so stuffed I don't even want to think about it right now. So the dishes I sampled were flawed, mostly due to poor seasoning- under in the case of the cutlet and grossly over in the hash. You would think that a kitchen manned by cooks as experienced as these would get a handle on something so basic. Yet, the inventiveness and downright courage it takes to think up and execute some of the items on the menu counts for a lot. So I will give Bergamot the benefit of the doubt and hope that next time the experience won't be marred by a rudimentary mishandling of salt.
(3)
Mike G.

wanted to finish the pork chop, but had to send it back to the kitchen. sorry chef, it was so salty i couldn't taste anything but. over-brined? really liked the fava bean-rice that came with it, though. a buddy who ordered same thought it salty, too. but ate it anyways, until he cut into raw-not medium or pink-meat. didn't fuss, but pointed it out to server when she came around. for the second dish(which came quickly), i opted for scallops (good) that came with greasy corn (not good). and yelpers, what's the big deal about the bread?? service was charming and apps were fine enough. in the end, friend's pork chop was taken off the bill. top points for that Bergamot. i know stuff happens. but to the guy(owner?) who pointedly ignored us on the way out - we can afford to pay for dinner.
(3)
Julie A.

Bergamot, did I dream you? Because I can't seem to understand how what I ate was as delicious as it was. Only in some 2 AM post-party undergrad haze could I imagine coming up with some of these dishes. Me: Dude. I'm staaaaaarving. Friend: Well, go look in the fridge and see what we have. Me: PEA SHOOTS! SWEET! I've got it - let's take a soft boiled egg, fry it in panko bread crumbs, throw in some ham and make a salad. Friend: That sounds insane. Me: Or, hold up. PLANTAIN GNOCCHI. You know what that would taste great on? Guacamole. With lots of mushrooms. And red peppers. Friend: Um, no. Maybe just some popcorn or something? Me: You're a genius! We'll coat it in molasses and we'll...it's in here somewhere...ah, yes, have molasses popcorn on top of CORN ICE CREAM! Friend: I'm going to bed. Me: But wait!!! You didn't eat these tiny squares of strawberry Jell-O! I don't know how it works. The chef has to be some sort of sorcerer, but somehow, everything I ate was incredible. Mushroom butter? Mysteriously spicy cucumber crab amuse-bouche? You can't make this stuff up. Add knowledgeable, attentive service and lovely decor, and you've got the makings of a really memorable (albeit slightly overpriced) evening. I do warn you, though - leave these flavor combinations to the experts at Bergamot and don't try this at home. At 2 AM. I've been there.
(4)
Tiffany Z.

Food was delicious, portions were large, plating was nicely done, service was friendly and efficient, and the color scheme was bright and refreshing in this recently opened new American style restaurant. And, they have interesting bread and special treats from the chef, earning that extra 5th star! Zucchini bread with honey butter...mmm :) I wish more restaurants would be creative with their bread offerings. It's a little pricey (~$10 apps, $25 entrÃ©es, $10 desserts, $10 cocktails/wine), but well worth it for the amount and quality of food you receive. And, the friendly and attentive service despite the full dining room makes it even more enjoyable! The noise level was also that perfect balance of humming conversation that doesn't disrupt your own party. With five people, we sampled 3 appetizers, 5 entrÃ©es, and 3 desserts, and everyone was impressed with their choices. My personal favorites were the pea green salad, the pork chop with risotto, and the goat cheese cheesecake, although I think the menu changes on a regular basis.
(5)
OpineAway C.

It's not that it's not good - but the prices and what it pretends to be is not on par with the food we got. One appetizer, the beef ravioli, was excellent, and one entrÃ©e, the salmon, was pretty good. The rest, including the steak, the other appetizer and the dessert where OK, but not great and definitely did not justify the prices. The glazed carrots appetizer was maybe suitable as a side for a main dish, and the steak was cooked right but had no "personality" and the sides were just as bland. Desserts were also just OK, nothing thrilling. Even with the prefix 3 course deal it is not worth the price. If prices here were 30%-40% less than what they are, they would match the food. My "I'll Have Another" cocktail was excellent. And a comment about something that really bothered me - the light fixtures hanging over the tables area where covered with thick dust. That really sealed the deal for me for this one and almost lowered it to a two star. The open kitchen left it at 3...
(3)
Lori S.

Great food and nice lists of vinos - impressive French collection. The serving staff was overbearing and didn't seem to understand the proper flow of how to work with diners at this restaurant. In no way did I find the servers to be rude or unkind, just annoyingly interruptive. This wouldn't keep away, however.
(5)
David P.

overall the food was under seasoned and underwhelming. charcuterie, quail, braised short rib, scallops and cod. the appetizers were probably the best items of the night. everything was well cooked, but unacceptably under seasoned. If only they had a salt shaker on the table.
(2)
Tuli S.

I came back to Bergamot to try the 7 course tasting (Groupon is 85 for 2 people). Overall the tasting was nice. Nothing wowed me but for the price I felt like it was worth it. We ended up spending another 50 or so on drinks. Still water is 8.00, (which they do not warn you about). We started with a complementary melon and mustard seed. Simple. 1st - Beet and goat cheese salad. I love beets so this was good but teeny. 2nd - Bean salad. Not a fan. Pretty boring. 3rd- Mussels and sausage with a parsley puree. I liked this. 4th-
(3)
Cara H.

My boyfriend and I went to dinner here for our anniversary and were very impressed. The wait staff was incredibly attentive and professional - best service I've had at a restaurant in years! Before our meal started we got a delicious amuse bouche of raw salmon and herbs. I also got the "I'll have another" cocktail which was refreshing and summery. I had the chicken liver appetizer and the fig on top was the perfect complement. For an entree I had the steak, which was also amazing. 100% recommended for a moderately fancy dinner.
(5)
Elizabeth V.

Came here recently for the 7-course chef's tasting, and it was great. We had a groupon deal (like many others) and the entire staff never blinked an eye about it - a nice touch for sure, as some places look down their noses at Groupon customers. The entire experience was lovely, top to bottom. All the staff were friendly and nice, and the service quality was great down to the timing of the plates and our wine pairings. I've come to Bergamot in the past and found it was ok, but not "wow". This evening definitely made me rethink my position and I would definitely return for a nice meal (especially with a Groupon!)
(4)
Zest A.

We went for a 7-course Chef's Tasting menu. Please check the link below for photos and my reviews on Bergamot. zestandleisure.blogspot.â€¦
(5)
San W.

Bergamot (ber-gah-mott...should've looked this up sooner, I've been leaving out the "t" all along...) b. took me here for my birthday as a sort-of-surprise. (I guessed where we were going before we got there...I know, I know, it's really annoying for the surpriser but it's just so much fun for the surprisee!) We got there a bit early so were asked to take a seat on the couch while we waited for our table to be prepared. The couch faced the dining area, which is one big open space so that was a little awkward especially since we were so close to one of the tables of diners (one of whom is a food blogger I follow! I was a little star struck and trying my best not to be creepy about it). We didn't have to wait long for our cozy table in the corner by the wall-length windows. And the night went like this: Pretty much perfect. Yup. Got a couple of glasses of a muscadet (moos-cah-day...yeah, didn't get it right that time) wine with their 3-course prix-fixe (pre-fix...this one I knew!) menu, which they offer every night. $42 for a choice of any appetizer, entrÃ©e, and dessert! And their menu seems to change often enough so you won't get bored. If they have the lobster risotto, GET IT. You're welcome in advance. Everything was tastefully presented and delicious. And they even brought out a candle for me with dessert. Service was impeccable, higher end without the pretentious air. Fancy as in dinner napkins are promptly refolded and placed back in place on the table even when you leave temporarily to use the restroom. Our waiter was knowledgeable and courteous. And the food is just so good! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and I look forward to coming back!
(5)
Ozma O.

An absolutely wonderful spot for a celebration. Beautifully prepared and innovative food with an unpretentious atmosphere.
(4)
Lauren M.

My husband and my parents came here for dinner on a Friday night. We had reservations and were seated right away. We all dined a la carte and loved every bit of it! Everything from the food to the cocktails was innovative, balanced and delicious. The only hiccup was our server who was clearly on one of his first shifts and seemed a bit nervous and shaky because of it.
(5)
Kevin D.

I had an excellent time here. Food was great (the mustard walnut butter that comes with the bread was quite the treat!) and the service was excellent. While a bit pricey, this place makes a great date spot or really any semi fancy dinner
(4)
Aaron K.

Came in with a groupon for the 7 course tasting. Most importantly we weren't treated like we were dining at a discount. Bergamot provided excellent service and a nice atmosphere. Service was extremely polished, knew every ingredient in every dish, knew when to come to the table, served dishes to the entire party (of 4) at once using multiple servers (for every course!), and timing was on point! The food was very good, well prepared, beautiful to look at, and used many fresh ingredients that worked very well together. Was there anything that wowed us? Not really, but everything was very good. The tasting menu was nicely balanced with 2 salads, a couple fatty meat dishes (pork belly and sirloin steak), a salmon dish, and a dessert. Stand outs were the fresh salads and pork belly. Dessert was disappointing as it was very tiny. While portions seemed to be good enough for a tasting and I felt content leaving the restaurant, I was hungry a short time after leaving. I recommend grabbing extra bread with some of that mushroom butter (one of the other highlights of the meal). Mixed drinks are not to be missed, well prepared and definitely well worth the price tag. Overall Bergamot provides an all around very good dining experience. Is it a unique experience? No. Do they do everything extremely well? Yes.
(4)
Jeff M.

On my most recent visit I found mediocre food and impersonal service. And slow service for others. I ate my entire meal in an hour while the table next to me didn't even have a single course yet. Is that what happens when a chef spreads himself thinly across two separate restaurants?
(2)
Diana B.

The best restaurant experience in a very long time!! I came in as a solo diner and got the royal treatment. They totally respected me and took care of me as they did all the other patrons. The interior decor is charming and beautiful. Booth and table seating are comfortable. The $44 3-course options the way to go. Best way to taste the range of dishes. The cuisine is delicious and seafood is their speciality. I had the Pollock app, Scallop entree and specialty dessert of the day. Also definitely pair with wine their selection is excellent. The service is excellent, food is inventive, decor is beautiful - I highly recommend coming here!!!!! Thank you to all the staff, cooks and chef for giving me such a great and memorable experience!!! I appreciate your generous hospitality! Thank you
(5)
Colette M.

The three course for $42 is a great deal. I had the lamb ravioli as an appetizer, cod as an entrÃ©e, and corn dessert. The cod was tender and just melts in your mouth. The eggplant is also wonderful. Also had a bottle of Domaine Monpertuis wine which was excellent. The waiter gave us a treat at the end, coconut caramels. Fantastic place and the service was wonderful.
(5)
Nicolay S.

This is one of the best restaurants in Cambridge, but you need to do it right. Do: The three-course prix fixe. Best deal in town. Choose what's seasonal. Their menu changes often. Go for the fish. Whether it's halibut, salmon, or tuna - doesn't matter. Just go for it, and you won't regret it. Get a cocktail. Don't: The 7-course tasting menu is a bit of a drag. Plates are too small, take awhile to arrive at your table, and you won't necessarily like everything they give you. The wine pairings are hit-or-miss. Choose a nice bottle of wine and call it a day. Their sommelier is super helpful.
(5)
Janet J.

Bought a Groupon for the 7-course tasting menu for two ($85). Some dishes were pretty good - the steak and the fish, but some were not - roasted beets, salad with cherries. Out of the 7-course meal, I only truly enjoyed about 3 dishes. A little disappointed. Overall, service was nice and the ambiance was great. The food definitely could have been better. Even with the Groupon, it is pricey for what you get. But I'm curious to return for their regular menu because it was packed on a Wednesday night!
(3)
Richard H.

Excellent experience, flawless service, well-prepared cocktails, and fine food made for a wonderful Saturday evening. I booked Bergamot well in advance for an anniversary dinner and the waitstaff went out of their way to make our evening extra special. From the warm greeting at the door, to the window-side, candle-lit table, to the thoughtful anniversary message on our desert dish. Bergamot scored five stars across the board. The waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable - refilling water glasses, offering more bread, checking-in at perfect timing, providing advice and overviews as needed. Despite the restaurant being full, we never felt rushed or in want of getting the waitstaff's attention. Bravo to the staff and service! Cocktails were delicious. I settled for the Quebecois (a fantastic spin on the classic Manhattan). The wine, beer, and cocktail list was comprehensive. As for the food, I agree with some of the other reviewers that the food is fine, nothing to write home about, nothing extraordinary, but a good value for the $42 prix fixe - seasonal American food. We opted for the prix fixe with the pumpkin risotto and charcuterie for the first course. Definitely order the rabbit risotto - delicate, juicy rabbit made for a great starter. The charcuterie featured three small portions, of which I enjoyed 2 out of the 3, the 3rd portion, a mixed cheese with chicken skin was a bit too salty and thick and I left most of it on the plate. For the main course, we settled on the monkfish (excellent dish, tasty, well-portioned) and the steak. The steak was tender and served over a white bean, but again, nothing spectacular. It left me satisfied, and ready for our final desert course. The caramel desert served with tart apricot was a bit overwhelming, but the chocolate cake was fine - served alongside a banana ice cream scoop. Overall a great meal due to the service, ambiance, and cocktails - food was fine - we will definitely recommend it to others as a great choice for a special night out.
(4)
Chantal G.

Review is specific to the bar burger. This may be the best burger I have tasted in the Cambridge-Somerville area. Highly recommended if you are interested in a quick burger- but the fancier upscale kind!
(5)
Manisha M.

This place is just excellent! Love the drinks! lets just say that they don't abuse sugar in their drinks so you can really taste the detail they put into making them. Their food is excellent too! We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive to our needs. I think this is my new favorite spot! Definitely going back again.
(5)
Alik W.

Overall, good but not great. Like many others, we were here with a Groupon for the tasting menu. I also got the wine pairings. I would say that at the discounted price, it was excellent value. Had I paid full price, I'd be irritated. We had: -amuse bouche of octopus and chickpeas (excellent) - beet and goat cheese salad (well executed, but not exactly inspired) - house smoked salmon with soft egg (great execution, good balance of smoke, fat, and spice) - butternut soup with bacon and smoked mussels (pretty good; I don't like squash soup and I still liked this) - rabbit risotto (perfectly cooked and loved the rabbit, wanted more) - roast salmon with potatoes (really not great; under salted, looked like farmed Atlantic Salmon, and overall a big deviation) - skirt steak with broad beans (in a lovely veal jus that I would have mopped up had they not grabbed my plate) - dessert of walnut, meringue, cranberry, and pear. (Well balanced) What was missing for that final star would be (A) ditching the environmentally terrible and bland salmon and (B) a little more consistent service. Started out great, good with the wine, then suddenly disappeared around course 5 and when the check came. Then suddenly an extra check-in from the host on the way out, which was puzzling. The wine pairings did go well. It's an expensive flight at $50, and nothing that I'd run and grab a bottle of, but a nice complement to the meal, the pours are enough that two light drinkers could share them.
(4)
John L.

Om Nom Nom Nom! Bergamot combines excellent service with excellent food for an overall wonderful experience. Everything about Bergamot is perfect: from the greetings at the front to friendly bar service (the trivia board is an excellent touch, and everyone there is really into it) this place is a major winner. The drinks are excellent: well made and delightful, with a perfect balance of spirit and other things. The food is excellent (I had monkfish, perfectly prepared). The service is outstanding, from coat check to the bar (both bartenders were beyond excellent) to management. In general, if you are looking for excellent food and excellent service in Somerville, this is the place to go!
(5)
Noa C.

Seasonal american food - what more can you ask for?? The food here is wonderful, every single ingredient on the plate has a purpose and it's all so very pretty. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is welcoming. Everyone who works there know their stuff about the cocktails, beers, wines and dishes. It's always impressive when I can ask a runner about a dish and he can answer my question. It really shows how well trained and cared for the staff is. I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)
Alyson S.

How does one choose to start a review for Bergamot? You need and I mean absolutely need to go check out their tasting menu. Life changing good food! A friend and I did just this one evening fully enjoying our girls nice night out. We arrived and were promptly seated for our reservation (I highly recommend a reservation). The intimate but not too small space provides an atmosphere to catch up and chat while enjoying quiet meal. The tasting menu changes by what's available and fresh. Literally didn't meet a course I didn't love. It ranges from salads to chowder to a variety of meats. We opted for the wine pairing and were not disappointed. There are no specific words that could get across how much I enjoyed my meal, how nice the waitstaff was, or how much you should go check it out for yourself!
(5)
Alison G.

Easily in my top 3 favorite restaurants in Boston. I've been to Bergamot 4-5 times now and each time the service has been incredible. Two different stand-out experiences really made it special though: 1) Sitting with a friend and chatting with the bartender on a slow Sunday night. We were asking lots of questions about our cocktails and other signature drinks that he enjoyed. Before we left he jotted down one of his favorite cocktail recipes for us, and even threw in a bottle of free bitters that we would need to make the recipe! 2) During my last week in Boston before moving to Chicago I called to make a reservation, but there was no availability left. I spoke with someone on the phone to explain my situation and he managed to make room for me during the night I wanted. As we were finishing up our dinner, a free dessert arrived and in chocolate sauce they had written "Good luck in Chicago!" which I had forgotten that I had even mentioned over the phone... it was on of those "WOW" service moments that you so rarely come across. Besides the amazing service, the food is always 10x more exciting than it sounds on the menu. Somehow, I always feel like I'm ordering a really basic chicken or fish dish, and what's presented to me is anything but basic and always delicious. Love the food, love the experience, and cannot recommend this place enough!
(5)
Caitlin M.

I went here for a dinner with work. It was a Wednesday night and we were there just as it opened, so we had the place to ourselves for a while. They were very attentive to gluten-free needs even though they don't have a dedicated GF menu. The food was excellent, but the desserts weren't as good as the rest of the meal. We did the 3-course meal for $44. I had the brick chicken which was the second-best chicken of its kind I've had (the best goes to Zuni in SF).
(5)
Beth H.

Service was outstanding. We did a three course which got progressively worse as the meal went on. The appetizers were absolutely outstanding. If I could have ordered the appetizer in entree portion I would have. The entrÃ©es were okay. If they were the only thing that I had ordered I would've been pretty disappointed. The desserts looked amazing on the menu but when they came out they were just too weird. I love surprising flavor and texture combinations, and I almost never leave a dessert plate unfinished, but we left with most of the dessert uneaten. It was a nice restaurant to try but we're not going to be regulars.
(3)
Laura P.

I had a lovely dinner here for my birthday. We had a reservation and when we arrived we were seated right away. The restaurant felt warm and intimate, perfect for a date night. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and had great recommendations for us. Cocktails were delicious! For appetizers I had the beets and my boyfriend had a pork dish, we really liked both. For my entree I had scallops which I thought was good. He had redfish which was tasty and on the light side. The highlight was dessert... Banana cream pie! Incredible, I basically licked my plate. Would definitely go back, but I'd pick a different entree.
(4)
A G.

The service was excellent. The food was simple and well prepared. Somewhat of a home style flavor to it and very comforting. Beware of noise in this place as we had a hard time carrying a conversation.
(3)
Pam C.

Came here for a group dinner. They have a pretty gourmet-y menu without the gourmety/stifling atmosphere. Waitstaff were all very friendly and attentive - the place almost seemed like it was overstaffed with the number of apron-ed people standing by the walls whose sole purpose seemed to be to come fold my napkin everytime I went to the bathroom. The food was alright - a lot of the options are a bit hit or miss. The fixe price is definitely the way to go; it's a great deal and comes with a lot of food. The quail appetizer is fantastic and definitely comes with the most value, whereas the butternut squash appetizer came a little disappointing - only a few prices of squash that was hidden under a mountain of 'frisee' (aka endive for us normal folk). I'm a big fan of charcuterie, so I ordered the charcuterie appetizer - it came with a terrine, and two pates. I like pate as much as the next person, but a chacuterie board with only three soft, mild components is definitely a huge disappointment and did not leave me a happy camper. Their entree selection rotates, but the entrees are generally meh from what I've found. I ordered the monkfish, which was nicely tender and done well. The lamb shank wasn't very well received at our table (the meat was a bit tough, and it was generally just too much). Desserts were pretty good as well - yam tarts were pretty delicious, and macrons were tiny but good. The menu seemed to be written a strange way, so that it wasn't very clear what you were really getting. A lot of times, we'd order something only to be completely surprised when our dish actually came (oftentimes, not in a good way). Bergamot definitely has a very interesting menu and amazing service. However, a lot of the actual foods were a bit lacking and I wasn't really blown away enough for a second visit.
(3)
Brennan H.

I've actually been to the bar at Bergamot several times and to the dining area only once, so I'll keep my review focused on the former. The food is great, though the drinks are (naturally) where the bar shines. The bar menu is small but solid. I've had the burger a couple of times, and it's on par with most upmarket places in the area. The pastrami sandwich was very, very good, but offered infrequently it seems. The charcuterie plate would probably be my top pick. The bar staff, particularly Paul, the Bar Manager, is the most skilled I've seen in the city. Paul's got an encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails (including some entirely custom-made ones) - I've had more cocktails made from scratch here than anywhere else and they've all been delicious. They're also all very friendly and quick with a joke - it's a wonderful atmosphere (pretty cozy too, what with the smaller bar and snazzy lighting). Simply put, it's the best bar for cocktails I've managed to find. Some recent ones I've had include a Sidecar, French 75, Assembly Cocktail, and an Old-Fashioned. All A+.
(5)
Jason Z.

I had planned a weekend with my girlfriend in Somerville and reserved a spot here because of all the reviews. Needless to say, we were not disappointed! The wait staff was very accommodating and friendly. We never felt hurried or rushed. The food surpassed our expectations. The pork charcuterie had good variety of flavors. My girlfriend had the salmon a la plancha, which was incredibly tender and seasoned to perfection. My lamb was very juicy and tender, with no hint of gaminess (I wouldn't have minded if it was a bit gamy anyways). We had a deconstructed cheesecake for dessert which was a little lackluster but the white chocolate fudge we got more than made up for it. All in all, it was a fantastic meal, and we hope to visit again soon!
(5)
Melinda M.

Got the Groupon for the 7 course tasting dinner, fun night out for me and my boyfriend. It was a small pain in the butt to book a reservation. The tastings seem to be reserved months in advance, especially for anything on a Friday or Saturday night. They also only offer certain times. We ended up coming on a Wednesday at 8:15 (I was offered 8:15 or 5:30 as possible times). HOWEVER, Bergamot let me reserve a date that was after the Groupon expired and still use it, so they pretty much made up for the reservation hassle. It definitely was a fancy night out. They took our coats at the door, for one. The waiter attentive, but spoke a little fast, so sometimes we couldn't understand exactly what it was we we were eating. It was fun to try to figure it out though. The restaurant is small, seating is a little cosy for such a fancy place, but it didn't bother me. FOOD: 7 courses consisted seven real courses (two salads, pasta dish, chicken, salmon, lamb, dessert) plus extra baby things like bread with BBQ butter (good, sourdough bread, yum), an amuse-bouche (cheese beignet thing), and a tiny popcorn/kettlecorn ice cream. Everything tasted fresh, and it was awesome to be able to taste so many things, lots of interesting flavors. The lamb and salmon in particular were cooked perfectly. I usually don't really like to eat salmon with the skin, but this was nice and crispy and delicious. Dessert was probably the least impressive (deconstructed lemon cheesecake thing with lemon sorbet), but probably would not have been my choice of dessert anyway. Similarly one of the salads was a deviled ham, which was interesting, but again, probably wouldn't have tried if we hadn't been doing the tasting. It's definitely pricy, even with the groupon deal. But good for the occasional fancy night out.
(4)
Tamara W.

Came here last night to celebrate my 27th birthday with my family; had a wonderful time! The tasting menu was bought through Groupon and it was 7 courses but really more like 9; they did a special bread on the side and also had a sorbet in between dinner and dessert. The staff were SO friendly, attentive, and great. Wine was great, it was quiet, and the food was really wonderful! We had just come back from 2 weeks in Italy so spoiled in that regard, but this was A++++ Very knowledgable staff who explained everything, the portion sizes were great (maybe a little too big even!) but it was a perfect dinner with really interesting flavor and they accommodate for allergies and dietary restrictions very easily! Go do the tasting!
(5)
Kevin F.

Fantastic prix fixe meal for New Years. Have. Nantucket scallops ceviche. Ravioli with Camembert. Arrived 930 pm. Dessert just after midnight. No rush. Top ten meal of my 64 years. Don't miss out. Treat yourself
(5)
E G.

First fantastic meal in Boston in a long time. We had the prix fixe menu, sat at a lovely corner table. Excellent service, too.
(5)
P. D.

I visited the Bergamot for the first time the evening before my birthday for a "late night charity hog-roast". I love meat-oriented events and was pleased when my other half responded positively to my numerous hints that we attend. I stopped eating immediately after confirming plans mid-afternoon, gently withholding my body of nourishment in preperation of what I thought would be a meat fest. I felt good about myself- I was supporting cancer research and checking an item off my bucket list; I'd always wanted to attend a pig roast. Unfortunately it was a disappointing experience that I fear set the theme for a potentially depressing year. Pros. The atmosphere was quite lovely- The Bergamot is on the smaller side but has an intimate, exclusive vibe. I very much enjoyed the bartender's skills and appreciated the single, large ice cube in my scotch that prevented me from accidentally dumping crushed ice all over my face while "gracefully" sipping my cocktail, per the usual. We were lucky to snag a two-seater in the corner (there was an open seating plan that night) and, with the dim candlelight and lovely decor, I could see why The Bergamot had hosted romantic evenings for so many couples staring at their phones before us. Cons. Everything else sucked. There was no pig. The set up for the event was confusing. The tables were empty, everybody was crowded at the bar, and while the kitchen was busy, there was no food to be found (like the pig). The host was quick to wave us in but with limited direction; we stood around awkwardly for a few minutes before catching a server's attention. We were told to seat ourselves where we could be waited on for drinks. Our waiter encouraged us not to be waited on by being resentful about it (was he, too, upset about the pig?) We realized after about 20 minutes that we had to walk up to the kitchen for our plates. Maybe the pig was back there? It wasn't, but we were nodded towards the counter where paper plates sat half-full of cold food. The pig, it turned out, was a few tablespoons of vinegar-soaked pork thrown on top of a sad piece of (now vinegar-soaked) cornbread next to some hard baked beans, edible coleslaw, and pretty amazing potato salad. We sat there for a few minutes, slowly picking at our food, wondering why things had turned out this way. The couple next to us, having arrived after we did, turned to us excitedly. "How is it?" they asked, standing up eagerly to get their shares. "It's great!" I replied. Their smiles faultered as they realized I was a terrible liar. My date shdh. We agreed then to get drunk as I tried in vain to gain enough courage to ask for another teaspoon of potato salad, the ice cubes and charity work being the only other silver linings to an otherwise disappointing experience. There was no dessert. And not because I didn't want some. There just wasn't any. Bergamot- please do not throw around words like "hog roast" lightly. Stick to what you know maybe? People seem to like that. Happy, at least, that my money went to a good cause.
(2)
Lindsay H.

Came here with the fam when I was in town visiting my sister. I ordered the pan seared trout which was delicious with clean bright flavors paired well the mushrooms and sweet potatoes. What I love about this place is the great deal on the prix fixe, the very non-pretentious atmosphere (it's delicious like a shmancy restaurant, but without the fake shmanciness!), and the farm-to-table feel. The menu has an asian-inspired theme to it, but it's not too literal. They even gave us a free dessert!! Now that's classy.
(4)
Kat B.

I had a few good experiences here since I last reviewed. A few times my husband and I sat at the bar on one of their $1 oyster nights (Sunday - Tuesday) and we ordered a bunch of them. They were absolutely delicious not to mention huge...whoever shucks their oysters is a pro because they come out with all the juices undisturbed in the shell. The champagne mignonette that comes with the oysters is good but sometimes I wish they had an additional sauce (maybe Rialto's trio of sauces that come with their oysters have spoiled me). They also make the most amazing homemade ginger beer. I could drink that everyday! Their charcuterie board was great again...it came with a lamb terrine, jamaican sausage with mango salad and calf liver. I would say that Bergamot's charcuterie board is my favorite in the area. Service is always great, no matter where you sit you receive a complimentary amuse bouche and mini dessert as well as an extra snack (marcona almond cluster, marshmallow candy, etc. ) with the bill. The trip where I dined at the regular table with my husband was enjoyable as well. I really loved the maple glazed quail appetizer...possibly the best quail I've ever had and I am always on the lookout for quail dishes on restaurant menus. The quail came with a farm fresh egg in the hole, sweet potato puree, some house-cured ham, crispy brussel sprout leaves, and lentils. The fish (pan-seared mahi mahi) was good but not particularly memorable, I definitely prefer their salmon entree that I enjoyed on previous visit. The kabocha squash , sugar snap peas, and hedgehog mushrooms were probably my favorite part of the dish. As for desserts their pumpernickel cake with pistachio ice cream, beet ganache, and goat cheese mousse was decent but their deconstructed white chocolate cheesecake that we enjoyed a few weeks later was heavenly. The flavors, textures, and presentation were perfect...if only it was twice the size! Bergamot is still my favorite restaurant in Cambridge. I did notice that their prix fixe went up by $3 and is now $42 for three courses which is understandable if you look at prix fixe of comparable restaurants and take into consideration the rising cost of produce, meat, and seafood.
(5)
AB H.

Bergamont, you had some hits and some misses. One thing that stands out is how loud it is in there. I had to lean towards one side of the table to hear the person sitting next to me! My first course was the pea salad with corn bread croutons. Clearly I wasn't paying attention, because this was thinly sliced ham, the croutons, and a sprinkling of pea greens. My fault for not paying attention or asking, but isn't a salad supposed to be mostly veggies? The whole thing was heavy; I took leftover ham home. I also tasted the pate, which was amazing. I loved the crunchy creamy green beans on the plate. Next up: pea soup with escargot and asparagus. This was excellent. The special of the evening was duck breast, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I loved the layer of fat. The chocolate souffle was too dry and was seasoned with rosemary or thyme, which was just a weird flavoring with the chocolate. The special cheese plate - goat cheese with hazelnuts was delicious! Perhaps I'd go back, but I certainly skip dessert, and I'd ask about each dish to make sure I was getting what I wanted.
(3)
Margaret C.

Just updating AGAIN, with five stars AGAIN, since my last review was a couple years ago it looks like. They continue to hit it out of the park. The whole team delivers the best service in Boston (period), outstanding food, incredible desserts (which tend to the savory or at least boundary-pushing), and killer cocktails. The wine list is fabulous and weird, and the only thing I would tweak (which I've talked about with them). When they launched it was extraordinarily user-friendly, and while the quality is still stellar, I think it's too confusingly constructed for 9/10 diners. That being said, staff are generally well-informed about options. Subtle, delicious, accessible yet sophisticated, blah blah blah just go already.
(5)
Brittany A.

I meant to write a review months ago but I just remembered because were going back for my birthday soon :-) The service here was phenomenal. I was attended, waited on, served, charmed...amazing. It's like I've never been waited on before that night. We went on a Monday night and I loved it because they paid us so much attention. They brought us out a bunch of teeny additional dishes so that, on top of the awesome three course prix, we ended up trying six or seven total dishes. The rabbit risotto was phenomenal, the steak was great and the chocolate dessert was mouthwatering. And look what they did when they found out it was our anniversary (for free)! I can't wait to go back!!!!
(5)
Franck D.

We went there with friends coming from France to visit us. They were delighted by the service and the food. The wine card is not exceptional especially the red wines but the evening remained wonderful.
(4)
Alexandra F.

Very nice dining experience. Purchased the 7 course tasting menu Groupon and received wonderful service. Each course was delicious and we left very full. The wine list was also very satisfying. I would definitely go back to try their regular menu.
(4)
Rose S.

Fantastic! 42$ prix fix menu, high quality food, wonderfully prepared. A 'must try' and 'will return' kind of place! We visited Bergamot on a Sunday evening and the place was full! My husband had the prix fix (3 courses) and I ordered only a main dish. It was more than enough food. Starter: charcuterie plate. Very fresh and refined. Definitely enough for 2 people. Mains: The husband had chicken breast with crispy skin and I had the veal roulade. Both delicious, flavorful and moist. Dessert: sweet potato mousse. Not too sweet. Different from any other dessert I've had elsewhere. Kind of nice to move away from the heavy chocolate desserts. In my opinion, quality - price ratio can't be beat. We will be back to Bergamot !
(4)
Darvin F.

Tried their Chef tasting. It was good but very very small...Left hungry.. Service was great
(3)
Ari W.

I bought the tasting menu Groupon for Bergamot. It was 85$ for two seven course meals. The Groupon was not worth the money. A couple of the dishes on the tasting menu were delicious, but the majority of the dishes were overcooked, over seasoned and sloppy. The most disappointing courses were the swordfish and the steak dishes which I decided not to finish because the food quality was so poor. There was also a custard dessert that was so sweet it reminded me of a child's breakfast cereal, and all the components of the dish were both unevenly cut and strewn about the plate. The best dishes were the initial salad and the Chickpea soup. These dishes highlighted the skill of the chef; unfortunately, this highlight was brief and not consistent. In terms of service, the service was OK. While a staff of 3-4 waiters served us, I only wanted to tip one of them who I think works in the kitchen. Our main waiter was rude and curt. Since we tip Groupons based on the original cost the meal and not the Groupon price, we gave a 18% tip on the $150.00 valued meal. This value is absurd to me - even the Groupon was not worth the money. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(2)
Phil C.

A couple of my friends hyped this restaurant up quite a bit...and it was as good as the hype. Every course I had here hit the mark. I went for the "special side" for an appetizer, which was beef bone marrow with black trumpet mushrooms and brioche croutons. It was pretty much meat butter: very rich, buttery, and velvety. The marrow went great with bread. The hint of citrus in the marrow was a nice touch. My main was the Berkshire pork noisette. The pork was perfectly cooked - just a little pink inside. It was rather tender and the little bit of crisp on the outside part of the pork was nice. I'm not a fan of sweet potato, but the sweet potato puree that accompanied the pork was good. It wasn't lumpy, but smooth and not too sweet. The hint of orange wasn't overpowering. I had sticky toffee pudding for dessert, which was an excellent pick. I guess the ginger ice cream was what drew me to order this dessert. The spiciness of the ice cream was matched well with the richness of the cake. The mascapone tasted really light and airy...a little surprising but fantastic nevertheless. The service was impeccable. The wait staff wasn't too intrusive but was attentive. They refilled water, were readily available when ready to order or request something, and were very detailed with their descriptions of each dish. The decor is elegant, but not stuffy, intimate without being awkwardly too romantic. I wouldn't have minded a little more lighting but it wasn't like you were eating in a cave. (Thanks, Mike and Sofia)
(5)
Monica W.

The food here is fine and lovely, although nothing I'd personally write home about. This review is focused on the booze, and is sort of a love letter to Paul, the bartender. Bergamot's bar setup is a double-edged sword. It's tiny, so the bartenders can focus on each patron, but that also means you're SOL if you're hoping to grab a nice drink during busy restaurant evenings. Paul is a splendid sprite of mixology. He not only makes delicious cocktails, he is an encyclopedia of knowledge about all the various ingredients, offering tips and suggestions for developing your own sophisticated boozing. Because of Paul, we are higher beings.
(4)
Sunny C.

Inexperienced waitstaff (a bit confusing as to who your actual server is) and underwhelming food. I've heard this is a "hidden gem" in Cambridge, and as a Cantabrigian I've been meaning to check this place out, but with so many good restaurants in the area it's been put on the backburner. Recently, a friend celebrated his birthday here so it was back on my radar. After seeing the menu, I was excited as the menu seems so inspired. We ordered the Chef's Tasting, obviously, and ordered a side of fiddleheads. However, some of the flavors just didn't mesh well together. My date and I both found the food to be a let-down. My appetizer (Asparagus Royale) was missing a key component - the eponymous mushroom royale!! I'm a huge mushroom lover, so this was quite the disappointment. Just to be sure, I asked our server if it was missing the mushrooms and he assured me that the potatoes were mushrooms. I've worked in the food industry before - servers should be more knowledgeable. This wasn't the only mistake. They completely forgot about our fiddleheads :( We didn't realize until we got home. What a shame. Waitstaff at Bergamot is like a round-robin. Multiple servers come around to wait on you. However, because they flit around, your service may be spotty (like it was with us that night). Perhaps it was an off night for them, but servers would check-in too frequently when you wanted to be left alone, and absent when something was needed. For a "fine dining" establishment, I expect more from the waitstaff. They should know how to read body language! Also, our table was situated in the open dining area; however, servers and busboys would brush up very close to our seats. Getting jostled while dining is not my idea of a nice experience. I'm glad we could check this off our list, but I don't think we'll be back again.
(2)
Sylvia C.

Was around the area...decided to give this place a shot especially with the ample positive yelp reviews. We were immediately greeted by the host. There was plenty options to choose from - grand prix style @ $39 - though some dishes will yield an few extra bucks (ie. meat chartreuse, sardines and the lamb entrÃ©e). The service was top notch - the server crew worked as a team - watering, serving drinks and food. All were very attentive - including the host. My hubby had an emergency work call - so had to step away from the table throughout dinner. The host came by to ask if everything was alright and to see if we wanted them to hold our appetizers/entrees until he comes back to the table. Their rule is to serve when all parties are present. We'd ordered the following: Appetizers: Pan-Seared Sardine - it was nice balance of tenderness and saltiness, though the lil tiny brioche bread didn't really help much to the dish Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Soup - creamy and savory with the chicken chunks EntrÃ©es: Pan-Seared Ocean Trout - more on the salmon side - cooked medium rare...well cooked with sweet potato and artichokes in a bernaise sauce (creating a blend of tartness and creaminess). Slow Roasted Lamb - cooked medium rare...meat was a bit chewy because of the tendons/muscles...well seasoned. Desserts: Japanese Yam Tart - great combination of sweetness from the pecan ice cream with the tartness from the cranberries to compliment the yam tart Pumpkin Cake - cake was moist and the brown sugared walnuts was a treat. Overall, the food was great ...just wished their portions were bigger than a few bites. Service excellent.
(4)
Roxana F.

I highly recommend Bergamot. From the food and drinks, to the service, to the environment, this place has really nailed it. They have a three course prix fixe menu for $38, and the selection is pretty great. I had: 1) Beet salad. Delicious. Good amount of golden beets with mesclun greens, grapefruit, and a yogurty sauce, I believe. Delicious. 2) Pan Seared Sea Bream - pretty good. This was a very fishy fish but had a really great sear on it. Served with baby brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and bacon. Delish. 3) Coconut Tres Leches cake - very small serving of dessert, I was going to share but finished this in about three bites. Still, it was pretty good. A nice piece of sponge cake on top of a delicious tangerine curd with sorbet. My date did not opt for the prix fixe menu, but ordered the pan seared atlantic salmon, which he said was the best salmon he's had (bless him, he's from California) and a side of the mushrooms, which were delicious. He also ordered the chocolate torte for dessert, which he demolished. Our server, Tim, was absolutely fantastic! So attentive, helpful, and sweet. He was really great at helping me make a decision on which bottle of wine to order, and was very patient with me when I was deliberating dessert (important stuff, peoples). I would really love to go back here and try the bar menu (Tim mentioned that they have a lobster grilled cheese!! holy cow!) and their cocktails, which I've heard are fantastic. Will definitely come again!
(4)
Sarah C.

I purchased the groupon for the $75 tasting for two, and it was the perfect way to be introduced to Bergamot. Note that you'll definitely want a reservation to dine here, regardless of the night. We went on a Monday, and by 7:30pm the place was packed! The atmosphere is really lovely - calm, relaxing, homey, with nice music and comfortable seats. The food was delicious. Yes, the portions were pretty small, but it's a 7-course tasting! You wouldn't want large plates. And, the potato bread is awesome, so if you really want to leave full, have more of it - they'll keep offering it to you until you say no. The food is delicate. It's complex, with many components, and lots of flavor. I've been more wow-ed by this type of meal at other restaurants than I was here, but I'd definitely like to come back to order some dishes off of their main menu. They offer a great, affordable 3-course $39 prix fixe every day, sadly if you inspect the menu further you'll notice that almost half of the entrees come with a prix fixe supplement cost. Kind of annoying, but whatever. The dessert, however, blew my mind. I literally could have eaten 5 of them. It would be nice if they made those portions just a little bigger. This is a nice restaurant for a nice meal, and it has stood the test of time. It's definitely one I'll have in my recommendation arsenal, and I'd like to go back and have another meal there. Good thing I got a gift certificate from my mom for Christmas!
(4)
Shaun G.

How do they make a flank steak taste like sirloin? Dish was fabulous, service is impeccable. The mixed drinks are good too. The 3 course meal is the best deal. Parking is next door. Definitely recommend!! We did the three course pre fixe - best deal. I had the best salad I ever had in my life. Roasted Golden Beets, Flank Steak, White Chocolate Cheesecake. All great. Only issue, sorry to say.. is the Swordfish. It was overcooked, dry, but I definitely understand how keeping this plate warm can do so. Overall great experience definitely will come back.
(5)
Zoe P.

Fresh and wholesome, but also dull and pretentious. Like all those girls riding the Red Line. I listen to them talking to each other and I think, whoa. Not me. Not my friends. Thank god. Less fortunately, I wound up at Bergamot hungry. To start, I had a beets and grapefruit salad with goat cheese and sunflower seeds. Beets had no depth of flavor, in fact, everything tasted a little raw and not in a good way. In an unfinished and slapped on the plate way. The grapefruit, naturally, responded best to this treatment. This was followed by trout, with cabbage and ham bechamel. I love trout and have had it prepared, very simply, in some odd restaurants in strange places. Always delicious. With cabbage, ham and bechamel, not so much. The ham and sauce didn't know whether to go with the cabbage or the fish and wound up working with neither. Like the wealth of quirky accessories those girls wear, if you know what I mean. I can't even get into the walnut oatmeal cake but the coconut tres leches was somewhat better. The potato chip salmon amuse bouche was pretty good, and so was the bite of cherry shortbread that came with the bill. Oh, and the cheese plate was excellent. Cater a wedding, already, Bergamot. Someone at my table had to convince the upselling waiter that I'd actually prefer a vinho verde and I did - very much to my taste. But the cold, wheaty sourdough bread was, perhaps, the worst bread I've had in a restaurant in recent memory. I think my dining companions replaced it in the basket surreptitiously. Honestly, what with all the raw nuts and the trying to hard and the weirdly self-righteous flavor of the food I felt like I was dining with waspy college roommates I haven't remained in touch with. Whatsoever. The office parkesque space is better suited to a budget pedicure than a nice dinner.
(3)
Samuel F.

Wait, I hadn't reviewed this place yet? I've been to Bergamot a few times, it's right in my neighborhood, and it's fantastic. Bergamot just has really consistently high quality. Great little touches, a flexible three-course prix fixe option (to make it all the more tempting to get an appetizer and dessert), a good late-night bar menu (plus full menu available at the bar), very friendly staff, great cocktails, good selection of beer and wine, and a really fantastic cappuccino to go with their great desserts or close out a meal on its own (worth the note, best cappuccino I've had at a fancy restaurant in the area). It's very quiet and peaceful. A great place to get a fancy meal or to enjoy a quiet hour at the bar.
(5)
Florin M.

42$ for a three course menu, not bad; the portions are perfectly sized so one can eat without worrying about reserving space for the next dish. Tidbits offered at the beginning/end of the meal, very good service and nice interior. About the food: first course was rabbit risotto (astonishing, and we know some things about risotto so we're not easily impressed) and mussels (cooked in a way not seen until now); then a veal roulade (a bit fatty for my taste) and mushrooms with rice cake, and we finished with chocolate & potato souffle (or smth similar, but for sure containing the potato word in it). All in all, a very enjoyable experience.
(5)
J O.

Great. service, appetizers and entrees were mediocre at best, but not worth the price. Dessert was great. Had the Banana pudding and eton
(3)
Katrina N.

Bergamot really is as good as it gets. It is a dining experience that you should share with your favorite people (or the people you are trying to impress the most). Be sure to make a reservation. While there is a small bar, I don't think walking in would be possible at dinnertime most nights. Before I even talk about the food we ordered, I need to sing praises about the bread. Who sings about bread, right? But this was hands down the best bread we've ever had. It's from Nashoba and was served with parsley butter. Go to dinner very hungry so you can have a couple slices before your meal. Instead of going with the three course meal, we decided to share one appetizer, each get an entree, and share a dessert. The borscht was lovely and warming on a snowy night, and my boyfriend enjoyed his pork shoulder entree (which I found a little too intense). I had the cornish game hen, and even after learning that it's really just a baby chicken, I got one from Market Basket to try the recipe myself. It was delicious, and is highly recommended. The decision to share one dessert went out the window when we saw the dessert menu. I had the bee sting cake, which was quite sweet and tasty, and he had the ice cream sandwich of the night - oatmeal and raisin cookies with cheddar ice cream. I very much appreciate the experiments of the pastry chef. The staff was professional and friendly, and we felt very well taken care of. The table next to us ordered some sort of "wine journey" and we heard snippets of conversation about soil and hills in France and very special grapes. I'd like to try that next time. All in all, 100% recommended and worth the expense for a special night. Many thanks to KZ and LZ for the gift certificate!!!
(5)
Amy B.

Bergamot may be my favorite place to go for an upscale dinner. After my first visit, my overwhelming feeling was, "I have to go back." After my second visit this weekend, I can't believe it took me so long. Every bite of our dinner was amazing. I was so happy with my corn agnliotti and hake with gnocchi that I didn't really want to let my husband taste it, although I did because I am a first-class wife. I did, however, glower at him for turning down more bread as it made it hard to get all the broth from the agnliotti into my mouth. My chocolate bourbon brownie dessert, served with mint ice cream and raspberry sorbet, challenged my self-image as "not a sweets person." My husband liked his meal too--duck confit salad and the hangar steak. He may have referred to the steak as the best one he's ever had. He had me try a piece, probably just so he could snag some of my hake, and I have to agree it was perfectly cooked. Our server recommended an excellent bottle of wine to us once she learned what we were eating and our preferred price point. On both my visits, I thought the service was attentive and the servers knowledgeable. The fixed price option of any appetizer, entree, and dessert for $39 (upcharges noted on the menu) is a great value. You definitely save money if you plan to eat three courses. My only complaint about Bergamot is that it's a bit of a hike to get there, but on the plus side, this means it's not teeming with tourists or college students. This is one hike I see myself making more often. PS Pro tip: Hake rhymes with rake, not sake (rice wine). Don't look stupid like I did.
(5)
Lauren P.

I loved, loved, loved my meal at Bergamot. My boyfriend took me to Bergamot for a special 30th birthday meal, and I'm so glad that's where we went! (My alternative was Craigie on Main, which I know is supposed to be phenomenal too, but I wanted to go somewhere that allowed wiggle-room money-wise to also get some drinks!) We got the pre-fixe meal (app, entree, dessert) at $39/each, and we also ordered the side of turnips and 3 drinks each. For our appetizers, my bf ordered the quail and I got the cheese pumpkin soup (which is a type of pumpkin, not that there was cheese in the soup). Both were DELICIOUS. I was so impressed by the quail, and I felt like the servings were generous. For entrees, I ordered the trout and my bf ordered the swordfish. Again, both meals were wonderful. I couldn't actually finish all of my trout, but my boyfriend (who has a larger appetite than me) said that he could have eaten more overall. The turnip side dish was probably my favorite thing. It's so rare that a restaurant will use turnips in a creative way, and they were roasted perfectly and were so yummy! For dessert I got the caramelized banana...souffle? And my bf got the tart. I think I liked his dessert better, but I loved the peanut brittle they used to top mine. For drinks -- definitely try their cocktails! They were delightful. I ended with a sweet dessert wine, which was right up my alley. Additionally: the restroom was clean and private. The restaurant has a great atmosphere for a special occasion (although I did see one pre-teen eating with his parents...lucky kid!). The servers were all VERY helpful and knowledgeable about the wine, cocktails, and food. Thank you, Bergamot, for a lovely birthday dinner!
(5)
Steven E.

Really excellent service. My friend and I had a vegan tasting here and they really went out of their way to make sure we had a nice experience. Some really novel and tasty flavor combinations and excellent service.
(5)
Jennifer C.

This review is for the bar only. I stepped in on a Friday evening for pre-dinner cocktails. There wasn't any space at the bar when we first arrived, so we waited on the comfy couch and ordered a cocktail off the menu. It was good, and the waitress was great about helping me narrow down my options. We moved to the bar after our first drink and had the pleasure of being served by the main bartender. He heard our drink preferences and enthusiastically whipped up creations stored in his head. I'm excited to come back here for drinks, and next time I'll skip the menu and instead ask the bartenders what they'd like to mix up for me!
(4)
Derek D.

Came here for the 7 course tasting menu. Good food, not amazing,pork loin was particularly good, as was the seafood pasta. No menu on the table to let you know what you were having next (maybe this is just the way they do it). Strange order to what was presented (fish course, salad course etc. in an order different to what I would expect). Would go back, just not in a rush to do so...
(4)
Brittany T.

This place is absolutely amazing! I purchased a seven course Groupon and it was beyond my expectations. The service was unreal and the food was probably the best I have ever eaten. I would recommend going there for a fantastic meal!!
(5)
Sutirtha B.

We were at Bergamot for my wife's birthday dinner. My experience was fine but it was nothing outstanding. As we were pulling into the restaurant, I was afraid that I would not be able to find street parking (and I would have been right in terms of street parking) but fortunately, there was a designated parking lot right behind the restaurant and that helped enormously in finding a parking spot in time. When it came to ordering food, two of the five of us ordered from the prix fixe menu and another three decided to order ala carte. As we were still in the process of deciding on what to order, our server came and informed us that there were only three veggie strudels left and if we wanted to order one, we should get that soon. As one of our companions was a vegetarian and as the strudel was the ONLY veggie option on the entire menu, she confirmed that she wanted one right away. I went for the prix fixe menu and my choices were cornbread cavatelli as appetizer and pan-seared cod for the main course. The cavatelli was certainly very different from what I had expected (though that probably speaks more to my ignorance than the quality of the dish itself) and was quite unremarkable in its taste. The description read "House-made Ham, English Peas, Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrot, Fermented Honey" and blame my plebeian taste buds but I couldn't make out either the corn bread or the honey. Next to come (after a long wait btw) was the pan-seared cod. It was certainly better than the appetizer but cod tends to be a light fish and so it was quite underwhelming. A pertinent question here would be why order a light fish if that is not what I like and that brings me to my biggest gripe about this place - its super-limited choices. There are exactly 6 options for main course and no lamb or steak or duck items are on hand. Neither were there any lobster or crab dishes available as main course. Given the limited choices and given that we wanted to try out the various options, I ended up getting a dish that was not entirely to my liking to begin with. Lastly when it came to dessert, I ended up getting the milk and cookies. The name for this dish does not quite do it justice because the most important element of the dish is a coffee ice cream rather than either milk (duh!) or cookies. The dessert was probably the part of my meal I enjoyed the most but portion sizes were quite small. Overall, I was pretty underwhelmed by my experience, its good service notwithstanding. It is not that there was anything particularly wrong with any of the dishes or with its service or with the ambiance. It is just that this was a place not quite up my alley. My taste buds like a bit more spice and rich flavors than this place dishes out (no pun intended) and the super limited choices are its biggest drawback. The fact that it is also ends up being somewhat pricey doesn't help. I doubt I would be back here at all. If I were dining out for a special occasion (as was the case today), I would prefer going back to old favorites like Atlantic Fish Company or even another excellent option right down the street from Bergamot - Dali!
(3)
Derek C.

What a joke. The best part of this meal was the bread. It went downhill from here. Each of us ordered the three-course dinner tasting menu. I selected the beet salad, pan-seared cod and white chocolate cheesecake. The beet salad was literally one slice of beet chopped up into 8 pieces, 4 arugula leaves and a few nuts. The cod was about 2 inches by 1 inch. The "cheesecake" was a few dollops of cream cheese, a teaspoon of bread crumbs and some sorbet. WTF? Quite possibly the worst upscale restaurant I've eaten at in Boston, and possibly anywhere.
(1)
Sankalp S.

Food: Short menu, not too many chicken dishes they day we went to, but the seafood was very delightful.Good wine selection Ambiance: Quiet, not too dark or too bright - perfect for close conversations. Small place. Very good service, we dropped some water and they immediately offered us to change to a different table. Got us a few complimentary dishes/tastings while we were there.
(5)
Lori S.

Great food and nice lists of vinos - impressive French collection. The serving staff was overbearing and didn't seem to understand the proper flow of how to work with diners at this restaurant. In no way did I find the servers to be rude or unkind, just annoyingly interruptive. This wouldn't keep away, however.
(5)
Sonia D.

First time here and it was an absolute pleasure. I had dinner with a friend last night and we sat at the bar, the service couldn't of been any better. I started with 6 - $1 osyters with champagne mignonette. They were big, juicy and fresh. They were Duxbury oysters so thats a given that they were yummy. The bartender also helped with wine choices and let us taste a few which was nice. I ended up chosing a red wine that wasn't on the list called Margon...was smooth as a pinot noir, my FAV. For dinner I ordered the Mahi Mahi which was cooked perfectly. It came with grilled pumpkin, fried cauliflower, brussels sprouts and marsala hollandaise. The sprouts were shreaded like a salad which was fun and different but maybe a bit to salty. Other than that it was great. For dessert we got apple beignets with apple carmel dipping sauce accompained by apple ice wine from Canada. This was a perfect meal from start to finish. Great conversation with bartender who was super friendly and down to earth and also there was a couple and a regular sitting at the bar and we all chatted about other restaurants to check out and new wine bars. Overall it was a great experience and I would definitely make it a point to go back and enjoy the dollar oysters at the bar on Sun, Mon and Tues. I didn't get the pre-fixe menu and might try it out next time.
(5)
jim b.

Quite frankly, of all the higher end / nicer places I've eaten in Boston (Craigie, Ten Tables, TW Food, etc) this is the only one I thought was really worth the money and would go back to in a heartbeat. That simple.
(5)
Samantha G.

Decent food and service! We got the 3 course meal...I ordered a seafood appetizer, the pork tenderloin (SOOOO GOOD!) and the "cheesecake" for dessert. Portions were small, but I was definitely satisfied by the time the meal was over. Cool environment, a little small, and maybe a little overpriced. Overall a good experience and will likely be back.
(4)
R C.

Meh. To start, I had the pernil and avocado appetizer and it was good. I ordered a swordfish which came chopped up in little cubes and overcooked. It wasn't great. My bf ordered the pork special and that was pretty good, but nothing remarkable. The banana pudding dessert left a lot to be desired. It is unlikely that we will come back.
(2)
Ethan A.

Friends booked a table here because they use the OpenTable feauture, and we were seated right away. We all tried several different cocktails which were all made fantastically, and worth the price (maybe 12-14 each) I asked what could be prepared vegan, and several plates could be, and the server assured me the cook was also able to make an assortment of vegetables for my meal as well, which I opted for. The plate came with four separate tastings, all of which were fantastic. My two issues. First, one of the waitstaff was incredibly weird, and went out of his way to put my napkin (which I hadn't touched yet since food hadn't arrived) and put it on my lap for me... which felt odd. Maybe this is fine dining, maybe he wanted to cop a feel, either way it was weird. This server (and others) also came by several times to adjust the placement of our forks, knives, and glasses. Maybe that's fine dining, but I felt very off put by it - don't touch anything I have to touch more than required. Second, which I won't mark them down for, is that this style of dining is not my kind. The drinks were made with precision and quality, but had they been priced two dollars less, than I would consider them a value instead of an indulgence. My plate had four separate tastings, and cost around $25-30. This seemed fair, but consider each of those tastings amounted to maybe a fourth-cup worth of food. I won't mark them down for this, just noting because its not my style to have a $50 dinner that leaves you hungry an hour later.
(4)
Christine J.

love this place, every dish was so well presented and tasted so good. esp the homemade charcuterie app.. portions were generous but not too overwhelming. i really enjoyed my dining experience here. servers are nice, experienced and knowledgeable. i can't believe it took me 10 years to try this place, when it's been near me all this time. Will def be back for more yummy meals.
(5)
Cindy S.

If you look for a nice and classy night out in Boston/Cambridge Bergamot is the place to go! The food is just amazing! Trust me, you will be impressed by every single dish you order! The compositions are very thoughtful and have just the right balance between trying something new but not being too crazy. I am not a big meat eater but I just loved every meat dish I ordered at Bergamot! But it is not only the food that is outstanding. The service is probably one of the best I experienced in Boston. A very attentive staff always willing to meet special requests. And finally the price for value is unique for a restaurant of this quality - especially if you are choosing the prix fixe menu. This way you also save some money for the wine. :) Bergamot's wine list is very extensive with a diverse selection of wines from all over the world.
(5)
Amanda R.

Just came home from a fabulous meal at bergamot. The food was outstanding - absolutely loved the squash and charcuterie appetizers. I got the mushroom main course and my husband got the veal - we loved both. The service was super friendly and accommodating. It was also all very reasonably priced and the ambiance was warm/welcoming. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

I always drive by and wonder what's behind those cute curtains. I finally went and here's how it is - delicious food, special night out. The prix-fixe meal is a great deal! 3 courses for less than the price of 2 (depending on what you get). We got ceviche, beets, steak, trout, cheesecake, chocolate cake. Everything was great. But the best part of all was the bread - potato bread with honey butter. It was amazing and refills couldn't come quickly enough. Nice cocktail list and a good beer selection as well. Weird parts (minor): -We had maybe 4 different waiters. One of them repeated eventually, but at first it was a new waiter for every course (including drinks). We were mostly confused and didn't know who to reach out to if we needed anything. -They came around with a birthday candle on a plate, because they didn't know which of us was celebrating. This would have been cute if I hadn't JUST seen them do the same thing at the table next to us. I'm pretty sure the person of interest was listed in the notes in the reservation... worth writing down, I think!
(4)
E C.

It was a tasting menu for Valentines Day, so some of the things served weren't exactly up our alley, but still very well done. Wife was with child and they altered certain dishes to remove raw ingredients (and replace them with different cooked ones) and cooked some things more, which was extremely nice. Overall a great experience, the food was good and service was excellent.
(4)
Michelle B.

I've been meaning to try Bergamot forEVER. After hearing mostly stellar things about them since they opened, I saw a groupon for their tasting menu, and thought, what better way to have a tour of the menu than that? I, as many others before me, have only positive things to say, dear Yelper. We were treated to an array of colorful, seasonal small plates, many items sourced locally, and even though the groupon was advertised as a 7 course meal, with the amuse bouche, the (absolutely delightful) rosemary-pineapple palate cleanser, and the post-dessert petit four, we had our taste buds wowed by 10 tiny plates of culinary delights. What I liked most about the food was how fresh and simple it was. Not overly heavy, but balanced and restrained. This is the perfect place for a special meals and routine cooking-replacement alike. Cozy and friendly, but with very attentive and knowledgable service. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Sean Matthew L.

Somerville is really coming up in the world. The hipsters have settled in and made it their own Brooklyn. This type of fine dining and understanding of tastes seen at Bergamot blend well with that vibe. I enjoyed their seven course tasting with a friend through a Groupon they offered. They extended three additional small course tastings on the house in addition which was very sweet and savory of them. The sampling gives you a wide scope of their menu and allows you to really take it in. They even offer paired wines with each course for an additional $50 per person. Wine isn't for me, but it's good to know they offer such a thing. Staff was friendly and attentive. Everyone who came to drop off the food was very descriptive of the dishes allowing us to have a great expectation of what was to come. Overall it's a little gem in Somerville you should check out.
(4)
Kathee B.

I'm a total foodie, and have tried a lot of really great places in Cambridge/Somerville/Boston--New American being one of my favorites. Therefore, I had high expectations for Bergamot--it being ranked with some of the area's best: Craigie on Main, Dali, T&W Foods, Henrietta's Table, Oleanna etc. And honestly---Bergamot doesn't deserve to sit on the list of any of those restaurants. I see where they're trying to go with the hyper-formal wait staff and hip atmosphere, unique plates etc., but something went wrong in the execution. Both my boyfriend and I (food-nerds and flavor-nuts) left disappointed with the Prix-Fixe and didn't think it was a good $100 spent. Flavors were not as full as they could have been, especially for foods I've had elsewhere for half the price. I appreciated the creativity of the menu (yucca!) but everything tasted pretentious and not actually remarkable. My experience here led me to believe that folks who enjoyed this restaurant may be drawn in and blinded by the hipster menu and unique items, and haven't tasted what quality and well-prepared cuisine in this price-bracket tastes like Waitstaff was annoyingly attentive but impersonal. I will say the desserts were very good--the pastry chef/dessert chef knows what he or she is doing. Save yourself the trip and go to Dali down the street instead.
(3)
Rosaleen D.

#BostMag50Rest This was installment number 3 of the the Boston Magazine 50 Top Restaurants with friends. My two companions and I went out after the first set of snowstorms to enjoy a Saturday night out. The parking was terrible, but we were able to park. It was so nasty out, we figured there was no meter maid to around so we were safe because we were not parked illegally, just too long. The neat concept here is the prix fix menu. For $44 you get to choose an app, entree and dessert. There are additional sides that you can purchase as well. The service was attentive, though our server forgot to bring one of our sides (this is the only reason for the 4 stars...otherwise a perfect meal). I had the roasted beets with steel cut oats to start. Sounds weird, but I love beet salads and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two of us had the pork tenderloin and our other companion enjoyed the vegetarian option. It was all delicious and it probably was the best pork tenderloin I have ever had. For dessert, I had some kind of deconstructed thing with sweet potato waffles and ginger ice cream. The ginger ice cream was delicious and the whole combination was sweet and spicy. I loved it. I would say if you enjoy great service, delicious food and a great meal for a great price- GO!
(4)
Xiao Z.

Quite a wonderful experience! I came here with my family for my graduation dinner and was not disappointed in the least bit. From the excellent, courteous service to the well-priced 3-course dinner pricing, I strongly recommend this establishment for all newcomers. I strongly recommend the trout cooked slightly rare (it may resemble salmon in appearance, but tastes amazing!) and the chacuterie plate. The scallops were good, but I felt the butter sauce was just slightly overpowering the natural savoriness of the scallops. Food: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Price: 4 stars Ambiance: 4 stars (the placed filled up by 7pm) reserve it early!
(5)
Audrey C.

We bought the groupon for the 7 course tasting menu. Everything was so good. Great flavors, good variety. The salmon was cooked perfectly and I particularly loved the asparagus salad. Our waiter was knowledgable, helpful and pleasant. Before going I read some reviews here and want to address some of the criticisms: small portions: yes, it is a tasting menu. You are not supposed to bring home a doggy bag. There was plenty of food to eat ... come on, it is 7 courses! (actually 9 with the pre-appetizer and the palate cleanser before dessert) many different waiters delivering food: true, our food was brought out and plates cleared by probably 5 different people. They were all pleasant and were able to describe the meals well. We knew who our main waiter was and he was great. not knowing what is coming next: true, that is part of the fun. It is a surprise. If you are going to do a tasting menu, be prepared to try new things. Don't try to special order, just be open to the experience. I don't particularly care for lamb, but the lamb ravioli was delicious. I don't care for beets, but the beet salad was so yummy. I didn't know that there were that kind of variety of beets. I would like to go back again and eat from the regular menu or try the fix pris.
(5)
Patrick D.

This was stop #2 on the "Dollar Oyster Crawl" my girlfriend and I went on and it was definitely our least favorite. We wanted to just order oysters, but the waitstaff made it seem like we had to order something else in addition, which we could kind of understand (I can imagine these tables are expensive but the place wasn't exactly packed) so we got an appetizer too. The dozen oysters we ordered were simply not good, the only flavor we got from them was pure salt. This might've been due to the fact that they were served on a bed of salt and not the more traditional ice, or they could've just been naturally incredibly salty. Wouldn't recommend coming here for the oysters. After we had ordered our appetizer, we got some bread and butter, but not just any old bread and butter. This was bread and butter of the day, rustic potato bread with "Anything but the bagel" butter (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onions). It was really good, highly recommend it if available. We then got the grain and seed torchon, which was surprisingly good. Blackberries, lobster, some patty that tasted like sausage and was described as a "meat emulsion" came together well, we ate every bite. Overall, the food was up and down, probably wouldn't go back simply because the area has so many amazing restaurants that it's not worth it to go back to one that didn't knock your socks off. Also, the service was just bad. We felt uncomfortable ordering so little, and we got charged $8 for our water. I suppose this place is best known for its tasting menus, but if you're planning on getting anything else I'd recommend going elsewhere.
(2)
Maine D.

We really like this place . Recent visits have been good with nice service and tasty dishes; nicely seasoned fish and novel appetizers ; last evening our dinner was OK but service really BAD with waiter who never visited after dinner was served and who forgot a drink after it was ordered and was basically off the grid during our stay .Other reviewers reference the spotty service and they are correct. Not rushed , good desserts and small portions - few small pieces of flank steak; wine list is very good and very funky and wise selections . Not sure I would rush back; in fact I would not
(2)
Traveling B.

If I could review this place off food alone, I would most likely give it 3 1/2 stars. Aside from the food being priced well beyond it's value, it tasted good. But with the price point, you walk in expecting a lot higher of a caliber of food and service, and paper sheets on top of tables, broken toilet seats, and drinking straws in your cocktails really bring down the experience. If this were a cute little bistro with a pricing point about $10-15 dollars cheaper a meal, I would have given them the 4 stars, as it stands, 2 1/2. I had the roasted beets as the appetizer and Raviolo as the entre with the pumpkin spice cake as a dessert. To be honest, I had looked at their menu online and was really hoping the bar menu would be available at our seats as the burger looks fantastic, and the other dishes looked just as they tasted, just slightly above average. While the server smiled when I asked if it was possible to get the burger she definitely was condescending in her smiley reply. Again, if this had been a higher end restaurant I wouldn't have even asked, but with a drinking straw in my Vodka Tonic and a paper sheet over my eating table I just assumed this was a bistro-esque place. I will take their word on the beets being roasted, but there was no roast taste to them or any of the dish. It tasted like boiled pickled beets. I love pickled beets, but this was a let down. The raviolo was ok, what was supposed to be crisp was crisp, though I agree with others, the sauces really were lacking in any kind of flavor. The pumpkin spice cake was decent, but if you are going to serve half inch cubes of pumpkin spice, don't put so much cream cheese between the cubes, if I had eaten all the cream cheese would have killed any flavor to the cake at all. So enh, probably won't eat here again.
(2)
Aimee F.

TL; DR uninspired, mediocre food and poor service For context: I've been fortunate enough to work FOH in some truly great restaurants with talented chefs, and my boyfriend is a sous-chef at a well-known Boston restaurant. I was looking forward to our Christmas Eve dinner at Bergamot, especially since my sister spoke so highly of it. She had eaten there a few times before and had enjoyed her meals. When my mother and I were trying to choose a restaurant, I told her that I would be happy going most anywhere, but the only one that I was excited to try was Bergamot. I'm sad to say that it didn't live up to our expectations, and the unwelcome feelings started as soon as I booked the reservation. *The Christmas Eve prix fixe was $55 per person. I was told that if we didn't honor our reservation, we would be charged the full price, per person, of our meal on our credit card. As in $330. *Open Table told me that there was a 5:15 reservation available for 6 people. I called the restaurant rather than book online, and the man that I spoke to told me that we couldn't have that time, that Open Table was wrong, and that we had to be out by 7:45. *Our server spoke only broken English and was difficult to understand. We had to ask him to repeat things two or three times, and even after that we were still confused. Trying to have the dishes explained or to get a recommendation was frustrating and unfruitful. People who work in customer service really need to be able to speak the language well enough to understand and be understood. *The service was terrible overall. S L O W. Really, really slow. Not a good thing when you are trying to honor the restaurant's request to have the table free by 7:45. Many people attended to us during the night, and they were not communicating well with each other. We felt like we were constantly clarifying and/or repeating requests. Also, the server brought over open bottles of wine on a tray to pour us tastes. A nice touch, but he very nearly spilled the entire tray on my stepdad. He was saved by a fellow server's quick reflexes, but if those bottles had been slightly more full, at least one of us would have spent the meal stained and damp. *The food was only so-so. I had a poached halibut for a starter that had very little flavor and was undersalted (and I'm sensitive to salt). My brother had a pork belly with radicchio that he barely touched. Radicchio is bitter and needs to be prepared in a certain way, or paired with the right foods, to counteract the bitterness. Someone should tell the people at Bergamot this. The other three adults at the table enjoyed their starters. *The main course options were really, really uninspired and pedestrian for a special occasion prix fixe dinner. Our choices were salmon, pork loin, bay scallops, risotto, and duck breast. I wouldn't have minded paying more per person to have dinner options that weren't so boring. My pork was okay, although really, really fatty. My mother enjoyed the risotto very much, and the duck breast was a hit. My boyfriend said his salmon was "boring, didn't feel like a complete dish, and was just a bunch of random vegetables on a plate," although the "salmon was cooked well." *They served three little tastes with the meal. An amuse-bouche, a mignardise, and a little pre-dessert taste. Depending on how you serve little in-betweens like this, it can feel really special, but due to the poor service, it felt rushed and haphazard. The pre-dessert taste was delicious, however: a pumpernickel cake with pistachio ice cream. It was the only thing served to me that I really enjoyed, except the bread and butter. Really, really delicious bread and butter. *Dessert itself was mediocre across the board. I am a huge dessert fan, I tasted all three choices, and none were very good: a sentiment shared by all. They tasted like they'd been made a few days in advance...which I understand is sometimes necessary, but I shouldn't be able to tell that from the taste. *At the end of dinner, my parents asked a man at the host desk, probably the manager, to call them a taxi. He actually told them that he was busy (!), but that he'd get to it in a few minutes. He had to be asked again ten minutes later. It could be that the experience we had was because it was a special occasion. Maybe the stronger staff had the night off, or maybe they were thrown by the almost flat-seating of the restaurant and the extra courses. I know that any restaurant can have an off night. I also know that due to the explosion of new restaurants in Boston, it's hard to find good help. That being said, I won't return. There are too many other consistently good restaurants in Boston to waste money and time on a mediocre experience.
(2)
Thuy L.

Fan-TUCK-ing FASTIC!!! I bought a groupon for a 7-course tasting meal for 4 people and made reservations. I completely overlooked the part where it said to note the 7-course tasting meal when making the reservations. But when we arrived and told them, they were more than accomodating and the manager, David, and his staff were absolutely pleasant, nice, and made the experience very enjoyable. They have a wine pairing for each course for $50pp. We opted for half-carafes of a bubbly white and a full-bodied red at the suggestion of the manager. I arrived really hungry and based on the size of the first couple of plates, I was really concerned as they were small kiddie sized plates. I began to inhale the bread and the lemon tarragon butter. Once we were in course 4 and 5, I realized that I could probably ease up on the bread. My favorite courses were probably the skate wing and the roast lamb w/lamb jus. Everything was absolutely wonderful and I cannot wait to try the restaurant again.
(5)
Grant M.

went midweek for anniversary. couldn't have had a better time. despite snow in streets, the parking lot had a spot. that is such an amenity! service was incredibly good. i was unsure of which cabernet to try and they brought me two to sample. the charcuterie is superb and the duck entree was cooked just to my specifications (pretty rare). if you are looking for a special night out. this is the place to go.
(4)
Wasim Q.

Amazing food and best prix fixe deal in town. $39, for any appetizer, entree and dessert, which would normally run you $50. And the food is just awesome, put together with a ton of different well-executed components--e.g., the roasted beet salad is delicious; really salty sweet beets caramelized and balanced w/ little pieces of this light goat cheese mousse type thing. Sticky toffee pudding is also great-- it could hold its own in Georgia. Given the quality, they could get away with charging a bit more (I hope they don't read this). It's closer to the caliber you'd get at a place like Craigie on Main, which runs $67 for a 3-course. It's a fairly small menu, but I hope they change it frequently so it gives me a reason to keep going back. This could be my new go-to place when I want a nice dinner and don't want to rack my brains trying to find someplace new.
(5)
Vivian C.

At Bergamot, you have the choice of tables covered with white table clothes or a stool at the bar set along the inside wall. If you should score one of these prime 8 seats, you will receive pleasant service by the bar staff - on our night it was Paul - and the opportunity to partake of their bar menu in addition to anything off their regular menu or the 3 course daily blackboard menu. We were started off with soften butter and a slice of a chewy bread with a nice crisp crust. Additionally we were presented with a tasty amuse-bouche of consisting of a bit of deep fried fish and a homemade potato chip. Friends had recommended both the Griddled Burger $12 (Milk Bun, Plymouth Vermont Cheddar, Tomato-Bacon AÃoli, Marinated Red Onion, House-Made Pickle, Julia's French Fries) and the Lobster Melt $12 (Cheddar, Scallions, Brioche) from the bar menu, so we decided to go for both. The sides that came with both were each a touch overwhelming in their own way - the fries were nice and crispy, but much too salty (but that was quickly remedied by the brushing off of a few of the salt crystals), while the fresh greens were a bit too strongly flavored by the dressing. Both sandwiches, however, were quite satisfying, with the prize going to the lobster melt with the chunky creamy pieces of sweet lobster encased between a pair of oh so delicious buttered and toasted slices of bread that were reminiscent of the carb components of a really good grilled cheese. *** 3/2012 RW week #1 *** TERRIFIC! *** 6/2012 visit *** I highly recommend the Shaved Beef Tongue, Pea Greens, Roasted Apricots, Yogurt, Whole Grain Mustard, Lovage $10 appetizer and the Pan-Seared Icelandic Char Onion Compote, Savoy Cabbage, Porcini Mushrooms, Golden Raisin, Sweet Cicely, Champagne Beurre Blanc $25 entree. *** 10/2013 visit *** It was nice to see that they still offer a $39 pre-fixe deal of any selection off their regular menu, but this night we were here for their 7 course tasting - normally $150 for 2, but we had a deal voucher in our possession which priced it a bit more easier on my pocketbook... thank you Bergamot! Service was pleasant and by a multitude of persons. They took my food allergy seriously as did they my friend's voiced preference to avoid a certain ingredient. We were considerately warned ahead of time that a tasting might take 2.5 hours, however, as the night wore on and the tables filled up, I realized that some of the time was due to the juggling of all parties, and not simply to the pacing of the courses. We were started off with a scoop of soft lemon chervil butter and individually served slices of a rustic soft potato bread. This was followed by a tasty little gift from the kitchen of a crisp crostini topped with a soft briny mousse. The three beet salad provided root vegetables of varying colors and tenderness. Rather than to name the multitude of courses that paraded into my stomach, I'll allude to the rest of my favorites! That being the roasted chicken with its crisp and tasty skin (yes, I ate it) and flavorful sauce, and the Hazelnut Clafoutis dessert, finished with a tasty sweetened ricotta smear and a portion of a fruit sorbet. By the meal's end, I had consumed two slices of bread, an amuse bouche, 6 savories, a palate cleansing sorbet - a gift from the kitchen, dessert, and (we're not done quite yet...) a small cube of a savory cake, and no, I was not stuffed... I was just right. *** 1/2014 visit *** We couldn't' decide between their two side vegetable options so we got both and found them quite tasty. $7 each. *** 7/2014 *** The lamb ravioli $14 was a bit one note in comparison to the rest of the appetizers on the table. But my pan roasted cod $27 - wow, it was so good! Tender fish and a terrific sauce! Desserts wavered, however, with the Banana Pudding $10 and Peaches & (Parmesan cream) $10 being terrific, while the matcha almond cream and the adzuki in the Roasted Plums $10 were just too grainy to enjoy. $42 for 3 courses as their prix fixe, and we were happily full. *** 8/2014 *** One of the pleasures of sitting at the bar is the opportunity to order off the bar menu, which includes the Oysters on the Half Shell ($1 on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). Another is being served by the personable Paul. The Zucchini Ripieni (Lamb, Red Rice, Pine Nuts, Tomato & Orange Chutney, Blue Basil, Fennel Pollen) $14 had both a nice presentation and taste. A much better lamb than my last visit. The Lobster Melt (Cheddar, Scallions, Brioche) $13, was sizable chunks of crustacean dressed with a creamy goodness. It was quite tasty though the edge of my toast was burnt (I just scraped it off) and the greens a bit plain with its simple drizzle of olive oil. Another DC's fave of the current dessert menu was the Corn (Blue Cornmeal Cake, Sweet Corn Ice Cream, Blueberries, Avocado, Popcorn Caramel) $10, so I went with that. While the cake and ice cream were terrific, the avocado cream was oddly salty.
(4)
Neal M.

Loved this place. Reservation is smart to get in advanced because this place is very busy. Went with a party of three, having made the reservation 3-4 days before. My only small complaint was the high traffic area our table was in but I suppose someone has to sit there. The staff was very enthusiastic about the menu and quality of the food. We got the corn bisque and the house charcuterie. Loved them both. Dinner we had the beef which was cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Ended the night with the carrot cake. They pay attention to details w/o being overwhelming. Highly recommend.
(5)
C. W.

I took my wife here for our anniversary dinner, which I off-handedly mentioned when making the reservation. For the entirety of our meal, every server, waiter, busboy, chef, host that came by made sure to congratulate us. That alone deserves three stars. The food, however, knocked it into the five star level. We had two of the Price-Fixe menu, which lists an appetizer, entree and dessert. However, with all the small plates and palate cleansers between courses it seemed like a seven course meal. Everything was, it goes without saying, unspeakably delicious. With drinks and tip, we ended up spending about $200 bucks but for a special occasion meal it was absolutely worth it.
(5)
Ethan S.

Best food and servers. Amazing night. Stop thinking and go be served by David, Jocelyn, and the crew.
(5)
Alissa G.

My fiancee and I went here for the six-course Valentines Day tasting menu. The food was good...I was excited to see a list of some of my favorite proteins for the five savory courses (oyster, scallop, lobster, quail, and duck!). Dessert was decontructed eclair. The flavors were really great and unique for the first three courses (all of the seafood). Then it felt a bit repetitive. The spice/flavoring of the scallop sausage reappeared in the sausage that stuffed the quail, and in the bread pudding that came with the duck. Additionally, most of my food was cold, and my scallop sausages had a bit of shell ground into them. These were not major issues; the food really was good. But considering this was the most expensive meal we have every had, it really did not live up to the hype. I left feeling bad we spent so much money on a "pretty good" meal instead of leaving in full foodie bliss.
(3)
Kimberly B.

My sister had been trying to plan a double date since her second child turned 6 months, they needed a night away and since we always go to their house they decided to come visit us. She found a Groupon for Bergamot. It was a 7-course meal for 4. I was pleasantly surprised when we found a place that didn't have an issue making a reservation for a Saturday night using a Groupon, so that was a bonus. Then I was even more impressed that they told us they would honor our Groupon even after the expiration date because the earliest Saturday we could get in was after the expiration date. Finally a place with good business practices. They never had an issue or treated us differently for using one. I have a tree nut allergy and my boyfriend a seafood allergy, even with the pre-fixed menu they accommodated completely without any complaint. The food was excellent and we were always looking forward to the next tasting. The only gripes I had were that even with 7 courses we were actually still slightly hungry in the end. We were holding out hoping the tasting that preceded dessert would be something more substantial. It was a bit underwhelming. The dessert was a bit of a letdown when you got a sorbet then a sorbet dessert...dessert would have been nice if it didn't feel like two serving of sorbet, maybe a nice piece of cake next time. As for the drinks we all enjoyed the great selection and creative cocktail offerings, they were pricy but I guess that's to be expected. It had a nice ambiance. Our waiter was delightful (we felt lucky to have him, since others seemed quite stiff). Would we go back? It was a 50/50 draw.
(4)
Jionglivia L.

Lovely place. Like the pork, so soft~
(5)
Miranda H.

BEST. BREAD. EVER. When I was here with a friend a few weeks ago, our meal was great, but the next day the one thing I really couldn't stop thinking about was Bergamot's complimentary house-made olive focaccia. So good. The menu is made up of solid, classic food with a few subtle twists here and there (like their Japanese yam tart--my favorite for dessert). Grab a friend, get the $39 prix fixe and share a bottle of wine. This is the perfect place to get comfortable and relax on cold nights in the fall/winter. Our server recommended a very affordable bottle of red wine from La Folie -- we described to him what we were looking for in terms of boldness and balance, and got it perfect with the red he suggested. To start, we had the charcuterie which I usually love, but this board was made up of mostly pates and mouses that I wasn't too crazy about. We also had the Long Island cheese pumpkin soup (for some reason I had it in my mind that this was going to be more hearty, like a bisque, but it's a little thinner and more like a broth -- flavor was good though). Also to start, we had the perogies which you MUST GET. They were fantastic. For our entrees, I had the steak and my friend had the cannelloni. I LOVED the cannelloni. To recap: - $39 prix fixe is a must - Wine recommendation was great - Dishes to definitely get: perogies, cannelloni, Japanese yam tart. Tip: If you don't want to make a dinner commitment, there's also a small bar area. A great spot to hang out and learn about wines from a knowledgeable staff.
(4)
Michael S.

Went here for the 7 course tasting last Friday. First get the good things out of the way: service is impeccable from top to bottom, and the food was incredible. BUT, I simply cannot forgive them for serving FOUR vegan dishes out of the seven. The first four dishes were 1) beets, 2) asparagus, 3) peas, and 4) garlic soup. We were still starving by the time the only protein came out as 5) mahi mahi and 6) a forgettable pork dish. The dessert was not to our liking (nor apparently others because the waitress could only comment that it was an "interesting" flavor combination). The food was great. And nothing against vegan food. But when charging $150 for a 7 course tasting at a progressive-American restaurant, it's simply not right for the first 4 courses to be vegan.
(3)
Emily M.

My sister and I had a Groupon to Bergamot for the 7 course tasting. It was hands down the best food I have ever had. We were blown away by the service, presentation, atmosphere, and obviously the incredible combinations of every dish. You can do wine pairings with every course for an additional $50 each but we chose to just get a bottle which was pricey but totally worth it. Each plate was sort of a tease because they are only about 3-4 bites each which made us DEFINITELY want to go back again. Thank you Bergamot for an incredibly tasty night.
(5)
Suzanne G.

We had an excellent dinner here. The service is top knotch, and the food always has so many tastes, it is unique, surprising, and truly exceptional. The vegetarian options are spectactural, the meat and fish to die for! Thank you for a very special meal, again!
(5)
Rich T.

Came here with a Groupon to sample their tasting menu a few months ago. The restaurant was insistent on fixed seating times for their tasting when I made the reservation, which I found puzzling and annoying. The food was average. There were some good dishes (pork ravioli, rabbit risotto, deconstructed pear cobbler and the goat cheese butter that came with the bread) but the menu was mostly uninspired. I get that it's fall in New England and squash is in season, but to include it in a third of the dishes--and similarly prepared in each one of those--was just lazy. Service was good though.
(3)
Charles S.

Short summary: They're trying too hard, but focussing on all the wrong things. The service was pretentious. I'm willing to forgive pretentious service if it's actually *good*, but unfortunately that didn't happen. What do I mean by pretentious service? I mean endless people coming and fiddling with your silverware, moving your glasses, etc. during dinner. I mean self-important descriptions of the chef's "visions." I mean a waiter who seems more irked by our presence than welcoming. What do I mean by bad service? I mean being seated without menus (and having to wait a good ten minutes for them). I mean constantly having an empty water glass. The food was inconsistent, at best. Portion sizes were all over the map: from a cod filet that didn't constitute much more than a couple bites, to a huge chunk of (over-salted) chicken. By and large the food tasted merely alright. But one need not spend this kind of money for an "alright" dinner. Better to head across the street to Dali or Kirkland Tap & Trotter... both better moves in the same price range.
(2)
Jenn H.

Love this place! It has become my favorite restaurant. I know this is Somerville, but Bergamot could compete with any French/New American establishment in Back Bay. Excellent service and an impressive wine menu. Our server was knowledgeable and patient, and even wrote down the name of my wine so I could purchase a bottle. I had a glass of the 2011 Riesling. Best I've ever had. My friend and I enjoyed an amazing 7-course tasting menu, which actually included 2 complimentary courses, so it was 9 courses total. Every single course was light, refreshing and delicious: beautifully plated, and explained in detail by our server. Stand-outs included the amuse bouche, arugula salad, salmon entree, grilled steak with a beautiful wine reduction (the best steak I've ever had), pre-dessert and dessert course of what I remember was a raspberry sorbet. Ok... So everything stood out! I truly enjoyed this restaurant and can't wait to come back soon.
(5)
Fart P.

I joined yelp just to post this review. What a shithole of a restaurant. Everything about our trip was terrible. They tried to seat us at the fucking couch next to the hostess stand. We tried an open bottle of wine from their tasting menu. They poured two half glasses and charged us 30$! The host David, made up a price for the wine and sent it to our table. It was an absolute waste of time and money. I will never go back.
(1)
Ana R.

After returning to the Bergamot on several occasions, I've deemed it Much Too Expensive for nearly anything. The fella and I were at the bar on a recent evening, ordered drinks there and were ready to order when a couple we knew came in. We were seated together at a table and promptly had the bar menu extricated from our hands. The supper menu is twice the price of the bar menu (obviously), so I was a bit miffed when they charged me for the STILL water that was placed on the table ($8). Even more nervy was their charging me another $8 for my non-alcoholic cranberry juice and tonic. For that price, I could have gotten a cocktail. Let me rephrase that: for that price I could have gotten a cocktail somewhere else. The staff takes themselves much too seriously and they are awkward as hell to interact with, even after a long evening. Speaking of which, everything takes FOREVER here. I understand it's fancy to have to wait for your food (which is always excellent here), but it should take 20 minutes to get your credit card run up at the end of the night. Never again. Just a sad incidence where bad service and shitty charging policies make for a bad experience even though the food was great.
(2)
Joel O.

Parking down the street is easy. The food is really good. Interesting wines too. Had the corn which I loved and the skirt steak which was delicious also. Mom had the chicken which was cooked perfectly. All was really good.
(5)
Emily L.

First, I want to start this review by giving a shout out to David C. for informing me of their spectacular $39 prix fixe menu! The prix fixe menu is available 7 nights a week and includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert. What's the catch you say? Being absurdly full by the end of the meal. Although the price is low for the prix fixe, the staff at Bergamot does not cut corners when it comes to portion size. For my three-course meal, I had the charcuterie plate, the pan-seared Sea Bream, and the Chocolate Bourbon Bete Noire - omg, every dish was amazing! The charcuterie plate offered three different types of meats: heart liver, sausage, and head cheese. The fish meat was light and flaky and was the perfect balance to the charcuterie. The chocolate and the mint julep ice cream that accompanied it was probably on par with the dessert that I had at L'Espalier - yes it's really that good! I definitely look forward to visiting Bergamot on a regular basis!
(5)
David G.

I used to live a couple of blocks from this place and it was always a great venue for celebratory drinks. Of course, I would always make up events to celebrate just so I could return. The bartenders are awesome. Knowledgeable, friendly, great conversationalists and eager to introduce a willing patron to a new cocktail or liquor. The house drinks are almost all a little sweet so come prepared with an idea of what you like or just try something new. We would usually eat at the bar as the bar menu was slightly more inexpensive and delicious. The fries that accompany the limited quantity burger are so good, Also that is the only way to get your hands on the fries. I came here once to sit in the restaurant, not at the bar, with enough people that we ordered every entree. I sampled everyone's dish (I was eating with family, so it was kind of OK) and seriously, every dish was spectacular. I love Bergamot.
(5)
Emily S.

Had reservations here for a Sunday night. The atmosphere and decor is very elegant and chic. Everyone in my group of 5 decided to get the Prix fix menu for $42. They start off by placing a piece of bread on your plate, they have a few different varieties, but they give you a spicy honey butter that is delicious! I started with the braised rabbit risotto and it was delicious, I ate the entire thing and wanted more! The process of the 3 course meal is pretty lengthy so prepare yourself to be there over 2 hours, but it's because they wait a good amount of time in between dishes so you're never too full for the next round. For dinner I got the Pan roasted monk fish, which I thought was delectable, particularly the caramelized onions it came with and the celery root purÃ©e, which was more the texture of mashed potatoes, than the liquidy side I was expecting. At the end of dinner they provide you with a dessert menu, which was a little disappointing because they offer about 5 dessert options that all had some sort of strange combination of ingredients. I don't remember what it was called but I got a chocolate dessert with banana ice cream. The cake turned out to be delicious, but the banana ice cream was not for me. Overall, if you're looking for a nice dinner with dishes that are thoughtfully put together, this is a good place to try!
(4)
Adam G.

One of the best meals I have had this year. We went for the chef's tasting menu and were pretty blown away. First off, bravo to the staff for impeccable service. Probably the best service I have had in Boston in several years. From the moment we entered, to each plate coming out, we felt cared for and like the staff are proud of the food that they are serving. Well, they should be! We started with a beet and greens salad, had some amazing pureed vegetable soup, beef tartar and a beautiful piece of fish among other things. Each dish tasted delicious, a thoughtful and carefully prepared collection of flavors, textures and smells that continued to get better as it lingered in our mouths. We had a vegetarian in our party and his dishes were every bit as delicious as our own. I am happy to have discovered this place and will certainly be back. Well done Bergamot!
(5)
Yvonne D.

Went back for another seven-course tasting again tonight and was so pleased to see that they are consistently top notch in both food and service. The foods are so unique, creative, and flavorful. Waitstaff is very attentive, but not annoyingly so. Nice balance. Always happy to give their advice on best drinks to order based on your preferences. I ended up with a perfect mojito. Not sweet at all. The restaurant dress recommendation is dressy, but I saw plenty of people in jeans and button down shirts, so my advice would be don't overdo it. The food is fine dining quality as is the waitstaff and service, however the atmosphere is pretty casual. The only thing I would change is maybe a card with the evening's course tastings listed, so you know what you're eating. Sometimes the wait staff speaks too quickly or quietly. I know this might be difficult as things change so quickly, but just a thought... Loved it so much, we booked our next reservations!
(5)
Nina K.

The restaurant is nice and the food was delicious, but the chef's tasting menu disappointed. $75 for 7 tiny different dishes that did not fill us up was very disappointing. I think we'd rather pay more money if it meant getting more food or at least more dishes....? The mocktails and wine were delicious at least!
(3)
Lauren S.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in all of Boston/Somerville/Cambridge. We moved to the neighborhood when it opened and we've been loyal customers since. First of all- best bartender I've ever known. Go introduce yourself to Paul. Best jokes, best cocktails. Servio and Kai and Lilly will all make you feel at home. Creative takes on American cuisine. Great value (Craigie/TWFoods quality at a better price point) Their dessert chef is superb. Always delicious bread and butter combo. We will miss Bergamot! Thank you for adding so much to the Somerville chapter in lives!
(5)
Xin Z.

Went there with BF using a Groupon. Had their 6 course tasting menu and loved their veal dish! BF said all the course are great that he wants to do it again :)
(4)
Mark T.

Great food, best service I've ever received. The sketchily didn't count my meal as prix fixe because I ordered tea instead of desert--- but it wasn't enough to tarnish my experience.
(5)
Cherry C.

We came here for New Year's Eve dinner last night. I joined Yelp just so I could write this review. 1. We had a 5:30 reservation, but when we got there on time the door was still locked. It was cold outside so we waited in an ATM around the corner and came back after a few minutes to find the door still locked. Somebody actually saw us outside, yet he did not come over to let us in or explain what the delay was. 2. We ordered the 7 course tasting menu. Service was very slow and due to a mix up in the kitchen, they skipped our second course and brought out the third course by mistake. They even tried to explain that our previous dish was the second course, as if we couldn't tell the difference between consomme and carpaccio. Once they realized they messed up, they took the third course back and we had to wait even longer to finally get our second course at 7:30 (seated at 5:45). 3. Food - I couldn't tell if their sea urchin panna cotta actually had any sea urchin in it, but I'm sure one rabbit was enough to make the rabbit risotto for the entire restaurant based on how little there was. The foie gras torte and veal sirloin was just average. 4. Throughout our 4 hour meal, requests for bread and drinks were constantly forgotten. All in all, it was not a good experience for our New Year's Dinner.
(1)
A K N.

We went as a large party and the service was terrible, food mediocre for 8 of us and really good for 2 of us. Waiters were not knowledgeable, food was served cold. This was my first time, and I had heard a lot of good things about the place. I will not go there again. I ordered the quail from the pre-fix menu as appetizer, which was terrible, basically breakfast food at dinner. The main course was salmon, which was also terrible. My daughter ordered scallops which were not tasty. Overall if I could give this place a negative -2 I would.
(1)
Sara F.

My new favorite restaurant -- great service, excellent wine list, and delicious food. The only thing missing is more vegetarian and vegan options (I have a vegan friend who'd be SOL here), but this place is so yummy maybe I'll just find some new friends.
(5)
Anna B.

Unlike at some other places, the prix-fixe menu is 100% worth it! Heirloom tomatoes were amazing as an appetizer, grilled swordfish was perfectly cooked. Somehow I can't remember what I had for desert, as I was quite tipsy by then having downed a couple of whiskeys. From a look at the menu, I think it might have been the Frangipane Tart, but whatever I had was absolutely delicious. In addition, the staff is really great and accommodating. I came with a colleague without a reservation on a Friday night, they told us they were full but we could eat at the bar. Then all of a sudden we noticed a group of our friends and colleagues dining at a big table (they were a group of 6 who apparently just got seated). First they told us we couldn't join them, as they could not find a table that big for us. We said, no problem, don't worry about it. However, while we waited for our place at the bar, we kept hanging out near our friends' table catching up with them and chatting. At this point we didn't have any expectations to be seated with them, but staff noticed how much fun we were having and went out of their way to reunite us. After some complicated maneuvers, they managed to push a few tables together and accommodate all of us!
(5)
Binh L.

This is my new favorite restaurant. Seriously - whoa. So I love Craigie on the Main's Chef's Whim, but the tasting I had a few dishes that were missteps (whilst very delicious) that didn't flow very well. The Groupon 7 course tasting menu was thought out and flowed beautifully.. into my mouth. BREAD: Awesome bread with a maple chili butter. So.good. AMUSE BOUCHE - tomato crostini. Yum! Crisp, light, and savory. My mouth is watering for what is to come. FIRST COURSE: Local strawberry salad and greens with balsamic. Fricking bomb. First, you must know that I hate salad. Second, I love this salad. This was amazingly well balanced and I think I just ate spring in my mouth (with a touch of parm). SECOND COURSE: Fig, flatbread, and some mushroom and endives of sort. This was so interesting. It took the lightness of the first course and added layers of texture (the mushroom and flatbread) . THIRD COURSE: Sorry this will be a terrible description, but it is this thinly sliced meat, with a crostini, and a combination of beans and other greens. This is when I started to see how the meal was progressing with each taste palate from the prior course. This course embodied the brightness of the first course, variety of textures from the second, and start introducing yummy meat.. FOURTH COURSE: Crusted salmon (with maybe a pancetta?), cabbage, a little clam, and some beans. This is the best salmon I have ever had. The crust was wonderfully seasoned and crisp, but the salmon was tender and moist. The clam was a little off for me, but everything else tasted SO good together. Mm that cabbage. This course was still light and just a knotch up in heaviness. So perfect and.. delicious. FIFTH COURSE: Pasta, holy moly, so creamy and good. The sauce carried the creamy palate from the prior course along with the brightness of the vegetables (the tomato really shined). Could eat this pasta for days. SIXTH COURSE: Steak. Perfectly medium, and I will agree the hollandaise sauce is a little heavy, but.. what do you expect from a hollandaise? I can't believe anyone complained this wasn't enough food. I'm about stuffed and remorseful of my second or third helping of bread. PRE-DESSERT: Tamarind sorbet with crumble. Interesting and light. DESSERT: Sadly, I requested no heavy cream due to stomach problems which meant my lovely girlfriend had to deal with a lighter dessert of coconut and lime cake and icecream. This was alright. No Wow. POST-DESSERT: Yummy ganache and creame piece. Practically 10 courses, and I'm the happiest sucker ever. My girlfriend loved this anniversary dinner + the wine pairing was excellent. Win-win.. !!
(5)
Yiwen G.

2nd time visit, and liked it more than the first time. Can i say they are making progress ? Got the $39 prefix menu, good deal. 1. House made ginger beer, loved the intense spicy. they passed the first test with having house made soda :) 2. food: everything was seasoned very well, cooked perfectly. i can't remember last time I had good halibut , and I was impressed here. Flank steak has so much flavor, wonder their secrete. 3. dessert: not as good as the savory food, maybe i didn't order the right thing 4. they do have house made candy ( it was actually mini brownie) that comes with bill. i am satisfied :)
(4)
Elizabeth K.

First off, you can't really go to a restaurant expecting to get a seven course tasting menu (especially when it is not on the actual menu) without calling ahead and requesting it. So, I find the people who knocked this place because of that to be totally ridiculous. Granted, maybe the restaurant should have stressed the importance of that fact in their fine print...but, still...it's not worth rating a place poorly because you don't understand how a restaurant runs... Anyway...here is what our tasting consisted of (a quick summary): Bread: Potato bread with rosemary butter. Amuse Bouche: Seabass First: Beet Salad Second: Carpaccio Third: Fig, flatbread, carrots, and grains Fourth: Pasta - amazingly creamy. We were told if we didn't have a lobster allergy in our group this would have been lobster bisque. Fifth: Bluefish. Sixth: Steak. First Dessert: fruity sorbet Second Dessert: hazelnut cake With the check: macaroon type cookies Overall, everything was good. Not mind-blowing, but solid. Surprisingly, everything could have used more salt. We thought that was strange. Also, we got the wine pairing as an add-on and enjoyed it, but, totally got the same glass of wine for two courses in a row. We found that weird too. Also, we would switch back and forth from whites to reds to roses back to reds which signaled to me something in the flow as kind of off. That's also clear from the fact our carpaccio came before our carrots and grains. But, overall, it was a great value, the servers were great, and I would totally go back without a Groupon.
(4)
Mike B.

My wife and I came here for a birthday dinner with high expectations. Expectations exceeded! We had heard some good things, but mostly just liked the look of the place as we walked and rode by it dozens of times. Our meal started with some of the most delicious bread we've ever had and a mustard-infused butter that was just wonderful. (We had three servings.) We skipped appetizers, as nothing seemed immediately appealing, but couldn't have been happier with the entrees. Simply put, they were the best scallops I've ever had. The taste, the texture ... just amazing. My wife had the chicken and praised the creative accoutrements and the lively flavors. For dessert, we did double duty, diving into the chocolate marquise and "The Last Dessert." The chocolate was rich and paired with a wonderfully chosen lavender ice cream. "TLD" was light, airy, and flavorful. The service -- from start to finish -- was top-notch. It was attentive, but not too attentive, which can be a difficult balance. And it was the little things -- scraping crumbs off the table, filling our water glasses whenever needed, folding a napkin during a trip to the bathroom -- that really set this place apart. A couple points off for giving us the table next to the waiter station. (It was a bit loud.) But the deduction isn't enough to take it down a star.
(5)
Basil S.

This is hands down my favorite restaurant to go for a nice dinner. The food is out of this world and the menu is constantly changing so you never get bored. The service is consistently phenomenal. You should absolutely check-out this place for dinner in Cambridge. Some pro-tips: - the bar has a few additional items that aren't available in the dining room - $1 oysters on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Ask Paul (the head bartender) to tell you about the 100 oysters he ate in 1 hour to make this deal available :) - you can get a 3 course prix-fixe for $42 (best prix fixe deal in Boston) - you get a 7 course tasting menu for ~ $70
(5)
Erin B.

2.5 stars. I can't say that the experience was bad, but it just wasn't for me. The service is not my style. At least one person came over to the table every 5 minutes or so to do something ...most of it unnecessary (refill water glass that was 3/4 full, give more bread, even though we said we didn't want anymore) I'm not sure if they were training new staff or what, but there was a ridiculous amount of staff wandering around looking for something to do. I asked that my wine glass be left on the table because I might want wine with my entree and after having to explain this multiple times (sometimes to the same person) someone finally took my wine glass away as my entree arrived. It was rather frustrating. I've dined at upscale restaurants before where the service is superb and I don't run into similar problems. The portions are small, but the food was fresh, creative and tasted good. The tables are too small for the plates that they serve the tiny portions on, and they left two bottles of water (one sparkling and one still) on our table while they went around with a pitcher to some other tables. I'm guessing it was on off night for them, but I wasn't wowed and probably wouldn't go back unless specifically invited by someone else.
(2)
Regina W.

Dear Bergamot, Our love affair continues. Your bartenders are friendly, super knowledgeable and make us want to keep coming back over and over. You could be a wee-bit more vegetarian friendly with your bar menu, but that won't keep us from coming back cause we're in love. Thanks, Regina
(5)
Lisa S.

Oh how I love Bergamot. It's wonderful from start to finish. It's a small to medium sized place with lovely decor. (Small peeve the bench along the wall is so low as compared to the table that I always feel like a midget kid when I sit there.) The service is impeccable: the servers know the menu, they will give honest recommendations, and provide discrete, excellent service. And, oooohh, the drinks. Really one of the best bars in town. Perfectly prepared and very interesting. My husband always struggles with getting his favorite, Le QuÃ©bÃ©cois, versus something new. The menu is small but very well-rounded, with generous fish options. There's something for everyone here: great vegan all the way to full-on omnivore. I tend to limit meat and pasta to an infrequent treat, but, here, I'll treat. The gnocchi! The pork belly! But also: the brussel sprouts! The beets! The mushrooms! If there is a weakness, it's the desserts. I love that they are small and gorgeously presented and -that they are interesting in theory, but I've not loved a couple I've had: one of their clafoutis, for instance. People have mentioned the prix fixe menu for good reason. It's a wonderful deal and a great insider find.
(5)
Kara C.

If you love fresh ingredients and interesting combinations, Bergamot is hands down the best deal in greater Boston. They have this amazing $40 prix fixe menu for an app, entree and dessert. I took my whole family, and they had a blast, even though we all ended up ordering similar things! The wine list was perfect, and the waiter provided excellent recommendations. The food service is timed perfectly and they bring multiple rounds of bread in case you're extra hungry. You need a reservation to get in, but if you have enough foresight, it is great for groups of 2-6!
(4)
Jason M.

After letting two gift certificates to Bergamot burn a hole in our wallets for a year, we finally checked it out... and the experience has led me to more than a half dozen great opening leads on a review: Oh Bergamot, you're so much better than that wacky font you use on your menu. Oh Bergamot, you've finally convinced me to eat brussel sprouts & I'm thankful for that. Oh Bergamot, God Bless You for introducing me to Pork Belly Butter & Pickled Watermelon Rind. Oh Bergamot, I'm a southern boy and I've never had such tasty chicken & dumplings. Oh Bergamot, I still don't know what hedgehog mushrooms are but I no longer care. They're just good. Oh Bergamot, you put olives in your dessert. That takes culinary guts. Oh Bergamot, your Prix Fixe menu is better than any Restaurant Week deal. Oh Bergamot, I really, really dig you in a far out kinda way. You're so good that I don't need to finish this rev
(5)
Mary S.

Bergamot is my favorite restaurant in the entire Boston/Cambridge area. The service is always impeccable and the food is outstanding. They change their wine selection quite often which allows customers to try new rare wines. Bergamot is unique in a sense that it is upscale yet unpretentious and down-to-earth. Looking to impress your business partners or a date? Bergamot won't let you down. Looking to chill and have a delicious burger with a great glass of wine paired with a fun chat with Paul at the bar? They have got you covered.
(5)
Christina T.

I would highly recommend eating here with your honey or small group of friends. The food, drink, service is truly excellent. I had a great dining experience here. We started with the House-Made Charcuterie and I had the rainbow carrot dish with fig (I think it's off the menu now). We had a really nice bottle of vino to accompany our meal. It's been awhile so I forget what we ate for an entree. It's a pain in the ass to get to because there are no trains nearby but come on in for a great dinner.
(4)
Saurabh C.

First off, It was an amazing meal! I think the gnocchi that I had for an appetizer was one of the best things I have ever had. The best part about it was the service. Amazing. Everyone was amazing from the doorman to the servers and in between. We were treated really nicely, and the free samples didn't hurt! Do try their $39 pre-fix menu as it is a great deal!
(4)
Stephanie C.

We had our holiday party here and were treated like gold. The waitstaff were all warm, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the craft beers/cocktails they have to offer. The food was incredible. The menu is creative and delicious. The venison sausage stew was so good as well as everything else I was lucky to sample. My only regret is not coming here sooner! I highly recommend going to Bergamot asap!
(5)
Kate B.

Bergamot is a delight all around! Living in Union Square makes Bergamot a quick walk, and it is an absolute neighborhood gem. They have a fantastic prix fixe option for $42- appetizer, entree, and dessert. My husband and I took advantage of this for our anniversary last night, and it did not disappoint. I started with the beet tartar(so summery and fresh) and he had the gazpacho, which despite my distaste for cold soups, was awesome. We followed that up with the eggplant gratin and pork loin, both of which were perfect, and for dessert the Eton Mess and the Corn. The Eton Mess basically is July 4th in a dessert, there's no other way to put it. I'm currently pregnant and abstaining, but his Old Cuban and wine were apparently also fabulous. Service was great- I agree that the multiple people waiting on you, as mentioned in other reviews, is a bit odd, but everyone was knowledgeable, professional, and lovely. A definite must try!
(5)
Bill S.

Flawless service and knowledgable waiters. My wife and I like to be gluten free and generally on a low glycemic diet. They don't even pause. No bread, we will serve you olives (a wonderful substitution). Dish served on toast: we'll substitute lettuce (again excellent). The food is very creative and quite tasty. I have been there three times: two for a 7 course tasting and once for the 3 course special and it has always been excellent.
(5)
Kelly M.

Along with Ten Tables, Bergamot is on our short list of in-the-neighborhood-but-we-don't-let-ourselves-go-Âhere-because-it's-so-good-and-we're-afraid-to-get-Âtired-of-it restaurants. So worth it, though. Keep it for special occasions and enjoy to the fullest: drinks, beer, wine, small plates, entrees, dessert -- there's not anything we've gotten that I wouldn't recommend, and if you see anything on the menu with lobster mushrooms, don't hesitate (maybe if you have a fungi allergy, hesitate. But even then, think about it first).
(5)
Seb G.

First off, food was delicious. We found the menu quite limited, but every single dish was high quality. Bad point: despite a reservation, we had to wait for 25min by the door before getting our table (party of 2...), and an additional 15min to get our drinks (the Montenegroni is delicious!). The rest of the service was correct.
(3)
Daniel B.

$39 for a three-course, fixed price meal? Check. Outstanding food? Check plus! Everything was delicious, from the appetizers to the desserts. The food rivaled much more expensive restaurants. We'll definitely be back. One nit: the noise level is loud.
(4)
Adam L.

I scheduled a large dinner meeting at Bergamot for 30 people. The food was amazing. I tried a beet salad, a mushroom risotto, ravioli made with hens in the woods mushrooms and a fantastic pollack. The presentation was beautiful, the food was genuinely gourmet. The service was great and the restaurant was beautiful. The staff was responsive. I would recommend this to my friends without hesitation!
(5)
Eric M.

I liked Bergamot. I went there tonight because I missed my favorite spot in Chicago, the Michelin-and-James Beard-winning Naha in Chicago, and Bergamot seems like it has some of the same goals as Naha. I had great service, which I do highly value, and the food was mostly good. But no matter what, they don't rise to 5-star territory and the difference between 4-star and 3-star is sometimes hard to divine. So I'll just lay it out and you can decide whether I should have gone with 4 instead of 3 stars: Service was very good good for this level of dining. The only thing I consider to be an actual mis-step was "saving" a table knife instead of replacing it. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine when fine dining places don't replace used cutlery between courses. Even from an environmental standpoint, in the course of service and washing for a place the size of Bergamot, it probably doesn't even save any water and it still leaves a buttery knife sitting on the table just waiting to get butter on my jacket sleeve or altering the flavor of whatever else I may want to use it for. Even just one soiled jacket sleeve getting dry cleaned probably offsets a whole month of washing extra knives. In other words - just replace it, it's the right thing to do in a fine dining setting. I had the pappardelle, which was the texture of spaetzle instead of the better pappardelles I've had. Should be thin, smooth, al dente but silky, not thick and soft. Also was a "lemon" pappardelle, with "watermelon radish" but had no bite at all. It needed something to offset the richness. Then I had the yuca gnocchi. Even though two pasta courses is an unorthodox meal, they just both sounded good. The gnocchi was light and fluffy enough, and it was seared just right. I had it with the chicharron addition, which was nice. One thing it did need, though, was more avacado, and something to liven it up. If I hadn't had the chicharron, I really wouldn't have liked it, but even with that it needed something to keep me from thinking, "I just paid $27 for yuca con chicharron." Perhaps they could mix it up with Chinese black beans instead of Latin American black beans, or a splash of something like curtido to offset the richness and liven it up. Finally, I had the cheese course for dessert. This was a solid selection of cheeses. The only two suggestions I might have for it are that the honey could have included some nuts and been more plentiful. The date jam was nice, and had some anise in it. I'd have liked to see a blue cheese in the selection, but that's really just a personal preference and not a criticism. I also asked the server to pair wine with each course. A riesling with the paplardelle was a good choice. For the gnocchi he suggested a special wine from Texas they had. I liked the suggestion for the novelty, although strictly speaking the pairing wouldn't have been my first choice, but I'm glad I got to try a novel wine. With the cheese, he suggested a Piedmontese wine, but I changed it out for a second suggestion he had which worked better in my opinion, although neither would be something I'd pick again. Overall, 4/5 stars for the wine service itself, which was well-presented and well-performed, but maybe only 3/5 stars for the selection of pairings. Overall, I left happy. Even with a good tip, I spent less there than I'd been prepared to spend, which is always nice, and the food was good, if not great. I'd go back if I lived a bit closer or someone else wanted to take me, although it wasn't so amazing that I'd go there again before having checked out other places in the area. Overall, worth trying. I don't have enough Boston-area experience to rate it relative to Boston places, but relative to national places it's good but not great.
(3)
Andrea B.

If it wasn't for the woefully small desserts, I probably would have awarded Bergamot five stars. Because boy are they serving up some DELICIOUS food. The $39 prix fixe is a pretty awesome deal and gets you an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I had: The house-made charcuterie, which was everything you'd every wish for from a meat spread. It wasn't a skimpy appetizer by any means, and I was already feeling full by the time I was done with it. Plenty of bread came with it too. The roasted heritage pork shoulder, which also was generously portioned. It came with zucchini, roasted red onion, corn bread croutons, and buttermilk dressing. Again, no skimping on this dish - there was plenty of everything on my plate. And the pork was juicy and tender. The ricotta cheesecake - with peaches, graham crackers, champagne foam, and honey. Sounds delicious, right? Well, it was. But it was so tiny! Too tiny! I want more! The only other disappointing part of the night was that when we arrived for our 7 o'clock reservation, we were told that our table wasn't ready just yet. We ended up sitting on a sofa and waiting for a good 20 minutes. Don't you usually make reservations so you can avoid that??
(4)
Ja K.

Review is based on sitting and eating at the bar. My wife and I love Bergamot, one of our go to date night spots. We love to come here and just sit at the bar and share dishes and drinks. The restaurant is refined yet perfectly accessible, the service is proper without being pretentious, and the atmosphere is polished while remaining comfortable and casual. The bar staff is entertaining and professional; they know what they are doing and take their roles seriously, its pretty refreshing. The food is always interesting and delicious. Drinks are great, my wife usually gets cocktails and speaks highly of pretty much everything she's had here and I've always liked at least one of the few drafts they carry. It can be a bit pricey but always feels like a bargain for the quality of the service and the food. I cant recommend this place enough for an intimate evening or just a relaxing bite to eat with a friend.
(5)
John B.

I've had "regular" meals at Bergamot and I've had the tasting menu. The food was quite good each time. In fact, the entire experience was great from seating to the check. Recently, my wife and I traveled to Bergamot to have their tasting menu. Expectations were high, but they were appropriate, given our past visits. Sadly, things weren't great. There wasn't anything that stood out as particularly egregious, but the meal was mediocre. The food lacked imagination, taste and size (the portions were tiny). With every course that arrived, my thought of "it's going to get better, it has to" turned into "wow, it isn't getting better." And when a terribly bland serving of three thin slices of sirloin arrived, I knew we'd reached the end. Dessert wasn't much better and I was happy to be done rather than be further disappointed. The staff was curiously distant and with one or two exceptions, no one seemed particularly enthused about what they were doing. The place was very crowded for an early week dinner, so they must be doing something right. I used to be very high on Bergamot, but this experience makes me pause when I think of returning. Better food could have offset the disinterested service and better service could have offset the mediocre food. But experiencing of them together was just too much. The whole experience seemed perfunctory, and that's not the impression I want to have after dining out.
(2)
Christina S.

Went here for my birthday. Got the 7 course chef's tasting menu and it was AWESOME. Definitely will be returning. Parking lot is a plus.
(5)
Cindy W.

Had a late reservation on a very wet Saturday celebrating an intimate birthday. What an unexpected surprise to see the staff and chefs going beyond the call of duty to make my bf birthday so special. We started off with 2 Maiki Mule's. They make their own ginger beer. Thats a gold star in my book. The drink was sweet with a good spicy punch. We decided to go with the $39 prix fixe deal. I think this place is the only place I've ever been to that allows you to decide anything you want for your prix fixe. No restrictions and skies are the limits. I got the pork belly ravioli as a starter. The pork saltiness went well with the creaminess of the ravioli. I would have licked the sauce off the plate if I wasn't in a dress. As for my guy, he got the fried oyster salad. 3 huge pieces on top of a tomato, onion cucumber yogurt sauce. Yum as well. For our main entrees. I got the pomegrante glazed lamb with lobster mushrooms with corona beans. I am not a fan of beans but these kind of beans were a different breed. Each bean was huge! You can cut them with your knife it was like cutting up finger potatoes. So not that bad. The lamb was very tender and cooked to the medium rare to my likings. And as for mushroom and kale dressing, it was a great incorporation to the dish. My bf got the grilled hanger steak (med-rare). Holy moly was it the BEST hanger steak I've ever had. The tomatillo salsa, corn with creme fraiche was sooooooooo good. And I don't have to tell you about the cheddar tater tots. I think I've already WON you over with tater tots. I think they should have tater tots has a app. As for dessert, we got the blackberry Claffoutis and the ricotta cheesecake. We were so stuffed but how can you pass up on dessert?! The cheesecake was okay. He both preferred the claffoutis way more. Service was fantastic and very tentative. I can't wait to come back again. Its a great date night place and with free parking next door, what else can you ask for.
(4)
Alan E.

A true foodie tragedy. The food at Bergamot is good - some impressive dishes, some average dishes. The problem, for me was simply that we chose to order the tasting menu. I love tasting menus, a chance to get a good feel for the chef's tastes and their vision. Of course when you pay for a 7-course meal you expect to get enough bites out of it to at least get full. Of the 7 courses, 3 were exceptional, 2 were average, and 2 were "meh". If I had just ordered one of the exceptional dishes I would have given this place 5 stars and walked away happy... and even with the few misses (nobody's perfect) this place would still rate a 4 stars if they were part of a larger tasting menu with some great wins.... Except the average "course" size was 3-4 bites. That doesn't add up to much, especially when you eat it over a 2 hour period. I've never left a tasting menu feeling hungry but Bergamot gave me that experience. When I say "hungry" I'm not saying "pleasantly full, just right", I'm saying "what places are still open this late that we can go finish eating." I'm not super happy about that. I'm giving them 3 stars for the experience I had. I've got plans to go back and try their regular menu and see if maybe I'm not just being harsh.
(3)
Allison R.

Sorry. High prices, high attitude, small portions, out of oysters. I cry.
(2)
Patrick B.

Great service, nice comfortable hip decor. I appreciate what they're trying to do with the food but the execution just isnt there which is unfourtane because I wanted to like this place .... the hanger steak was beyond tough, almost unedible and was over powered by a strong roasted pepper flavor. The swordfish was grosly over salted, almost unedible as well(and I'm a salt person). The best part of the meal was the desert. My girlfriend and I shared 2 different deserts both excellent. Maybe we caught them on an off night but my experience was not deserving of another visit.
(2)
Matthew F.

My wife and I had our second meal at Bergamot last night, and I am disappointed to say it may be our last. As other reviewers have remarked, we also are sorry to ding Bergamot on some unfortunate lapses in execution and service, but they're just not acceptable given what Bergamot wants to, can, but isn't pulling off. The space is very nice -- a definite hipster vibe with a comforting blend of sophistication, rusticity, and relaxed indulgence. Therefore, it's surprising their portions for many dishes and desserts are so small. While it is true that there is such a thing as a healthful versus healthy portion -- something you can expect to find in most upscale West-Coast restaurants, bistros, and gastropubs as opposed to the "healthier" portions of the Right Coast -- the exceptional beauty of Bergamot's plating aesthetic aside, their dishes' proportions are just not well thought-out. Similarly, while we were bedazzled by the phantasmagoric array of exotic and specialized ingredients sourced and composed into the evening's various dishes, when fork or spoon came to lips, the tongue was kept hanging in the balance of anticipation for the expected blossom of favors was for nought. We found nearly all our dishes on the bland side, and the chefs held far too much restraint in the seasoning. Were the ingredients themselves brilliantly paired of each other, thus would be a non-issue, but that kind of artistry is a very rare talent, and most of us are more than content with just a little salt to accelerate flavors. Cocktails were somewhat on the tart/assertive side, but still inventive concoctions of the sort Boston foodies have come to expect from such establishments. Wines were good and really interesting -- kudos to their sommelier. We had (1) Cocktails: Southern Belle and Penicillin, (2) great fresh-baked bread with a delicious whipped mustard tarragon butter, (3) a bucatini with various fruits de mer (just had clams so far as we could tell), and a special roasted guajillo pepper pasta with plumped dried persimmons, and several other exotic ingredients I cannot recall (somewhat bland), (4) grilled Berkshire tenderloin (very good), and Lamb confit with stinging nettle pasta (really disappointingly flat flavors, but lamb was delicious), (5) milk and cookies dessert (small but beautiful, crumbly and wonderful textures, and very balanced malty chocolate flavors, a whole-grain cake of some sort with an incredible oolong tea sauce. Most memorable wine was a great special RhÃ´ne-style red. Looks-wise and menu-wording wise, Bergamot's got-it, and they're very good on texture (could still be better), but they really must do better with flavors and executing their assembly. Our waiter was just ok -- a little uppity, but really quite inattentive, which was inexcusable considering our $150+ tab. The sommelier/manager basically took over, as did a much better bearded server.
(3)
Roxanne K.

What can I say? This has quickly become one of my favorite spaces in the Boston area. We tried the 7-course tasting menu, which blew us out of the water, and then have kept returning to the bar ever since for a more affordable, warm, casual feel. The bartenders are lovely and personable, the drinks are delicious (the Jersey sour is a favorite!), the food choices change often enough to remain interesting and are always creative, and the generosity and warmth of the staff makes this place feel like a culinary home for us. The staff remember everything (in a non-creepy, thoughtful way!) -- your recent trips, your upcoming wedding -- and they manage to create a neighborhood feel while keeping the food classy.
(5)
Thai-Anh H.

Food and service are consistently great here. We took my in laws here for dinner and we order just about everything on the menu. Everyone agreed that the food was just delicious. We love the casual atmosphere as well.
(4)
David C.

Andrea B. and I went to Bergamot during Restaurant Week, but found ourselves leaning towards their regular menu almost as soon as we opened it. For only $5.88 more, you might as well (I need to be more diligent in my RW research--I keep going to places that have affordable prix fixe menus all the time!). I started with the corn and shrimp agnolotti, which were generally portioned and cooked perfectly. I'm glad our servers gave us plenty of bread, because I wanted to sop up every last bit of that sauce that came with it. Andrea and I rarely find ourselves ordering the same thing--we like to try as many different dishes as possible--but neither one of us could say no to the roasted heritage pork shoulder with zucchini, roasted red onion, corn bread croutons, and buttermilk dressing. It was the undoubtedly the right decision. My entree came together and satisfied in a way that few often do, and that buttermilk dressing should be bottled and sold at Wholefoods ASAP. Our first two courses made for a perfect end of summer meal, so it was a shame that dessert had to sully things ever so slightly. It wasn't bad, per se, it just wasn't particularly memorable. Perhaps that's because it took me all of three bites to finish it.
(4)
Sarah R.

We had the most fantastic meal at Bergamot - one of the very best we've had in Boston, in fact. We booked a table on the spur of the moment early evening for the same evening, the earliest we were able to get a table was 8.30, which was fine by us. We arrived a little early, but they were able to seat us straight away. We had been meaning to come for a while, and were partly attracted by the prix-fixe menu, which offers three courses from the standard menu for $39. I think this is great value, especially as there are lots of options to choose from, which is not normally the case for a set menu. There are a few things which incur a supplement, but even discounting those there's plenty of choice. There's also a good and not too expensive selection of beers and wine by the glass, including a really great dry Spanish cider which we loved. To start, I had the beef carpaccio, which was delicious. My only complaint was that the accompaniments slightly overwhelmed the beef, but as they were delicious I didn't mind! My bf had the charcuterie which was just incredible. I think it changes, but he had the chicken liver mousse, which was soooo smooth and chickeny, a beef terrine - I'm not sure what went in that, but it was incredible, and some delicious ham. It was, without doubt, one of the best things I've eaten in Boston. For mains, we both had the flat iron steak. It was very nice - the pommes anna were fantastic, and I loved the caramelised onion hollandaise, a very clever idea. We were also very pleased because we were trying to choose a red wine to go with it, and our waiter made some suggestions, then let us try two before deciding, which I thought was great. If I were going again, I would order one of their more experimental mains, because although the steak was delicious, it was quite simple, and some of the other flavour combinations in the mains look really exciting. That's not a criticism, I really wanted a steak last night and it delivered. For pudding (which we really didn't need, but there we go), I had a rhubarb clafoutis, and he had the chocolate gateaux, both of which were outstanding, not to mention beautifully presented. We had the most wonderful evening at Bergamot - really special, and exceptional food. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Maurice H.

We went for our 45th anniversary, and the service could not have been better, The food is excellent and the staff is friendly and helpful.
(4)
Natalie V.

Well the food was okay . But our service was horrible. Lets start with the waiter pouring water all over the table cloth not on the glass and it took us like 20 mins to get a towel for the mess. Are you serious this is an upscale restaurant, who hard is to pour water. The changes of utensils was driving me crazy. Our waiter look like he hated working there. Not welcoming, not friendly and really bad costumer service .
(2)
Renee B.

I've been here on four separate occasions with different people, and feel confident in writing a 5-star review for Bergamot. The food is always fantastic, but the attentive and friendly service definitely bumps it over many comparable restaurants in the area. I have a gluten allergy and the waitstaff is always super friendly and accommodating to my glutardation, and they know exactly what I can eat and what dishes they can modify to suit my dietary restrictions. The space has a great atmosphere and is never too loud. My boyfriend is usually pretty reserved, but he flipped out for an appetizer that came with "chorizo dust" and kept insisting that he may have just had his most perfect, favorite bite ever. That is some seriously high praise from him, haha. We can never figure out whose dish is better - I've tried seafood, beef, chicken, etc here and have always been impressed by the delicious flavor combinations, as well as preparation and presentation with a bunch of seasonal ingredients. On the last time we were here, I couldn't decide between two of the desserts. There was a collection of chocolate stuff that looked great, but I couldn't get the idea of olive oil ice cream out of my head. I ended up asking the manager who was nearby which one he recommended, and he said to go with the chocolate option. A few minutes later the desserts come out, but lo and behold the manager then appears with a little bowl containing a scoop of the olive oil ice cream for me to try. Obviously I'm thrilled any time I receive free stuff, but the fact that he was willing to go the extra mile for me spoke volumes. (P.S., it tasted awesome, in case you were wondering haha.) Even though there are still a ton of restaurants in and around Boston I want to try, I always love coming back here for a special occasion dinner. Plus since my bf lives in Somerville, we can just zip over here in a few minutes rather than going downtown. I really hope they're doing well and stick around!
(5)
Nina D.

After over ten visits for various special occasions, Bergamot has spoiled me and my family for other restaurants with its consistently innovative, spot-on, every-bite-a-wonder delivery. Service is impeccable, (and we have inadvertently tested it by ordering a red when we wanted a white, spilling a glass across the table, etc.). Our Bergamot dinners have been characterized by "wow, you HAVE to try this!" utterances, and sharing of dishes around the table. With all the extraordinary Boston restaurants to choose from, Bergamot is our number one.
(5)
Mark A.

The woes of Groupon... We made a reservation, but didn't explicitly state that it was for the groupon tasting option (most groupons don't require you to make a reservation tagged to the groupon... just a reservation and to mention before ordering, which is what we did). Mentioned to the waiter when he stopped by, and he gave us a disgruntled look, asking if we made a reservation, which I confirmed we did. He went to talk to the manager/host, who promptly came over to let us know that they couldn't honor the groupon because we didn't mention when making our reservation. I forgot to mention... only one other table was seated in the entire place, aside from a couple at the bar. He kindly offered to let us order from the normal menu (note extreme sarcasm... thanks for the offer???), but we were rather annoyed and decided to leave and get a refund from groupon. It's sad that so many restaurants are unprepared for groupon customers when they sign on, and it ends up hurting them more than helping. I read the reviews on Yelp before buying the groupon, they were decent, too bad.
(1)
Jessica B.

I went here 2 nights ago and have to say it was a nice experience, but fell a little short. I thought the food was great and enjoyed an interesting wine...but our server wasn't the best which left me feeling a little disappointed. Given the food, I am still giving it 4 stars and based on other reviews think this may have been a fluke. There were three of us and we opted to do the 3-course menu for $39 which seemed like a good deal, especially for the quality of food. For appetizers we had: Fried Oysters Spinach, Delicata Squash, Bacon, Caramelized Onion AÃ¯oli very light, good flavor House-Made Charcuterie * A Tradition of Preparing Various Meats, Presented in Diverse Ways Served with Accompaniments excellent! For entrees we had: Pan-Seared Local Hake Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Carrots, Cippolini Onions, Beurre Rouge Red Wine-Braised Beef Flanken Potato PurÃ©e, Wild Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Bacon so rich and delicious! Almost like a osso bucco where is just falls apart. Yum! Regarding service, we continually had to hunt down our waiter to order a glass of wine or find him since he hadn't delivered the wine we had ordered 10 minutes prior. At one point we even had to ask the manager. We also felt like he didn't seem interested in serving our table.... almost like we were a pain and didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling. Too bad!
(4)
Anne W.

I was so hopeful as this place had such high reviews. I had been to EVOO before and thought it was good esp with their three course prix fixe option. Now they are no longer.. my friends had suggested heading to the Bergamot. A very limited menu (I believe they had like three fish dishes.. one steak, one chicken, and one pork dish) where most things are just done mediocrely... the only thing that I could even remember was the sweetbreads where the portions were so small we had to get two of them. They were unfortunately better at Sibling Rivalry. It was expensive as you expect it to be... I did like the free amuse bouche... the best part of the meal besides the dessert. Great date atmosphere though...
(2)
Kiki P.

I have been to Bergamont a few times over the past several years. The service is pretty good and the staff is friendly. I have mixed opinions on the food. Restaurant week last year was 10 times better than restaurant week this year. This year, I was a bit disappointed in the food, but that could partly be due to the fact that my expectations were very high from my previous positive experiences. I started off with the green gazpacho soup. It was very different from your traditional gazpacho. For one, they use all green vegetables: green tomatoes, green peppers, etc. I find regular gazpacho to be more tasteful. The flavor of this green soup was too tangy and overpowering for my taste buds. For dinner, I ordered the pan-seared atlantic salmon which was served with peppers, green beans, olives and eggplant. The salmon was good, but not great. It did not taste 100% fresh, so I asked the server if it was a farmed fish or wild fish. I must appreciate the fact that they were honest in telling me it was farm raised. It was still cooked perfectly, I just prefer to eat wild fish because it is fresh and more flavorful. The assortment of vegetables served with the salmon was again...good, but not great. For dessert, I ended with the flourless chocolate cake served with a caramel sauce. The combination of the caramel and chocolate was delightful, however I have had much better flourless chocolate cake. Overall, I was shocked at my experience this visit. Every other experience I have had at Bergamong has been excellent. I would probably give this restaurant another shot.
(4)
Curt W.

I don't give out 5 starts lightly. Bergamot deserved it. First visit, only visit, this is a GREAT SPOT for a special romantic occasion. I can see it being a good casual spot too as they had a bustling bar-area. They fulfilled our request for a private table, and added a touch of class with a complimentary chocolate truffle and a candle for our anniversary. When they are paying attention to detail like this, you know you've stumbled onto something good. Bear in mind we were on the early side - 5:45 ... so it was before things get super-crowded or busy. So this might have aided in our overall experience. We were not rushed at all. Food was outstanding. We both had fish dishes, halibut and salmon (they rotate their menu often depending upon what's freshest) and they were both fantastic. Amazing sauces, deft preparation and clean presentation. But even better was the Vegetarian Charcuterie appetizer. Yes I did say Vegetarian - this is a dream come true appetizer for veg-heads. Also out of this world was the Queso Fresco Gnuddi app which they were able to make vegetarian by skipping the pork....WOW!!! Literally could have eaten 4 plates of this. Service was also outstanding. Saw some previous posts about "overly-attentive" staff ... we found that not to be the case. Their attention was near-perfect. Not intrusive but they were always there when we were scoping for more bread or a drink refill. Very friendly and well-informed without being pretentious or snobby. I put this on-par with a Cragie On Main or Gaslight experiences, but its so convenient being in Somerville! I hope they are here for many years to come. PS ... If you are on the early side you should have no problem snagging free parking in their lot.
(5)
Am S.

I had a great meal here. The super-flexible prix fixe option is a very unique one in this area. How can you go wrong with three courses for $39? The perogi appetizer, chicken entree, and yam tart dessert were all delicious and perfectly portioned. My dining partner very much enjoyed the roasted carrot appetizer, sea bream entree, and chocolate fondant dessert. The lemon-sage butter that came with the bread was amazing. The cocktail menu includes some nice choices too. I chose Le Quebecois to start. I followed that up by asking the waiter if the bartender was open to a bartender's choice option. He said yes. Bergamot might lose a star because it took about 25 minutes to get my second cocktail (we were halfway through dessert by the time it arrived)...the bartender was on his own that night and it was busy for a Monday I was told. Maybe it threw him a curveball that I was asking for something different. But I'm still giving them 5 stars because, yo, this place is excellent on all levels. I'm not gonna fault a guy for being busy when this place has so much else going for it. Something not talked about enough is restaurant lighting. This place had it perfect. Low and sexy but enough to still see your dinner-mates and the gorgeously plated food. The waitstaff (we had a waiter and at least 3 other waitstaff attending to our table) were all very friendly.
(5)
Jeremy K.

It opened around six months ago and Calli C. and I had been wanting to go there for a while to check it out. One night, along with the delightful company of Erin M. and Johnna M., we proceeded to make our way there for a nice dinner. All four of us trickled in at different times, and we all gathered at the bar, waiting for the remainder of the folks to arrive, with some cocktails. I had two different ones, the first one being known as Le Quebecois (Old Olverholt rye, Dolin Dry, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino, orange). The other cocktail I had had the word Lawn in it's name but unfortunately their website is outdated and I don't see it. It was very good though! The staff at the bar was very friendly and meticulous in every step they took to craft the drinks. Their cocktail menu was seasonal and they seem to cycle it often because very few cocktails were still on the website. Once all four of us were there, we proceeded to make our way from the bar to our reserved table. The staff escorted us to a table, the one closest to the kitchen and we promptly ordered while some fresh bread was brought to our table with some honey-mixed butter. They bake their own breads daily and rotate the types of bread all of the time. Yes people, that's pretty neat. And the touch of honey in the butter... it was delicious. Like crack. The menu is fit for regulars as well as foodies. It doesn't offer a ton of selection, but enough, and it has everything from fish, lamb and pork, to sweetbreads, charcuterie, brisque, and salads. It's a very well rounded menu and should satisfy all kinds of appetite. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and order the charcuterie plate (pork rillettes, pork guallantine w/ sweetbreads, pork patee and chicken + duck liver mouse) w/ baguette. Thing is, I'm not very fond of chicken & duck mousse and the waiter told me that they could take it out and add a bit more of the others. I was pleased that they could do that and approved to this suggestion. For one, the ratio of bread to charcuterie was perfect. Not too much bread, not too little. It was well toasted and accompanied the different bits well - the guallantine had pieces of sweetbreads in it, and the texture was very unusual, almost chewy but it all tasted good. The rillettes was my favorite part of the plate. I then decided, after much hesitation, to try their confit of Boston pork butt which came served with spinach, squash, chestnuts and pork jus. The meat was tender beyond belief and it was all very good and tasty. The portions were perfect in size, not too little, not too much. I didn't need to use my knife as I dug in. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food very much and I tasted some of Calli C.'s duck and it was divine and perfectly cooked. And I'm not a big fan of duck. Honestly, our entres were all pretty impressive. Having saved a little bit of room, I decided to order some of their panna cotta for desert, and it hit the spot. It was great and beautifully platted. It came with pear pÃ¢te de Fruit and some plums. It wasn't overly decadent or sweet; honestly, it was great. So to recap, they have pretty good cocktails, a very diverse, well balanced menu and decent prices. The service is awesome and the astmosphere there is warm, relaxing and welcoming. Honestly, this place is awesome. The only complaint I had is that they weren't too clear about the tap or still water and we ended up having to pay $7 for the water. We didn't expect to be hit with the charge. That aside, I look forward to returning there in the future for another awesome meal but not until they rotate their menu. They also have a bar menu that they serve every single day until midnight, which is pretty neat.
(4)
Elizabeth G.

I had a chip on my shoulder about Bergamot. I walk past this corner 2x a week on my way to work, and so I watched with anticipation as they renovated the old EVOO space and posted on Facebook about some of the tantalizing things they were crafting there. Then I took a look at the prices. Sigh. $39 for a three-course meal is their *discount* price? Enter Restaurant Week. The three-course menu was now $33. For this price, my friend and I got to try: APPS: I had cavatelli (pasta) with peas, spring onion (same as leeks?), shiso (an herb from the mint family). I'd normally have eaten this dish with a fork, but the sauce was so buttery, cheesy, yummy that I lapped it up with a spoon instead so I wouldn't miss a drop. I also like that in every dish I had, there was one ingredient that I had to ask the server to identify. My friend had the asparagus and fried egg with crispy pancetta, crab hollandaise, and cumin-scented carrot puree. Yum. MAINS: I had the farro "risotto" (a whole grain kind of like barley) with peas, fava beans, ramps (a green fern-like spring vegetable), cardoon (a vegetable related to the artichoke, that looks like celery), green garlic, ricotta salata (a salty cheese, not the same as plain ricotta), and vegetable "pistou" (meaning pounded with a mortar; I had to look it up). Again, lapping it up with a spoon. My companion had butter-poached hake with mushrooms, grapes, tarragon, and risotta. Also yum. DESSERTS: I had the yuzu mousse, bursting with the flavor of this new-to-me citrus fruit. It was served with sugar cookies (supposedly lemon-ginger; I couldn't taste it) and a dollop of creme fraiche. My friend had yogurt panna cotta with "honeycomb" (peanut brittle), a rhubarb sauce, and rosewater foam. We were both well pleased. Options we didn't try: a beet salad starter with pistachio emulsion and balsamic; crispy chicken thighs with coq au vin sauce; and chocolate cake with vanilla-curry anglaise, peanuts, and popcorn (!). EXTRAS: For starters, seven-grain bread with cinnamon-honey butter. This was just OK. The bread is very dense, rye-type bread. Not my favorite, but at least it's something different. And after dinner, they gave us two tiny (as in adorable, not stingy) pink peppercorn meringues. Unfortunately I wouldn't have known these were pepper-flavored if the server hadn't told us; they just tasted like sugar. They have a few interesting beers on tap and more in bottles. (What's up, Pretty Things Lovely St. Winefride!) I find their wine list slightly annoying because they list locations you'll never have heard of (a region within Austria, a region within Portugal) instead of just listing the country. But as long as the servers know what's what, I guess this is fine. The place was packed to the gills on a Monday night, but the service was polished. Our server could answer questions about the menu and make a reasoned wine recommendation. (Imagine that!) Not sure if I'll be back outside of Restaurant Week (entrees are $23-$27 by themselves) but I'm glad I got to try it. If you come, don't wear your gym clothes--diners here were legit dressed up. If you have an adventurous palate and you like trying new flavors and combinations, you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Kelly O.

3.5 stars. OK Bergamot, you had me at fresh/seasonal/locally sourced, that alone would have gotten me through your door. But you won me over with your refined food, nuanced and unexpected flavors, and creative and interesting combinations. Last night we finally made it here for Restaurant Week, and it was worth the trek from Harvard on a lovely summer(winter?)'s night. To start, I had the Beacon-something, a delightful citrisy cocktail that went well with the weather, and the boy had a (well mixed) Negroni, along with the (standard) bread with (nonstandard) lemon grapefruit butter. My first course, which came out very quickly, was the house-made brandade with egg, asparagus, and hollandaise. Loved this dish, everything went so well together and was so tasty, I wanted to lick the plate clean (good thing there was extra bread). I'd totally come back for this. The boy liked his chicken gumbo fine enough, but did note he felt there wasn't enough of it (I told him, this is not Redbones, you will not get mountains of food with which to stuff yourself... the quality of what you do get speaks for itself though.) For my main, I got the salmon. The best part about this dish was the mustardy sauce, it was really delicious and unlike anything I'd eaten before. Even the creamed cabbage, which sounded not too appealing, was delightful (who knew?). To be honest, I was a bit worried about the salmon to begin with... the waitress said they cook it to medium rare which is usually just perfect for me, but when I cut into it, mine was definitely farrrrr more on the rare side in the middle than medium rare normally is. Sure, I could have had the chef cook it a little more, but I figured, the quality of salmon is probably very high and fresh here, and I enjoy raw salmon in sushi all the time and have no problem with that, so I may as well eat and enjoy this meal. (I did sort of worry in the back of my mind though, but no food poisoning ensued so all is well.) The boy got the lamb, which was tasty, but a bit overcooked for him. So slight issues on temperature of meat/fish, but the entrees were overall tasty enough we didn't really mind overlooking them. My dessert was the yuzu mousse, light and fluffy and very refreshing after my meal, with some lemon ginger cookies on the side. I tried the boy's chocolate tart, and while it sounded amazing on paper and technically it tasted and looked just like you'd expect, I actually found myself preferring my mousse (non-chocolate over chocolate? Have I gone mad? Apparently.). It was more unique and more refreshing, and a better end to my meal I thought. He liked his tart better though, so to each his own. I ended with a lovely dessert wine. Service was professional, attentive, and pleasant. I left feeling just full, and thought the portions for a 3 course meal were perfectly sized. The atmosphere here is friendly, classy, and cozy, a nice spot for a date or to catch up with friends. Overall, despite the slight missteps, Bergamot has impressed me and I'll be happy to return.
(3)
Dominic Y.

Quite simply one of the best restaurants I've been to in Boston/Cambridge. I love the menu, including the three course prix fixe menu which changes daily/weekly. I love the food, which is very creative and done incredibly well. I love the servers, who are all very helpful and cheerful. In terms of value, you will not find anything better in the city. Bergamot is one of those hidden gems you want to keep to yourself because no one knows about it and you want to keep it that way.
(5)
Andy V.

Let me start off by saying, Bergamot has excellent service and an outstanding wine selection. The wait staff is among the most knowledgeable I've experienced and there truly is a team approach to serving the table ("now which one was our waiter; wait,- it doesn't matter!) I thought the menu items were superior to T.W. Food in freshness and preparation. For an appetizer I order Little Neck Clams which were steamed and served with a vinaigrette. The clams were very fresh but I think the vinaigrette should have been served on the side as its acidity tended to overpower the clams. I ordered their "BlackPig" pork shoulder; while it was very tender, I found it to be rather mild and a bit disappointing. Gail order chicken which was amazing. Our friends ordered the Georges Bank Cod, which is a very mild dish (I call it the tofu of the sea). Dessert selection was a bit limited and were rather small portions: two bites and you're looking to nick some from a neighbor's plate. I had the vanilla panna cotta which was rather mild. The other dessert was a chocolate brownie with banana ice cream and marshmallow. It was excellent as long as you can tolerate ginger in the chocolate. Coffee was a roast from Brazil and prepared with a French Press which was excellent and among the best in any restaurant. So the bottom line is that Bergamot shines in the freshness of the food and outstanding wine selection. While the final food preparation assembly steps result in a "cooked to order" freshness, the preparation itself is a bit idiosyncratic. Some dishes are extremely mild, while others have an unusual savoriness. I would venture to guess that rather than relying a canonical recipes, Bergamot's chefs experiment with the freshest ingredients that are available during the season. While this can result in dishes of unsurpassed freshness, it call also startle the taste buds which might have come to rely on a more traditional approach. I though the restaurant was a bit pricy if you ordered off the menu. We did not order the Three Course Special which was $39, and looked to be an excellent deal. I think we'd go back and try the three course meal. But first, there's making a mid-week summer reservation at Oleana in the outdoor patio, for a dinner capped with a Baked Alaska And then there's Toro in the South End. And then there's Miel. And then there's...
(4)
Kate m.

This food was seriously good. Im writing this review months later, and my mouth still waters. The service was lovely. A bit noisy (it was packed), so don't expect something to intimate.
(5)
Hal S.

Flat-out fabulous - creative flavors and excellent presentation, knowledgeable and involved staff, efficient front of house, and at least twice, I found myself saying "Wow, that was different but it works well." The Forono beet salad isn't your usual thin-sliced beets; it's thick slices of beet with toasted pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin puree. While the usual tendency is to pair up beets with something sweet, here Bergamot's chef veers into mildly salty and savory. It works, well. Our dinners - Artic Char, Hanger Steak, and Giannone Chicken - hit every possible preparation and all were outstanding. Two of our guests had food allergies and both main plate requests were handled with aplomb and polite deviations from the normal preparations -- nice to see, and one more reason we'll be back. For dessert we had the Chocolate Chipotle flourless cake. First you get the intense, sweet and dark chocolate flavor, then the spicy hits you a few seconds later. That was the second "Wow", and it worked for everyone. Value-wise, Bergamot is outstanding. Dinner came to about $40 a person (no alcohol and not everyone had dessert).
(5)
Chad W.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The atmosphere is relaxing, the prices especially with the prix fixe were reasonable, and the food is exceptional. I highly recommend the mushroom bread pudding for an appetizer (it conjures up the essence of the perfect Thanksgiving dinner). I also highly recommend the pork (very balanced and complex). Will return!!!
(5)
Bobby C.

I wanted to a try a new place and recall someone mentioning this place. By the way, this used to be the old location of Evoo. I'm usually with a girl for dinners at nice places. I occasionally dine at nice places with guys but not often. One of my buddies was up for dinner so I had already decided this place for Easter Sunday. Of course, this place had to be somewhat romantic. To make it more amusing, my friend wore a pink polo shirt. Everyone was coupled up at the restaurant. I think my friend felt very uncomfortable. He was probably thinking that people were thinking we were together or something. I'm just here for the food!!! Cozy and dimly lit, but still refined atmosphere. We both opted for the prix fixe menu. We were served their honey bread. I liked it. Slice of bread with a hint of honey. First course was a veal banger. It was basically veal sausage with asparagus. It was good. Main dish was a veal duo, veal tenderloin and grounded veal. The grounded veal was juicy. The tenderloins were just right. Portion size was ok, not big but not tiny. Dessert was great, Ricotta Cheese Cake. It was just right, not too sweet. The crumbs on top was a nice touch with the cheese cake. We did get a nice small sample before our first dish came out. When we received the check, we got these mini cube chewy things. Service was slightly above average for this type of establishment, attentive and professional. I would definitely want to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Tanya A.

Like many of the recent reviewers, I purchased the Groupon deal for a $75 7-course tasting menu for two. I specifically mentioned the deal when I made the reservation, so had no trouble with being able to use it. The meal started off well. Garlic bread with orange-rosemary compound butter was delicious. The amuse bouche, a crostini with green pea pesto and radishes, was tasty and refreshing, just what it should be. The first course was mango, sliced carpaccio-style in delicate pieces, with interesting garnishes and a tart sauce. It was tiny, but that's only to be expected on a seven-course tasting, right? The next course came out, and it was also a salad-type dish. Roasted beets with a few micro-greens and some cheese. Tasty, but again very small. As in, the pieces of beet probably amounted to the size of a ping-pong ball, max. Again, though, it's a starting course in an extensive tasting. The next course... was also a salad. It was about 3 leaves of lettuce (each about 1.5"x3") and two small strawberries with a balsamic dressing. Are you sensing a trend here? Tasty, but small. At this point we were starting to think that if all of the courses were like this, no wonder the restaurant was able to offer such a good "deal." The next course was, thankfully, not salad. It was salmon (maybe 2.5" x 1") served with a single clam, with some shredded braised cabbage. Flavor was excellent, as was the crispy skin on the salmon. A little rare for my taste but it's a "thing" with fancy restaurants, I've noticed. For the next course they brought out the steak knives. I admit, we were very excited to see them, as we were good and ready for something hearty. We were not disappointed. The steak was smothered in a buttery sauce, and the thinly-sliced potatoes (not quite a gratin) were equally delicious. We savored every bite (there were about three small bites on the plate), and thought about ordering a full serving of the steak. It was really excellent. Finally, we were served a dense square of chocolate cake with red wine-soaked cherries and some very crunchy salted almonds with ice cream. I'm usually a dessert snob, and found no fault with it whatsoever. Generally speaking, the food was very good. Unfortunately, at the end of the evening we were both still hungry. Not famished, but not satisfied, as I would expect to be after a 7-course tasting menu. Perhaps I'm spoiled by the 6-course tasting at Craigie on Main, where I have to be careful not to eat any bread before the meal or I'll feel overstuffed by the end of it. But honestly, when three out of your seven courses are tiny salads, perhaps you should revamp your menu. At $75 for two people (plus of course a tip on what the full price would have been), the meal was rather pricey for what we received. I would have been genuinely upset had I paid full price for it, and can only hope that for non-Groupon people, they do things differently.
(3)
Quinn M.

Bergamot is a true gem. My girlfriend and I were in town from Seattle and happened upon Bergamot after doing a little research online. Very glad that we went! The Pre Fixe menu is a fantastic deal, and everything that we had was delicious. Furthermore, the service was exceptional. Our waiter was helpful, attentive, and engaging. I highly recommend stopping in for dinner, whether you're a local or just visiting!
(5)
Nate Y.

"Bergamot can be found in Italy, Morocco and the Ivory Coast, it originated in Asia. Bergamot is a small tree with long, oval green leaves with white flowers. The bergamot bears a small round fruit that is yellow when ripe. Bergamot's essential oil is extracted by cold expression from the fruit peel. It has a spicy, delicate scent that is light and refreshing. Bergamot is used as an antidepressant, and is calming and refreshing for the nervous system." I believe the owners of Bergamot restaurant attempted to create a dining experience that would encompass this definition. I can say that they have succeeded, for the most part. Where they did succeed; Decor - dimly lit with tables that were spaced well from each other so you didn't feel overcrowded with other guests, but with tables that were of the right size that allowed you to be close with your dining companions for sharing of conversation and food if you so please. Service - Attentive, but not overbearing. Served bread, which seemed a bit odd, but not an issue. Excellent attention to detail when I observed one of the wait staff give close attention to place settings. Even after we had paid we stayed longer for conversation and the wait staff continued to refill our water glasses. Food - Excellent. Flavors were wonderful, tasteful but not overpowering. They make good use of farm grown and in-season vegetables. The seasonings and sauces they use were the right touch, enhancing the vegetable, starch, or protein. I had the corn custard as an appetizer and this was amazing! Not a part of the regular menu, it was so silky in my mouth :O...ok, I think you get the idea. My main course was halibut that seared perfectly, flaky crispy top layer and still moist on the inside. My fellow diners and I shared our dishes, and I can say without question I liked everything I tasted. Where it was not quite right; the cocktails. I had my standby, dark n' stormy. I found it to be too light on the rum. It was refreshing and the ginger beer they used had a nice bite, but it could use more rum. Another friend commented that her cocktail was just ok. Prices were very reasonable considering the quality of the food and the service provided. I look forward to coming back!
(4)
Ron D.

I go here regularly as I live just across the street. Bergamot has done everything right with consistently friendly service, wonderful food, reasonable prices and incredible deals (3 course dinner for $39). They also have my favorite bar menu item in the Lobster Melt. Definitely try it - you won't be disappointed. The intersection where Bergamot is located has other nice shops like Wine and Cheese Cask and Savenors, and other nice restaurants including Dali, Kirkland Tap and Trotter and Kebab Factory, but Bergamot is still the standout at this corner. Bergamot definitely ranks as one of my top 5 restaurants in all of Boston!
(5)
Dan E.

GOUGING WINE LIST It is a pity that this otherwise fine restaurant finds it necessary to "stick it" to its customers on wine. The bottles on the list are obscure but not particularly distinguished and are marked up excessively. There are no moderately priced choices in the $30-40 range. This is fairly fatal flaw to the overall customer experience. Dan E.
(2)
Jason L.

Finally trekked out to Somerville to try chef Pooler's new restaurant. Located in the old EVOO space, the decor is warm and especially inviting with the open kitchen look. It is a mediocre sized restaurant, but with ample space in between each table, which is much appreciated. Here's some of the dishes I tried: Braised rabbit leg w/ portobello - the rabbit was braised for so long the meat was extremely tender and had minimal gamey flavor, and instead soaked up the deep portobello flavors. Dressed with spinach and parmesan, it wasn't a heavy dish and a great way to start the meal. I did, however, find a big bone, which was an unpleasant poke in the mouth. Didn't stop me from finishing the dish though. Rainbow sea trout - 3 words for this dish: Bacon Beurre Blanc. Wow. Dip anything in this sauce and it will complete any dish. Don't worry, the dish is not heavy at all, as it is accompanied with a lightly seasoned trout and asparagus/green beans. I do wish the skin on the trout was crisped but that's just my pref. I also did try my friends' plantain gnocchi (delicious and innovative) and halibut (tough, slightly dry maybe overcooked but good cream sauce). For dessert, I had the carrot cake, which was ok. The cake was moist but the portion was tiny, and probably not worth ordering again. In addition, the fish amuse was a light and savory start to dinner, and I immediately fell in love with their walnut butter + bread. I always appreciate it when restaurants do something unique, although I wish they had zucchini bread the night we went. Our waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly, and talkative. Generally, service was top notch, with some minor spotty times. Slow kitchen. Portions err on the smaller side, but Bergamot is definitely one of the top restaurants in its price category (~$50 /person) and has sure made an impression as the new kid on the block. Food (8/10) Plating (3/5) Service (4/5) Decor (3/5)
(4)
Sarah W.

Excellent food. The service was, as other Yelpers have noted, completely impeccable. The chicken liver mousse creation that was part of the charcuterie plate.... was orgasmic. Ditto the chocolate dessert, which was like the most delicious chocolate truffle you've ever had.
(4)
A C.

No cute analogies. No strained attempts at literary excellence. I will just say, this place rocks. Granted, it's based on one dining experience, but it hit every mark. The menu is seasonal, so many of the previous recommendations were no longer on the menu. No worries, whatever else they have on it will be good. Both our appetizers (Turkey roulade, Rabbit Risotto), and both entrees (bone-in pork chop, snappy scallops) were fantastic. Just damn tasty. Even the sides of the pork chop (brussel sprout leaves and cauliflower), which are typically an after thought, were amazing. The service was really spot-on. The after dinner coffee came after our desert, and so it was on the house. A small cost, but the acknowledgement and the gesture mean much more.
(5)
Nick S.

Heard great things from both Yelp and the Tiny Urban Kitchen blog; made a reservation for 8:30PM last night earlier in the day; lo and behold it's right next to another awesome restaurant, Dali. Ambience inside was very inviting; semi-open kitchen, inviting bar, exposed duct work, and cozy tables. Since we had perused the menu beforehand, we already knew we'd do the prix fixe for $39; great deal! Basically like getting a free dessert since the app/entree totaled 39. For cocktails we both had the Beacon Fix (Reyka Vodka, lemon, Luxardo Triplum, Bergamot-Rooibos Syrup). One of the better cocktails I've had, great balance. Bread was served with homemade honey-cinnamon butter; yum. For apps I got the veal sweatbreads and the girl got the charcuterie plate. While a tad on the small side, the crispy sweatbreads only had the slightest sense you were eating offal (but in the best way). The mustard jus and sweet cabbage accompaniment made the perfect bite. The charcuterie was also delicious; the beef terrine and pork rillette were freakin' awesome, while the chicken pate was forgettable. Unfortunately, they were out of the pork entree, so we both opted for the hangar steak. Cooked a perfect medium rare, I inhaled my plate, scraping up every last bite of the sauce with leftover bread. The slight Mexican flair lends well to the cut of beef (similar to flank steak). One of the perks of going to eat with my GF is that she rarely finishes the entree; I had the last 3 slices of her steak and they were also cooked well, but noticeable chewier. Oh well. For dessert I had the ricotta cheesecake with fresh peaches, some type of tuile, and a champagne foam. Would have preferred more peaches and none of the foam, but it was a great dessert. From what I saw in the few seconds it was there before my partner devoured it, the berries and cream dessert was great as well. Overall first impression was very impressive. I will be back for a delicious and extremely well priced dinner. Though I could do without the 8$ charge for still water. Other than that, it was a home-run.
(5)
Emma D.

My fiancÃ© treated me to Bergamot for my birthday, and ohmygoodness it was so delicious! Before any of our orders, the servers brought out some dense white bread with honey butter and an amuse-bouche. No idea what the amuse-bouche was, other than a delectable little burst of flavor. For appetizer, we ordered a dish of prosciutto, pistachios, and peaches with a deep-fried ball of ricotta-type cheese. I like all of those ingredients, and they weren't too shabby together either. But the main dish. Oh, the main dish!! I ordered pan seared scallops in sweet corn and some sort of chowder-type sauce with little potatoes and a few bits of bacon. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and the corn+chowder was sweet and creamy and divine. I was in heaven! My fiancÃ© ordered the plantain gnocchi with black beans and avocado, and it had a hearty southwestern flavor, but I was too in love with my sweet corn scallops to pay much attention to it. We were too full from the meal to order dessert, but the server sent us off with vanilla-strawberry macaroons! I would even say that they were on part with the world-famous macaroons from LadurÃ©e in Paris... Service was fantastic. Atmosphere was bright but intimate, cozy. Love the complimentary starting/finishing touches. I definitely want to come back again!!
(5)
K M.

The chicken dish with hazelnuts was amazing!! Outstanding service, cocktails, food & ambiance.
(5)
Josephine L.

Bergamot gets my vote for "Best Turnaround in One Night". When I arrived with my boyfriend, I was not a happy camper after running around Harvard Sq for almost half an hour trying to find a bus that would take us to the restaurant. Said bus(es) never arrived and we ended up cabbing it up to Inman. Things just got worse when, upon arriving, we had to stand some 8 minutes waiting for a host to appear to seat us. Things felt even worse when, after being seated, we were left alone with no waiter for close to 10 minutes. Then, suddenly, things changed! The host re-appeared and took our drink orders. He then returned and took our dinner orders, apologizing for the wait. From that point on, though we never had a regular server, we never lacked for attentive service by different waiters/waitresses around the restaurant. Once I realized the service was very much "the village raises the child", I felt a lot better. We got to meet tons of different servers and they were all incredibly friendly and nice. But the clincher for the turnaround was the food. I knew I was getting that locally-sourced, organic, fresh, uniquely New England type of cuisine a la EVOO, Henrietta's Table, Craigie on Main, etc. but I've had mixed experiences with restaurants like that and didn't expect too much from Bergamot. Enter expectations-exceeding (to stratospheric levels) food: Amuse-bouche: Local cucumber with baba ganoush - Refreshing, yet savory with all those delicious Middle Eastern spices packed into one small bite. The cucumber was SO FRESH! Tomato 4 ways: caramelized, custard, heirloom, patty - If you love tomatoes like I do, this appetizer is for you. What a sensational way to experience this fruit/vegetable! The heirloom was so fresh, the caramelized was appropriately sweet, the custard was mind-blowing and the patty...There are no words to describe the patty. It even got my boyfriend's seal of approval and he dislikes raw tomatoes. Lobster and corn chowder - Rich, hearty, delicious. I think my boyfriend may have discovered his new favorite soup here. Pan-roasted Arctic Char with oyster mushrooms and veggies - Deeeelicious! The char was melt-in-your-mouth tender, yet crisp on the outside, and the accompanying sauce mixed perfectly with the oyster mushrooms and other veggies. Bergamot gets top marks for offering mushrooms with so many of their dishes. Scallops with bacon, Yukon potatoes and corn - Very tender, perfectly-seared scallops filled with that savory smokiness of bacon. Dessert amuse bouche of cucumber water with watermelon ice - I did not like this very much as far as tastes go because the cucumber was overwhelming and you couldn't taste the watermelon. I love cucumber on its own, but dislike it as a flavoring agent. However, the goal was to cleanse the palate for dessert, and in that realm, it succeeded. Guajillo Chile chocolate pave with milk stout ice cream, taza chocolates, pretzel and apricot cream - Very nice for the first few bites but ultimately too sweet for me. I loved the milk stout ice-cream, though. Creme fraiche panna cotta with pear and almonds - Heavenly. I love the fact that they present the panna cotta as little spheres of yogurt rather than the typical inverted-dish shape, mixed with slices of juicy pear and almonds. Since we had $100 to spend for dinner, we indulged and got drinks too. I had the Beacon Fix, which was lemony, sweet and delicious. Boy, I wish this restaurant weren't located in Nowheresville, Inman. What a great dining experience that just begs for a repeat.
(5)
Simon L.

Bergamot, as another reviewer notes, is my new place. 3 trips in last 3 months and what can I say that others haven't? It's awesome. Although the crowd does tend to be a little older, this is probably good for the restaurant - hey they have all the money anyway. Their menu changes constantly and is intuitive and fresh. The space is the old EVOO place that I always liked. Service is timely and professional with a team approach. I had the fresh sardines followed by the fresh monkfish. The sardines were not in any way too fishy and the monkfish was buttery (not because it was cooked in butter, but because good monkfish has a buttery tone if you are familiar). The monkfish was tender and moist and nice meaty medallions lightly breaded. On another occasion, I had the roasted pork tenderloin that was incredible as well. My sister and her husband ordered the chicken and scallops, both of which were excellent. We ordered several cocktails from their creative list including the big easy aviation and the bumble in the rye. We also had a bottle of the Beaujolais from cote d'or. I can not stop talking about this place. Desserts are tasty too.
(5)
Victoria G.

i LOVE this amazing restaurant. It is dark enough that it's romantic-----just really fantastic atmosphere. We had several appetizers and entrees. Every single plate was incredible, i would say phenomenal, edible art. The chef/owner Keith obviously puts a lot of love and thought into his food. All of the fish entrees are my faves, and the skirt steak is the best i've had anywhere. The wines and desserts are fab!!!! By far one of the best restaurants in all of Boston area.
(5)
Jonathan P.

Gave Bergamot a third try last Tuesday night. I mean, why not....? It's only a short walk from home. That third try will be the LAST try. Yes, the service is good - perhaps too good...to the point of being annoying. The food, however, is pretentious. They're trying too hard...and to me, it shows. What starts out as a great main protein; be it meat, fish, bird, has each time been over-prepared (and for a whomping price too!). My last experience (the topper, if you will) involved something off of their bar menu - the lobster melt. More like a hot mayo sandwich with bits of lobster here and there. Overpriced? Definitely. Did I like it? Absolutely not...I'm not particularly a fan of hot mayo sandwiches. What have I enjoyed at Bergamot? It's a short list: raw oysters and some of their cocktails. For the price, though, go to East Coast Grill, or ICOB, or Neptune. $3.00 each for shucked oysters is toooooo much ($3.00 is their 'list' price, I happened to go on a $1.00/oyster night...maybe they have trouble moving them...maybe it's the price?!?!?!) Maybe Bergamot's just not for me. I can tell you in all certainty though, I'm not for Bergamot.
(2)
Lily L.

Oh my I love the seven courses that the chef prepared! : )
(4)
Lisa S.

Made it here again a few days ago, and happily it was just like I remembered! It wasn't too busy on a Tuesday evening. However, the waitstaff was still quite attentive. We checked our coats, and within a few minutes had our drinks (I ordered the Quebecoise to start) and a tasty amuse-bouche. The bread was wheat (love) and never-ending... they kept asking if I wanted more. They had regular butter this time, and I missed the parsley butter I had last time I was there. The menu had changed a bit since last time, but was still earthy and delicious. I started with the risotto, then had the scallops. My mom started with the quail and then had the salmon. We shared a bottle of white wine- Rami from Sicily- which we had never had before, but we enjoyed. We also shared a cheese plate for dessert, and my mom had a glass of dessert wine and I had a glass of port to go with the cheese. We had absolutely no complaints throughout the meal, and left feeling full and content. Bergamot is a great place because it's on the casual side (the servers wear jeans), the food is amazing, the prices are moderate, and the service is professional and fantastic- with tons of cute touches.
(5)
Sohini R.

I was very excited to try Bergamot, but the meal had highs and enhs, so overall I'm non-plussed. Highs: They have brachetto (a dessert wine), which I love and only have found at Sportello previously. Everyone who had drinks liked them. Also the salmon pastrami was a wonderful appetizer, nice textures and well-balanced. One of our party also really liked the cod, and said it was perfectly cooked which is a tough thing to do. Lows: lots of salt, an amuse bouche that seemed like a fried pita chip with no flavor, and only oh-kay brussels sprouts.
(3)
Voula K.

We left the place Sad and Hungry!! The 7 course tasting experience was a joke. One bite maybe two per course and very average food.
(2)
Linda P.

My friend who's a huge foodie brought me here. After trying Bergamot, I can see why she comes here about once a week! Although, I'm still a graduate student and she's a lawyer - you see why frequenting this place may be an issue. Perhaps once I've paid off my loans... Bergamot's interior is simple, clean, and elegant. The menu is constantly changing, so it will never get boring - new, creative dishes are constantly being added. Keep in mind that the portions will be small and if you're looking for a hearty meal, you won't be full here. The service was great - and if you frequent the place like my friend does - they'll know your name too. Oh and there's a parking lot in the back. (not many people know) I tried the 3 course menu for $39 before 7pm. (Be prepared to pay ~$60, especially if you plan on getting a drink + tax/tip.) On the menu that day was: Beet Salad, Blood Orange, Pistachio Vinaigrette - it was okay. Pan-Seared Salmon, Shiitake Mushrooms, Chinese Mustard Sauce - it was perfectly made. flavorful. just amazing. Sponge cake, Mascarpone Mousse, Coffee Ice Cream. - pretty good, it was drizzled with coffee grounds. yummy! I love creative food, so I'll definitely be back!
(4)
BN C.

I really wanted to like this place.. the atmosphere was nice and the restaurant was nicely decorated and servers friendly, but some of the food was pretty bad. My wife and i both got the three course prix fixe and shared our dishes. Appetizer: - Mushroom bread pudding - was really quite bland.. - Smoked white bean soup - the soup itself was quite good.. the one thing that bothered me was that at times, i would taste a few beans that felt like they hadn't been properly thawed before cooking (they tasted frozen). Main course: - Pan-Seared Local Hake - excellent! this dish was delicious and cooked just right. I wish we just got two of these - Grilled Pork Tenderloin - i'm not sure if i just got a fluke, but when the dish came out, it smelt pretty bad (very pork-smelling).. i thought it was just very "pork" smelling.., but after reading online after dinner, it was probably spoiled. Some of the slices tasted ok, but a few of them clearly tasted very "porky". My stomach felt a bit funny afterwards. Desert: - The last desert - it was pretty average.. skip if you can - Chocolate Marquise - chocolate was very decadent .. highly recommended Overall, some of the dishes were pretty good.. but for the price, i would not have expected: 1. Frozen beans in my soup 2. Spoiled pork!! Gross! Will not go again.
(2)
RoslindaMal E.

I really like the Bergamot and have been here several times; experiencing both their regular menu and prefix menu. Last night I tried the 7 course chef's tasting for the first time. Each course was extremely flavorful. Please note, the portions are small - this is after all called a "tasting". The portions are something to keep in mind as a tasting menu is geared more to foodies looking for a culinary experience than to people looking for a big meal. So if you are looking for a big meal you may want to think twice about ordering the 7 course chef's tasting (particularly at $75/person). Though my main waiter came across as being a bit pretentious, the larger team of waitstaff did a great job of servicing us. The beer menu is great. Though pricey at $12/bottle, I love how the Bergamot offers German Helles on their beer menu. I really like the ambiance at the Bergamot as well. One thing to note, I used a Groupon for their tasting menu. In December, I tried to book reservations for a Friday or Saturday night. I was given a date in February as to the earliest when they could accommodate my Friday or Saturday reservation for two people. The date they gave me was also the date the Groupon expired so if you are thinking about buying a Groupon it will probably be difficult to have a Friday or Saturday seating even if you book far in advance. (I was able to get a Sunday night seating.) I would definitely recommend the Bergamot.
(5)
R C.

Amazing. Hands down my favorite restaurat in the city. I never tire of it. The menu changes regularly, so it's a great place to revisit. The service is fantastic. You'll never want for water, drinks, or bread. Food is amazing but the desserts might be the highlight of this spot.
(5)
David C.

I came here on Sunday for dinner with some friends. We arrived at 5:30PM, right when they opened, and stayed for quite some time. Upon entering, the host offered to take our jackets and seated us promptly. I decided to go with their Prix Fixe option, which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I'm really glad I did. I chose the House-Made Charcuterie for my appetizer and was very pleased. The three different meats that day were delicious. One had a quail egg on top, and I love eggs. My girlfriend Winter Salad which was very good as well. For my entree I got the Berkshire Pork. I thought that the dish was cooked perfectly. The Brussels sprouts and sweet potato puree complemented it very nicely. My girlfriend chose the swordfish, which was also excellent. To finish the night, I got the Black Olive Clafoutis, and the girlfriend picked the Sticky Toffee Pudding. I really liked her dish, the cake was really good and the toffee ended my meal nicely. Coffee was solid as well. This is definitely one of the better meals I've had in the Boston, MA area. I'd definitely come back here in the future and would love to try their other selections!
(5)
Chris T.

I was really excited to try this restaurant out and luckily I was able to snatch up one of the 7 course tasting menu Groupons a couple months ago. I should have known that by "Tasting Menu", it would be just that. A taste. Each of the 7 courses was only about 3-4 bites over a 2 1/2 hour period, with some chefs complimentary bites along the way. It's just weird when you leave a restaurant as hungry, or even more hungry than when you first entered. I felt bad asking for more bread, which was AWESOME, but I had to, to prevent my insides from eating themselves. Our waiter was awesome. Very knowledgeable about the drink list and our sparkling Vouvray and explained every course in detail. Our waters were always filled and we were given the right amount of attention. As for the food, some courses were hits, such as the Hake and the Beet Salad, and some were misses, such as the Hanger Steak with a very artificial pepper taste to it and the Pumpkin soup. In the end, I'm glad that I came here because it is a very nice date spot with great drinks and good food, but I can't help to feel that I just didn't get my value. I understand that I was one of those Groupon customers, but the point of it is that you want me to come back into your restaurant. Not leaving feeling unsatisfied. We were seriously looking up other restaurants nearby in between courses because we were THAT hungry. We actually ended up going across the street to Dali which eventually filled us up. But in all seriousness, this is a good restaurant. The service is as professional as it gets, the attention to detail is on point, and there are some creative dishes popping out from that open kitchen. I would just recommend getting a bite and some drinks beforehand somewhere else so you won't have that empty feeling in your stomach come bill time.
(3)
Ken Y.

Started off w/ an amuse bouch of fried salted cod topped w/ a little chunk of olive (see photo) in a bit of tomator sauce. Probably would have been better warm, but it was cold. The prix fixe for the day included scallops w/ fennel on an orange emulsion (sounded more complicated than it looked, but it tasted good :-). The entree was a perfectly cooked scate with mushrooms and tomatoes; this was great and reinstated my fondness for skate (last time I had it at a different place, it was overcooked and terrible). The dessert was a sugar cake w/ ice cream and blueberries (tasted better than it sounded). We also tried the confit tuna on top of heirloom tomatoes from the regular menu. This unfortunately didn't work for either of us because we prefer tuna rare/raw. I'd go so far as to say it was a waste of good tuna :-P The entree off the menu was beef tenderloin w/ corn. This was well cooked and the corn was very sweet...more so than we've been able to find farmer's markets this year. Bergamot changes their prix fixe every day and announce it via their facebook page. As you can see, the portions are a bit bigger on the regular menu. The prix fixe was adequate for me (I'm one of those weird skinny hungry freaks :-), but would have been full if I had eaten from the regular menu. All in all, a good experience for me. My DC liked the prix fixe better since we both hated the tuna. Total for both of us after tips was $110 (neither of us drink unfortunately)
(4)
Rachel S.

One of the best meals I've ever had in my LIFE. From the moment my boyfriend and I walked into the restaurant we felt welcome and at ease. The extremely friendly host shook our hands, took our coats, and made us feel like we were at a home away from home. If you sit at the bar on certain nights they have extremely fresh and delicious dollar oysters from Plymouth and the Cape. We decided to do that and then grabbed a table after we finished our oysters. The prix fixe menu is a great deal at $39/pp and you get to choose from the ENTIRE menu, with only an additional charge here and there for certain entrees. We ate here for our anniversary but my boyfriend will have to forgive me for enjoying most of the meal with my eyes closed because the food was so good I wanted to savor the hell out of each bite. Everything we enjoyed was fresh, super flavorful, and creatively served. I wish there was less pork on the menu but I doubt substitutions would be a problem, so I can't really complain. The waitstaff was helpful and didn't make me feel silly about asking any questions. If you want a high quality, unpretentious, wonderful meal and romantic evening, I can't recommend Bergamot enough.
(5)
Lala I.

decent food but extremely slow service.
(3)
Valerie C.

Amazing staff! We stumbled upon bergamot and had a wonderful experience. Bartenders Paul and Kai were spectacular and made the evening memorable. I whole-heartedly recommend Bergamot (especially if you sit at the bar)!
(5)
Molly K.

The highest rated restaurant on opentable beginning with a "B" in Boston is Bergamot, in Somerville. A bit far off the beaten path, it is reachable by car. Boasting a 27/30 Zagat score, it has been on my to-go-to list for a while now. I was able to fit in a dinner here before a going away party with a friend. We headed over for an early dinner and were greeted by about 25 staff members spread throughout the restaurant with only 2 other tables seated. At first this was intimidating, but over the course of the meal, all of the tables filled up, and each staff member was bustling around being attentive, but not intrusive. We went for the 3-course meal for a steal of a restaurant-week similar price of $39. We started with their version of Pimm's cup (one of my favorite drinks...obviously) with Pimm's, lemon, Tomr's tonic, and ginger ale. It is definitely one of my favorites I have found in the Boston area, I just wished they had incorporated fresh strawberries! First course was the sweet corn agnolotti with shrimp, tomato, and marjoram. It was by far the highlight of the meal, I could have easily had 2 of these as my entrÃ©e. The agnolotti were little pillows of deliciousness by themselves, and when combined with the corn, shrimp, and tomato, they make a perfect combination. Second course was the grilled arctic char with romano beans, tasso ham, roasted fingerling potatoes, and a green peppercorn beurre blanc. The course was presented cleanly and tasted as good as it looked. The highlights for me were the fingerling potatoes and the small cubes of tasso ham. We finished with the dessert course, where I went with the "Berries and Cream" combination of raspberry sorbet with crÃ¨me fraÃ®che ice cream. It was tasty, but I wished I had gone with the chocolate sponge cake with bing cherries, chocolate peppermint ice cream, and vanilla cream after seeing my friend's delight after tasting it! Overall, the meal was delicious and the ambiance was nice and mildly energetic. The volume was perfect, there was a quiet buzz about but we had no difficulty hearing each other (maybe due to the fact that the next youngest people in the restaurant by 8pm were 40 years old). Yes, I would go again, but the only con would be the fact that is it not easily accessible by the T. Pictures and more on -- ----
(4)
Tilly F.

LOVE, LOVE , LOVE this place! From soup to nuts this neighborhood gem is a perfect 10! Bartenders were knowledgable and the drinks suggested were amazing and inventive. Our meals were by far some of the best food we had ever tasted! Perfectly cooked, balanced and creative. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail makes you want to come back for more!
(5)
Hannah L.

Tried their seven course tasting menu and was so impressed! The service was great and the food was phenomenal! Such a great date night.
(5)
Wine lover S.

My husband and I ate here on Christmas Eve. We had the prix fix menu and LOVED it! The food was amazing, the service was phenomenal and every little detail was accounted for. From the start, we were brought a beautiful amuse. It was so delicately put together. Each course was perfectly timed and the server was never overbearing, but always present. Even the support staff was right on. Between each course we were crumbed and throughout the experience, our water was kept full. The deserts were to die for. We have made plans to go back as soon as we can!
(5)
Kim K.

I am a weird mix of impressed and apathetic towards Bergamot. I think it's the cursed location, I can't make up my mind. Service: Excellent but doting in an annoying way. I was thrilled my water glass stayed full but the individual serving of bread and the crumb removal between courses was totally unnecessary and kind of sad, like "See, we're doing SUCH a good job!" The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. But there were a barrage of them, we were attended to by at least 5 different people. Why? Food: Very nice, fresh, original, and inspired. But a little pretentious. Small portions and fancy plating are very nice but didn't pack the flavor punch I'd hoped for. You really need to back up the visual with the technique if you're going to serve compact and stylized dishes like they do. Also, nice beer/wine list. I ordered a very tasty local Pretty Things Jack D'Or and was very happy they had it! Decor/Interior: Completely spotless, open, high ceilings, airy, lots of natural light. I very much dug the vibe/interior here. Price: Surprisingly pricey. Wow. I almost had to go with the Restaurant Week menu because entrees alone are $25+. I think for the portion and quality, the dishes are overpriced but a place like Bergamot can get away with it I think. I'm not mad about it. Overall: A very pleasant dinner, I'm glad I went but wouldn't rush to return. Maybe would be a good place to bring out of towners if you need a local place that will impress.
(3)
Samantha K.

I took advantage of a recent Groupon for the 7 course tasting and could not have been happier with my first experience at Bergamot. The service was outstanding - perhaps the best I've experienced in similar "hot spot" restautants - and the food was absolute perfection. The tasting featured 7stand-out courses including vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish and every bite was an interesting and savory combination of flavors. The cocktails (and mocktails) rival the food menu, and it was worth asking the exceptionally knowledgeable bar manager to "surprise us" with a few of each. I will definitely be back to try more. Expertly done!
(5)
Julie R.

I liked this place. I heard that it just opened and jumped to try it out and am now pleased to do the first review. The restaurant occupies the old EVOO space. I had never been to Evoo but heard they moved and Bergamot has since revamped the inside. The atmosphere has neutral tones with comfortable banquettes along one wall and single tables in the middle. Everything felt new and fresh. The menu was small but tasteful. I also thought the same of the wine list. There was even a nice single malt scotch selection. We started with a couple appetizers, the duck, duck, duck, and the sardines. These appetizers were amazing. The duck was mixed in with a frise salad. The flavors coming off of it were busting. The sardines were nicely plated over fingerling potatoes. The outside remained crispy. I would recommend you try both. Entrees were awesome. I had the rabbit leg tagliatelle. The involved shredded rabbit leg over a creamy house made pasta. It was accompanied by peas and carrots. Simple but delicious. My boyfriend had the flat iron steak. No complaints there. The steak had a truffle taste to it with mashed potatoes below. We both thought while the entrees were excellent, they were definitely on the smaller side. Prices for apps and entrees were moderate. The focaccia bread with cows milk yogurt and oil they serve before dinner is excellent, if not addicting. They were happy to bring over a couple additional servings of it when we couldn't get enough. Service was 5 stars. Our server Matt was very friendly and professional. He made some suggestions and even could tell what we both might order. Throughout the dinner he was a pleasure to deal with. The whole server team worked in sync. Even thought the place is new you could tell they will continue to work well together. The owner, Servio, was making his way around the place, introducing himself and offering any additional service if needed. I would definitely return here. A great meal with pleasant service awaits.
(4)
Leah M.

I was a bit disappointed after all of these good reviews. Bergamot was not bad...it just wasn't that incredible. And for the price that this restaurant it? It better blow my mind. But there wasn't anything like that! Everything was just....alright. If I'm going to get a meal that is just pretty good, why would I ever spend over $20 on an entree?? I also think there were WAY too many waitstaff hovering around just waiting to jump on a moment to fold a napkin or fill a water glass. I need some space to enjoy my meal with my family please! Overall - I will be spending my money elsewhere, but you wont get a bad meal here.
(3)
Alisa K.

A pear shaped orange of a Mediterranean tree. It may not make sense but it's how Merriam Webster defines bergamot. A non-restaurant-week restaurant-week of a Somerville restaurant. How I define bergamot. Seriously, it's like every day is restaurant week except they let you order off the regular menu. The prix fixe is a steal - 39 bucks for a three course meal with generous portions for each course. Service is friendly and nice. Tables are a little close together, but that can be fun if you want to guess what website the first daters next to you met on ( match.com ). Loved the pappardelle with edamame and squash- creative, creamy, savory, and sweet. The dessert was delicious too - deconstructed devil's food cake with blood orange and passion fruit. Docked a point cuz I found a crab shell in my pappardelle pasta and because the yucca gnocchi with black beans and roasted red peppers entree was only so-so. It tasted like a salad bar bean salad and a food truck knish mated in a convection oven. Otherwise this place was amazing- great service, execution, creativity, and taste for a good value. Definitely one of the best 3-course prix fixe menus I've ever had. Yeah pear shaped orange of a Mediterranean tree.
(4)
Sara C.

I had been wanting to come to Bergamot for ages since I was always a fan of the space when EVOO was there and I had read such good things on Yelp. So finally I went and it was good but not great. Not sure I'd be returning any time soon. Atmosphere was good, free parking in Somerville always a plus, and service was good. Appetizers were a bit of a disappointment. First, its an expensive place and I don't mind when expensive restaurants give you small little appetizers if they are amazingly delicious. These were not. I had a duck confit salad and it was very bland. My dining companion had the tuna and it was super small and not great flavors but it was slightly better than the salad. Main courses saved the meal though. I had the quail and it was pretty good and decent sized portion. He had the hake and it was amazing. If we had both come in and only ordered the hake this would be a 5 star review. I was a little annoyed when I was told that the special desert was no longer available considering it was still written in huge print on their specials chalk board and I had been thinking about it since we had walked in. But we ordered two different desserts which were both fine but not great. I just wanted to like the food more, especially considering the price.
(3)
John S.

So I Restaurant Wee'ked here and, as such, I won't have as comprehensive an experience as some. That said, I was able to get a good enough sense of the place, and I like what I saw. I'm going to mention the service before the food because the waitstaff did a memorably good job. A throng of attentive Bergamotians made sure our water glasses were always full, sourdough bread was always on our bread dishes, our empty plates were always cleared, and our table was kept crumb free. They were efficient and friendly, working with a drive that was nearly startling. Food-wise, I felt as is everything was somewhat underspiced, from the spinach salad to the tender pork loin to the delightfully plated panna cotta for dessert. Everything was tasty, and artfully presented, but I felt as if everything was just a touch flatter than it should be. Still, I appreciated what they did with their food, and I am aware that I won't get the James Beard Memorial Meal of a Lifetime for Restaurant Week. The ambiance there was airy, with local art adorning the walls and high ceilings that make the place feel like an urban bistro. I'd say Bergamot would work best as a date place, assuming one of you has a car. It's a bit of a walk from Porter Square (though a very nice one, if you want to digest after your meal). Overall, I was pleased and would happily recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)
Yuko I.

I have been thinking about checking this restaurant out for about 6 months, luckily, I found a 7-course tasting menu groupon. I went with my friends. The food and the wine, we were absolutely full by the time we finished half of the course: fab! Especially, their pasta and steak were just fantastic. It was appealing on the eyes and it was appealing on our tongue. If you think you will be full or fat and skipping the carb (i.e. bread), reconsider on this restaurant. Also, their wine menu looked small and predominantly French. We took a long time to decide but we tried 3 kinds - all good. I will definitely come back!!! They seemed to offer generous $35 3 course menu. Having had such a great palate experience, I am not giving 5 stars because fish dishes and service could have improved. Fish is not as fresh as I wanted them to be (I am Japanese and I am picky with fish), salmon smelled fishy even when side veg and sauce were amazing... very sad because I normally order fish dish if I eat out: now I know I will stick to pasta or meat for this restaurant. Service-wise, the restaurant was crowded: not enough space in-between chairs and tables; servers bumping to chairs often and felt sometimes their responses we felt rather rude. Anyhow, I would still say I will come back and I will bring more friends to this restaurant!
(4)
Ken L.

Seriously, this place is worth a visit in a blizzard,which was our fate last night. The dining experience was exceptional. I can not wait for the next dining experience. Outstanding
(5)
Joanna F.

Ok... so I kind of gave Bergamot the benefit of the doubt the first time I came, but I'm just simply not enthusiastic about it. The food is good, but it could be 100 times better (I'm looking at you, TW Food and Ten Tables). The prices are really high for the portions and the service is slightly overbearing. I really enjoyed the "Tomatoes Four Ways" I got this time for an app, but I think I enjoyed it because it was strange. Some of the flavors worked really well and some didn't (which seems to be their calling card). I ordered the scallops for a main course. 5 scallops in a sea of butter with a little bit of corn isn't exactly my idea of a satisfying meal. I also didn't appreciate the waitress trying to pressure us into getting dessert. Overall, I like what Bergamot is trying to do, but if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a gourmet meal, I'm going to go to either of the above mentioned restaurants before Bergamot.
(3)
Laura C.

Lousy bread? Pretentious service? If these things were ever true, they've certainly been fixed! Had the 7 course tasting menu with paired wines last night and it was simply one of the best meals I've had in years. Roasted beets with duck confit, asparagus salad, spring pea risotto (a knockout!), garlic soup (the only slight disappointment), pan roasted mahi-mahi, a palate cleanser of coconut lime sorbet with toasted coconut, the best pork tenderloin I've ever had, rich, meaty and full of flavor and an almost indescribable dessert with a small cake, marinated muscat grapes and candied kalamata olives - truly inspired. The wines were varied and perfectly matched. The bread was so good I ate *three* slices (with an outstanding house 'everything' butter that included garlic, salt, sesame seeds and more). Presentations were artful and the many flavors in each dish made for ever changing notes throughout each course. Service was friendly, informative and quick without being obtrusive. If I had one small complaint to make about Bergamot's, it's that the banquet seating along the wall is short by an inch or two, making the table seem too high up on that side. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Sara W.

We had the 7 course tasting menu and also did the wine pairing. The food was fantastic and so was wine which matched perfectly to each course.
(5)
Em P.

Top notch. Fresh ingredients, beautiful preparation. Relaxed atmosphere. My beet salad had little delicate flowers on it! I had the taglieatelle pasta dish that had these amazingly seasoned mushrooms. The ricotta custard dessert was incredible. I also was a little high maintenance and asked for the bartender to "create me a mocktail that is not too sweet and not too much citrus." Done. Well executed. The next drink was "I want something bubbly like a French75, but no alcohol" again, delivered ta fabulous drink. ( I usually like full strength drinks, but can't right now). Everyone at our table ordered different items and every plate was completely cleaned. I would put this restaurant in the same category as Realto and Oleana without the hype. I am almost sad to rave so much because I don't want it to get busy and over-run by the masses. That being said, I was so happy with my experience that I feel they deserve a rave review.
(5)
J. P.

Good dinner on a Friday evening; not quite as polished at it could be. Well-lit, comfortable room with decently-spaced tables and friendly waitstaff. We started with cocktails, including a decently-mixed negroni. For a starter I had a well-made, fresh salad, and one companion had the cured yellowfin tuna with squid ink couscous, piquillo peppers, green garlic, sweet potato fondue and almond streusel -- a creative combination that worked and was well-executed with good-quality ingredients. For mains, two of us had the grilled skirt steak, which came with fried mushroom nuggets, sautÃ©ed vegetables and creamy polenta. Our third had the roasted chicken with egg crÃªpe, cannellini beans, green garlic and Korean BBQ-chicken ju. Both dishes were good -- the steak flavorful and well-grilled, and the chicken very tender and nicely-complemented by the rest of the ingredients. Dessert for me was spice cake with creme anglaise and vanilla ice cream - fine - and for one companion, meyer lemon tart with toasted meringue, tarragon and camomile ice cream - also good. Missteps included not asking how I'd like my steak done; the waiter knocking over two glasses of water and soaking the table; and a 10-minute gap between the arrival of the first and second dessert dishes to the table. There were however apologies for the spilled water, and the house comped the desserts. With a bottle of riesling, tab came to ~$200 for three with tax/tip.
(3)
Heather C.

The food here is delicious. I've only been once, but we tried two apps, two entrees, and two desserts. For the high price however, I'd prefer slightly larger portions. The apps were 3-5 bites each. My bf got the seared scallops, which he loved, but there were only 3 or 4 scallops. My salmon was a decent portion, but smaller than most places. The desserts, again, amazing, but were only 3-5 bites. It's a good special occasion place when you have the cash, but I recommend getting a side with your entree if you have an appetite!
(4)
Carl H.

My wife and I and another couple had dinner on a Sunday evening. One in our party is gluten free the staff was great with options. The food was prepared wonderfully with excellent pairings. We are a group of sharers, so we all got an app and let everyone at the table try, same with meals. You know care and preparation have gone into each bite. The waiter had great wine suggestions to go along with the meal as well. I highly suggest for a night out, you will not be dissappointed.
(4)
Meka A.

I stumbled upon this place on Best of Boston list and ended up taking a friend from out of town. We all ordered their prix-fixe menu - for $35, you get an appetizer, entree, and dessert - a deal that's unparalleled for this kind of food in the Boston area. Even better, the drinks kept flowing as we wanted to try as many of their creative cocktails as possible, all with an old-world spin on them (think a lot of bourbon and whiskey). It's not often I visit a restaurant like this where I find myself constantly telling friends and visitors "you MUST visit this place," but Bergamot is hands-down one of those places.
(4)
Tamar A.

In preparation for this review, I looked inward. I organized my yelp profile by rating and took a long, hard look at my three-star reviews, in an attempt to understand why it's so clear that I should give a pretty tasty, high-end, expensive meal an A-OK and nothing more. I've also given three stars to financial district happy hours, a used car lot, and a particularly pleasing convenience store. Seriously, Teele Square Convenience, check it out. I took my boyfriend here for his Annual Special Birthday Dinner on a Saturday night. Perhaps this was our first mistake, as the only reservation I could get as I was desperately search on Friday was for 9:15. So, we rationalized, we'd get a late lunch and dine romantically into the midnight hour. Theory is lovely, but reality had us seated at 9:30, with a good number of the most delicious-looking appetizers, entrees, and desserts 86'd. The service was hit and miss. Our waitress was in full "this is my job; I'll save my actual personality for my boyfriend who is waiting for me at the end of this interminable shift" smile mode, and, ironically, slowed down as the restaurant started to empty out. I'm convinced we lost the last chocolate cake because of her dawdling, which smarts even to this hour. Our dinners, by contrast, were sadly...unremarkable. And yet, on its unremarkability, remark I shall. His salmon Ã la Patrick Clarke appetizer was fresh though a little bland, and my Wellfleet oysters were fried in panko, which did very little except mask the taste of our fair mollusks and demand more savory flair from the marinated hearts of palm than the little guys could really give. We both ordered the steak and some truly spectacular red wine (it was the most expensive glass--methinks our waitress just stumbled upon greatness in the midst of her upselling). I can say nothing about the entree without this anecdote: earlier in the evening, we arrived as a jovial gentleman left, all but blowing kisses at the maitre'd as he complimented all within earshot that the steak entree was one of the best meals of his life. Between bites, my boyfriend and I vowed to track that man down and take him out to a few more places. It wasn't bad! Goodness me, it wasn't bad. But it just wasn't that GOOD. Three unequivocal stars. It was a fancy night out, and there was nary a flavor that stuck with us. In the end, they were out of the one dessert that looked appetizing, and so we went home and bought some Ben & Jerry's. Um. Go earlier?
(3)
Lindsay P.

I've been to Bergamot six times and I always leave thinking that I should go there more. The service is outstanding. The cocktails are great. The food is consistently delicious, complex, and enjoyable. I've never had a bad meal or experience here. Bergamot is fantastic.
(5)
Calli C.

Pete and I headed over to Bergamot on a date on a Wednesday night a few week's back, and I was so excited that I didn't even look up the menu ahead of time like I usually do. I perpetually have issues making decisions so sometimes I like to plan out my order in advance, but I wanted my return to Bergamot to be special. We had a reservation for 7 and were seated right away. We started off with some cocktails; I had this variation on a gimlet that was crisp and refreshing, perfect for a spring evening. To begin, he ordered the charcuterie plate, which had duck liver mousse, porchetta, duck proscuitto, and one-other-thing-I-can't-remember, and I had the lobster pierogi. Wow, the pierogi were amazing; the lobster flavor was so subtle and delicate, but the real stand out was the carrot butter sauce. I wanted to lick my plate clean, it was that good. I ordered lamb ravioli, which was part of their blackboard special, and Pete had the scallops with black beans and avocado. I lucked out apparently and got the last plate of the ravioli, so the chef threw on top some of the leftover roasted lamb short ribs, which were heavenly. Beyond all reason mouth-gasm. The ravioli were good - the lamb inside them was a little on the salty side, but overall a delightful dish. Pete really enjoyed his scallops which were cooked to perfection, and appreciated the fun combination with avocado. That dastardly don, ordering up a dish that I am completely allergic to, while he can freely filch bits of mine! We shared the cheese plate for dessert: a soft goats milk, a semi-soft cows milk, and a harder sheeps milk. I really liked the harder cheese; the softer ones were tasty with some unique flavors. As usual, the service was perfect. The ambiance was perfect. I'm so glad that Bergamot is blossoming in this location, and will be around for many more seasons.
(5)
Kara S.

It's official, it's love. I love absolutely every last thing about Bergamot. Prior to last week I'd gone in a few times with my boyfriend for drinks and bites from the bar menu. We loved it, not only the quality of the food and drink but the amazingly attentive yet not overbearing bartender. Just good energy all around, especially compared to EVOO, which used to occupy the space with snoot and attitude. Last week we went for dinner for the first time, and the meal just blew my mind. It was the best meal I've had in easily two years. The amuse bouche was a pop of fresh bright spring flavors, a small bite of fresh homemade ricotta, a sprinkling of fresh peas, and a sliver of radish, which added a nice textural contrast. It was the first time an amuse bouche really did for me what it intended, got me so excited for what was next to come. I was on the edge of my seat. I had the pea shoot salad with the crispy egg, and it was as divine as everyone says. The waiter informed us that they just the day before added it back to the menu, since pea shoots are now back in season. I felt so lucky, as it was the perfect spring salad. My dining companions had the duck, of which I ate quite a bit. Thank god for the generosity of others. It was succulent and juicy, not fatty at all. It was accompanied by a delicious variety of mushroom that had such an interesting and unique texture. I went with the trout in a beet sauce, which had so much depth, just stunning. I was literally floored by the meal. And then dessert was a rich chile chocolate cake which honestly changed my view on desserts, made me want to try cooking more desserts myself. It was just elevated to this level that I rarely experience. This was a creative, near perfect meal that will stay with me for so long. Just a perfect evening all around. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jared S.

Came to Bergamot on Friday for my anniversary (it was also Restaurant Week, a happy coincidence) and really enjoyed it. Food was good and service was excellent. When I made my reservation, I had told them it was my anniversary and I would prefer a table by the window, and they said they would be able to accommodate. When we arrived for our 8:15 reservation, the host informed us that the previous party was lingering at the table he had for us and it would be 15 or 20 min before it was ready, and he also offered us another empty table right away. But it was close to the bar by the stand for the waitstaff, so the wife and I chose to get a drink at the bar and wait for the original table. The host even ushered us to the bar and took my umbrella for me. A note on the ambiance - Bergamot is not a big place (though not tiny) and they seem to pack a lot of tables in the space. So I wouldn't necessarily call this place "romantic" since most of the tables are very close to one another. A better description would be the "cozy" euphemism. I do like how Bergamot walks the line between casual and classy - I was in jeans and a button down and felt fine, there were men in three piece suits, and others in shorts and hawaiian shirts. Female attire ranged from cocktail dresses to a few ladies in capris and knit cotton tops. Back to the story - the bartender greeted us right away and was attentive and convivial. We started with a glass of sparkling wine, but the cocktails he was mixing up looked fantastic. When our table was ready, the host retrieved us from the bar, and the bartender took our glasses to the table for us. Our waitress was similarly attentive and friendly without being overbearing. I did the restaurant week menu and my wife ordered off the regular menu. First thing to note, Bergamot is obsessed with basil, it's in pretty much every dish. Which isn't a problem for me because I love basil, but just something to note. I had the tomato and peach salad which was good but not mind blowing. Though my entree of roasted pork shoulder was terrific, I had to stop myself from licking the plate. My wife started with the pork belly app which I thought was very good but she thought the pork belly was sliced too thick and therefore wasn't "melt in your mouth". She got the skate wing as her entree and loved the basil mashed potatoes but thought the skate wing itself was just an average piece of fried whitefish. To finish, we split the carrot cake (from my RW order) which really wasn't anything special at all unfortunately. So while the food was good, it was mostly missing a "wow" factor, but Bergamot makes up for it with stellar service. We enjoyed our meal and will likely be back.
(4)
CW W.

One of my friends kept hounding me to try this place called Bergamot. Sadly I should have ignored him. That's a little harsh, the food was good but it's not all about the food. We didn't have a reservation but was seated right away. We promptly were asked what type of water we would like and began to browse through the menu. The browsing did not take very long because the menu is so limited. So with full glasses of water and closed menus we waited. After a few minutes we were still waiting and again waited a few more minutes. At this point I took a look around the restaurant to see not 1, not 2 but 3 servers literally standing doing nothing. Not a very good start. Finally our server comes over and asks if we would like something to drink. My bf ordered a beer and quite quickly I added we were ready to order. For appetizer we got the goat cheese risotto, it lists mushrooms on the menu but I asked to have w/out. The server asked if someone was allergic and I said no but my bf does not like the taste. While waiting for our appetizer we received an amuse bouche. This is a small 'bite' that some restaurants give free to their patrons. I was very impressed that this amuse bouche had mushrooms but for my bf's they did not add them. Sadly the amuse bouche was made from fish and my bf does not eat fish. For dinner my bf got the gnocchi while I got the steak. Both entrees were good and tasty but WAY too expensive. They were both overpriced by at least $5. Also the appetizer was pretty good but again for the portion you receive not worth it. After we were finished with our dinners we once again played the waiting game. Dishes cleared and waited. And waited. And waited. Sadly our server helped 2 tables one behind and one next to us and yet we still waited. At one point I was going to get up and ask the hostess if we could get our check as our server should have clearly seen we were getting anxious. Finally our server comes over and did the one thing that annoys me so much. Presenting me with a dessert menu without asking first if I would like dessert. As soon as we saw our server walking towards are table I could see the dessert menus in her hand. Without asking if we were interested in dessert the motion of handing us the menu began. I quickly thwarted the attempt and as politely as I could asked for the check. To sum up, food was good but overpriced and service was not only slow but presumptuous. I would consider getting take out if they offered it but I won't be returning to dine their again.
(3)
cath e.

wonderful drinks see Evan work carefully with unique ingredients. Gracious young man willing to explain his skills. great menu again unusual ingredients make each dish memorable.My husband I have been to some great Boston places- and Bergamont will be included in that list.
(4)
J D.

Where to start with Bergamot. I had no problems with procuring a reservation, same day (8:15pm on a Saturday). That may suggest to some that business is slow, but upon our arrival we found that nearly every table in the establishment was full. We were greeted courteously by the hostess and maitre d, the latter of which bid us "Welcome, and thank you for dining with us." We were seated immediately in a comfortable though somewhat high traffic area, and the waitstaff promptly removed the extra two place settings. Not bad, so far so good. Suffice to say that our waitstaff were very attentive throughout the evening. There were absolutely no problems there. The restaurant itself is comfortable. The clientele appeared to be mixed, with some dressed more formally than others. However, I did not feel under-dressed having arrived in a pair of jeans and a polo. All in all, the environment is not stuffy, pretentious, or intimidating. The semi-open kitchen was interesting and did not pollute the atmosphere with too much noise, though I did find that I left smelling like the food. Bergamot is not cheap. Patrons should expect to spend upwards of $150 per couple, which really isn't at all offensive when you're going for a dining experience that's a little more upscale. My date and I shared one appetizer, two entrees, two desserts, two glasses of wine, espresso, and tea. We finished our meal at just a little over $140, after tax and tip. I found this to be perfectly acceptable given the service and quality of the meal. In fact, Bergamot's menu seems to be somewhat perfectly designed to remove all doubt for the price conscientious. I'll explain further. Each category, whether it be appetizers or entrees, offers an excellent variety of dishes and ingredients. What's more, the dishes are all within $5 of each other. I found that this removed the price altogether from my mind and allowed me to focus on the descriptions and the ingredients offered. It's about as close as you can get to a freestyle prix fixe menu. I found this to be remarkably smart, and I marvel that more restaurants haven't designed their menus in a similar fashion. True, it's nice to have a cheaper option here and there. But if you can surrender to the fact that you're having a meal that you wouldn't have every day, or even every week, Bergamot's menus remove the guilt completely. Their wine list is varied, and it was nice to see a few moderately priced bottles along with some of the more expensive offerings. My date and I find it difficult to empty a bottle of wine, so we chose to go with one glass each at $11/ glass. While the prices per glass were all within a couple dollars of each other, I do wish that they offered a wider selection. Compared to the 30+ variety of red wines, it seems silly to only offer five on the per glass list. It would have been nice to have a little more variety there. The food itself was phenomenal. Our experience started with a crispy bread served with some unbelievably tasty honey butter. We were also pleasantly surprised with an amuse-bouche of sorts: a small bruscetta-like caesar salad. We also enjoyed the panko-crusted pork belly as an appetizer, though I found the portion to be a little too fatty. I know, it sounds a little naive to describe pork belly as being too fatty but there was really no meat to be had. However it was incredibly flavorful, and was served on a thin slice of watermelon, with a corn and bean relish. All in all, the flavors complimented each other well. Our entrees also did not disappoint. My date enjoyed some of the most unbelievably tender and juicy free range chicken we have ever tried served with polenta. My skate wing served on a bed of basil mashed potatoes was also well balanced and savory. The portion size is also right on the money and satisfying. For dessert, my date enjoyed the EVOO Gelato served on basil tapioca , with slow roasted cherries. The cherries seemed to be out of place, but the gelato was delicious. I enjoyed the vanilla yogurt mouse, which was complimented nicely by candied angelica (wild celery). Both desserts were refreshing and cleansed the palate. It's also worth noting that their tea selection is good, as well as their quality of espresso. Even the small coconut cookies were a nice touch. Bergamot did not disappoint and definitely demands repeat visits. True, the price level may make this a "once in a while" establishment for most casual diners, but you'll find that you won't be disappointed when you do decide to give it a go on those special occasions. I'd give it four and a half stars if I could, with a half star deducted for some of the wine limitations. Also, while comfortable, the tables are placed somewhat close together so it's not the most intimate setting. Otherwise, Bergamot is five stars all the way.
(4)
Mark T.

Bought a Groupon for Bergamot and when we arrived at the restaurant we were told that they could not accommodate us since the GroupOn menu is a special menu -- the seven course meal is not on their main menu. Spoke to the manager at the restaurant and he told me that there was nothing they could do and that we would have to come back if we wanted the GroupOn menu. This was after waiting 15 minutes for our table to be ready (when it was empty when we arrived). I will be getting my money back from GroupOn and will never come back here again.
(1)
Rebecca S.

Oh my, Bergamot. If I weren't in such financial straights at the moment I'd be a regular at this gem. A dear friend offered to treat me to a meal at Bergamot, because she'd been a few times and was keen for me to try it. I hadn't been a fan of Evoo, Bergamot's predecessor, and it felt to me that Bergamot had discerned the things that I hadn't liked about Evoo and corrected them: the decor (airy and light due to removal of awful heavy velvet curtains from the windows), the waitstaff (warm, knowledgeable, witty, unobtrusive) .... and of course the food. The few times I'd eaten at Evoo the food, while tasty, had been presented ostentatiously at prices exceeding its merits. The cod dish I ate at Bergamot was, in sharp contrast, perfect. My friend's risotto (made vegetarian at her request, without any fuss) was also spot-on. And the desserts we shared were simply delicious. Bergamot isn't trying to blow you away with presentation or overwhelm you with flavors. Rather, its low-key style allows you to enjoy conversing with your dinner companions over a meal whose quality speaks for itself. Yes, please.
(5)
Heather W.

WOW. Alright, I am a food snob. I'm out in Cambridge for law school and, for the most part, have been horribly depressed by the ridiculously high prices and generally lackluster food offerings in Boston. Minus the lobster rolls. Those are great. But I digress... It was the last day of law school, I was emotional exhausted, and my boyfriend had made reservations for us to go here to celebrate. At first, I just didn't feel like watching us spend a crapload of money for another whatever restaurant. Thus, I made him cancel. Then, about an hour later (much to his chagrin) I changed my mind and decided I wanted to try it out. He called them up and they (magically) were able to seat us. Ok, let's just get to the food. You know how there are places where they say you should try a little of everything on your plate at the same time? You know, like the chef is legit and has all these grandiose thoughts about food pairing and all that jazz? Ok, well this place really really means it. I have to say that this was the most cerebral dining experience I've pretty much ever had. The combination of flavors absolutely transformed what was on the plate from something tasty to something truly divine. Seriously, I think my IQ went up while I was dining. Really, if you're looking for that sort of experience - where you really want to talk about the food; where you want to sit back and think about the food - then this is your place. The other great plus is the atmosphere. Awesome food but totally relaxed and cozy. You feel comfortable. The only down side was my boyfriend's dessert. I think he got something with lots of dark chocolate and some ice cream with it. It was totally delicious but the proportion of ice cream to super rich dark chocolate was off (not enough ice cream). I got the carrot cake and it was awesomely wonderful. I will definitely be back!
(5)
David H.

Bergamot is great addition to the Somerville area. Small bar open to the dining room, medium size dining area, formal for Somerville standards, good wine list, limited menu but all very good. Favorite item is the Chicken entree, Appetizers, salads all very good. Save room for dessert. Good for a date, small group, comfortable night out with out going into Boston. Parking is the negative.
(4)
Jessica L.

I heard the good word about this place and, while in town, decided to check it out. I very much appreciated the amuse bouche, which was a nice touch, especially when not at a super high-end restaurant. It was a delicious bite and made me excited for more. The wine list was a little overwhelming for me, since I don't know French and Italian wines too well, but the waitress made a great suggestion and I was very pleased with both the white and red selections she made. We had two appetizers--the butternut squash ravioli and the sweetbreads. These were some of the best butternut squash ravioli I'd ever had. The filling was rich and sweet and there was a good amount so you could taste it well, as opposed to a slim layer of filling. The prosciutto in the sauce just added the perfect amount of salt. For my entree, I had the pork butt, mostly so I could say "pork butt" a lot. It was good, but super fatty and a bit flavorless. My companion had the duck, which was delicious and I ended up wishing I had ordered that. Of course, we couldn't pass on dessert, so we decided to try the chocolate pave with guajillo chile and coffee. I was very disappointed that they were out of some of the coffee options on the menu, but we made it work. The pave was rich and tasty, but lacked the chili flavor, which was far too subtle. Overall, a very nice experience and a place I would visit again when back in town.
(4)
Sweta B.

Beautiful evening...good conversation with friends, great food and some good wine...it was a perfect evening at bergamot. It was my first time at this restaurant and I loved it. The food was fresh, light but satisfying and the portions just right so you could relish all the three courses. I went for the oyster mushrooms with ginger raita for the appetizer- just loved it, sweet corn risotto with ministrone sauce for the main course and as I said, this dish was so satisfying yet not feeling heavy, the risotto was perfectly cooked and for me the star of the evening was the dessert I ordered-the olive and zucchini cake with chocolate gelato...I could see the doubt on my hubby's face when I ordered the dish as he went with the o! so boring chocolate sponge cake...but everyone on the table agreed that my dessert was the best...not too sweet but refreshing..... We had a lovely evening...the place is warm and homey, casual but classy. I only minus that I found in the place..the wine selection..it was the first time ever that I return back a wine after tasting...the wine selection was not varied and for someone who loves spanish and italian wines more than french there was nothing to choose from by the glass...also the bottles were slight more expensive than they are in this profile of restaurants....the wine that I finally had was good but not great by any standing.
(4)
Miri R.

Bergamot made this week's date-night wonderful. I had duck, he had steak - both were spectacular. My orangy floral cocktail was fabulous also. Panna cotta to me is an easy sell because it's my favorite dessert at the moment. It didn't disappoint. The place was packed and we couldn't get a reservation, but sitting at the bar was great. The bar staff is friendly and very knowledgable. We never once felt that they were too busy to take care of the bar guests, even though they never stopped making cocktails. Overall a great experience!
(5)
Talbott C.

This restaurant is quite a gem. Great food, awesome specials, and a menu that is always changing. I have never been disappointed at Bergamot. There is parking in a small lot two doors down.
(5)
Daniel H.

When I give a restaurant 5 stars, I don't always do it for the same reason. Sometimes 5 stars means amazingly delicious and inexpensive (Cafe Mami in Porter Square for instance). In this case, the 5 stars are for the taste of the food, quality of the ingredients, dedication to the craft, passion for unique and unconventional flavors and preparations, and commitment to real service--where the people who work there are professionals and foodies and they aren't merely trying to up sell for tips. It's not cheap, but when compared to similarly priced restaurants, you are actually getting a lot more for your money (I'm talking about you Hillstone...). I've been there twice. The first time I sat at the bar and had 2 cocktails and a glass of wine. The cocktails were prepared with care and dedication and came out delicious. The wine was a new bottle they were testing out that came from grapes grown at the base of a volcano in Italy. Officially, I'm not special--but I felt it, and I have a feeling this place does a good job of making everyone feel like they are. In other words, if you show them love and appreciation for what they are doing, they show it back. For food I had their house cured meats and the "bacon and egg, egg and bacon". The in-house cured, thick cut bacon, served with chimichurri, a runny egg, and some other things I can't recall at the moment was effin' unbelievable. The flavor combinations on the cured meats plate were awesome--you can tell these are people who think about food and flavors--not merely flash (hence the honey roasted peanuts paired with the MA farmhouse cheese and in-house cured prosciutto as one of the three 3-way pairings on the plate...epic). The second time I went I had a repeat cocktail. Very consistent and delicious. That is important. I also had the pork tenderloin. Perfectly cut and cooked, tasted delicious, and was actually a good portion size. I also shared a charcuterie plate (delicious, although I would appreciate more variety preparation wise--three of the meats were essentially pates and I can only do so much raw or super undercooked meat at once) and some type of beet salad (super tasty but a bit too skimpy). For desert about five of us ordered different things and shared. I think I won. I had some type of unbelievable chocolate cake with an actual honeycomb. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Service was always great. They are hardcore, scraping the crumbs off between courses, taking your dirty silverware and replacing it between courses, etc. They also gave us an Amuse Bouche before the meal and a gift from the kitchen after (a just-out-of-the-oven warm macaroon for each person). Full disclosure, I now have a friend who works there...but that did not affect my previous service, it just affects the even greater respect I have for the restaurant as I've gotten insight into what their process actually is. Suffice it to say these guys are really, really, really into what they are doing and definitely have a life-cycle approach to their business. Doo ittt.
(5)
Debra H.

First, have to comment that the food and service were amazing. Stopped by for a late night dinner with my boyfriend after flying in from the West Coast. We each had an appetizer salad and an entrÃ©e. Both salads were fabulous (beet for me and asparagus for the man) and the entrees were spectacular. I had the risotto (which was nutty and so light you could taste every single flavor) and the BF had the salmon (probably the best salmon filet I'd ever had). They definitely specialize in the flavor, so that a crunch of snap peas adds the perfect touch to a dish. So, on food alone, I'd recommend this place. However, I also have to mention Servio, one of the owners. We had reservations for 10:15 pm on a Friday night when the restaurant stops serving at 10:30 pm. It was going to be a tight fit coming from Logan Airport and - sure enough - we were not going to make it in time. After some tense time in the rental car as my BF and I tried to navigate using an iPhone and ended up going in circles in Somerville, I called the restaurant to let them know we were not going make it to dinner. Once I explained we were calling them because we were lost and could not get there before they closed, Servio offered to direct us street by street as he insisted we were close and he could get us there. He stayed on the phone and directed me for about 20 minutes until we made it there! He was so patient and told me not to worry about when we arrived even though they were close to closing. Servio even came out to the sidewalk to greet us as we pulled up so he could direct us where to park. He did all this even knowing we were coming in from the airport and not locals who could become regular customers. The food experience was over the top wonderful, but when you combine that with such a welcoming, warm staff you can't go wrong... We will now always dine there whenever we are in Boston, making sure to call first so we can be certain to see Servio again.
(5)
Michelle F.

My boyfriend and I were split over this, he wanted to give it four stars but I insisted on five. I'll start with the things I did not like about the place: - The decor - For food this fine, I was hoping for a more nuanced design. The menus were presented on this yellow snake-skin-texture menu backing, which I thought was outrageously tacky. The dining room is wide open, so it's just a pool of tables, which is fine but a few screens to break up the space and create more intimacy would be nice. The kitchen is also open, and the jolt of fluorescent lights coming from the corner sort of feels out of place. I like open kitchens fine, but I feel like restaurant designers opt for it at times when it's really not fitting. Like here. - The drink - I'll cover the goodness of this drink later, but the only con was that it was a serious under-pour. Huge pet peeve of mine. If Imma pay double digits for a cocktail I better get my full ounces. - The wait - This I'll chalk up to the newness of the restaurant; it had only been open for a few days when we went in. They were actually really gracious about the wait, constantly offering us more of their awesome foccacia and at one point gifting us a small plate of shrimp salad-y type thing, which was excellent. The wait wasn't actually that bad, and we weren't in any rush anyhow, so I only put this in the con's to warn people not to come here to dine before an engagement...you might wind up being late. Now all the wonderful wonderful things about this restaurant: - The service - Our server was way into the food, and really knowledgeable about it. My only gripe was the he was a wee bit too talkative. Normally, I would have been down to chat, but we were in the mood for a quiet, intimate dinner, which the server didn't seem to pick up on. However, it's such a piddling little thing that I will keep the service in the pro section for sure. The backwaiters and bussers were also wonderful. The teamwork there was palpable. - The Food! - This is some of the best food I have ever had. We started with the pan-seared quail appetizer...I love game meats. It came with walnuts, little boiling onions and mushrooms. The gaminess of the meats paired with the woodsy flavors of the nuts and mushrooms, along with an amazing sauce that we can't remember, was a combination made in heaven. My man then ordered the lamb entree, and I had the butter-battered halibut. I have never tasted lamb cooked so succulently. It came with a green garlic sauce that complimented the gaminess of the meat just right. My halibut was cooked perfectly; the battered crust was crunchy and the fish inside was still of flavor. We also ordered dessert, the baklava, which was awesome but not worth recounting. Still, I could not stop sighing after ever bite of this meal. In spite of the con's I listed, the food was so fantastically amazing that this restaurant still deserves every single star. I'm getting excited just remembering that meal, and I cannot wait to go back. I'm really into their use of local, organic ingredients, that is HUGE for me, so I'm psyched to see what amazing dishes they'll come up with as the seasons change.
(5)
Michael F.

Sooooo close to 5 stars. We've had some awesome awesome meals here. Had this pork shoulder confit over mashed peas that was just incredible, I've never seen pork butt confited and it just fell apart and was rich and delicious and something I still think about. They also used to have this spicy chocolate pave dessert with basil ice cream and crushed pretzels that was ridiculous (note to chefs: chocolate + spicy = good). In general creative food with great ingredients prepared with integrity. Only thing stopping me from that last star is this Prime Rib dinner I had there that was utterly disappointing in every way. Meat sliced too thin, not served on the bone or with the rib, veggies over cooked, au jus just bleh. And come on, this is Prime Rib, dont F that up! In sum been there 4-5 times and loved 99% of what I've eaten. Check it out.
(4)
Adam W.

This is a very nice place, and a substantial improvement over EVOO that used to occupy the same spot. I found the food well-prepared, the wine list interesting and the service top-flight. The prices are a bit steep and the ambiance a bit too pre-fab industrial, but this is a restaurant worth a regular visit. I'd say that the real star of the menu is the nightly $39 special (fixed 3-plate dinner). It's only available during the week until 7pm or so, but it's the best deal and reflects the mood of the chef well.
(4)
Shelley D.

Just went here for the first night of restaurant week and it was a delightful choice. I'm happy to say that this is one of the restaurants that gives you normal size portions for restaurant week prices. After you sit down, they serve you fresh made bread with a ground pesto sauce. Then you get a small palate cleanser of diced veggies in a vinegar sauce. For my appetizer I tried the heirloom tomatoes with peaches topped with goat cheese and it was so light and fresh, I really enjoyed it. For dinner I got the leg of lamb, which was so tender and juicy, with just a subtle hint of mushroom. The smell might literally make your mouth water. For dessert i tried the lemon pudding with quinnoa. Now I got to ask, where do these chef's get these crazy ideas. I know, let's put together lemon and rice pilaf and come up with a truly delectable dish which is so zesty that you feel like you are eating a fresh, ripe and sweet lemon! All in all, this is a great place to go, it's very relaxed (the waiters wear jeans) with the perfect amount of sophistication. A great place for a date, or to catch up with a friend. So if you need a new restaurant to try, then by all means go here (make sure to get a reservation.)
(5)
Jenny H.

My boyfriend and I had a pretty good meal here. I think the prices are a bit high for the kind decor/atmosphere the place has. I had fish with greens that were way over-salted. The dessert portions was tiny. Otherwise, the food was good. My main complaint is that there was an issue with our bill. Several weeks later, as I write this, the issue still hasn't been resolved. Despite several phone calls, emails and reassurances from the management, our card has yet to be refunded. That is extremely disappointing.
(3)
Cathy S.

My husband and I enjoyed a really excellent meal here last night. They'd only been open since Friday, so Monday night was pretty slow. Even so, we had a great time and were well taken care of. We decided to try a couple of the cocktails since our server, Matt, mentioned that they do many of their own infused liquors. My husband had the Cooperstown martini, which was sweet and floral with St. Germaine. I had the Bergamot martini, which used their own bergamot-infused gin, and was even sweeter and more floral. Very tasty, but not especially strong, which was fine as they didn't kill our palettes for the wine later. Then they brought the lemon-tarragon focaccia with the whipped cheese spread. The cheese was light and creamy and a bit tart like yogurt, a pleasant surprise instead of the conventional butter. They gave us an amuse bouche of halibut with frise. Then came our appetizers - we ordered the sardines and the quail. The sardines were butterflied and fried for all-over crispyness. The quail was also very good and perfectly cooked. We had expressed to Servio that we had read about the rabbit tagliatelle and were keen to try it, and he welcomed us to order an additional entree and he'd send us mid-course tasting plates of the rabbit. The rabbit was flavorful and tender, and the tagliatelle was just the right texture - this just might be the best dish on the menu! For our entrees, we ordered the monkfish medallions and the flat-iron steak. The ingredients were all flavorful, fresh and delicious right to the garnishes. The wine we got was a very reasonably-priced Cote du Rhone that was almost light enough for the monkfish, but flavorful enough for the beef - a very tricky combination to match. Kudos to the wine steward! For dessert, we got the chocolate pave made with Taza guajillo chile chocolate and a scoop of Left Hand milk stout ice cream. The grittiness of Taza's mexican chocolate had been melted away and the pave was creamy with just the slightest hint of warmth from the chile. We also got the Meyer lemon steamed pudding with lemon sorbet. The pudding was like a panna cotta - not a heavy custard. We had asked the wine steward to describe the chef's philosophy, and he told us that the chef is very proud of the ingredients he sources and does his best to highlight them and not get in the way of those flavors with excess fussiness. This was pretty clear to us in the dishes we ate - the menu is full of fresh, spring ingredients and is pretty light on sauces. I felt the portions were good-sized, but we probably would have been hungry had we not gotten appetizers as well as entrees. The decor was modern, but still warm. My only misgiving is the background music. The volume was right, the tempo was right, but the selections were weird - strange covers and all-over-the-place genres and styles. They're probably still figuring out what makes the right vibe. The food and service more than made up for this teeny flaw. We'll be back - I want to try the scallops with green garlic and the lamb before spring is over!
(5)
Oz L.

My friends kept telliing me I had to try Bergamot so we did. We started with cocktails. Champ Elysees; Cognac with Chartreuse. The Quail appetizer was excellent and we had the Cod and Pork 2 ways. The Cod was good but the Pork was disappointing. The pork was served on top of cannellinni beans. Small average tasting portions. The pork was dry and pork belly was made into a confit. The service was excellent. For all the hype I was expecting more.... There are other venues with more to offer in Cambridge and Somerville...
(3)
Caroline C.

My fiance and I recently moved in around the corner from Bergamot and had been dying to try it. We finally did, as an early Valentine's Day dinner, I just haven't gotten around to reviewing it until now. The service, in a word, was abysmal. Which is a shame, too, since the food (and menu) was so lovely. We made an 8:30 reservation and weren't seated until close to 9:00, and our time waiting was spent huddled near the front door, since there was literally nowhere else for us to sit or stand. Once seated, it took 15 minutes for a server to notice us, and nearly an hour for our food to arrive once we'd finally ordered. (In case you're doing the math, we had a reservation and were in the restaurant for almost TWO HOURS before receiving our dinner). After we were seated, so were two couples on either side of us, both of whom finished their meals before we had even received ours. Service was friendly but BEYOND scarce throughout the meal, and it wasn't until someone else wandered over that we could even mention that we were still waiting on our food- our server hadn't even noticed, nor was he apologetic when we pointed it out. In the end we were comped the beers we drank while waiting 30 minutes to be seated for our reservation, a weak attempt at compensating for the awful service. We even contacted management after our visit and, perhaps not surprisingly, never heard back. The food was great, the flavors were nuanced and subtle, but by the time our meals showed up, we were too infuriated by the awful service to really enjoy them. Dining at Bergamot was an exercise in frustration, to say the least. It isn't every day that you can drop $150 on apps/dinner/wine and end up on the receiving end of the worst service of your life. (Even with the service as poor as it was, an apologetic server would have really gone a long way towards minimizing our frustration). We'd heard great things and were so excited to have a new go-to neighborhood restaurant... but I guess we'll have to keep looking.
(1)
sheree I.

I thought the food was pretty good but not outstanding. My friend and I ordered the beet salad for an appetizer, it was yummy. She ordered the steak for entree and I ordered the trout fish, it came with mashed polenta and mushroom. While I was eating it, I noticed a tiny little piece of hair so I called over the waiter and let him know. He took the dish back to the kitchen and came back saying sorry- the chef doesn't know if its from the mushroom or not? He was super nice and gave me a shrimp salad to munch on while I waited for the chef to re-prepare my entree. After all, I though the trout was yummy but a little on the heavy side for my taste because It came with this butter sauce, couple chucks of lobster. We shared a bottle of Rojas, Spanish wine- delish. We were debating on ordering dessert or not, and decided on not ordering any. However, our waiter was nice enough to give us the cinnamon chocolate cake for free- which was alright. Overall, it was a good experience but not the best!!!
(3)
Elizabeth Z.

Tonight was my first visit to Bergamot and it far exceeded my expectations. My boyfriend and I asked our server, Jason, for entree recommendations, and he was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, pointing out his favorite appetizers, entrees and desserts, as well as helping my boyfriend select a wine that would pair well with his monkfish (which was delicious). We took all of his suggestions (chicken liver ravioli, steak, monkfish, and what can only be described as the chocolate form of heaven...and I'm not usually so into chocolate), and every dish was spectacular. Also, I don't know what kind of coffee they serve, but it was shockingly tasty. Even though it was clear who our server was, many staff members swung by our table to clear, refill water, etc. My boyfriend (a sous chef) and myself (a longtime server in Cambridge) both commented on how team-oriented the staff was and how seamlessly they worked together. Everyone we encountered was friendly and professional, and we were both greeted and thanked on our way out by the manager/owner. Already looking forward to our next visit.
(5)
Molly K.

After reading all of the reviews about the service I was a bit underwhelmed.... Server came right away to the table to tell us about the specials and mentioned he might only have a few of one of them (I noted this because of what other reviewers had said) - it was then another 15 minutes AT LEAST before he came back. good thing none of us wanted one of those short supplied specials! The rest of the meal had fairly good timing and service but for the number of people working there kind of suprprised at the long delay in getting our order. I had the quail and the steak which was excellent. Dessert led to some disappointment - bread pudding was good but didn't have the caramal sauce dribbled around it. Per my 2 friends that is a must for caramal bread pudding. The waiter insisted upon removing it from our bill which was nice.. In summary I would not rush back...
(3)
Melissa K.

I had dinner here on a Friday evening with my husband. We are both vegetarians and come in specifically for the plantain gnocchi. We were seated right away for our reservation. The bread of the day was very good and served with a honey butter, and they gave us seconds, yum. Based on our order they asked is we were veg and then supplied us with a veg version of the amuse bouch, a very nice touch, We split the beet salad which was good and typical except for the addition on avocado, The gnocchi was delicious and so unique and gave us even more avocado. We passed on dessert but were given a small macaroon to end our meal with. Service was very good overall, but there seemed to be a ton of wait staff on hand and always in constant motion. Perhaps since the place was small it was distracting. I prefer service that you don't even notice, but you are never without what you need. We will be back, maybe when the menu changes to offer a new veggie dish. Would be nice if they offered more than one option.
(4)
Vince T.

Outstanding! went to Bergamot this past weekend. Honestly I thought it was going to be tough when we changed our reservations from 4 to 5 and management said they would have to seat us at a small table. When we arrived they sat us at a table large enough to accommodate the 5 comfortably, Thank you! Without going into detail about each plate from appetizers to desert everyone loved their food. Fish, Pork, Risotto, Chicken and Steak, presentation was nicely done. We spent nearly 3 hours without any delays in the seamless service. Atmosphere is very warm and comfortable, noise level was no problem talking around the table. As a family we visit in and around Bostons fine restaurants (although I don't always write about them) this is one of the best.
(5)
Kristin A.

I went to Bergamot last night for a birthday celebration. From the moment I walked in the staff was incredibly friendly. We were sat by the window & immediately offered drinks. Throughout the meal I was continually impressed, I am a vegetarian so typically at higher end restaurants I have a hard time finding a satisfying and complete meal. No problem here, from my fresh arugula salad to the yummy sorbets that were brought to our table after the meal DELICIOUS! Our server Alli was super sweet, and balanced being attentive and giving us enough time to enjoy our food perfectly. I could have spent the entire night there, I will definitely be heading back hopefully sooner rather than later.
(5)
Ann M.

Went again last week with some friends. Service was much better and the food was delicious. I had the arctic char and a spring onion risotto to start. The artic char was very good but the risotto was to die for. I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)
Vien N.

oh wow. great service great food great service, great place for a date night, or meeting up with friends. dessert blew my mind, remember to save room!
(5)
Devi B.

Quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Boston. The service is impeccable. It has the potential to be a really pretentious uncomfortable place but the bartenders and servers are really friendly and helpful. Berg is a 20 minute walk from my house and so worth the walk. My favorite things to order are the Duck, Duck, Duck Salad and the Pan Seared Scallops. Also, you can't leave without letting the Guajillo Chile Chocolate PavÃ© melt in your mouth. A must try!
(5)
David D.

REALLY AMAZING! The meal didn't start off so hot - they were out of the chicken, and my girlfriend doesn't eat much of anything else. So, the chef whipped her up some crazy vegetarian dish (not on the menu) that was super seasonal and really flavorful. I found myself stealing bites. I love artic char, and they did this awesome app with it. The plantain gnocchi was really rich and quite filling for a small plate. The deserts were decadent, can't remember exactly what we got, but we cleaned our plates. Staff was very friendly from the host to server and I'd give this place another whirl despite it's somewhat remote location. These guys seem passionate about their food and that's usually going to result in something great!
(5)
Lisa D.

I should start this review by outing myself as a person with extremely high service expectations. Keep this in mind when reading my comments. First visit to Bergamot on a Monday night in late June. Bless the reservationist who dealt with multiple time changes to our reservation in the days prior. We arrived to our table set for 6 and we were only 5. They handled it gracefully. We were offered the $39- 3 course at 8PM...which was cool since it was only meant to continue through 7PM. None of us ordered it but it seemed like a good deal. Red bibb salad, fish and strawberry sorbet. Our waiter was kind and professional all around. He may have offered more context of description around more obscure menu items in the 'specials' he announced. I'm in the food and wine biz and did not know what several of the ingredients he listed were. Love the open concept and clean design of the space although the cavernousness of it can make it a challenge to hear anyone more distant than a seat away. Excellent music... I heard some Belle and Sebastian played...thumbs up to any place that includes this in their mix! The food was AWESOME. I had the freshest pea shoot salad for my starter...simple and briliant flavor combos that were shouting EARLY SUMMER way loud! Loved it. For my entree I had the skirt steak. It was truly AMAZING and more rich than one might expect. I was only able to eat 1/3 of what was on my plate...fresh beets, lupini beans, pureed leeks...deeeelicious! There were 5 of us and we shared a bottle of an unoaked french chardonnay....it was crisp and delicious. It was VERY WARM in the restaurant though and a chiller for the wine might have been a good idea. I looked around and all the tables that had wine bottles on them were not in chillers so maybe they just don't use them as a matter of course. Next time I will ask for one. One other pet peave I had may come off sounding a bit nuts but indicates the level of service their attempting...it seemed there was ALWAYS a server or back-waiter at our table...we were constantly being approached which is normally a good thing - indicating attentiveness...but it resulted in a lot of interruptions. (more bread? more water? crumbing the table every course...rearranging silver...all stuff that indicates high quality service but it wasn't as transparent as it might be) Overall the night was excellent and I'd go back in a heart beat...when I was feeling flush of course. It's not top price but it's not an everyday place for my wallet. I'd most surely stop in for a glass of wine more often. Their 'by the glass' list was excellent. Oh, and parking in a small lot at the end of the building - in that little 'intersection' of Somerville - a REAL TREAT! :)
(3)
Janet L.

the scallops here are very good. i just wished there were more side veggies. the desserts were a bit too sweet and the portion is small. the service was excellent!
(3)
Lauren D.

Bergamot has earned itself another star. On my trip back to Bergamot yesterday, I sampled more of the menu (aside from the appetizer and cheese plate I last time). I was VERY impressed. Portion size was perfect. The gnocchi was divine (had a southwestern flavor to it...quite different) and the halibut was light and flavorful. My strawberry Summer Something dessert was fantastic. Oh, and the waiters/staff are WONDERFUL. Not an ounce of pretension in the joint.
(4)
Debbie L.

If it wasn't for the fact that Bergamot was on my roommate's "Boston bucket list," I probably would have never heard about it. But I'm glad she suggested it and I'm glad I at least tried it. Right off the bat, the service was fantastic; all of our waiters and waitresses were knowledgeable and very patient with our large group. They had to be patient with us, because everything on the menu looked appealing, and it was taking all of us a long time to decide what to order! I guess after all that time I spent analyzing, I ended up ordering the weakest dish (the flounder), because everyone else's entree looked a lot more appetizing and enjoyable. The flounder was just okay, nothing memorable or special. I liked the bed of risotto that accompanied it more than the fish itself. For dessert I had the beignets. Again, just average, although it's fun to order just for the little scoop of tequila ice cream that comes with it. I had a bite of the cinnamon chocolate cake too. For a hard core chocoholic, this cake isn't going to cut it. Luckily, that wasn't me, and I really enjoyed the subtle spiciness of the cinnamon and peppadew with the chocolate. I guess I'll return, but next time skip the flounder...
(3)
Ely W.

Great food, very nice service. Recently I've been going to three or four sit down restaurants every week, this place really sticks out. Highly recommended.
(5)
Emily L.

How had I not heard of this place before?? We found it on Zagat last night and decided to try it out - one of the rare times that I go to a place without knowing all about it. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent - one of the bartenders used to work at Craigie on Main and even recognized us from a few times there. To eat, we had delicious risotto with rabbit, butter-poached lobster, and pork two ways. Everything was great!
(4)
Anthony F.

We have been to Bergamot twice now, once during restaurant week and once for a winemaker dinner. The food is very, very good and the quality of the ingredients is excellent. The service was excellent both times. The winemaker dinner was truly a wonderful experience. The pairings of food and wine were perfect. The winemaker even commented on a pairing of one of his reds with pan-roasted, line-caught cod. It was an unexpected combination but it really brought out some of the more subtle flavors of the wine. The Parsnip chowder was excellent. The braised lamb shank was good (mine is better though). The braised beef short ribs were also quite good but maybe just a bit dry. The cheese course was excellent. While I enjoyed both experiences, and I would certainly return for another winemaker dinner, I left both times feeling as though there should have been more--slightly larger portions, and a little more wow in the two meat courses. This is an expensive restaurant and for the money there are others that rate a bit higher overall.
(4)
Kristin C.

After reading so many stellar reviews of this place, I was really looking forward to eating at Bergamot. I had a very mixed experience. The food was mostly delicious, but alas the service was not up to par at all. I'll start with the service. We arrived on time for our 9:15 Friday night reservation and it was around 20 minutes before we were sat. Once we were taken to our table it was another 20 minutes before we were even greeted. My dining partner asked her friend who works there at the end of our meal if they were understaffed. Sadly, they were not. I was willing to look past it if that were the case. We ordered two appetizers and when they were delivered to the table, one of them was incorrect and it was 5 minutes before our server checked with us to discover the error. Our correct appetizer arrived within a few minutes. While the water was always replenished before the glass was the empty, I cannot say the same for our alcoholic beverages. I sat for 5 minutes with an empty wine glass before I was asked if I'd like something else to drink. I found myself constantly having to ask for things - bread, drinks, etc. At a place like this and from reading other (non Yelp) reviews, I was expecting much better service. On to the food. Both of the amuse bouche we received (pre appetizer and pre dessert) weren't anything exceptional. I had hoped to order the duck duck duck salad, but they had sold out of it earlier in the evening. For apps, we ordered the rock shrimp with arugula (spicy but very flavorful) and the pea green salad (as delicious as I'd hoped). For entrees we ordered the halibut (moist but lacking in flavor and the sides were bland) and the steak - while the meat was tender and delicious - the real stars of that dish were the mushrooms, leeks, beans and parsnips. For dessert we had the chocolate pave (rich and delicious) and the financier cake with olive oil ice cream, basil tapioca balls and strawberries - this was my favorite by far. It was a great mix of flavors that made for an unexpectedly delightful dessert. Bergamot has a great cocktail and wine list - also good pickings for wine by glass. As much as I enjoyed the food overall, I can't say that I'm dying to go back any time soon because of the poor service we received. Our server was friendly and charming, but the lack of attention (to us and to detail) was enough so that I'd rather go to a place where I know I won't be forgotten and will get the service I pay for.
(3)
Safi B.

This place is great!! Hard to get a decent reservation unless you book a week in advance. Everything we ordered kept getting better and better. Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Julia L.

Bergamot has arrived and the food is well worth the trek out to the old EVOO location, between Harvard and Union Squares. The head chef and sommelier deserve kudos for their impeccable selections and inventive menu design. The cocktails are masterfully mixed, the wine selections adequate and the beer list, if sparse, is at least well rounded. The flavors blending together in even the simplest dish are enough to bowl you over. I cannot emphasize this enough, get the pea green salad. The pea shoots can be challenging to wrestle and could be cut into a more manageable size, but the spicy arugula like flavor compliments the pecorino, the ham and the delightfully fresh and firm English peas. The fried egg is more like a soft boiled egg with a runny yolk and (panko?) fried exterior and it threw off my dining companion for a moment when the yolk broke over the greens. Don't be concerned. The whole dish is sublime. We also tried the calamari, the halibut and the scallops. All were very good. The halibut was buttery and cooked to perfection, yet I found the overall plate a bit bland. The scallops were a far more exciting and satisfying choice. I am confident that every dish on my next visit will be just as good. Just don't skip the salad! There are a few minor notes that could use improvement. The decor is a touch dull and could use a few more pops of color. Bring in a hint of yellow from the website design! Despite the bar being empty and a handful of empty tables, the host made a sour face when we said we didn't have a reservation. This is Somerville, not the Back Bay. He found a place to seat us, we declined a table and sat at the bar. Don't. The bar stools are the wrong height for dining and the food rests were flimsy. I had to switch chairs. My first foot rest was broken. The service was a bit awkward. The waiters and waitresses struggled to maneuver the meals onto the bar, which brought about the question of why the bartender wasn't serving our food. That question was answered shortly, since he could barely reach the serving area to clear our plates due to the awkward layout. The bar needs a redesign or a taller bartender with longer arms. Lastly, while the menu isn't misleading, the novel American cuisine is so flavorful and surprising that suggested wine pairings wouldn't hurt. In summary, although there are still a few kinks to work out, you can't miss Bergamot. Go now! Even without a reservation... (Insert sour puss here.) With a few finishing touches, this could be the best new restaurant to open in Cambridge since Craigie On Main.
(4)
greg k.

The rating is for the food and service. Don't really understand why good food means high price around here though. And there are so many places that serve pricey but awful food too. Bergamot isn't one.
(5)
Dana R.

We were extremely disappointed in Bergamot. We waited 1/2 hour for drinks. We also had to wait a long time for all courses. The food was simply terrible. The pork was tough and lacked flavor. The quail came raw in the middle. The soup was lukewarm. There was nothing to like about Bergamot.
(1)
Lizzy G.

I have eaten at Bergamot maybe 10 times. And I have eaten at many restaurants in the 20 plus years I have lived in Boston/Cambridge. Bergamot is now my favorite. At Bergamot there is no hint of preciousness, hipness or snobbishness. Warm greetings await you at the door and when you get to the bar (where my husband and I usually like to eat), you are welcomed by a most charming group of bartenders, Paul, Kai and Colin, whose open friendliness is disarming and completely genuine. You get a drink--a good one I might add--and then you sort out what to eat. And the food is the hook. Although I don't remember everything I've eaten at Bergamot, these are the things that stand out. The salad with peas is a crisp, complex and satisfying mix of greens, fresh sweet peas (apparently peas are one of the chef's favorite ingredients), cheese and the perfect combination of herbs and vinaigrette. A good salad is not to be taken for granted, and this one is special. On to the fish. We have become quite risky when it comes to ordering fish at Bergamot. Whether it's cod, salmon or halibut, the result has been absolutely mouth-watering. Tonight, however, my husband ordered the tenderloin of pork, which was perfectly cooked--lean and tender--and was accompanied by an inventive and flavorful combination of spinach, turnips and apricots. The dessert, so-called "pistachio financier," was a tremendously flavorful savory ice cream/cookie/tapioca confection, which simply put me over the moon. To repeat: Bergamot is good from beginning to end. As my husband mentioned to Paul tonight: After a brutally long week at work it is curative to find a safe haven where you feel welcome, pampered even, and best of all, well fed. I hope Bergamot stays in the neighborhood for a very long time!
(5)
Terri C.

Service was outstanding, food was Delicious, I can't wait to go back.
(5)
S Z.

We splurged on Bergamot for my fiance's birthday, and while it was expensive, it was worth it. My fiance does not eat meat, and we often have trouble finding special occasion restaurants that have vegetarian dishes on the menu, as opposed to on request. In our experience, "vegetarian on request" means whatever leftover veggies are in the kitchen thrown together haphazardly- and then priced at $20+. Anyway, we booked a 9:30 table, showed up a little early for a delicious cocktail at the bar (try the quebecois!), and had a delicious meal. I had sweetbreads with golden beets to start and pork butt with creamed spinach and chestnuts as a main. She had an asian pear salad with robiola and gnocci with corn and parmesan. Overall, the food was delicious- sweetbreads were crispy and delicious but not greasy, and the pork was fork tender and went well with the intensely flavored spinach. I found her gnocci a little underseasoned, but I like more salt than most. The chocolate pave we shared for dessert was JUST RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. I have read on yelp that some think the portions are too small, and I must admit that I thought I was going to leave hungry, but the richness of the food left me quite satisfied by the end. We paired our meal with a killer Alsatian Riesling, which was elegant, balanced, and not ridiculously expensive. A final word on the service- everyone was friendly and professional at all times. We had good banter with the wine director and the waiter, and we did not feel rushed at all. The service is fairly formal, which might make some uncomfortable, but all in all it was excellent. A delicious, leisurely experience that is worth the extra money.
(4)
Josh C.

In one word - Unimpressive. We ate at Bergamot on Saturday night with high hopes given the restaurant's "local" focus and given some of the other reviews on yelp. Well, first off, we found the service and clientele to be annoyingly pretentious. From the crumb scraping after every portion of the meal, to the rearranging of dishes and silverware on the table before every new plate arrived, to the waitstaff rushing over to deliver a new napkin everytime mine fell out of my lap (accidentally) - it was rare that we went more than 5 minutes without a member of the waitstaff doing something on our table. the entire experience was overdone and not in a good way - i would even call it overbearing. I found the entire situation irritating because it seemed that everything was done so that things would look a certain way - NOT so that we, as diners, would have a quality experience. One would think that a restaurant with a local focus would also have a more robust interest in sustainability - however, the number of dishes and napkins that were wasted throughout the meal calls into question the restaurant's real commitment to the topic. As for the meal, we found the food to be over-buttered to a fault. We had high hopes for savory and fresh delivery, but realistically the food was so buttery that the freshness was lost. The veal appetizer with risotto base was quite fatty and the risotto was smothered in butter. The roasted trout was quite bland, and the cabbage/apple mixture that it came with was so buttery that It actually tasted like soggy buttered popcorn, which was disgusting. My partner got the duck, which was good - however, NOT good enough to salvage the meal. Overall, the amount of butter used in all of the dishes we had detracted from the freshness of the ingredients, and in my opinion, we paid a premium for a trendy concept that was NOT backed by quality, well-prepared meals which SHOULD showcase the freshness that is so central to the restaurant's concept. I'm actually on the way to the gym now to try to burn off some of the cholesterol I ingested during the meal. Additionally, we found the atmosphere of the restaurant to be boring and fairly generic. The tables are too close together, and I found that I was overhearing our neighbors' conversation too much for comfort. Also, the table lighting is pretty bad - its a cheap, fake candle with a flickering yellow light thats supposed to emulate a real candle. Ours flickered so much in the corner of my eye that we actually had to ask our waiter to remove the light so it wouldn't be so distracting. I know that Cambridge does not allow open flames on table tops, but the cheap yellow-lights they use at Bergamot are crappy alternatives. Overall, I do NOT think this restaurant is worth your money or your time. I would not go again, nor would I recommend this place to anyone that I know.
(1)
Chris T.

I have never had anything at Bergamot that I didn't love. You can tell that special care goes into selecting super fresh seasonal ingredients. Their menu is fairly short and changes often, but you can be sure that everything will be done right with whatever you end up selecting. The fried clams are delicious, and the corn bisque with rock shrimp is heart-palpitatingly-good. They have a reasonable prix fixe always going. Great, but abbreviated cocktail menu (try the Quebecois) & a nice wine by the glass selection for pairing with the food. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area, one of the better local restaurants in Cambridge.
(4)
Arestia R.

Oh hello, Bergamot. You are most welcome here! I crashed a friend's dinner here and am so glad I did! It was comfortable (and I am not just talking about the couch outside the bathroom, but it was a nice touch) and warm and welcoming. The servers were all relaxed and friendly and didn't mind that we overstayed our welcome gabbing away (actually, I think they liked it). My party of 4 all ordered different things and we had to share all around - gazpacho, pea shoot salad, sweet corn custard, steak, fish, scallops and roasted chicken and all with the perfect accoutrements. They kept the daily bread coming and even sent out an app bite on the house. A great menu with just a bit flair, for those of us that like inventive food that actually eat it and not just write about it. I wasn't wild about my cocktail, nor were my other dinnermates, but they did the job and the rest was so fantastic, I almost forgot about that part. But what I did not forget were the very reasonable prices! Apps around $10 and entrees in the low $20. They even topped it off with a complimentary ginger molasses cookie - I love that. Such a wonderful experience!
(4)
J D.

I went to try this place since yelpers gave them such high reviews. First of all, their menu was very limited and quite pricey for the food portions. I ordered the chicken pot pie (more like a modern deconstructed version) and a side of wild mushrooms. Both dishes were overly salty to the point I had to refill water so often. The salt was overpowering the natural flavors of the chicken and the mushrooms. I couldn't even taste much seasoning or spices in the sauce since it was just a SALT BOMB. Tried it once and don't plan to come back when I'm in town.
(2)
Karen R.

One of the best restaurants I've been to in the Boston area. Great place to east fish. Lobster Sandwich very good. Last time I tried Gnocchi and I wasn't blown away although it was tasty. But tried 3 or 4 entrees of fish and all were amazing.
(5)
Adam v.

Very friendly service and nice atmosphere. Tasty food. Highly recommend the mulled cider if you've just come in from the cold!
(4)
Lena B.

we love bergies, partly because it's a short walk up the street, forget Dali for romance, check in across the street instead, you will be very pleased. the cocktails are creative, strong, and delicious. the beer list is divine. the food is fresh and seasonal. you could go here for the dessert alone and walk out very satisfied.
(4)
karan K.

I guess its one of the few restaurants that really live up to the hype. We got there 20 mins before time but were seated promptly. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. I had the charcuterrie, which was mostly pork that day and delicious, for the appetizer. Followed by the pork chop. Easily the best pork chop I have had, cooked just right, crispy on the outside, while still juicy onside. The wife had the black board special. She enjoyed her salad and the entree of Sole. My dessert of Taza chocalate cake was good. The wine reccomended was excellent as was the dessert wine. A regular for us from now on.
(5)
Sara H.

I just dined for the second time at Bergamot. In general, the food was more polished and successful than during my first visit (which was closer to the time of the restaurant's opening). On this occasion, the food (including a vegetarian entree) was excellent- appetizer through dessert. Truly among the best meals across top-tier restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. The room is charming and tasteful, and the crowd (a mix of age groups and decidedly not "flashy") is so appealing. A detractor for me that marred the experience was the service, and I would otherwise give Bergamot 4-5 stars. I'm a professional woman, and both my boyfriend and I plan (and pay for) dates. On this evening, it was my turn. When my boyfriend and I entered the restaurant, I stood before the host, who was on the phone. He ended his call and without looking at me, asked my boyfriend (who was standing behind me) for the name of our party. My boyfriend gave my name, he and I exchanged glances, and we were led to our table. Ok; we could overlook this, particularly given the positive experience with the food that unfolded next. Our server's demeanor seemed a bit forced and unnatural, but she was generally quite helpful and professional (as were all of the other people attending to the table). Unfortunately the second and more significant faux pas came when she not only brought the bill directly to my boyfriend, but drew inordinate attention to the fact that I was paying. There was no way for me to reach it, and he literally had to pass it to me. When the server observed this, she embarrassed us both by exclaiming (to my boyfriend) something to the effect of "Lucky you! Oh how nice! What is the occasion? Must be something special! Is it your birthday?" etc., etc. On and on. When I stated that surely it was not so uncommon for a woman to pay the bill, she said something approximating, "Oh, I always present the bill to the man." Really? In 2011? What does she do when she encounters a same-sex couple? Boston has a hard time bucking a reputation for being provincial, and in my experience these things just do not happen in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and so on. Good manners, and good service, means making people feel comfortable and neither ignored nor conspicuous.
(3)
Susan C.

Bergamot is a stellar dining experience. The food is interesting, presented beautifully, and the service is impeccable. Our fancy friends from the Big Apple were totally impressed and wished they lived closer so they could bring their friends.
(5)
Delilah W.

I went here for my Who's-A-Special-Girl birthday dinner a few weeks ago. What a treat! If you have ever wondered if there is somewhere local where you can see artistically presented food a'la "Top Chef" while on a budget, this is the restaurant for you. Not only was the presentation of each course impeccable, but the attention to subtle and unique flavor combinations was unparalleled. I felt that I was treated to a high-end dining experience from the moment I walked in the door, but at the same time I didn't feel like I had to dress a certain way because the establishment had that magical Somerville charm of acceptance and diversity. One thing to note is that you aren't going to get crazy American sized portions here (go to a diner for that) so if you go with someone who doesn't "get it" you're likely to hear about it. I highly recommend trying Bergamot for a special occasion. Two people, three courses and two cocktails each for under $150.
(5)
Joy W.

Relaxed, casual atmosphere with unique, well prepared food and attentive service. We tried almost every appetizer on the menu that evening, which we found to be delicious, and found the Pea Green Salad to be particularly impressive. Each dish on the menu had its own unique twist, but the end result was well thought out and cohesive. The service was spectacular and our waitress was super attentive, but in an appropriate and helpful manner. It also had a small, but well-chosen beer list, with a mix of local brews, like Pretty Things, other American microbrews, and Belgian beers. My only criticisms would be that the restaurant gets very crowded come 7 pm on, almost annoyingly so. It is almost impossible to get around and you feel like you are sitting on top of another table, detracting from the restaurant's comfortable atmosphere. Although the service was great, the crowdedness was unnecessarily aggravated by lots of extraneous wait staff (e.g. separate people to fold napkins, pour water, clean crumbs). It was almost bothersome having someone come to the table constantly, although I appreciate that Bergamot is trying to provide attentive service. Overall, wonderful experience and I'm very excited to have a neighborhood go-to, but would insist on going early to avoid the crowd.
(4)
bob c.

Definitely worth a visit; and a return visit. Excellent food with a flair. The wait staff is knowledgeable and very attentive without being overbearing. Nice contemporary room with enough space for privacy and to have a conversation, while retaining energy. In a neighborhood where you can find some parking
(4)
Lynne C.

Flavorful dishes. Excellent service. Had dinner here for the first time over Labor Day weekend. I'm vegetarian and my boyfriend is carnivorous. I asked if I could get something other than the sole vegetarian entree, gnocchi. The waiter asked if I saw sides or vegetables on the menu I like and brought that info back to the chef who whipped up a tremendously flavorful mushroom bean and vegetable ragout over potatoes for $20. My boyfriend had the prosciutto appetizer and the roasted duck entree. Both very good. The waiter was also really helpful with wine selection. Overall a solid enjoyable experience. We would eat here again.
(4)
Geni B.

just phenomenal. the service is out of this world, our waiter was so attentive and knowledgeable. we went on a monday night and the place was packed! so obviously we aren't the only ones who have discovered this amazing restaurant. we had the blackboard special- $39 for 3 courses. we also got 2 appetizers- the salt cod and the prosciutto. we also got the pork shoulder (first entree on the menu). honestly, probably the best food iv had in the area. at the end they gave us these little square candies-- passion fruit, caramel, white chocolate. great way to end the meal.
(5)
Paul T.

This place is amazing. Excellent food, fantastic service. I travel here from Chicago and this would hold up in every city. Well done. Jen is an excellent server. I'm taking her back to the 312 so she can teach class
(5)
Soaring E.

Best new restaurant in Somerville! Great service and terrific food (if not a bit on the pricey side).
(5)
Sara T.

I really wanted to love this place. The menu was small, but that's OK--usually indicative of well-crafted, nurtured dishes. Service was very friendly. Cod croquettes tasted like mushy fishsticks. Pork butt was very salty, which is OK when offset by a good sauce; however, spinach-anise sauce / was too salty as well. The duck was excellent--cooked to perfection. Bill was $80 for these and one beer. A bit steep. With entrees @ $25 or more, I expect to be blown away. I wasn't. Additionally, the average age of the diners was about 55+. Not that I'm a spring chicken, but it just made for a very staid atmosphere (though whoever put together the music was obviously--and gladly--a 22 year old Emerson student).
(2)
Matthias J.

I was unsure whether two write a review at all, given the large number of previous reviews and the fact that I didn't really have all that much (positive or negative) to say, so I'll just make 3 points that hopefully may be useful to guests and management. 1) Solid 4 stars for food and service. Clearly not 5 but anyone giving it 3 is venting some sort of non-generalizable frustration. 2) There is private parking in the back, which is nice since on street parking is limited to 2 Hrs and doesn't feel all that safe. 3) This place was the only restaurant that I knew of that made "plantain gnocchi". This is the kind of original "new American cuisine" dish I found intriguing enough to make me want to try out the restaurant in the first place. When we got there, I learned they decided to replace the one-of-kind plantain gnocchi with the run-of-the mill potato sort. I fully understand every menu needs to be shaken up now and then, but don't throw out what is likely your most original dish that has consistently gotten excellent reviews! I hope they introduce fettuccini alfredo next.
(4)
S. M. S.

An enjoyable dinner but overall nothing special or precious about Bergamot. Amuse bouche was a disappointing first taste, appetizers tried too hard and lacked finesse however two of three fish entrees were perfectly cooked and delicious. Dessert was tasty, but like the rest of the meal just nothing special. Hostess-manager was exceptionally friendly and attentive, servers had a great command of the wine list and were almost fine-dining caliber. I'd go back but not rush back. For my money, I'd rather have dined at Sibling Rivalry which has a similar style and price point but executes with better results.
(3)
Amikam R.

Bergamot is a relatively new restaurant in a nice large room with an open kitchen. The tables are not very close to each other and the noise level is reasonable. We were four for dinner on a Monday night and although the place was almost full we didn't have to wait for a table. The salt cod croquettes were excellent, the asian pear and braised rabbit were very good. The cod, skirt steak and sea scallops were very good and the lobster - served out of its shell- on mashed potatoes was good. The service came in waves - several people converged at once and then nobody looked our way for many minutes.
(4)
Leslie F.

Don't be put off by the storefront in a non-descript office building - Bergamot is a fun restaurant with a terrific menu that is beautifully executed by the kitchen! And our waitress was knowledgable, enthusiastic and attentive, making our anniversary dinner a memorable experience. We will definitely go back to Bergamot!
(4)
Jason W.

Alright, so... I give them three stars. The chef here is definitely doing his job, but the rations are just not that impressive. They say their portions are so that you could enjoy 3 courses and not be stuffed... Well fear not, you won't be. The waiter was friendly, funny, and helpful. The atmosphere is so-so, not really what you expect for a place serving eats of this caliber. The menu is definitely creative, but small. Given the chance to go back, I might pass. Even with a gift certificate we ended up dropping a C-note here and were both hungry about two hours later. I appreciate the plating and everything, but for that kind of dough come correct with the portions. (We both had fish... maybe 8oz each of halibut and grouper. Bleh.)
(3)
Kelly C.

Very welcoming, warm space. Food was inventive and excellently prepared. Recommend the pork belly ravioli, flounder, and plantain gnocchi. Price points are reasonable. Will definitely return!
(4)
Thomas B.

...an unexpected delight tonight just around the corner from an old Somerville friend as a picture perfect weekend comes to a close in New England. We arrived as they opened to the rich tones of Miles Davis and sat in the comfortable yet elegant open style dining room and sampled a crisp 2010 Anjou 'ChauvignÃ©' from the Domaine Richou in the Loire Valley and a 2008 Minho from Quinta do Ameal in Portugal thanks to waitstaff who understood we might like to taste the wines since we were were familiar with them.. This restaurant is known for it's locally sourced foodstuffs and its constantly changing and lovingly prepared meals. We could not have been prepared for just how much care and love everything was prepared with. In opening a perfect slice of crunchy crusted french bread appeared with a whipped butter on the side flavored adroitly with what I swear was lemon rind and textured lightly with fresh parsley. For dinner we selected a prix fixe menu and my companion began the evening with a spectacular selection of Heirloom Tomatoes, Verril Farm Peaches, Cucumber Vinaigrette, and Tomato Molasses, which was finished with delicate flavors of Thai Basil. In counterpoint I tried three Fried Potato-Crusted Oysters, with a fantastic Corn and Bacon Relish, and Sweet Vidalia Soubise. My companion and I shared with abandon because everything was like turning a corner in a new city where old friends have gathered. Crazy! Two entrees followed. A Grilled Arctic Char garnished with Caramelized Onion, Maitake Mushrooms, Dandelion Greens, Herbed Bread Crumbs, Bacon Lardons, and Onion Blossom. The last time I ate Arctic Char so wonderful I was north of the Arctic Circle. And my lovely companion ordered a Barbecue Beef Flanken with outrageous Sweet Potato Hush Puppies, Pickled Black Eyed Peas, Green Beans, and Corn which was equally spectactular. I actually chose not to order this myself and part of it was the term hush puppies. I couldn't wrap my brain around what that would be but what came out on the opposite plate was much more interesting than the word implied in my blindered brain. Both entrees were accompanied favorably by a 2008 Rioja Alta Crianza from Mencos which was modestly priced and terrific. On occasions I can be drawn all around the winelist and today was just one of those days when the exploration was less brave but not unhappily so.. The wine capped the meal exquisitely and I can truly say I have rarely eaten a meal so nuanced and textured with flavor and satisfaction. Stacy's desserts were equally pleasing and delicate. A berries and cream offering anchored by a Blueberry financier cake with creme fraiche mousse, and a perfect kumquat-shaped scoop of raspberry sorbet for me. And part deux across the table was ostensibly a Chocolate Sponge Cake garnished with Bing Cherries, Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream, with a tiny dollop of Vanilla Cream. Also fabulous. particularly the ice cream reported by my now sated companion. What Keith Pooler and Servio Garcia have created here with a great staff is truly remarkable. And I didn't even try what looked to be a fantastic cocktail menu and an interesting bar area.. Free parking offstreet added to our convenience. Can't imagine not returning. Tomorrow night would be perfect.
(5)
Sara F.

After a first amazing dining experience at Bergamot earlier this year, the wife and I decided to go again right before Christmas. I was ready to be disappointed because our first meal was so great, and my expectations were so high. I should NOT have worried at all- our second meal at Bergamot was as fantastic as the first! Other people have described the decor and ambiance better than I can, so I'll just say that it's cozy and comfortable. I will, however, talk about the service first. Dropping $100+ on a dinner out is not exactly something I do all the time, so when I do, I want the experience to be as near perfect as it can get. The service we experienced both times at Bergamot was exactly that- a team of waiters and servers filling water, taking plates, cleaning crumbs, and folding napkins so quickly and seamlessly, you don't even know they're there. The staff is very friendly, but not intrusive, and they all seem to actually care that you are enjoying your time in their restaurant. Somehow we got Jason, the same waiter that we had at our first dinner at Bergamot, and he was great. Knowledgeable and friendly, and both times he picked a glass of wine that perfectly complimented my meal. This time, he suggested the Martinez cocktail for my wife- a combo of gin, sweet vermouth, and maraschino. I had a sip- it tasted spicy and herby, like Christmas in a glass. Delicious! Ok, now for the food- I had the $39 blackboard special, which I'm convinced is one of the best deals in the Boston area. Salad to start- had lentils, pickled onions and duck fat croutons, and was delicious. The wife had potato-battered oysters for her appetizer- apparently it was amazing, since I didn't even get a bite! :) My entree was beef scalloppini with caramelized brussels sprouts and potatoes, over some sort of lentil puree- rich tasting (but not heavy) and very tasty. The wife had cod over bacon (I think)- I had a bite, and it had a great salty kick. My dessert was a composed cheese plate- two sweet things next to a soft cheese that tasted like a barnyard full of goats (but in a good way, I swear!) We also had a chocolate mousse with mini beignets in a citrusy passion fruit sauce- so good! Wow, this was a long review. Suffice it to say, this place is great- both times we left full and happy after a really nice meal.
(5)
l s.

my 3 stars is because it was an A grade in one sense and a D in the other. The A was for the food, which was terrific. The D is because my husband and i used a groupon for their tasting menu, and not only were the portions designed for a Barbie doll (i.e., tiny, tiny), but then they listed on the bill the value of the groupon as $150 -- which means we paid an outrageous tip on the tiny, tiny meal , as it's understood that one has to tip on the "value" not the actual cost of the meal. I see this a lot w/ groupons that the restaurant way overvalues the cost in this way and it makes for a problem for the diner. Of course we want to be nice to the servers (although i would say Bergamot may want to consider not being so Edwardian and changing all the silverware after each miniscule tasting bite). What's a diner to do? Maybe Bergamot can re-assess that ludicrous $150 "value" as no one would ever pay that for what we got. But again the food is terrific.Also, as others have noted-- and we definitely experienced-- the service was painfully slow (as in over 2 hours, ie waiting for long periods of time between courses for the next bird-size portion, and for them to do the endless Edwardian change of silverware). Not a good value of time or money in the end. Sorry.
(3)
Ramana L.

My first trip to Bergamot, (ridiculous it took this long, as I live less than a mile away) was a mixed bag. But for some intangible reason, I like the concept, the quality of the ingredients and the obvious skill of the kitchen, though my meal was far from perfect. I dove in, ordering up the heavily pork laden blackboard menu, a three course meal for $39. Before dinner, I was offered an amuse bouche of deviled egg with a lardon on top. Satisfying with a mustardy kick, it set a precedent for the heady meal to follow. First course was a hearty dominican sancocho with a crispy fried pork cutlet. A fairly delicate, lemony broth had potato, plantain, what looked to be cubanelle pepper and some slices of blood sausage. The vegetables were pleasingly firm, though the pepper provided nothing more than color. The cutlet was nice and crispy, but lacked seasoning. The main course was pork done two ways- three generous slices of boston butt and a piece of braised belly, atop a white bean and cranberry hash and pork jus. Three savory segments of roasted oyster mushroom accompanied the meat. The pork shoulder was good, with the exception of the slightly thick skin, which after sitting in jus became too chewy to eat. Unfortunately, the bigger faux pas on the plate was the treatment of the hash. The starchy goodness of the alternately mashed and whole beans, offset by tangy cranberry had lots of potential, but was ruined by a massively slug of salt. The braised belly on the other hand was delectable- the top layer of fat forming a crispy skin that set off the layers of tender meat and fat below. Simple, porky, and delicious, this was easily the highlight of the dish. After struggling to finish this substantial (in size, density, and character) dish, I took the dessert to go. The brown butter cranberry cake looks yummy... but I am so stuffed I don't even want to think about it right now. So the dishes I sampled were flawed, mostly due to poor seasoning- under in the case of the cutlet and grossly over in the hash. You would think that a kitchen manned by cooks as experienced as these would get a handle on something so basic. Yet, the inventiveness and downright courage it takes to think up and execute some of the items on the menu counts for a lot. So I will give Bergamot the benefit of the doubt and hope that next time the experience won't be marred by a rudimentary mishandling of salt.
(3)
Mike G.

wanted to finish the pork chop, but had to send it back to the kitchen. sorry chef, it was so salty i couldn't taste anything but. over-brined? really liked the fava bean-rice that came with it, though. a buddy who ordered same thought it salty, too. but ate it anyways, until he cut into raw-not medium or pink-meat. didn't fuss, but pointed it out to server when she came around. for the second dish(which came quickly), i opted for scallops (good) that came with greasy corn (not good). and yelpers, what's the big deal about the bread?? service was charming and apps were fine enough. in the end, friend's pork chop was taken off the bill. top points for that Bergamot. i know stuff happens. but to the guy(owner?) who pointedly ignored us on the way out - we can afford to pay for dinner.
(3)
Eric C.

My wife and I decided to try Bergamot this past Monday (10/18) for our two-year anniversary. It's always risky business to try a new place out, especially for an important occasion but I'm glad to say that Bergamot was very, very good to us. Not only did we receive a lovely table but excellent service as well. The decor was very tasteful and upbeat and who can not like hearing a little Beck on the audio system? It really help set an excellent mood for our dinner. The atmosphere was casual-to-dressy (I didn't feel out of place wearing jeans but I wouldn't walk in wearing my usual death metal t-shirts), making things nice and relaxed. Speaking of which...wow! We started with the salted cod cakes which turned out a great appetizer for the food to come. For dinner, my wife had the duck and I had the home made potato gnocchi - both were superb. If I had a piece of bread (which I am sure I could've asked for), I would've wiped my plate clean! For desert. we shared the yogurt and fresh fruit which was a perfect ender to our evening. The only dish that wasn't perfect (but still excellent) was the side of mushrooms we ordered. They were wonderfully aromatic and flavorful, but were just a tad salty for us. We still finished them, however. The salt didn't really hit us until afterwards. Oh yeah, and the cocktails. Bergamot makes a mean Martinez with Haylay's Old Tom gin and I couldn't even finish it (I am a lightweight) but it tasted great. Bergamot will be a restaurant we will return to for sure - whether to celebrate another anniversary or just to show off to our out-of-town friends. If you're looking for a romantic dinner with fantastic food and excellent service, or even to have a great gathering with friends (who don't mind paying a little extra), Bergamot should not be overlooked. Parking can be a bit of an issue but that shouldn't turn you away.
(4)
Michael C.

I went to Bergamont a couple months back for dinner with Mom. I don't remeber specifically what I got, I did go with the 3 course tasting for $39. It was well worth it. I will definitely return.
(4)
Julie A.

Bergamot, did I dream you? Because I can't seem to understand how what I ate was as delicious as it was. Only in some 2 AM post-party undergrad haze could I imagine coming up with some of these dishes. Me: Dude. I'm staaaaaarving. Friend: Well, go look in the fridge and see what we have. Me: PEA SHOOTS! SWEET! I've got it - let's take a soft boiled egg, fry it in panko bread crumbs, throw in some ham and make a salad. Friend: That sounds insane. Me: Or, hold up. PLANTAIN GNOCCHI. You know what that would taste great on? Guacamole. With lots of mushrooms. And red peppers. Friend: Um, no. Maybe just some popcorn or something? Me: You're a genius! We'll coat it in molasses and we'll...it's in here somewhere...ah, yes, have molasses popcorn on top of CORN ICE CREAM! Friend: I'm going to bed. Me: But wait!!! You didn't eat these tiny squares of strawberry Jell-O! I don't know how it works. The chef has to be some sort of sorcerer, but somehow, everything I ate was incredible. Mushroom butter? Mysteriously spicy cucumber crab amuse-bouche? You can't make this stuff up. Add knowledgeable, attentive service and lovely decor, and you've got the makings of a really memorable (albeit slightly overpriced) evening. I do warn you, though - leave these flavor combinations to the experts at Bergamot and don't try this at home. At 2 AM. I've been there.
(4)
Tiffany Z.

Food was delicious, portions were large, plating was nicely done, service was friendly and efficient, and the color scheme was bright and refreshing in this recently opened new American style restaurant. And, they have interesting bread and special treats from the chef, earning that extra 5th star! Zucchini bread with honey butter...mmm :) I wish more restaurants would be creative with their bread offerings. It's a little pricey (~$10 apps, $25 entrÃ©es, $10 desserts, $10 cocktails/wine), but well worth it for the amount and quality of food you receive. And, the friendly and attentive service despite the full dining room makes it even more enjoyable! The noise level was also that perfect balance of humming conversation that doesn't disrupt your own party. With five people, we sampled 3 appetizers, 5 entrÃ©es, and 3 desserts, and everyone was impressed with their choices. My personal favorites were the pea green salad, the pork chop with risotto, and the goat cheese cheesecake, although I think the menu changes on a regular basis.
(5)
OpineAway C.

It's not that it's not good - but the prices and what it pretends to be is not on par with the food we got. One appetizer, the beef ravioli, was excellent, and one entrÃ©e, the salmon, was pretty good. The rest, including the steak, the other appetizer and the dessert where OK, but not great and definitely did not justify the prices. The glazed carrots appetizer was maybe suitable as a side for a main dish, and the steak was cooked right but had no "personality" and the sides were just as bland. Desserts were also just OK, nothing thrilling. Even with the prefix 3 course deal it is not worth the price. If prices here were 30%-40% less than what they are, they would match the food. My "I'll Have Another" cocktail was excellent. And a comment about something that really bothered me - the light fixtures hanging over the tables area where covered with thick dust. That really sealed the deal for me for this one and almost lowered it to a two star. The open kitchen left it at 3...
(3)
Joseph H.

We had a great time here last night. Everyone who works here seems happy and glad to see us as if we were old friends. Our Waitperson was a lovely woman who knew everything about the beers, wines and menu offerings. We felt very comfortable and pampered while we were there. The $39 prix fixe menu makes it a good value. The attentive staff make it a very nice experience.
(5)
Nicholas Y.

We ate at the bar, but I'd like to go back and try their full menu. Lovely cocktail selection (we had an old man drink, a girly cocktail, and a classic mixed drink--each was very nice) and an interesting bar menu. The lobster melt and the burger were pretty darn good, complemented by morsel courses. The one blunder of the evening was when the server called me "miss." Time for a haircut, I guess.
(4)
Scott S.

Great, great meal with a dessert of disappointment. To start, my date and I shared the arugula salad with duck prosciutto and also shared the corn bisque soup, which was really, really superb -- like fresh corn in a soup. Our entrees (leg of lamb and bass) were delicious. Our desserts were also great -- the goat cheese cake, which wasn't as amazing as some reviews have indicated in our view -- but the corn ice cream was really a hit. The wine service is fun -- we ordered glasses (not bottles), and the glasses of wine were served in the style of a full bottle, which was fun. The ending left a really bad taste for us though, and because it was handled so poorly by the manager, this is why I'm leaving only one star. I had a BuyWithMe coupon that they would not honor. The fine print indicated that it was not valid during restaurant week, and we dined on the Saturday in the middle of the two-week restaurant week. But restaurant week does not include Saturday nights, so we assumed we were in the clear. I should have checked. I could have been more diligent but we felt the manager acted as if we hadn't just ordered $130 of food and drinks and were trying to pass off a coupon at a cheap pizza shop illegitimately. He told us that it had just happened with another party, so I suspect they were prepared for this to happen. I would have been perfectly satisfied if he perhaps offered us a free drink or dessert if were to come back -- but he didn't. No concession or nicety at all. Instead, he kept nervously rambling and tapping the chair next to my date. Not enough class in handling this situation for the the price of this place.
(1)
Katie M.

I've always left Bergamot happy, savoring the stand-out dishes of the meal in my mind with admiration, happiness and a full belly. I've always felt comfortable and welcome; although the crowdedness of the tables along the wall put me off at first, my servers have been attentive, friendly and informed. I've been absolutely thrilled about a few dishes: the Tomato Four Ways appetizer was a heavenly way to present -- you guessed it -- tomatoes in four innovative forms, and more recently, the grilled sturgeon with port wine reduction was seriously to die for -- I don't even really like fish! The cocktails, too, are nice, and the wine selection impressive. Yet sometimes the idea doesn't always come through for me. On my first visit, a month or two after their opening, I ordered the steak; it was cooked to perfection, but the flavorings (Worcestershire sauce?) were too salty and uninspired. Similarly, at a special event for Coturri wines, several plates seemed to aim for innovation but fell flat: for example, a cauliflower veloute began deliciously, and the surprising addition of garam masala and something chocolate was at first pleasant, yet it was soon overpowering. I think Bergamot is a solid place for a really enjoyable dinner -- four stars for good service, atmosphere and high-quality food. But I feel like for five stars, every dish has to be spot on. With such promising reviews, though, I'm sure that Bergamot can find that balance. Just maybe get rid of the cartoon bee. I just can't get behind that.
(4)
Eva K.

Everyone raves about this place. I think the high prices and shi-shi plating have pulled the wool over their eyes. First, be prepared to drop at least $100 on an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. The baby beet appetizer was really good, and ditto for the olive oil ice cream dessert. My fish entree was bleh, and I'm just one of those people who needs a little starch with my meal to feel satisfied. What I got instead was a piece of (unexceptional) fish and a few boiled veggies nicely arranged on the plate, which, don't get me wrong, is nice, but not nice enough imho. Something seemed off with the atmosphere also - It just seemed bright and sparse. I think it had something to do with all the light coming in through the windows.
(2)
Christy C.

We had a lovely family dinner at Bergamot. The staff were wonderful, and the food solid with occasional jumps into full-fledged deliciousness. First off, two of us arrived about 20 minutes early for our 6pm reservation (yay rain!) and were courteously dealt with by the staff, who seated us immediately and happily provided us with appetizers and beverages. The bartender made some really fun/interesting non-alcoholic mixed drinks, which was also quite nice! The food: Appetizers were by far the best thing we had. I'm a big fan of offal, so the charcuterie plate and the sweetbreads were fabulous. The mains were quite solid and well-executed, but a bit more pedestrian - pork chops, steak, and fish. I would have liked to see a bit more variety, especially given the range of the appetizer options. Our entire table jumped on the seasonal and delicious-sounding "berries and cream" dessert, which unfortunately turned out to be a small dense piece of cake (think cross-section of blueberry muffin) with a scattering of berries, dense "cream" quenelles, and a bit of delicious sorbet that failed to save the rest of the dish. This is really a 3.5-star review for solid-and-occasionally-inspired food, rounded up because of the excellent service. Since the downward trajectory may be the result of our food choices, I'd give Bergamot another couple of chances to get into regular rotation. But this could also be another of those places where it's best to graze from a selection of exciting appetizers, and leave the entrees for those who want something more standard.
(4)
Bethany B.

What a treat for me! My mom came into town and treated me to a highfalutin dinner, and let me tell you-it deserves every single star. Bergamot takes the farm to table concept seriously, so you know that what you're getting is fresh and in season. I got the swordfish and had to restrain myself from licking the plate. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Bergamot also has a great ambiance--not too loud so you can have a great conversation without yelling. Would be a perfect date spot...now to find someone to take me there besides my mom...
(5)
Matthew P.

"To be salted, or not to be salted?" One star is an understatement. As a chef, a few people in the industry mentioned it was pretty good so I wanted to give it a go. I want to set the scene by saying, it was my boyfriends birthday, so naturally I was a little on edge and wanted things to go smoothly. This wasn't the case. We arrive with our friends at about 8:45 for a 9:00 reservation. After sitting around for an extra half hour and a sub-par bottle of wine, we sat down to eat. Our waiter then came over 10 minutes later and asked if we wanted drinks, but we had no menus.... needless to say, we got another bottle of wine, the second bottle was much better. 10 more minutes go by and our menus came over. We opened a two page menu to see nothing jumping out at us, if I had to describe the fair, it would be "contemporary" but it was boring. We ended up ordering the following.. -Pork Belly Ravioli, braising greens, crispy shallots (The dough to the ravioli was too thick, the pork belly had no flavor, the crispy shallots were too salty to eat, I didn't see any braising greens, overall it was a D+) -Quail with Napa, Chorizo dust and chickpea puree (Quail was well grilled, I found no dust on my dish, the chickpea puree was fine, the napa cabbage was too salty to eat, overall it was a C+) -Foie Gras with Quince paste in a tart (the Foie Gras was a little on the rare side, the Quince paste was nice, the tart was nice, overall it was a B-) -Pork 3 ways, braised shank, fennel sausage, belly confit (The braised shank had a nice flavor, the sausage was completely under-salted and lacked flavor, the confit was solid because its confit and hard to fuck up, overall it was a B) -Winter Vegetable Risotto with truffle butter (The rice was overcooked....... yep. There were chestnuts, brussel sprouts leaves and NO truffle butter or flavor at all, overall it was a D+) Dessert was my favorite part :) -Meyer Lemon Beignets, espresso glaze, tequila ice cream (The beignets were dense and had no sweetness flavor, the "espresso glaze" tasted like soy sauce, again here we go with the salt, I think the prep chefs forgot to label their service containers and who ever plated the dish did not taste the glaze, straight up soy sauce. The tequila ice cream tasted like rubbing alcohol, it was the epitome of an epic FAIL, even now as I type this, I'm thinking, who thought this up "hmm lets take an acid fruit, mix it with an acid glaze, then pair it with an acid ice cream, mmmmmmm perfect way to end a meal!) Big ups for the courage to open a new restaurant with what looked like to be a really young kitchen staff, but if your new in the game, do not make new food bad, new food is supposed to wow and inspire, not leave us with a sour taste in our mouth, literally.
(1)
Ina C.

My husband and I went to Bergamot last night (inspired by Robert Nadeau's 4-star review), and it was fantastic! I ordered the soft shell crab appetizer that was on the blackboard, roasted lamb loin for my entree, and we shared "That Grapefruit Dessert." My husband had the pea green salad to start and the monkfish medallions for an entree. Everything we ordered was delicious! I especially liked the soft shell crab which was full of flavor and the meaty chunks of bacon and frisee were excellent touches. I couldn't help but express the deliciousness in a very unwomanly grunt. My lamb loin came with what I think was fava risotto, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted onions, which were a perfect complement to the meaty lamb. As others are mentioning, the service was perfect. Any time we needed something, our server happened to be right there. Our server was also hilarious, friendly, professional and made us feel so welcome. Another thing I really appreciated about Bergmot was that even though it was a full house by the time we left, the noise wasn't overwhelming, and my husband noticed the noise-absorbing tiles on the ceiling (I think??). One recommendation I have is to order all three courses. The portions are not Cheesecake-Factory huge (a good thing!), and three courses are recommended, even for this diner with a bird's appetite. One last tip: The blackboard special (an appetizer, entree and dessert) are available for $40 between 5-7pm, but after that, you can order the items a la carte, which is how I got my yummy soft shell crab! Oh! One very very last tip: Other yelpers have categorized the attire as "casual," but be warned: a guy in faded jeans and a polo shirt will most likely feel under-dressed. Fantastic restaurant!
(4)
Stephanie G.

The food was good to be sure. I had the plantain gnocchi which mixed deliciously with the avocados and blackbeans it was served with. I liked it both because it was creatively conceived and well executed. I loved the lamb bite at the beginning, although the vegetarian at our table sadly had to pass it off. The atmosphere is fun, though the service is very traditional and dignified. A word of warning - the portions are small, almost appetizer sized (with the notable except of the steak) and I left still a little hungry, despite the fact that I'd had dessert. Maybe they could have been more liberal with the bread, at the very least. Plus, get ready for some wacky dessert options. Olive oil gelato? Give me some straight forward chocolate mousse! But I did have the strawberry on strawberry dessert which was a special that night, and it was very delicious, although again, very small. It didn't help that it was served in a huge bowl that I literally had to peer into. What's down there??? Excellent food, wish there had been more of it.
(4)
Yoonie C.

I think I found a way to dine at a gorgeously delicious place like this for on the cheap. Go early and take advantage of their blackboard special. I had a yummy bacon-lentil soup, mahi-mahi, and baklava for dinner and loved every bite. I'm waiting for the next chance to go back and have another lovely dinner. Hm, date night, anyone? (JK - gotta go with the bf here... hehe)
(4)
Andrew H.

First time visiting this destination since it housed EVOO. From beginning to end a totally fabulous experience. The host and manager were uber welcoming when we walked in the door. Some other reviews complained about the lack of choices on the menu, but my view it is always easier to do a few things excellently than it is to do many things moderately well. I started with the Salmon a la Jack somebody or other which is a piece of super fresh poached salmon rolled up with sauteed leeks inside and a wickahd delicious sauce on top. As good as it sounds. They had a black bass on the menu which was stupendous. That's all I can say. Plus they ran out of it soon after I ordered it which made it taste even better. The comments made about small portions are valid, but they clearly have recognized this and offered fresh pea rissotto as a side which also happened to be the best rissotto I've ever had in my life. The portions are not tiny, but they won't fill you up. Get the Taza Chipotle Chocolate cake for dessert. It's not even really cake. It's like a fudgy cube of deliciousness. And the service was attentive, pleasant, fun, and not overbearing. This place is great and I'll definitely be back. An equal or even a slight improvement over my other local fav - TW Food.
(5)
Agnes H.

Bergamot... I love you. And I also love restaurant week. This restaurant was a part of my unforgettable Boston trip, which is why it deserves 5 stars! The atmosphere was superb, and the servers were very warm and friendly. Since the restaurant week menus are different from the regular, I'm not going to talk so much about the specifics of the meal I had. The quality of the ingredients was so amazingly fresh. I'm usually not a fish fan, but the Cod fish I ordered for my entree tasted so tender I would eat fish prepared like that every day if I could. The service was friendly and warm. The wine my friends and I had were superb. Even though the restaurant is a bit pricey, I would go back the next time I visit my friends in Boston. I think what I enjoyed most about the food was the freshness of everything prepared. Give it a try!
(5)
Laura G.

Had wanted to try Bergamot for a while and finally got there for restaurant week with a friend. It was, well, fine. I liked the option to order off the restaurant week menu for a small additional charge. The cocktail was great. My appetizer was fantastic -the sweet corn agnolotti. But the rest of the meal (roast chicken and a flourless chocolate cake) was downhill - unmemorable and bland. We also found the waitress a little awkward. All in all, if I want to spend that much on dinner there are better options around.
(3)
Eamon K.

I can't say enough about this place. Sat at the bar for dinner and everything was perfect. Well selected wine and beer list as well as delicious cocktails. The food was incredible. I want to go back tonight!
(5)
Jeannie H.

ATMOSPHERE - Last week, we had reservations on Saturday night but their kitchen hood broke down and we just couldn't tolerate eating in a sweltering restaurant where the waiters would be sweating on our food, so we rescheduled for this week. Tonight, it was still hotter inside than outside the restaurant, so it appears they have some ventilation issues. SERVICE - Our waitress was perfectly friendly but overall, the service was slow and inattentive. We asked for bread 3 times before we got it. We got seated at 7:20PM and didn't get our appetizers until 8:35PM. I think the problem is that the kitchen can't keep up with the dining room pace. They really need to sort these issues out because the service was bothersome enough that I won't be back. FOOD - They advertise themselves as serving "progressive American cuisine," but there isn't anything progressive about it. Amuse bouche (Fried fritter with aoli) - This was a dried, cold lump of something that was better not served. You don't want to open a meal with a crappy bite of food. Duck duck duck salad - The duck three ways included dry cured duck, duck confit, and deep fried duck skin. I like the idea of this dish but it was relatively uninteresting in flavour. Pea green salad - Horribly bland. It consisted of a pile of greens, some peas, and a boiled egg covered with panko and then fried. It felt unfinished. Plantain gnocchi - It was a Mexican version of gnocchi if there ever was such a thing. The gnocchi were deep fried, which made it a little heavy but gave it an interesting crunchy outer skin. It was mixed with black beans and piled on top of a simplified guacamole. Pan-seared scallops - The plating was a mess. The scallops weren't as plump as I like them but they were seared perfectly. There were some bacon bits which made the dish a little too salty and a sauce that was extremely heavy. Amuse bouche (White chocolate mousse with gooseberry and yellow raspberry) - The mousse was gritty and the sourness of the gooseberry overwhelmed everything else. Financier cake - This dish was lovely. There was an olive oil ice cream (that was surprisingly subtle), black pepper financier cake, basil infused tapioca balls, and strawberries. It was an unusual combination of flavours that worked beautifully together. The major problem I have with this restaurant is that it lacks an identity. I guess it could be classified as "American" since it draws upon multinational flavours such Mexican, Asian, French, etc but it isn't done in an interesting way. The appetizers were bland and unimaginative. The main courses were solid and on the hearty side. The dessert was the highlight of the evening. Then they served amuse bouches that were poorly done...why bother? For the price point, it seems they are trying to achieve the level of a more refined restaurant, but overall, the food was sloppy. Between the very average food, bad service, and stinginess on AC, I'd rather stay at home.
(3)
Joel G.

I almost feel guilty that I have lived so close to this place for years and never tried it until last night. Everything from the service, to the ambiance and especially the food was A+++. My friends and I loved everything we ordered. If it is still on the menu, I would especially recommend the perfectly cooked ocean trout and the delectable pumpkin cake for dessert. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kathryn H.

Disappointed. Went here with my husband for a New Year's Eve 7 course meal (with wine pairing). Checked when I made the reservation and when I confirmed that they could do a pescetarian menu for my better half - no problem, they said. Then we arrived and the waiter tried to tell us that the pescetarian menu was only 5 courses (despite there being a 7 course menu in front of my husband) - so I pointed that out to him. Then we both got the same first course, despite me requesting the omnivore menu. When the second course also arrived exactly the same we realized what was going on and brought it up to the waiter - multiple people apologized but also told me the first course was the same between the menus (not sure how they thought the bacon consomme was the same as an oyster on the half-shell). Long story short, my subsequent courses were fixed by to pay $95 per person for a meal (not including alcohol) and then have to deal with service failures is not my idea of a "special occasion" restaurant. I will go back for a normal meal, but not consider it to be in the ranks of my favorite Boston restaurants (TW Food and Oleanna, among others) - the food was okay, but their inability to maintain reasonable service while managing a pretty simple (and common) dietary request left a bad taste in our mouths, especially at those prices.
(3)
Peter P.

I live in Manhattan and consider myself somewhat of a food snob. Came to Bergamot for a Boston friends birthday dinner. To cut to the chase this restaurant is fantastic. Exceeded all my expectations even though I knew that the friend who selected this restaurant has one of the most sophisticated palates around and is an amazing chef in his own right. The service was spot on. Not overbearing, but properly attentive. We were eleven people, which can get messy for some restaurants, but they handled us perfectly. Attractive space, with a reasonable noise level. I had the Berkshire Pork Chop entree, and it had to be the best of its kind that I have had ever. They also have a great wine selection. They made for us, by previous request, a birthday cake that was to die for. Highly recommended. Am anxious to go back.
(5)
Jennifer N.

The Bergamot is the new kid on the block. I love new kids on the block, and I love restaurants that add something new and distinctive to the Boston culinary scene. If I went strictly by gut feeling, Bergamot is right at about 3.5 stars, but I'm bumping them up with the hope that this place adds some excitement and sparkle to the Kirkland/Beacon corner. I think with a few tweaks, this place could move from fairly good to good. First impression: Bergamot feels a bit like an aesthetic jumble. The decor (from the cute font used on the sign to the playful, whimsical website -- which should be updated to clearly include food prices and descriptions -- to the fairly casual, unrefined looking menus) signifies New England fresh -- like Henrietta's Table -- and yet it's clear that Bergamot is reaching for something far classier. From the ricotta served with bread (think Sportello) to the small, fairly refined dessert list, they clearly don't want to be thought of as a place for New England comfort food. My immediate reaction is that they need some image reformulation -- either they are understated elegant (which I think Bergamot's predecessor, EVOO, aspired to) or they are playful and whimsical; either they are New England cutesy or they are classy. The food has some of that same jumbled feeling. They call themselves "progressive American" (Cantabrigians, I don't think they mean "progressive" to mean some profound Left politics) but the real borrowing/fusion/mix of foods here is at times successful, and at times less successful. More than anything, the food all felt a bit too skimpy, even though the preparation and flavors were generally good. I should note, I'm hardly one of those people who celebrates a place for big portions. But I definitely don't want to go home after dinner and think, "hm, now I should eat my real meal." For example, I ordered the scallops (three scallops) which were served on a tiny bed (not even a bed -- more of a small pillow!) of mushrooms, fennel, and asparagus. Loved the scallops, loved how they were prepared, but it felt like far too little -- especially far too few veggies -- to constitute a $24 entree. My husband had the halibut (and the waitstaff was *wonderful* about making something dairy-free for him as he has bad allergies) which, again, came with far too little on the side to feel adequate. Our dearest friends and frequent dining companions had the chicken and the pork; the most exceptional was the chicken (juicy, with a rich flavor that was enhanced by ham) but again, it was far too ungarnished to feel like a full meal. Generally, I hate places that do everything a la carte, but I think Bergamot either needs to encourage customers to order side dishes, or come up with portions that are about 15-20% bigger. Dessert: we had the pistachio baklava - definitely not a conventional baklava (far less gooey than something you would get a Mediterranean restaurant) but flavorful without being overwhelmingly sweet. It was served with a truly awful fig and blue cheese (here, an example of where the "progressive American" fusion fails); my dearest friends shared a dense, rich chocolate pave which they enjoyed. Other highlights included the slightly spicy Bergamot iced tea (fresh brewed! My dearest friend loves a fresh brewed iced tea, so this was a definite plus), the ricotta served with the bread (thank you Boston for embracing the ricotta trend) though the bread itself was far too tough and generally unexciting (note to Bergamot: embrace the cool, funky bread basket concept! People love cool bread baskets). Service: Our waitress (Amy) was sweet- I particularly appreciated how helpful she was with getting my husband some good dairy-free food, and with ensuring that anything that he ate was allergy-free. It's the kind of restaurant where there's a lot of interaction between staff and diners - the constant folding of napkins, the constant replacement of silverware. All of thees touches are nice, and indeed quite elegant, but they surprised me given how the restaurant presents itself as more New England comfort food. One other note on service- in all the attentiveness, sometimes things felt a bit too rushed. I don't think that was anyone's intention, but it's the kind of place where all the interjections can make you feel like you're supposed to hurry up and finish. Also appreciated the basic graciousness of the staff-- when dearest friends' meals arrived at a chilly temperature, the waitress quickly took it back to the kitchen, apologized profusely, and removed both entrees from our bill. Their apologies almost seemed excessive, but I left with the sense that Bergamot wants to shine, and that they value customer feedback. And so, I have my fingers crossed for their success. I think with a few adjustments, they could be quite popular.
(4)
Joanie L.

Very nice meal last nite with just a couple minor quibbles. Like it took forEVER for the first round of cocktails to come, not sure what took so long since it was only 1/2-2/3 full. But mine was excellent and B's was a little weird (The Big Easy) but we had fun trying new things. We split the duck salad (which also took a little while) and they did that in advance for us, scallops were sweet and tasty and skirt steak was great. Side of asparagus was fine but not a big deal. We split the wonderful choc. pave w/ stout ice cream and bits of pretzels. Airy comfortable room, excellent very informed waiter. With another round of drinks, it was $118 before tax/tip, well worth it.
(5)
Rachel J.

This place is really great! The service was great. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and offered great advice. He was attentive but not annoying. The food was also great! My husband started with the lobster corn chowder which was lighter than expected (good for a starter) and I had the breaded sweetbreads. It was my first time having sweetbreads and I really enjoyed them - tasted just like chicken nuggets - I just had to not think about what they were. For the main course my husband had the flat iron steak which was cooked perfectly. I had the scallops with bacon, corn and potatoes which were cooked perfectly and delicious with the saltiness of the bacon. We skipped dessert though everything on the menu looked great. We will definitely be going back!
(5)
Richard C.

I'm done with expectations, the next time I hear great things about a supposed great burger I'm going to ignore it. The problem with mostly eating burgers is that in the case of a higher end restaurant, the burger is a perfect barometer to judge any future meals at the same establishment. Fair or unfair, if they can't properly cook a burger, what hopes do they have to cook any other dish? Served only at the bar, the Bergamot burger is rumored to be a beef blend consisting of marrow and brisket, but it was so salty and cooked so poorly I could have been eating a turkey burger. Ironically, we waited close to an hour for what was promised to be a very thin, medium cooked, and incredibly juicy burger. For such a slim patty, which should have taken mere moments to cook, the wait was far too long, but that's what happens when you're banished to the bar, our backs turned to the rest of the dining room. The bartender described our burger as being "similar to In-N-Out," and would be one of the juiciest burgers we'd ever have. Quite the build-up, too bad it couldn't deliver. What we (finally) received was a pencil thin patty topped with far too many greens that were beyond overdressed, and all sandwiched between a house-made Milk Bun that easily weighed over a pound on its own. The burger was seemingly rushed, despite us waiting for far too long, it had no sear, no crust and was basically raw in the middle. The only flavors to come through were salt and salad dressing. Yes, salad dressing, as the overdressed greens became an overdressed burger, and a pool of vinegar and oil camped out on the corner of my plate. Juiciness? Not a chance, but greasiness? Absolutely. The bun is a borderline disaster, I guess I can appreciate the homemade approach, but it tastes like a stale biscuit, and is at least ten times too big for the paltry burger. A tomato-bacon aioli is promised, as is cheese, but neither can stand up to the massive bun, and the oily/salty burger. French Fries are once again in the McDonald's mold, which are very satisfying and well seasoned, if not, once again, very uninspired. Needless to say this burger just didn't do it for me, and for $12 it was completely unremarkable and fairly unpleasant. Another poor burger mixed in with potential chef greatness, although it might be tough to convince me to come back.
(2)
Michael T.

First off, I'm giving Bergamot 3 stars for the overall value. The food itself is 5 star quality. The combinations of flavors and the uniqueness with which the menu is pulled together is truly something to behold. The portion size for what you pay, though, is a 2 star value. If you plan to be satiated at all, make sure you get an appetizer and dessert. I had the pan seared scallops and they were prepared to perfection. Here's the rub, though. The dish costs $24, comes with no sides, and I got three scallops. That's right--- three! These weren't enormous man-eating scallops either. The $9 carrot cake is delicious, but it's the size of an hors d'oeuvres. Seriously, you can't cut me a hunk of cake for $9? If you have money to burn and don't care about leaving the restaurant hungry, it's worthy of a try. Like I said, the food itself is exquisite. There's just zero value for your dollar.
(3)
Chris R.

No AC in the dining room??? ...server said the AC is on, but that it's "overwhelmed". Hence the portable fans, but that helped only a little with the heat and the humidity...I reserved by phone only a half an hour prior, host could and should have mentioned they are having ventilation/cooling problems. Put me in a really awkward spot having taken guests here. Steak was a hit, as was the duck salad. Most dishes received decent feedback, but the lemon sole and gnochi were "so so." Apps priced $10-12ish, entrees $20-27, desserts around $10. I'm perplexed by by their high prices, considering 1) the casual atmosphere(servers dressed in jeans) and 2) the smallest portion sizes I've yet to see served in any restaurants... and $60 per person for dinner to sit in a sweltering humid heat?!? Shame on you Bergamot.
(2)
Sandy H.

I have been to many fancy schmancy places over the years so I can say with confidence that my experience at Bergamot was top notch. The service was excellent even though it was a busy night. Our water glasses were always filled and there was not a single crumb on the table. We ordered the special, beef scallopini, and the scallops. The beef was a little dry and tough, but the scallops were divine. For desert we had the toffee pudding -- it was amazing!
(4)
Scott M.

This is a nice local upscale restaurant. They have good ingredients, great service and tasty meals. A good meal for two with wine comes in around $120-$160 which is reasonable for the quality. 4 stars because it never blows me away but certainly no complaints. They are often busy but you can drop in and wait for a seat at the bar (or failing that go to Dali across the road).
(4)
Rhea B.

My first time here. Loved it! Had the prix fixe dinner (codfish cake, flank steak, etc.). Can't wait to go back. One thing: one particular waitperson was quite loud and even a bit brusque. She made for a not-very-relaxing evening.
(4)
Lindley E.

We headed to Bergamot early on a Sunday evening to enjoy a family dinner. My friends had been frequent patrons of the previous occupant of the space, evoo, and were anxious to see if Bergamot was a worthy replacement. Warning: this review contains too many superlatives. Yes, I am kvelling, but that's because so much of what I've eaten in Boston has been a big disappointment, and it is always a pleasure to find a restaurant that is both reasonably priced and just plain good. Which Bergamot is. On with the review.... The first thing we noticed were the curtains - they were open and let in the light, which filled the dining room. Evoo had kept its heavy velvet curtains drawn, something my friends didn't really care for. There was a new coat of paint on the wall, some new art, and new curtains, but not much else had changed about the space. But the food - it was lovely, seasonal, exquisitely prepared and appropriately portioned, if a bit salty (speaking of salt, lately I've noticed that every Boston white tablecloth restaurant I've visited is a little generous with the salt. A little too generous. A little salt goes a long way, cooks and chefs, and too much damn well ruins a sauce). Because ramps, fiddleheads, fava, asparagus and spring mushrooms (like morels) are in season, all were on the menu, some even in the same dish. I'm a big fan of spring vegetables, even if they have to be shipped in from California (locavores everywhere are likely wagging their fingers at me...how many hail Pollans must I say?). So is Bergamot so new and different? Not so much. The food is pretty standard fine dining fare du jour: you'll find all the 'in' ingredients and proteins on the menu. But the execution is excellent; an idea that would be merely good at a typical Boston restaurant is genuinely delicious here (save for the oversalting). A "Duck Duck Duck Salad" was an exciting tower (though not in the 90s sense) of duck prosciutto, duck cracklins and...what was that, duck breast? combined with a Spanish sheeps milk cheese and seasonal greens. It was crunchy and tender and crisp and chewy and full of visual contrasts. It was good, honest, simple food that was almost too good to share. My dining companions loved their meals as well: a roast beet salad was a crowd pleaser and the quail appetizer was a study in simple perfection. Our entrees - a steak, the chicken, a fish dish and scallops - were eaten quickly and without much conversation. The only misstep was the oversalting - my entree had a sauce that had been given just a pinch too much, which made the flavors disappear under a salty veneer. Dessert almost overshadowed our meals. Our desserts - a simple carrot cake served with a light-as-air cream cheese bavarois and candied carrots, then some pate de fruits with our check - were as tasty as they were smart and well-conceived. I'd go back to Bergamot just for sweets. They really were that good. Really. Good, impressive dessert. I wish we had ordered everything on the menu. During our meal, the partner/manager walked over to our table and greeted us. They recognized two members of our party and welcomed them back. It was slightly awkward but appreciated. Throughout the evening we watched him work the room, an old-school touch that matched his demeanor. At the end of our meal, my companions agreed that Bergamot is actually better than evoo. And promised themselves they would be regulars now that Bergamot was in the neighborhood. I'm a bit envious.
(4)
Frank D.

Summary: I took my cousin to Bergamot for her Birthday and I I'm sure I'll be returning. Flavorful food, attentive and knowledgeable staff, and creative menu. Let's just set some expectations here: you do not go to Bergamot if you are looking at quantity over quality. You do not go to Bergamot if places like Vinny Testa's, Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden make you salivate. And, of course, you do not go to Bergamot if you are on a budget. Although, the prix-fixe menu can help if you order before 7. I actually was underdressed because I wasn't aware of the ambiance of the restaurant, but I wasn't treated any differently. Service: Outstanding and attentive. I watched the waiters and waitresses constantly surveilling the tables. While you do have a waiter/tress that tends to you for your meal, any of the other staff will tend to you if they see an empty glass, an empty plate or even the slightest inquisitive look on your face. They HUSTLE. Par for the course for a restaurant in this price level, the staff know the food, they know the drinks and they describe how the food tastes. The menu has about 6-8 entrees to choose from and, judging by other reviews, changes frequently. The food: I started with a beet salad, moved on to the snappy scallops and shared the artisan cheese plate for dessert. I had the Mayflower Porter as a drink since the only draught beers where all on the lighter side. Presentation is clean and pleasing to the eye. The beet salad was very tasty and was served on top of a mayonnaise based aioli and had, what appeared to be, a type of pesto. All the flavors complimented each other perfectly. The snappy scallops were fantastic. The scallops are on top of black beans and an ahi piquant. Slices of avocado crown the scallops. The scallops were sweet and fresh and, though I would have never guessed, the black beans and piquant all fit perfectly together. None of the flavors overpowered and each could be easily discerned; all were very pleasing. Lastly, sometimes a big soppy hunk of cheesecake is just not want you want to finish such a well balanced dinner. The cheese plate is both sweet and savory and the pairing of the cheeses was perfect. It's not something I tend to gravitate to, but I'm certainly glad I did. I couldn't remember the names of each cheese, but I can tell you the 3 pairings: apricot mostarda, a kind of whipped bacon (yes, sweet and savory bacon: delicious) and honey. Why no 5th star? I'm tough. I would have to had to hear angels sing and witness the second coming of Jesus (okay, not literally, but you get my drift). I'd go with 4.5 stars if I could! Buon Appetito
(4)
David P.

overall the food was under seasoned and underwhelming. charcuterie, quail, braised short rib, scallops and cod. the appetizers were probably the best items of the night. everything was well cooked, but unacceptably under seasoned. If only they had a salt shaker on the table.
(2)
P-Rock F.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the portion size. My boyfriend said he could have eaten a Mission burrito after our meal (I miss you, SF!). However, the food was in fact delicious. We had the beet salad to start and both had the plantain gnocchi. So very good. I just with they gave us more. I had the Front Porch as my cocktail which was just about perfect. Boyfriend is vegan and I wish they had more vegan/veggie options for entrees.
(4)
Susie C.

So you're trying to decide where to go for dinner or if it's worth your time going here, right? Do yourself a favor and cross those over-hyped places off your list and just go here. This was the best dining experience I have had in a very, very long time. The place itself has a French/Gargoyle's feel - very warm, golden, tasteful interior, big windows, but plenty of warm air circulating in a not-gross kind of way. The kitchen is open and you get a great view. We were not too close to our fellow diners and we didn't hear other conversations. The food. Ohmagod, the food. The pumpkin soup was perfection, as were the cheesy, impeccable rabbit risotto and delicate butternut ravioli. This stuff is made with love. Or the chef is some annoying food prodigy who cooks lazily with one hand and still can't get anything wrong. Entrees: I had the chicken w/ mashed potatoes and gravy. A simple meal in theory but very, very easy to get it wrong. But uh, yeah, they got it very right. Can potatoes be described as flawless? And the gravy was so good I wanted a cereal bowl full of it. Others at the table ordered cod (flawlessly cooked), the salmon and the short ribs (packed with flavor and they melted in my mouth). We had two excellent bottles of wine (can't remember what) and a yummy cheese plate at the end. Others ordered dessert but I didn't have room. Note - they take your jacket at the door, like a valet, and whisk it away behind the scenes for safekeeping. This is a free, optional service they provide, but I actually wish I had kept my coat with me because I got carded (carded!) and has left my license in my coat pocket.
(5)
Anthony R.

Delicious! Love it! Bergamot takes the place of Evoo on Beacon St, offering a similar price point and standard of service in a warmer, more inviting space. The food is top-notch -- I went in for the pre-7pm 3 course prix fixe menu, but ended up being unable to resist the charms of the normal menu. I had a meal of Spanish mackerel, rainbow trout, and samples of my friend's excellent "Duck, Duck, Duck" salad. The salad was particularly amazing - duck confit and cured duck combine in a tangy, creamy, refreshing dressing over friseee in a way that's absolutely divine. The most knockout part of the apps and the main dish were the sauces and dressings -- serious thought and care has been put into them and it shows in the layers of savory flavor. Let me put it this way -- just recalling them is making me hungry again. The cocktail and bar bites list looked outstanding, as well -- twists on classics seem to be the name of the game. I'll have to come back for drinks another time. Bonus: excellent lamb amuse bouche and moist, amazing zucchini bread to start out the meal. Sweet!
(5)
Chris D.

Service was excellent and it had a nice, relaxed atmosphere. My wife and I had the heirloom tomato salad and fried oysters as appetizers - both were very good. For an entree my wife had the arctic char, which was good but over-salted. I had pork two ways which was also quite good, but probably more fat than I usually eat in week (of course I knew what I was getting into when I ordered it). The plantain puree under the pork with black beans and pickled peppers was excellent. Overall the presentation of the food was quite nice and I would definitely go back here again.
(4)
John C.

My friend and I were looking for a decent place to eat and there was a new groupon for bergamot. looked like an interesting place and the menu was BOMB so we decided to check it out. i called and reserved a window seat but when we got there we didn't get one.. not a big deal, but not the best start. the one thing i wanted on the menu was the monkfish and that was the one thing that they did NOT have.. sigh, in fact the online menu and the restaurant menu did not match. appetizer: we had the salad with fried poached egg and the baby roasted beets. i'm a BIG fan of beets and i must say, these were BORING. i mean the walnuts were a plus, but not enough of them were given.. the beets themselves were just not very earthy tasting, i prefer the beets i make at home. the egg salad was fantastic though. nothing like a nice deep fried farm fresh poached egg. entree: as stated earlier, i was real sad about the monkfish but the waiter said they had WOLF FISH! that blew my world, it's my favorite fish, sweet, tender, juicy wolf fish. obviously i had that. my friend had the lamb, which she generally isn't a fan of but found it to be very good. all in all the entres were FANTASTIC. dessert: i honestly need to write these reviews right away, because if it's not an amazing dessert i rarely remember it. this is the case. they were ok, nothing that blew us out of the water. side note: deval patrick and friends were there.. they sat a table of 5 and had 3-4 people catering to them while the rest of the restaurant had to wait for service at times.. yeah, he's the governor, but my credit card is just as good as his.. i specifically recall having to wait 10 minutes to pay for my check, i had to call another waiter over. even then it took another 5+ minutes. service was sub par for me.. then again it was opening weekend for them and i'm sure the staff has improved since. all in all bergamot serves fantastic entrees. the restaurant decor is fair and the big plus is that there is parking, something rare in the cambridge/somerville area. don't let the 3 stars fool you, i liked bergamot a lot.. A-OK right? that's not bad.. i'll definitely be back for a group bite and a 2nd or 3rd date, but if i was looking for a killer anniversary meal or birthday meal i have others in mind.
(3)
Brandi S.

I'll start by saying I wanted to NOT like this place, and they just didn't let me leave that way. The ever changing menu is a bit of a mixed bag - it's certainly creative and makes for great, seasonal fare, but it presented some challenges where my company's food choices became limited. The vegetarian/pescatarian fare is limited at best with a fair amount of pork mixed into accompaniments for main fish dishes. That said, though, the food is very good. I was less impressed than others by the sweet breads, but an app of butternut squash raviolis in duck jus was impressive - and substantial for a first course. Companions started with chicken consume and rabbit risotto --- both impressive in their own right. For mains, our group tried melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi (seriously, these things were like light little pillows just meant to transport the sauce to your mouth), pork butt (not my thing), and scallops. Similarly, I wasn't as blown away as others have been by the desserts. The panna cotta is a definite skip - the presentation outplayed the taste tenfold; the chocolate dish was very good, but I won't crave it as with others (TW Food's Chocolate Boudin). If you go for dessert, I'd suggest something to share. Put your dollars on the cocktails instead. I'd say part of your bill comes from the atmosphere and the scene as much as it does the food. It's a lovely place and service was great (well time, well tuned, and an impressive waiter who insisted we try a new wine when he could tell the Bordeaux didn't quite hit the mark), but we ended up with a check of $70pp where I can say there's better value in other fine restaurants. But don't get me wrong, you'll leave still feeling you had a great meal, or perhaps a great experience.
(4)
Cheryl L.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bergamot. We started with the black bean soup with bacon and creme fraiche - very tasty and although it was part of the Prix-Fixe Menu ( until 7 ) ordered it a la carte. Moved on to the Roasted Crystal Valley Farm Chicken with dirty rice , Shrimp-Tomato Sauce which was excellent and Grilled Prime Bavette Steak with hedgehog mushrooms,cheddar-chive gnocchetti, sauteed spinach, beef jus which was delicious. The Farm Chicken was juicy and tender & had the spice just right, always wanting more. The Bavette Steak melted in your mouth. And the bread with Honey butter began the whole ensemble -mmm good ! Many complimentary tastes were delivered - all very, very good. The service was friendly and attentive - always there if needed. A very comfortable place to eat. Well worth many trips !!! Oh and do not forget - there is a bar menu , same as the floor but additional items such as Burgers and small meals.
(5)
Taylor W.

My g/f and I live within walking distance, and we've been here several times. As such, I feel comfortable giving general evaluations on different dimensions (1-5 stars), rather than recounting any specific dining experience: Ambience - 4 stars - Dim lighting, soft, jazzy background music, and a single large dining room make Bergamot a cozy, but not very private, place to eat. Excellent atmosphere for impressing snobby parents-in-law or romancing a date; horrible atmosphere for having an intense debate, a boisterous discussion or a drawn-out argument. Service - 5 stars - This place has the most attentive service I've received pretty much anywhere, period. Upon being seated, you will experience a rapid parade of waiters to your table in the following sequence: Saying hi and clarifying the menu/taking drink orders, bringing drinks back/taking food orders, bringing amuse-bouche, taking amuse-bouche away. Once they get through the amuse-bouche, the service slows to a more normal pace and you get your first and second courses as they are cooked. Bottom line: Great service, if a little overbearing at first. Food - 5 stars - Of course, the food is my favorite part. Chef Keith Pooler is renowned for utilizing local, fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes not only every week, but usually every day (thanks in large part, I'm sure, to the specialty Savenor's grocery store around the corner). What makes the food at Bergamot really special, though, is Pooler's ability to wring every iota of flavor out of the ingredients he is using so that each dish becomes an oral experience - like a rainbow of bright, vibrant flavors blending in your mouth. Of course, each dish is cooked fresh to order, and the portions are very healthy (especially for what I would consider a gourmet restaurant), so in terms of plate speed and size, I've never had a problem at Bergamot. Also, there is a fully stocked bar (with a few stools for solo diners) that features super-tasty specialty drinks, such as the Beacon Fix or Blood Thistle, as well as after-dinner aperitifs, wines and whiskeys. As a final note on price, at Bergamot, you get what you pay for. The first courses are typically in the $15-25 range, and the second courses range from $20-35. With a couple of drinks and maybe a dessert, you're easily up near $50 or $60 per person for the meal. Honestly, though, you'll be so thrilled at the meal you just ate that the price won't seem high at all when the check comes. Bottom line: If you've got the money to spend and the right dining partners to enjoy it with, Bergamot is guaranteed to be a great dining experience.
(5)
Adam B.

In Short: Friendly Service, Good decor and well composed dishes, all for a reasonable price (for a New Yorker) My girlfriend is living in Cambridge while in Grad school and lives 5 minutes from Bergamot. We've passed it on several occasions now and we finally ended up going. The bread was a slice of whole wheat with a garlic, herb and chive whipped butter. The bread was good quality, although cold to the touch, leaving something to be desired I had the Various super-rich appetizer thingy (it was three kinds of pork) which was good, but not spectacular. The GF got the Quail and that was well balanced, and well garnished with a hummus like paste. I'm not a quail guy myself (too many little bones, feels like you're eating a baby), but i found the bite I had to be delicious. The flank steak special (served over a panfried patty of "paella") which was very good, but was missing a certain something. The paella really lacked that saffrony flavor that makes it wonderful. But they definitely made up for it with an off-menu side order of oyster mushrooms. The special that night was supposed to come with it, but as soon as we said we would like a side, our waiter asked the chef and brought out a PILE of mushrooms for only $7(!). They were perfectly prepared and served as the perfect compliment to our dishes. I ordered the Hudson Valley Duck Breast served over sweet potato puree with cipolinni onions, swiss chard, black trumpet mushrooms, seasoned with a mustard-spiced honey. The duck was perfectly prepared. It wasn't excessively oily, nor dried out and the puree was velvety and lovely. The onions lost that biting edge but kept the crunch that makes the quite satisfying. Unfortunately I can't attest as to the desserts. We grabbed macaroons from La Burdik, which were delicious, but that is neither here nor there. The one thing that I must say is that the clientele there is somewhat...geriatric. Now I have nothing against old people per se, and in a college town I guess most of the younger people are too busy filling their brains to get jobs that let them pay for places like Bergamot, but it might be a little odd for say a first date. My girlfriend and I (we're both 24) were the youngest people in the restaurant by about a decade. And they were younger than the next people after them by about 8 years. Despite this one idiosyncrasy, I have to say that the food was good, the service both accommodating and attentive and the prices reasonable, all things considered.
(4)
Greeley O.

Every few months I migrate to the bar at Bergamot for a great cocktail and delicious dining. Lobster melt and the calamari app are my top two favorites. Always enjoyable, even when my only date is a good book.
(4)
Rosy R.

Positively our best meal, and service in years. We try all the 4 star Boston restaurants, even from North Shore. Tis is by far the best. Incredible food, service... . Now our go to favorite
(5)
Yelena A.

Great food and service! Everyone in our party of 5 was very happy with the meal and drinks. The service was impeccable.
(5)
Michael B.

Right on target! This crew has got their act together Food and service was spot on Fresh and creative,great ambiance This is a great place...right up with the best in Boston......but located in Cambridge.. a return visit is right around the corner
(5)
Meredith K.

I was really sad to see Evoo leave this location and move further away from me in Cambridge, but was happy to see a promising new restaurant move into the space. The host is incredibly nice, like I seriously felt like I had come to his house for dinner and he really wanted us there (and to come back again). Drinks were tasty and we had a great /attentive server. Bread was good. We go the duck salad to start - overall I liked the duck, but I felt like the dressing tasted a bit more like a gravy than dressing. Entrees were absolutely delicious though. Dessert was pretty decent though quite small (we split the goat cheese-cheesecake). I felt like overall it was really good - a little pricey, but that they were trying a little too hard - though in their defense I think I went in the first few weeks they were open so they are probably trying to impress people. I will definitely come back here again.
(4)
Abby L.

I was really impressed by my meal at Bergamot last week. I hadn't been there since the first week it opened - and I would never judge a place on that. Everything was delicious, and it was even restaurant week, which is always a fail! I ordered off the restaurant week menu and got the chicken, which was totally delicious. My boyfriend stayed on the menu and got the lamb which he loved. I stole his dessert, the chocolate, caramel tart, and ate the whole thing! The service was great, I would definitely go back.
(4)
Morgan H.

After a host of disappointing high-end dining experiences in the Boston area, Bergamot was a much needed high note. It partially reinstated my faith in gourmet cuisine. It was intricate, but not fussy, and the flavor was there. We only had two complaints - our waiter was nervous and inexperienced and the portions (particularly the wine pours) were quite small. That said, I would love to go back. My bottom line was met - the food was delicious. Amuse bouche: white bean puree and bacon jam on toast. This was so. good. I could have had several of these. Appetizers: duck confit salad and fried oysters. These were also amazing, particularly the oysters. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The roasted, spiced peanuts in the duck confit salad really pulled it together. Entree: pan seared Mahi-Mahi with spaghetti squash and mushrooms. This dish was almost too salty for me, and I LOVE salt. I also couldn't finish the fish once I ran out of the other ingredients to eat with it. That said, I'm not a huge fish person. But it was cooked perfectly. One of my friends got the Hake with cauliflower, shrimp, and olives, which was a great bite, and another friend got the roast chicken, which was solid as well. The potato dauphinoise was delicious. Dessert: pear toffee tart and devil's food cake. These were both great, particularly the toffee. I would not have ordered this but a friend did and we were SO glad. It was heavenly, particularly paired with the ice cream. The devil's food cake had carrot sorbet on top which I LOVED but others weren't a fan of. More for me. I finished the meal with a nice smokey Scotch and had red wine throughout. Like I said in the beginning, the pour on the individual glass order was fairly scant. The flavors were amazing. I will definitely go back once my bank account has been replenished! Great for a date or intimate group.
(4)
Ave H.

Bergamot I likey a lot! I went here during restaurant week for the first time, with the lovely Steph P. The location couldn't be better - right on Beacon St AND with a parking lot (semi smallish granted, but none the less). Atmosphere is really nice. The space is not huge, but they use it well - the tables are slanted in a manner that is more comfortable and private than standard rows. They have a decent sized bar in the back. We all ordered off the Restaurant Week menu, although I must admit the Snappy Scallops almost drew me away from it. For my appetizer I ordered the Split Pea Soup since it was cold and mucky out. It was presented wonderfully, in a large (and I do mean large) lipped bowl. In the center of the soup was a small amount of meat and spices. The texture was perfect. For my entree I ordered the Plantain Gnocchi. Delicious! The texture is unlike anything I have ever had. Slightly firmer on the outside than most Gnocchi, but soft on the inside. For dessert I had That Grapefruit Thing. It was hard to settle on something non-chocolate-y, but this sounded too interesting to pass up. There was a small vanilla cake underneath wedges of sweet grapefruit both in a sweet sauce. This place is, as another reviewer pointed out, quality over quantity. The portions are very small... but they are delicious and well presented. You most likely will not be taking a doggy bag back with you from here. If we hadn't been doing the Restaurant Week menu (and therefore had an appetizer, entree, and dessert) I am not sure I would have felt full. I also give them props for having a somewhat wide range of wine by-the-glass prices. Since I was splurging on the food, I stuck with a $7 glass of red wine. However, the wine prices ranged anywhere from $7-16. I look forward to returning and experiencing Bergamot sometime outside of Restaurant Week.
(4)
Josh W.

My wife and I moved to Boston last August and this is the best meal we've had since we got here. No aspect of the experience disappointed. We started with expertly crafted cocktails (Old Fashioned for me and April in Paris for my wife). For dinner I had the 3 course prix fixe meal. It started with mussels in a saffron and white wine risotto, followed by pork shoulder and the craziest little veggetable called a fiddlehead, and a vanilla lavender sponge cake for dessert. My wife had the flank steak and a passion fruit and mango mouse for dessert. All was spectacular. Both dishes were prepared superbly, showed some creativity, and were solid portions. This restaurant is a little hidden in Somerville but the ambiance, service, and food all scream for many more visits!
(5)
Kim H.

Having moved to Medford from Manhattan, my expectation to find NYC-worthy restaurants was pretty low. Thank goodness I stumbled across Bergamot on Boston's Restaurant Week list. It was FANTASTIC and really reminded me of the quality and service of a great NYC restaurant. The food (even the few selections on the RW menu) was outstanding. Perfect portions, incredible pairings and an overall wonderful menu. Our server (I think her name was Lindsay) was amazing. She really made the evening even more special. The wine list is tough to get through but she recommended a great bottle of wine. They have a large wine selection with prices on every part of the spectrum so it's easy to make a great choice. We had the fried chicken liver and black bean soup for starters. Both were outstanding! We both had the yogurt-marinated leg of lamb. WOW... it was cooked to perfection and the cous cous it was paired with was the best I have ever had. We're big carrot cake fans so we each had the carrot cake, and it was presented in the most creative way and was exceptionally good carrot cake! They also have a pastry chef! I forget her name but she is obviously very talented and it was a great surprise to see that a small restaurant in Somerville has their own pasty chef. I highly recommend this restaurant. I know Somerville and Cambridge are full of great restaurants but this is exceptional, the service especially. It's refreshing to find a restaurant where service is as important to them as the quality of the food. I hope they stick around for a very long time!
(5)
Peter D.

Still the best! Had the flank steak and sausage gnuddi and both were incredible. You MUST go here if you haven't been yet.
(5)
Kristina F.

Hmm. This is a tough one. The food is good. I had a scallop dish that was surprisingly filling, cooked to perfection with lovely peas and bacon and a carrot puree (I think). But the service, while nice, was terribly slow. Not sure if its just the new kitchen or what but I swear I was waiting forever for everything and was frustrating. Our server was nice, but didn't know enough about the wine we had, but the win was good. The decor feels weird. Something is off. Not sure if it was the night I went, or what but it just doesn't feel comfortable. Manila clams appetizer was good. As was the goat cheese cheesecake. I feel weird giving only 3 stars, but I wasn't blown away. But it wasn't a bad experience. Just ok. On the flip side, my friend had the pork tenderloin and the pea salad with the egg on top and loved it. My other friend had lamb and he said it was good.
(3)
Gilbert B.

I came here on a recent trip out to the east coast and was impressed. The dishes to have: Definitely try the quail. The attention to detail shines through on this plate. You will not be let down by the Halibut offerings, very nicely prepared. For Dessert: the Chocolate Pave. Hands down. Awesome. For cocktails: You're going to be nicely surprised at the spirits available here. You can get all of your classic favorites but you can can also try a flute of rare sparkling red wine or a taste from a limited batch of hand crafted gins. The bar menu is French wine heavy, all obviously hand selected with care.
(5)
John J.

I'm writing under my fiance's yelp... With all honesty...literally some of the best service we've ever received. We had reservations on sat 5/26.. My fiance's birthday...but silly him..he had a yard "accident" earlier that afternoon and had to take him to the hospital...called bergamot in hopes that they could possibly push our reservations back on a saturday...and the gentleman on the phone was incredibly kind and understanding and told me to call back when I had an idea of a time we could make it in and that he would make it happen for us and need not to worry! ( he also wished him well) How sweet! Just as promised..they squeezed us in at 8... Our server kat was terrific! Knowledgable, attentive and genuine...very patient with our inquires and a smile 24/7.. Food was delicious! We had 2 apps..the cavatelli ( very fresh tasting ) and the house ham? ...also nice Our entrees : I was hoping they had scallops but their menu changes nightly and alas..no scallops on our night...however...my pork tenderloin was no runner up! Perfect portion, incredibly moist and flavorful and my fiancÃ© was delighted with his chicken..which I tried and was happily impressed. I feel chicken is a hard dish to make taste....... "impressive" since it's just chicken...but not when you get it at bergamot! Drinks and dessert: beacon fix martini..refreshing with a light lemony kick...super! And dessert...they were so sweet...they wrote happy birthday on the plate and lit a candle...awww! The chocolate pave was like a soft fudge and the lavender honey comb...so awesome! The server knew we were torn deciding between that and the special menu dessert...ricotta cheesecake..that she brought us each a sample of it! Really..thats service...and I'm glad she did because it satisfied my curiosity and it was yummy to say the least! The staff seemed to work really well together, bringing out each others meals/drinks... and the kitchen worked seamlessly ( open kitchen ) they seemed to be having a good time which was nice to see.. I recognized the chef from their website and he seems like a great guy to work for! Then there was Servio! Oh Servio! He's the one I spoke with on the phone...he's incredible...watching him work with professionalism and care to detail..like refolding a patron's napkin as the patron went to the restroom...and his table visits with us...he's so nice! In the end ...as we were leaving, we shook his hand, and when i looked up, the whole kitchen smiled and waved to us! It felt nice...I just thought it was so sweet! As former servers ourselves ( I was also a restaurant trainer and he was also a restaurant manager) we always observe service and guiltily critique...and this place is 2 thumbs up all the way! We are commonly disappointed with service..which is so important to the dining experience...especially because we both used to put our 100% for our guests..and we so desperately want it in return now that we're the customers....and bergamot was that for us! Thanks guys! You're the best! Will definitely be back and have already recommended to others! P.s. Free parking? ...ummm...SCORE!!!!! :)
(5)
Jin C.

So this is one of those restaurants that I get mixed feelings about. The food is good, but when I think about the whole experience, I'm left with a feeling that I was paying for the decor as much as I was for the food... which isn't always a bad thing. In this case.. the food didn't seem like enough of the equation. (It's been a while since my visit, so off memory...) We had: rabbit risotto - it was good... not memorable. duck with baby bok choy and tiny grapes - better than the risotto I can't remember what else we had here... that's the thing I guess. Maybe I was a little too excited about this place, everyone was very professional, and the service was good too... It is about the food, I don't care if I eat in a cave if the food is fantastic. I remember the decor more than I do the flavors. Don't get me wrong, food is good, but for the prices, I'd rather goto Toro. =( sorry. I will say it is a very nice place for a date though.
(3)
Sylvia C.

I avoided this place for a while because its kind of cheap looking. It was amazing. The food the drinks the service . All on point . Staff is knowledgeable and proffesional. Rabbit tortellini was MIND BLOWING. Charcutiere plate was amazing, I had chicken two way which was off the charts. Place like this are the reason I love going out from service to food to drinks . Just amazing.
(5)
Peter M.

I was disappointed in Bergamot from the moment the server poured us half glasses of wine. It was absolutely the stingiest pour I have ever experienced. It was as if she was being watched and was afraid she'd get docked if she poured more than the equivalent of two shot glasses of wine. From there it got worse. While the selections were presented well enough, there was nothing particularly distinctive about the food. It was a meal that can be gotten in many venues. This is a restaurant trying to hard to be upscale, but came across as pretentiousness. High priced, small portions--a three course meal should satisfy as well as scintillate. No rush to goo back there
(3)
Beth C.

I took my family here that was visiting from out of town, and I'm so glad I did. The food was fantastic, service was perfect, and wine was excellent. Pork three ways, miso salmon, and lamb ravioli: all excellent. I think our favorite appetizer was the cavatelli, hands down. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The avocado ice cream was incredible. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a really longtime. Thank you for everything, we will be back soon!
(5)
Beth G.

Went there for the first time tonight. Nice vibe, warm welcome when we entered. Our waitress Lindsey was pretty fabulous. Had the charcutier good (although the pork was a little too fatty for my taste), the rabbit dish was yummy, we had the red snapper - fabulous mix of flavors, skirt steak was tasty but a cooked a little too rare (they said it was medium rare - was more rare - they offered to re-cook) and the chocolate cake was very good. Wine list was interesting and the two rioja's we had were excellent. We will most certainly be back for a second visit! Enjoy.
(4)
Steph P.

I have wanted to go to Bergamot for so long, and I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. The restaurant is very cute, the service is good, but I was bugged by the portions. Now, I am not one of those people who expects enough food to take home for lunch the next day, but I expect to feel full after my dinner. There for Restaurant Week, I ordered a frisee salad, cod with Yukon gold potatoes and green beans and That Grapefruit Dessert. The salad was good but didn't seem like something I couldn't make at home. The cod....well that really confused me. The piece of fish was huge, probably about 6 ounces cooked which is surprising because cod is supposedly really expensive right now. Generous, right? Ok, here is the weird part: my sides were about an 1/8 cup total. Go ahead, go to the kitchen and get a measuring cup to see how small that is, I'll wait. .........................waiting..................Â............................. Tiny, right? You couldn't even see them under the fish and the potatoes were cut about the size of that diced ham you get at a salad bar. I couldn't even get a flavor from the potato or the green bean (yes, bean singular) because there was nothing there to taste. The cod was perfectly cooked and delicious, but I really wanted to have a little more side dish- who wants to just eat a whole piece of cod with nothing else to break it up. The dessert was equally tiny, but I was ok with that. I generally only want a little taste of something sweet, but I can see someone being disappointed in a piece of cake about half the size of a deck of cards. It was very tasty and the grapefruit was unique. For cocktails they have a list of drinks with random unpronounceable ingredients that seems very pretentious to me. I probably would have gotten a cocktail if I knew what any of that stuff was. A flavor profile on the menu might have been nice. I asked the waiter for the sweetest of their sparkling wine and he brought me the first on the list (which I will not even try to type all the way out) and it was delicious. Definitely going to look for that! I'm not really sure if I would go back to Bergamot. I was there for RW, so I thought that maybe the tiny portions were related to that, but judging by other pics...notsomuch.
(3)
Adam E.

Food was pretty good. Service was absolutely abismal.
(3)
Jennifer S.

I love the atmosphere in this place, and had an excellent experience there the first time I dined there: when the entree that was recommended to my friend turned out to be salty, they took it off the bill, even though he had said it was fine and he ate it all! This was impressive. However, the second visit these same features reappeared and were overdone. The service was too attentive, to the point of wait staff repeatedly interrupting our conversations, even when it was clear that we weren't at a lull (e.g. right at the punch line of a joke, about 4 times!). They'd do this just to ask if my friend wanted another beer even though he was half way through his first. I never complain about service, but this got annoying. More importantly, the food was even saltier than before! Both the butternut squash entree and the duck confit parpardelle entree were extremely salty, which is very disappointing for a high end place. The flourless chocolate cake for dessert was not warm and dense as they usually are, but instead had a cheap-tasting chocolate icing on top. I really want to love Bergamot, so I hope they can do better...
(3)
Shantanu K.

Bergamot had been on my list of places to eat for a while and finally went there a couple of weeks ago with my wife. Was it worth driving from Boston to Somerville for this restaurant? oh yeah!. The food at this place was awesome, not only did it taste fabulous, but also the way it was served was great. We had some gnocchi and fish, tried the sweet corn ice-cream for dessert (it had a nice hint of cilantro). The only complain I have is that the dinner menu is very limited. There were just 13 food items on the menu (including the appetizers), so there wasn't much to choose from. On my way out, I ran into one of the waiters who told me that the menu changes very regularly ( i guess daily), which means that if you liked something at this place, it may not be on the menu the next time you show up . I would also highly recommend to make reservations, this place get fairly crowded.
(4)
A D.

Im a big believer in judging a restaurant by the bread they give you and bergmot has very good bead but its one of those restaurants where the server asks you would you like A slice of bread and puts one slice of bread on your plate - thats how you know your in a fancy restaurant and im more of a bread in a bowl in the middle of the table kind of girl. The dinner was great. I had cod. Portions are small for my standards but its thats kind of place - fancy - where they give you small portions. Dessert was yum too - althought a tad bit on the small side as well. I ordered coke and got cola in a bottle - it was very different and a nice treat. Although the food, drink and service was top notch. I knock half a star for the small portions and the other half star as i felt the dinning room for a fancy restaurant lacked any personality. They should make the dining room have the personality there food has.
(4)
Andy L.

Bergamot is the ideal place to eat dinner after a meal someplace else. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with creative, excellent ingredients. The service is professional, attentive, and affable. But the portions are as parsimonious as I've seen in a long time. Think you're getting a nice little amuse bouche from the kitchen? That's the $10 dessert you ordered. And it is NOISY! Too bad, because if it was a little easier to hear a conversation at my own table and each dish was not doled out with an eyedropper, this could be right up there with beloved neighborhood places like T.W. Food.
(3)
Pat M.

The service is excellent, though pretentious for this location. Quality of the food is excellent, though portion size of the food and wine is definitely skimpy. I am a size 2 and definitely not a large portion person, but the appetizer and entree portions were quite small. In addition the wine pour was skimpy, and from the volume of the wine bottle, the restaurant is clearly trying to get 5 glasses/bottle. The quality of food is higher and the staff is very professional, though pretentious for Somerville
(3)
Angela C.

One of my new favorite restaurants! My experience at Bergamot was beyond awesome. I wandered in there on a whim one night, sat at the bar, and was absolutely blown away by everything that came our way. The sommelier was superb, and every wine that that the guys behind the bar recommended to us by the glass was unique and outstanding, and perfectly paired with our food. The rabbit risotto was to die for, as was the boston pork butt (and I don't even like pork!) We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Lynn C.

We went to Bergamot yesterday with a party of 7 to bring out of towners who sometimes dine out at great places in NYC to the best Boston could offer at a reasonable (for a nice restaurant) price. I'd heard a lot about Bergamot, and it did not disappoint. The service is impeccable, and as one person said, discreet. We had 8:45 reservations, but the tables weren't really turning over. We hardly noticed, because the (owner? maitre d) came over several times to check on us. He asked if we wanted to order a drink while we waited. Their wine by the glass list is somewhat small, and they don't have all the typical grapes, so my friend wasn't sure what to order. The maitre d brought over three different wines for her to try, and made us all very comfortable saying no if we didn't like something. Eventually he found a pinot grigio she was happy with. And after sampling some of the tastes she had, we settled on a delicious gruner veltiner for table for dinner later. Our server Ally (sp?) was so wonderful. Friendly and attentive, and always there at just the right moment. She was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, and as another reviewer said, made honest recommendations that were actually helpful. She'd tell you something about how the dish tasted and what the flavors were, not just what she thought was good. After her description, I settled on the carrot panna cotta for an appetizer and the scallops as an entree (as part of the prix fixe, with a small supplemental charge added for the scallops). I never would have ordered the carrot panna cotta without her recommendation, but it ended up being my favorite part. It was creamy and room temperature, sitting on a tomatillo salsa that was both spicy and flavorful. The acidity of the salsa perfectly cut through the natural sweetness of the carrots. And there were other things on top. I have a very strong sense of taste, and in the first bite had a but of everything. There were so many and complex flavor it was almost too much! My table joked that after the amuse bouche we received, that this was a confuse bouche! But in the next bites, I mixed different elements of the dish in different combinations. Every bite was delicious, but each bite tasted different depending on what I combined. SOOO good! I am not a meat lover, and tried the chicken and dumplings my boyfriend ordered. He loved it, but it was a little too "meaty" tasting for me. The scallops for my entree were quite good, and accompanied with an interesting foam. My party tired the lemon papardelle pasta, the lamb, and the port loin, all of which they proclaimed to be delicious. For dessert, we tried the chocolate cremeux and the carrot cake. The carrot cake was a tad dry but very tasty. The chocolate was DELICIOUS. I generally avoid ordering chocolate desserts out because they are usually too sweet or too rich. This one was just creamy and smooth and just chocolatey enough delicious. This is the first time I've gone out in Boston and felt like we had a really special experience. The service here was top notch, and better than some other pricier restaurants I"ve been to in Boston in the past year. It felt both professional and genuine. I'll definitely plan to return her when I want to make a special impression on someone. One note - they do have a parking lot, but it is small. Given that we arrived before the first main round of diners left, there weren't any spaces left, and neighborhood parking can be found but may take a little time. Thanks Bergamot for making or get together special! We'll try to come back to try the bar menu soon too.
(5)
Evangeline L.

Oh Bergamot I had high hopes for you but you made me feel like I had escaped from the Betty.... Lets break this down: Bar: Obnoxious bartender who was not good at multitasking. For example, my friend ordered her drink but I hadn't decided yet...instead of making her drink he moved on to the guest next to me and had a discussion about wine. Back to me, still no drink for her. We had the same discussion about wine. Friend still very thirsty. Bartender starts to make her drink...vodka gets poured over ice, goes into shaker, and just sits there. Bartender comes back to me to talk wine. Vodka sits in shaker in front of friend while friend watches ice melt into Vodka. Bartender pours my wine and finally goes back to shake friends drink. Positive note: wine list rocks. Food: Big sigh of relief to leave the bar area and move onto dinner. Sigh of relief didn't last very long. I started with the pear salad and my friend had the rabbit risotto. Her dish was quite nice actually but was on the brink of being way too salty. Did I mention she had a cold? So yes, it was SALTY. Mine, however, was "meh" and salty. Have you ever had a salty salad? Its not pleasant. Anyway, willing to overlook salty because having grand ole time catching up with friend. Entrees arrive and are cold. Both of them cold. Take a bite and....SALTY. Like, inedible. Both, yes, I said both! At this point we just can't overlook it anymore...its one thing to have one salty dish but for all the dishes to be over salted? No bueno. Send back dishes and server brings menu over to pick new entrees. Service: Manager was extremely nice, apologetic, and helpful. He made some suggestions about which items to try and seemed genuinely interested in making us happy. Our server, however, not so much. He went over the menu with me to help us pick out some dishes (even though my friend was so over it at this point) and I really wanted to give them another shot. Like I said, I wanted to like it here. When I mentioned the issue of salt, our server got so condescending that it was shocking! I even interrupted his hidden *how dare you not like our food we are so better than you* speech to tell him we needed a minute to discuss. I worked in the industry for 10 years...there is no need to be rude to your customers. After dealing with his attitude, we both decided to call a spade a spade and asked for the check. I was willing to give it another go but not after the way the server spoke to us. Escape from the Betty: Now this is where is gets Twilight Zone on us. While waiting for the check multiple servers passed by our table to glare at us. Having worked in the business, I know this game. Its the "lets check out the jerk customers so we can gossip about them" game. Even the chefs were staring (open kitchen). It was so unbelievably uncomfortable, I just wanted to run out of there!! SO unprofessional. Three stars is because there are two good things about that place: One is delicious wine. Two is nice and professional manager.
(3)
Mark W.

When I first had dinner at this location it was EVOO but since then they have relocated to Cambridge and Bergamont has taken its place. The space as far as I can remember is the same as before. The service was excellent from the moment we walked in the door until we left. Glasses were never empty for long and plates were cleared quickly. The food was really tasty, seasoned well and fresh. The prices are a little steep for the area but the excellent food and service are worth the price. I highly recommend Bergamont and look forward to returning.
(4)
Megan A.

Bergamot hosted our wedding dinner, which was for our immediate family, our officiant, and our photographer, who attended our intimate wedding ceremony prior to a larger reception. My husband and I had enjoyed a meal at Bergamot last fall when we had just moved into the neighborhood and had such a fantastic meal that we knew this would be the perfect choice for our special day. We had very high expectations. Servio and Keith went far out of their way to accommodate changing plans and complicated food allergies to make the meal everything we'd hoped it would be without overstuffing us and rolling us out the door. It was the perfect balance and the menu Keith made for us was superb. While I personally remember the squash stuffed ravioli as my highlight of the evening, those in our party who had the duck raved. The cod was really well cooked as well, and the beat salad was, thankfully, full of beats with a fabulous creamy citrus sauce and beautiful presentation. Bergamot made our wedding dinner perfect!
(5)
RenÃ©e P.

Just went last night and MAN that was delicious. For appetizers we got a coconut milk soup special, which was creamy and amazing and satisfied the needs of 2 paleo eaters. We also got the ceviche which I believe was both of our favorites - we kindly asked them to leave out the cancha (fried corn) to keep on track with paleo eating. The beef tongue app was also very delicious (we left the mustard in, that's not a horrific thing to eat "whole grain") Entrees were the vietnamese flank steak which was juicy and velevety and so delicious, and the pork tenderloin which was juicy and paired with amazing champagne grapes and zuchini. For dessert we both got our own because we were done sharing at this point. The name of the dessert is not coming to my brain at the moment but it had pistachio ice cream a custard and candied pistachios. We left absolutely no survivors on the table except those 2 pieces of bread they brought out. We did spoon the sweet cream butter into our mouths though. pshhh - weird paleo eaters ;)
(5)
Nicki S.

Unable to email directly to Bergamot I am forced to go public. I would prefer not to. We had dined once before and loved it. We selected it as our 29th annual dinner with the same friends. we select the best dining experience of the year to share with this couple. We trade off who selects and pays for dinner and have high expectations as a gift experience for these friends. Unfortunately grim vegetarian options and limited choices in general make it harder. I reject that only pasta and salad offerings are offered when creativity abounds. We had an unhappy stern server to start the evening a bit tense. Our guests picked up on it right away and wondered out loud, "why?" The server attempted to satisfy our difficulties in selecting a great red. She would not relinquish the job to the sommelier, after much go around, though earlier she said if she could not help she would acquiesce to the sommelier, but would not in the end. We ended up with an unsatisfying choice for wine. The salmon was interesting in description, delivery, and flavor; however the last third was uncooked. The portions were so tiny that the app and desserts were fleeting. Service in general was unfriendly, but also made very difficult because the tables were so tight that servers reached inappropriately. Size of tables too tiny for our dinners for 4. A good meal was made more unsatisfying by the cramped environment. Get a seat against the walk to feel less like undergrowth.
(2)
Bill H.

Went here for a friends 40th birthday last night......made a rezzy for 8:30, party of 4. We had been here many times when it was EVOO......wish it still was! If you have 3 hours or so to commit to a 3 course meal, then by all means go here.......this was the SLOWEST service any of us have EVER seen at a restaurant. Drinks: don't expect much......not a lot of selection of liquors, kinda pushes you towards their wine list, also not that great and a bit pricey.....we had a 2008 pinot noir that was not very good for $46. Mixed drinks were ok......they had Beefeater (really?) but not Tangueray. Friend had martini, didn't do a good job with that either...... Appetizers: Raviolis were very good, and the Charcuterie was also very good. Entrees: Birthday boy got the duck and loved it......2 of us got the steak, nothing special and not a lot on the plate to eat, also had a pan-roasted trout, which was fairly good but lacking flavor. Menu really was lacking options....chef really loves using mushrooms and seafood in his dishes, which sucked for the member of the group allergic to them since that left about 2 choices (menu online is not current, so we were caught off-guard when we saw the latest). Dessert: we got the panna cotta for free due to the birthday, it was quite good. Overall, food is hit or miss and small portions....we all left hungry after spending over $300 for dinner.....which is ridiculous for what we got. We left at 11:30.......3 hours for dinner!?!?! Wont be going back ever......just a really slowwww place and the results were not even close to worth the wait.
(2)
Elizabeth S.

I was so excited for a Saturday evening date night and had been reading excellent reviews of Bergamot. However, it was an "eh" evening at best. Our server was off kilter, with awkward introductions and abruptly coming over to our table and interrupting. My silverware went missing several times and wasn't replaced until I asked, even though I had already received my food. Glassware went flying in the dining room and my husband's meal was taken back in case there was glass in it, etc. Funny thing is the food was decent. But that was lost in the rest of the evening. Not polished, odd wine list, tables too close together, and overall underwhelming. I had high expectations and likely wouldn't go back.
(2)
Shar p.

4.5 stars for food, 5 stars for service. This is a terrific restaurant for meals in $30 range. FOOD: They have a small menu, and they do it very well. Many items on the menu were locally sourced (e.g. hake from Maine). Our chicken and fish dishes were perfect: chicken had remained soft & juicy and the fish delicate, after being fully cooked. The pairings with the meats were novel (e.g. red potato sauce with hake, lentils with chicken) and went together surprisingly well. The dessert was delicious - you must try. SERVICE: The servers are pleasant, attentive and non-obtrusive. I never had to ask for water, our table was "decrumbed" between courses, napkins were folded when we returned from the restroom, etc etc. Overall, my wife and I had a great Christmas date dinners. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Amanda G.

Went here again and had another kick a$$ time. What I think makes this place shine, aside from great food, a creative menu, and a nice, but not stuffy, atmosphere, is the service. Both times now our waiters have been fun, attentive and smart. Love this place!
(5)
M J.

This place was almost perfect for a relaxing saturday night dinner. The atmosphere is beautiful and the restaurant isn't noisy at all. The bread was delicious, especially with the orange butter. The waitress recommended a great glass of wine once I let her know the type I usually drink, which was much appreciated. I started with the beet salad (delicious and filling but not too big). After that, I had the chicken with seasonal vegetables- the chicken was cooked to the perfect consistency and moist. However, my friend's mahi mahi was practically raw. We asked the waitress if it was supposed to be like that (it wasn't). Luckily, they comped the dish and gave us some great extras (red currant sorbet and fig squares). The dessert was amazing- pumpkin cake- light and airy. I love that the portion sizes leave you full but not stuff and that everything is so carefully and thoughtfully prepared, both in presentation and in flavor. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Andy M.

In a neighborhood full of great restaurants, Bergamot stands out as a stellar addition. Local organic ingredients, seasonal specials, great French-American cuisine. Begamot is a winning choice for fine dining. Plus, will accommodate gluten-free diners with class.
(5)
mj W.

Easy parking pleasant staff delicious food, but a limited menu (mostly fish choices) annoying little things: paper protection on table that continually got caught on my sleeve, jazz music was too jagged Overall, a good choice for delicious food, but I need more options to return again.
(3)
Ben L.

Down to aces. The one spot that I could think of where there was a consensus of have not been there and want to go and things fall spot on a dime. Show up a little bit early, read: on time. reserved table is waiting but sit at the bar while waiting for the rest of the party to arrive. time for a starter drink. we prepare to move and I reach to bring my water with me, none of that, drinks will brought over if need be. perfect square, right spacing white linens. Bread service, and I mean service though I find it odd to have my bread described to me. Amuse bouche and constant flow of water. Prime spacing between plates and don't even bother trying to hang onto the wrong fork. All of our entrees were fantastic tough I was quite pleased with my hangar steak. No huge portions or gigantic sides just the right amount of quality products and extra touches to add flavor, or color or balance. Best of all the entire experience from start to finish was nice and proper and a little bit upscale without being forced or stuffy so generally ideal for having a good time. It does seem like their drinks could kick it up a notch though I didn't put them through their full paces, at the very least I'd look at some additional options for glassware.
(4)
Natalie S.

Knights of Columbus, the food is good here. Seriously. Scrumptious only begins to describe how good the food is. Allow me to disclose. FYI: If you're the type of person who only cares about portion and is looking for big plates of mediocre food, Bergamot is not for you. Yes, their portions are not huge but eating delicious food is about satisfying your senses, not only your stomach. Somehow, when you eat perfectly created and presented food, the combinations of flavors make each bite so satisfying that you don't need to stuff yourself to be satiated. Just sayin'. Okay, onto the juicy details. Food was heavenly. The chef has a serious understanding of flavor relations and nuances. My boyfriend and I started with two appetizers, the baby beet and walnut one and the pea greens salad with truffle oil dressing, shaved parmesan, fresh peas, and poached egg. The sweetness of the beets and the earthy nuttiness of the walnuts were surprisingly complimentary in the first one. Yum. The salad was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. Screw a bed of roses, I'd like a bed of this salad to wallow in, please. It's a lovely, bright, dish that is both decadent (cheese, egg, truffle oil) and buoyant (fresh peas, pea shoots). I was enchanted at first taste. Try it. Our entrees were equally as impressive. I had the halibut, which was cooked to perfection, served with a butter wine sauce and leek, carrot, and potato on the side. Somehow the sauce didn't weigh down or overwhelm the fish. This was a sophisticated dish and I savored every bite. My bf had the plantain gnocchi and though I only had a bite, it was done right and very tasty. This dish was fun because though gnocchi is Italian, the flavors and ingredients were inspired by Mexican cuisine. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary and enjoy Mexican flavors, try this dish out. For dessert, we had the carrot cake and all I can think is that God must have been clumsy while eating dessert and dropped a nugget of his favorite carrot cake onto my plate from heaven. Don't expect a slab of carrot cake thickly smothered in cream cheese frosting, a la your Great Aunt Barbara's recipe. No, this is carrot cake neuveau, thank you very much. Petite and unassuming, but it packed a ton of flavor. It was so delicious. If you like carrot cake, order it. Specialty Drinks: Though I can't remember the names of them, I had a cocktail with St.Germain and muddled basil, and my bf had a drink that was closely related to a mint julep. Both were top notch. Service: Impeccable. Matt was our server and he was knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and very passionate about all of the dishes served. I could tell he actually enjoyed being a server there (an anomaly in waiting tables) and his timing with everything was punctual. Decor: Slightly reminiscent of its previous occupant EVOO, but this is not to their discredit because the space seems inherently difficult. There's only so much you can do with this space because of the shape, exposed pipes & ducts, tall windows, and open layout. Because of this, I was impressed with the textile elements and again, felt that the designer did as much as they could given the nature of the space. I loved the large blossom painting. So, do yourself a favor and go on a sensory vacation to Bergamot. It is a special place. You won't regret it!
(5)
Steven P.

Based on Yelp reviews and recommendations from friends, my wife and I dined at Bergamot to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Bergamot is located on Beacon Street in Somerville, in the location formerly occupied by EVOO. EVOO was the pioneer of new American cuisine in this transitional neighborhood that can be aptly described as neither Harvard, nor Porter, nor Inman. EVOO boldly blazed a trail of innovation and proved to its critics that an upscale restaurant located near the crossroads of Beacon and Kirkland could gain and retain a loyal fan base. On the one hand, this softened Bergamot's debut - its new American menu provided a sense of familiarity to diners who were anxiously anticipating EVOO's surrogate. On the other hand, Bergamot had Shaquille O' Neal sized shoes to fill, and EVOO's departure left a culinary vacuum that would surely swallow any restaurant that was not lead by an experienced chef. Fortunately, a Gloucesterman is at Bergamot's helm, and I anticipate nothing but favorable seas ahead. Bergamot is the inspiration of Chef Keith Pooler, whose resume includes stints in numerous well-respected restaurants in both New York and Boston. Chef Pooler's menu is new American in that it uses locally-sourced, fresh ingredients that are prepared in inventive (if not classical) ways. For instance, our choices included countless items that screamed of summer in New England, though maybe not in a recipe's origin, but definitely in terms of the dish's constituents. Choosing an appetizer was no easy task. I was torn among the gazpacho (with Maine crab and cilantro shoots), the pea green salad (fried egg, English peas, Berkshire ham, pecorino cheese, pea shoots, and truffle vinaigrette), and the fresh local farm salad (a mÃ©lange of local greens). Since this was our wedding anniversary, and we honeymooned in Spain, I opted for the gazpacho. Chef Pooler's interpretation perfectly captured the heart and soul of this classic Andalusian soup. It was neither too chunky nor pureed to the extent that proteins began to break down into a flavorless foam. Rather, it was ideally blended to preserve the consistency and identity of its ingredients. And the flaky, sweet crab meat, though entirely unnecessary, was a nice and opulent distraction. My wife had the grilled peach salad with crispy bacon, fresh greens, and goat cheese. This was a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, salty, and sour. For entrÃ©es, my wife chose a pan roasted striped bass, which was served with bacon mashed potato and other accompaniments that I apologize for forgetting. This dish was anything but forgettable, but I was far too busy enjoying my roasted duck breast which was served with a slice of roasted potato, baby bok choi, and topped with a lovely semi-sweet sauce and crispy black trumpet mushrooms. The duck was cooked to perfection - crisp skin, moist meat, and a medium temperature throughout. The sides were a nice complement, with the exception of the trumpet mushrooms. These were relatively flavorless, and only added a crunchy textural foil to the softer duck and vegetables. In all honesty, I would have preferred a more pliable alternative, such as shitakes, chanterelles, or even a few sparse morels (reconstituted dried would be fine). As picky as I am being, the meal was great, and we ended it with a guajillo chile chocolate pave, which was to die for. It is clear that good service is a priority at Bergamot, and the entire staff works together to ensure that the needs of every diner are met. In fact, I believe that each server visited our table at least once to deliver a course, reset our table, or refill our water or wine. And speaking of water, Bergamot has gallantly opted against commercial bottled water, and has instead invested in a water purification and carbonation system for the restaurant that allows diners to choose a bottomless bottle of either still or carbonated water for the table. This is a nice environmentally sound touch. In all, the servers were attentive, sincere, knowledgeable, and quite capable of offering advice or suggestions. If I had to find any fault in the service it would be that it was efficient to the point of being slightly rushed. The taste of each course had barely left our mouths before the next course arrived. Granted it was a Saturday night, and I wouldn't deny any server the opportunity to make money by turning their tables. However, the entire experience from hello to goodbye lasted just under 90 minutes. For me, Bergamot is a restaurant deserving of five stars. Unfortunately, I am awarding it four stars until the pace of service can be slowed for those diners who are not in a rush, who have nowhere else to be, and who simply wish to enjoy the company of others and artfully-prepared cuisine in the hinterlands of Somerville, MA. I will be back soon to award that extra star!
(4)
cat b.

We decided to try this place after Restaurant Week to get a real feel for it. I had been to EVOO, which was in this space previously and loved it, so I was curious about Bergamot. We arrived a bit early, but were seated immediately. Our server brought over a little amuse bouche in the form of a chilled soup which was scrumptious. We shared our apps - mine was panko fried oysters and his was a goat cheese risotto and loved them both. He got the steak and I got the cod and again, both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection was a bit pricey (imho), but we both loved the Gigondas that seemed to really open up after a few minutes. All in all, a special occasion place that I would love to come back to.
(5)
M V.

Service was excellent, the atmosphere was pleasant. I had a bad meal there because I'm vegetarian, and it's a restaurant for meat eaters. If you eat meat, I think it's probably a delightful place for dinner; if you don't, you should know that there are many better options nearby. Most non-steakhouse restaurants in the area (and in east-coast urban areas generally?) offer several non-meat appetizers and even sometimes more than one vegetarian entree. I'm not a demanding or evangelizing vegetarian, and I'm very happy to improvise with limited options on a menu. But here there's not one non-meat appetizer, and the one vegetarian entree was shockingly, bizarrely bad: it seemed like a vegetarian dish conceived by someone who believes vegetarian meals are necessarily unsatisfying and undelicious. That's a pretty outdated perspective in the day of Bittman, Ottolenghi, etc. I could have made something better myself in my own kitchen, and I'm not a very gifted cook. Given the quality of the dish, the price felt sort of outrageous. And given the number of vegetarian types in this neighborhood, and the increasing popularity of non-meat cooking, it was really surprising to have such a disappointing meal. But again: it's a charming spot with good service, and I think for meat eaters a fine place for dinner.
(3)
nicole b.

I had a wonderful dinner there this week. The atmosphere was neighborhood bistro, friendly, welcoming. We dined at a table, but I want to go back to sit at the bar for dinner, I really like dining at bars and Bergamot's looked inviting. There were many (more than I could order) items on the menu that looked interesting which is great! Everything we had was delicious. I liked that the portions were reasonable, no need to put more food on a plate than is necessary. We had fried chicken livers and pork belly ravioli to start. My entree was the Bavette Steak, and Baklava for dessert (I am v. picky about Baklava, and this was crispy, yet not dry with sticky and sweet sauce, perfect).
(5)
Steve Y.

the food was delicious, very attentive waitstaff. got the $39 prefix menu - well worth the price.
(5)

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Address : 118 Beacon St
Somerville, MA, 02143
Phone (617) 576-7700
Website https://bergamotrestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Bergamot

118 Beacon St, Somerville, MA, 02143

Bergamot Menu

Appetizers

Entrees

Bar

Dessert

Single Malt

Brandy

Digestives

George Howell Coffee

Mem Tea

Bergamot Cocktails

Bottled Beer And Cider

Sweet Wine

White Wines - Seashore Citrus And Stones

Red Wines - Forest And Farm

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bergamot

Appetizers

Entrees

Bar

Dessert

Single Malt

Brandy

Digestives

George Howell Coffee

Mem Tea

Bergamot Cocktails

Bottled Beer And Cider

Sweet Wine

White Wines - Seashore Citrus And Stones

Red Wines - Forest And Farm

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