Bistro Duet
| Address: | 190 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474, USA |
| Phone: | +1 781-316-8808 |
| Site: | bistroduet.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–11PM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 5PM–12AM 11:30AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 19
Reviews 14
CA
Carolyn Goff
Fabulous, French and Fun! If you are looking for a choice of fine dining and casual elegance under one roof, youve found the venue. Add to that wonderfully imaginative French cuisine and entertainment and you have a hit in Arlington. You have a choice of seating (if its not already packed) the former bank side with vaulted ceilings elegantly decorated with open kitchen in the back, or to the right is the bar section with 3 large cafe curtained windows in the front and lots of tables the entire length of the room as well as seating at the bar with also a few high top tables in the front and back of the room. Its just as elegant with a casual touch. The food is just wonderful and beautifully plated. We arrived early and were able to enjoy their $28 Prix Fixe menu (weekdays 5 to 6 pm) which they created for the patrons of the Capitol Theater just steps away - smart move! What a delight of choices - we ordered the Rillett Atlantic Salmon,dill, brioche toast and mache salad was perfectly fresh, Pork Tenderloin with dried cranberry crust, cauliflower & broccoli mash, naturel jus was tender and very flavorful, Fresh Fruit Crumble calvados flambe, chantilly was light and not too sweet a perfect way to end the meal. We chose the wine pairings with each course and a real bargain at $12. Our waitress was well versed in each wine and how it complimented each course. She was very efficient, friendly and professional. From the minute we walked in the door, from the hostess to the bartenders, they were all friendly and very accommodating. We loved the entertainment! A fabulous tenor Will McMillan with accomplished pianist Joe Reid serenaded us with the tunes of Gershwin, Hammerstein and the like. It was at the right sound level as well, no need to shout over each other, perfect for listening or socializing. I will definitely return to experience more of their lovely menu. Where can you go for such a fine evening with entertainment?! Bistro Duet for sure.
PA
Paul Schlichtman
I mourn the loss of Flora. First, my recommendation is, even if you are enticed by the more positive reviews, schedule your visit for cool weather. It was the third day of a 90 degree plus heat wave and the worst of the climate was trapped inside the restaurant. Would have been happier last week, coming in from the 52 degree drizzle of faux-Seattle weather. So, Im warm, kind of cranky, and then they dangle a steak in front of my nose only to snatch it away. When the waitress came by, she told us there was only one order of steak left. Ill take it, was my response. How would you like it? After a couple of minutes of finalizing the describing the appetizers, and finalizing the order, the manager walked up to the table and said, "86 the steak. We sold the last one." "But you sold it to me." "No. We sold it to someone else. I recommend the duck." I mourn the loss of Flora. The second beer came to the table in a can, poured into the first beer glass, instead of a new and freshly chilled glass that would have been a slight enhancement in an overly warm dining room. I ended up with the lamb, which was on the salty side, and my beloved wife enjoyed her lobster ravioli. Cant really complain about the food, but a restaurant is in the hospitality business and it was way off target. Besides, on a quiet Tuesday night, when three quarters of the seats were empty, you run out of steak at 7:15? The only acknowledgement was when the waitress walked by, after parading steaks across the room, and said, "I guess you dont want the creamed spinach. No. It really doesnt go with the lamb casserole. Flora used to be our special occasion restaurant. Lots of great memories. I mourn the loss of Flora.
BI
Bill K
Its so great having a French restaurant of this caliber in Arlington. This is especially true since their predecessor, Flora Restaurant, is a very, very hard act to follow....but follow they have with excellent cuisine, service, and a formal yet fun atmosphere. However, last night (visit # two) I was very disappointed. I sat alone for dinner at the bar (first time). I ordered the bouillabaisse, which is offered nightly as the"specialty of the house". Sorry, but it was average, at best. What really irked me was the small portion. I understand this is French cuisine and I did not expect a huge dish, savory and simmering with all kinds of tasty fish and seafood, (OK, perhaps I did.) But it was more the size you might expect as an appetizer. Not a great value for $29. Please, I understand the place is still in its "soft opening"..we love it and we will return for sure for the aforementioned reasons....but hopefully the owner/chefs will take note...we truly wish them well.
JO
John Smith
They refused to allow my wife and I seats at the bar where there were seats available. There was an hour and a half left for food service and we were told they would never get our food out in that time frame. Clearly the soft opening flaws had to have been ignored with this place? I spoke with a French couple leaving and they were more than upset with their meals he stated "the name may be French but the food was anything but"
LU
Lucia Broderick
had Valentines Day dinner here and was very disappointed. For $78 each, 3 course fixed menu-my short rib ravioli was cold and the steak was undercooked! Roasted root veggie appetizer was minuscule!No dressing on the greens! Nouget dessert had no flavor. Wine and coffee were the best part of the meal but waited a long time for the coffee even though the dessert came out first
TO
Tom Wilhelm
Theyre still working out the kinks... We had a long wait for service and food and an off-putting waiter who made mistakes (charging us for items another table ordered) and barely apologized after correcting them. The food was excellent though. Especially the coq au vin. Will try again in a few weeks and see if things improved.
BO
Bob Nelson
I had the pork tenderloin and it was great. Girlfriend had the coq du Vin(sp??) And that was great too. Great music but if youre not into that kind of thing the restaurant is essentially split into two (hence the name of the place). Good vibe. Cool anesthetics. Good staff. Great food. Thumbs up.
ME
Melissa Brown
The team has put together a wonderful experience for their patrons. The food is inventive and excellent, the service thoughtful and really good and the ambiance perfect for a lovely evening. They have transitioned from the always excellent Flora into a new and exciting Bistro. Bravo guys!
GR
Gregory Curtis
A wonderful night at a gourmet restaurant...Sometimes rich, sometimes subtle, but relentlessly delicious...Okay, enough about the music......(provided by singer, Will McMillan, and pianist, Joe Reid.) The food was great, too!
PA
Paolo Piselli
Great food, great cocktails, great service, and on the right nights great music! The menu is brief but of high quality. Even if you choose the "safe" poultry dish you will be rewarded with complex flavor!
SA
Sally Buta
Second dinner was even better than first! The mushroom ragout and the duck frisee were amazing the second time around. Everything was wonderful, including the food, service, and drinks.
CO
colin bonfield
Stopped in for dollar oysters and a couple appetizers, will definitely come back for a full dinner. Everything was great. Live music, great food, top service.
RO
ron brennan
An outstanding dinner and dining experience. The team at BD truly define the word team and quality ! We look forward to our next Evening!
LE
Leigh Thumith
The food is amazing! A beautiful restaurant with great atmosphere. The coq au vin was the most delicious thing I have ever eaten.
