Bistro 5
| Address: | 5 Playstead Rd, Medford, MA 02155, USA |
| Phone: | +1 781-395-7464 |
| Site: | bistro5.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | Closed 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 33
JA
James Ferguson
No complaints at all about anything except ... well ... the food. It was even well prepared, but not good, enjoyable cuisine. Perhaps its a laudible minimalist style to let the natural flavors show through, but it didnt even succeed there for me. Some of the food was adequate (at this price point), but the low point for me was the wild boar "free form lasagna". My alternate menu description would be: "ground meat, pasta, broccoli rabe boiled in light stock, heavily salted, with ricotta salata". There was little flavor other than salt. Im not a fan of wet boiled meat and veg, even with the novelty of wild boar. If you have fond memories of institutional food from childhood, perhaps youd love it. Ok thats unfair - the veg was not overcooked. Well prepared, like I said. Another good thing that the menu is quite original, with interesting ingredients. Sadly reading the menu raised my expectations and made the experience even more disappointing. I wanted to like it, and Id give it an enthusiastic 5 stars if I just ignored the actual experience of eating the food, which is what I came for. My baseline of comparison at this price range would be EVOO (Cambridge), where I frequently take a mouthful and then just sit back to delight in the interplay of flavors. Bistro 5 is another on the list which comes up short - though so much shorter than I expected.
CH
Charlene Clark
We arrived early for our reservation with the intent of having a drink at the bar first. Instead we were seated and told to just take our time with our drinks and ordering. Our waitress was very sweet and patient but still attentive. We were probably there for over two hours (we went for the full tasting menu) and we really enjoyed ourselves. The cocktails were creative and yummy, the beer list local and varied, and the food felt very fresh and original. (And I cannot recommend the duck appetizer enough!).
TO
Todd Sievel
Whether you are stopping in for a quick mid week meal at the bar, planning a special dinner, or planning on ordering their tasting menu (which changes every few weeks) you wont be disappointed. This continues to be my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. Pricing is very reasonable for what you are getting, but would happily pay more for the impeccable service, inviting atmosphere, and always perfect courses. Just typing this, Im starting to think when I will be there again.
HA
Harold Oshima
Ordered at 6:15, main course served 7:30. Salumi appetizer spare but flavorful, Foie gras mousse unrecognizable in taste or texture, sorbet unnecessary as there was no lingering flavors. Lamb special featured tasty rib chop and flavorless saddle. Carrot risotto very tasty but lacking any creaminess. Desserts in serious need of attention, as rhubarb corn-meal cake featured sour and gritty rather tart and crumbly. Wish I visited when food was 27.
CH
Chris Moore
Compared to other options at this price, flavors are bland and not interesting. In particular, the house made ricotta and corn did not taste of corn and the pumpkin risotto with scallops had no detectable pumpkin flavor. The rabbit pasta was good but I expect better and more consistent food at this price.
JI
Jim Morrison
Went there for the first time for the Burns 17 dinner and found the waitstaff very attentive and professional, the bartender was funny and very personable and the chef/owner was very nice and welcoming. Will definitely come back with my gf for burger night
DA
darren blanchard
Would never go back was in Saturday night 8/15/2015 , only had a beer bartender charged us $9 per beer, and rang it up as no sale, Figured he just put the cash in his pocket, because we saw him, and it was a terrible pour top inch of glass was foam.
OI
Oivind Brockmeier
Really wanted to like this place b/c its near me, but after a half dozen visits I have written this place off. Good food and service, but it doesnt live up to the price tag. Not even close. Kind of a joke how much they charge.
CH
Christina F
Went for Dine Out Boston a few weeks ago with a friend and it was excellent! The portions were a great size and the food was excellent. The atmosphere is really cozy, and the service was also excellent!
A
A Private User
For longer than I care to think I have run down to B-5 several times a year - usually at least once every Fiscal Quarter- and NEVER disappointed. What ELSE would you want to know? Go, already.
DA
Dave Boettcher
Excellent upscale restaurant in an unlikely location. It is awesome for people that live close by but I know many people that make trips from all over Boston to indulge at Bistro 5.
ST
Stephen Breecher
Delicious steak house. Go before youre hungry so you have a chance to lounge at the bar and get a drink. Great atmosphere, Delicious steaks, garlic mashed potatoes!
SC
Scott Graham
Love this place. The food is always excellent. All the servers are friendly and the bartender makes some really amazing and interesting cocktails.
A
A Private User
Never had a bad meal yet. LOVE it! Menu forever changes. Its the place to experience new foods and new flavors. Wonderful!
EL
Elizabeth Jose
Good place but too pricey! Went there for valentines and had a lovely experience, it was great. Service was awesome.
LA
Lauren Pespisa
Great atmosphere, romantic and classy. Classic, authentic Italian dishes with homemade pasta and fresh ingredients.
JA
James Norton
love this place - know everyone very well, have spent last three birthday dinners there. that says it all.
DA
Darren Carlton
One of my favorite restaurants. Excellent menu that changes with the season and excellent preparation.
CA
Catherine Vasquez
Really good Italian restaurant! the Gnocchi with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms was to die for!
RO
Ron Nigro
What can I say. Vittorio is the best. Always innovative and striving for excellence.
ME
Melvin Garry
one of my most favorite Italian places in the area. The lasagna is awesome!
A
A Private User
Ive been here multiple times and Ive always had good food and service.
MI
mike lynn
If youre looking to go on a date, this is the place you want to go!
DA
Dash Davis
Good slad
BE
Bellflower Foret
rabbit with truffles was very good but very pricey
AD
Adriana Gonzalez
Wonderful experience, my favorite restaurant
BR
brad wilson
Best tasting meatballs Ive ever had!
GI
gina smith
great restaurant, amazing food!
A
A Private User
Very good food. Pricy.
ST
Steve Prowten
Great local gem!
JO
Josh Nedelka
Excellent food.
CH
Christopher Fernandes
Im an employee
ST
Stewart Allen
Great food
