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    Recommended Reviews - Amar

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    Brooke C.

    I had a nice diner here! I loved the ambiance in particular. The drinks were all very delicious and the food was solid. The duck was the standout dish for me. Focaccia and asparagus were good but nothing crazy. Great service here

    Halibut
    Jennifer R.

    I made a reservation to celebrate my partner's birthday. Upon arrival everything was great and the staff did a good job acknowledging the occasion. The host was very friendly and we were sat very quickly. We decided to go with the chef choice which was a small bite with 3 course meals. I got the vegetarian version and my partner the regular one. I thought it was a unique touch since we didn't know what we were going to eat. Overall all of the meals were quite tasty, felt fresh and warm. Where the experience felt short was the wait time in between meals. It took roughly 20-35mins which just killed the over all experience. Another thing, our server didn't check in often during those long waits to see if we needed drinks or anything else. The food was good, but the experience not so much. In terms of the ambiance, it felt very cozy and intimate because of the lights, beautiful view and it's also a small space. I asked if it's typical for long waits times and she mentioned because its a curated special option from the chef it usually takes a bit longer, but the response didn't feel authentic considering that we were getting served items that were on the menu, just in a smaller portion.

    Lobster rice entree (good to split)
    Chirag M.

    Came here to say with my wife to celebrate my birthday. The views are great, the ambience is classy and upscale and the service is great. The cocktails were a bit underwhelming for a restaurant with a somewhat limited food menu. The menu does keep changing - we saw a bunch of dishes on the menu online, but those had changed when we dined. The food is pricey but spectacular. We loved the uni toast, the salmon crudo and the lobster rice entree. The lobster entree is pricey at $75 but the amount of lobster was very generous. Perfect to split between 2. We spent a little over $350 for the 2 of us (with 2 cocktails each) so certainly not cheap, but good for a celebratory occasion. I'll likely be back :)

    Croquetas and uni toast
    Cali O.

    Sigh. The service was great. The food was decent. But for a restaurant inside of the raffles hotel, my expectations were pretty high and unfortunately reality fell short. The standout dish we tried was the uni toast. The restaurant and the hotel were stunning, but the flavors of our entrees fell flat. I wanted to love everything but the dishes weren't complex. They weren't memorable. And due to the price and location, I have no desire to return. Sadly.

    sour dough bread
    Winni Z.

    This was a fantastic dining experience. The servers were attentive and friendly. The vibes were formal and private. The food was thoughtfully prepared and each dish had its own unique blend of flavors and texture. A few highlights: the bluefin tuna was refreshing and fun. The rice was pillowy and soft; the duck had the perfect texture, and it had a deep rich flavor. The desserts were also not too sweet. Would definitely recommend dining at Amar.

    Afternoon tea anyone?
    Ted K.

    Went for afternoon tea. Lovely view on the 17th floor of the Raffles Hotel. Had the Silver needle Tea which was delicately but lovely. Also had the Lallier champagne because that's how I do. The scones were phenomenal. The gaviota strawberry entrement was my favorite dessert and the smoked salmon rosette my favorite savory. The service was attentive but not overbearing. Had a lovely time

    Bouillabase
    Umama Q.

    Upscale Mediterranean inspired restaurant that didn't disappoint! The Bouille base was phenomenal with a lot of seafood in it. My husband ordered the duck which was okay. 5 stars for the martini cart as it added to the upscale experience.

    Sunset from amar dining room
    Clark C.

    Amazing place... the setting, the view, the food, the service. Located on the 17th floor of the new Raffles building (between Hancock tower and Back Bay train station), the restaurant has amazing views of Back Bay, South End, Charles River and Cambridge. The service is warm and attentive. The food is superb. They call it Portuguese but it's really just excellent contemporary dishes based on core proteins like lamb, lobster, halibut, beef and some excellent vegetarian dishes. Yes, it is expensive ($20-$30 apps; $40-$50 entrees; $20 cocktails). Don't go if you can't handle the cost. It is excellent but the place is run by humans so don't expect perfection. There are hiccups but they handle them smoothly. Fantastic place. Any of the negative reviews are from people who had bad luck or very unrealistic expectations.

    Holly K.

    New Portuguese fusion restaurant inside the Raffles hotel, on the 17th floor. Ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful- it's clean, modern, and fancy. The space feels big (despite minimal tables), and the floor to ceiling windows give you a great view of the city. Service was friendly and welcoming, gave us great recommendations, and made us laugh several times. Service was the best part of this restaurant, 10/10. I did the Chef's tasting menu ($175), along with the wine pairing. I felt none of the 5 items "wowed" me. The chef used very traditional ingredients from Portugal, very CHEAP ingredients, that he definitely elevated; but at the end of the day, I didn't feel the meal was worth the price. Portion sizes were small, seasonings were lacking, and some of the textures and/or ingredients just felt off. Again though, the service with dinner was again phenomenal- keeping the table clean and switching out utensils between each course. We went during Christmastime too, so the restaurant, as well as the hotel, were beautifully decorated!! Everything felt very festive. The experience itself was nice (despite the food being overpriced and small portions), we enjoyed going to the Long Bar after, and the new speakeasy is finally open upstairs. Not sure why or how it took SO long to get a reservation.

    Pastel de nata
    Monica L.

    This place is gorgeous!! It has a rly nice view of the prudential and the vibes inside are so fancy! The service is also so crazy, they wipe the table for you, clear utensils and plates in between every dish and refill water often. I said thank u so many times haha. For the food: The bread - it was actually so filling. The butter was so creamy, the olive oil was a nice cut against the savory flavors, and the salt felt tangier than usual salt. The bread itself was so soft inside and warm and yummy! It was a bit salty too. Despite the saltiness, this was prob the most fun and tastiest part of the meal for me! The octopus - it came with some rly yummy greens and vinegar-y firm beans. I actually rly liked both of those. The octopus itself wasn't as tender as expected, it was a bit rubbery chewy but still tasty. Also very savory dish Arroz con mariscos - like a soupy rice w seafood in it! It was very flavorful and the seafood was fresh and tender. There were plenty of mussels, clams, and shrimp - as well as one lobster claw. All the seafood tasted high quality and juicy! Finally pastel de nata - Portuguese egg tarts, disappointed that they didn't come out warm haha but they had nice chewy crust, w a really milky creamy rich egg filling. The filling was very sweet but balanced by a sprinkle of salt from the crust. Very nice dessert Takeaway - a beautiful place to dine for a special occasion! The food isn't super impressive in taste (in plating it's beautiful tho) but maybe we ordered wrong. And also for the experience and the vibes maybe worth a shot to try it out!

    Melanie W.

    Why is it hard to get a reservation? I made a reservation 30 days in advance on Thursday at 5:30 when they had just opened. By the time we finished dinner after 7 pm, there were still tables empty. We ordered: Uni toast (It is better to use California uni than Maine uni; it is sweeter and has a creamy taste) Scallop (it replaced the Portuguese carabinero shrimp; I was a little disappointed) Maitake mushrooms (it was a little salty, adding the kombu broth) Shellfish custard (it is better to eat it without the broth; it makes the custard too watery) Arroz De mariscos (similar to risottos but too broth in it) Pao de lo (sponge cake was soft and fluffy, not too sweet; their sorbet with honey taste) - recommend Pasties de nata (custard tart with cinnamon added on top; I wish it served hot or warm; not too sweet) - recommend The services are excellent, and I highly recommend their desserts.

    Pole bean salad w/ sweet corn and peaches
    Tony U.

    Why I'll go back: One of the best service experiences I've had in Boston...ever You HAVE to order: the warm pole bean salad with peaches and sweet corn Tony's Tip: across the 17th floor lobby is the elegant Long Bar and Terrace. Arrive a half hour early (walk-in seating only) and enjoy a cocktail before dinner I have to admit I was not familiar with the venerable Raffles hotel brand, which dates back to the 19th century. It's having a bit of a renaissance, with recently opened locations in London and Boston. Convenient for us, as we live about a 20-minute walk from the Boston Back Bay location. On the advice of friends, we booked dinner for four at Amar, the new Portuguese-influenced restaurant from Michelin-star chef George Mendes (NY-based Aldea, also Portuguese cuisine). It did not disappoint. From the moment you enter the hotel, you are warmly greeted and then made to feel like someone special, even if you're there to just literally poke around. As the elevator opens after a quick trip to the 17th floor, another welcome awaits, followed by sensory overload as you exit into full view of the elegant winding staircase, a tranquil reading room to its left, and the swanky Long Bar, which has an outdoor lounge area with expansive views of the South End and beyond. It's worth arriving early to start your evening there. As for Amar, it is an intimate space, even with the high ceilings and large windows. About twenty tables, many with partial booth seating, were artistically situated throughout the dining room, and they accommodated various party sizes. The noise level is modest (thank you high ceilings) and spacing between tables provides plenty of privacy. Our service from beginning to end was nothing short of spectacular. The greeting, drink orders and turnaround, detailed walk-through of the menu, wine suggestions, spacing of courses, and idle chit-chat in between - all spot on and enhancing the meal at every turn. Speaking of which, the dishes themselves were absolutely delicious! Starters at our table were varied: carabinero shrimp, warm pole bean and sweet corn salad with peaches, salt cod croquettes. All were rich in flavor and reasonable in portion size. Two of us had the duck (accompanied by risotto mixed with braised duck leg and chorizo) while lobster and monkfish with littleneck clams rounded out the entrees. None of us could find fault with any of the mains, and this includes the prices, which I thought were refreshingly reasonable, especially after the sticker shock I've experienced elsewhere in my travels this year. My wife noted that it is very easy to screw up fish by overcooking it. At Amar, everything hit the mark. With bread to start and 1-2 drinks each, we got out of there for about $220 a couple, including tip. You'll be hard-pressed to experience a more affordable meal from a legit Michelin-star chef anywhere in the U.S. We will absolutely be back, and I'll take my own advice by arriving early enough to get the evening started right with a drink across the lobby.

    Rosemary S.

    Decor was gorgeous and the staff was exceptional. They checked up on us a lot, were very professional but also warm and friendly. Dirty martini and Pao cocktail were delicious. However for the price, the food was also just ok. The sourdough bread was probably the best thing we got. The sea bass was just ok, as was the bluefin tuna. For an upscale place with high prices for small portions, I expected a much more flavorful and complex dish. The asparagus was also quite bland. Again, the ambiance was excellent and the staff definitely improved the experience but overall the food was disappointing and not worth the price.

    Uni toast and mushrooms

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    The atmosphere was amazing. View 10/10. Food was magnificent. Service was perfect. Desert was a cherry on top!!! Recommended!!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Amar

    Does the restaurant have a bar that will serve small bites as well?

    The restaurant does not have a separate bar serving food. However, the Long Bar and Terrace does offer a bar with food service, located on the 17th floor of the hotel.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Barcelona Wine Bar South End

    Barcelona Wine Bar South End

    4.4
    (1.7k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    My 5 friends and I made reservations for brunch after attending Oedipus El Rey at the Calderwood…read morePavillion Theater next door! We were starving after having a wonderful experience at the play. At the restaurant, our host person explained the menu and answered our questions We ordered tuna, octopus, chicken thighs,beets, asparagus, hummus and other tapas to share. Excellent food, drinks, atmosphere and our waitperson... We will go back!!

    Barcelona Wine Bar brings the atmosphere of a lively Spanish tapas bar to Boston with a menu built…read morearound shareable small plates, paellas, charcuterie, and an extensive wine selection. We walked into a warm, energetic space with dim lighting, an open dining room, and a constant buzz that makes it a great choice for a night out with friends or a date. The restaurant has a vibrant, social energy that encourages sharing and exploration, and the open layout adds to the sense of activity without feeling chaotic. Rather than ordering individual entrées, the experience is centered around sharing a variety of dishes, making each visit feel a little different depending on what you choose. The tapas are the highlight of the menu, with plenty of options that encourage trying a little bit of everything. The bacon-wrapped dates are one of the signature dishes, balancing sweet and savory flavors, while the patatas bravas, croquettes, and charcuterie boards are reliable choices to start the meal. If you are looking for something more substantial, the seafood paella and squid ink pasta stand out as excellent main dishes, offering rich flavors and generous portions that are easy to split between two or more people. The olive oil cake is also worth saving room for if you want to end the meal with dessert, and the overall progression of the meal works well with the tapas format. The drink menu is just as impressive as the food. Wine is the main focus, with an extensive list featuring Spanish and international selections, but the sangria and cocktails are equally popular. It is the kind of place where you can easily spend a couple of hours sharing plates while working your way through a few different drinks, and the beverage program is thoughtfully curated to match the style of the food. Service is one of the restaurant's strongest points. The staff are knowledgeable about both the menu and wine list, and dishes arrive steadily throughout the meal instead of all at once, creating a relaxed dining pace. The pacing allowed us to enjoy each dish without feeling rushed, and the team checked in at the right moments without hovering. The restaurant is consistently busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are highly recommended. Even with a reservation, there can occasionally be a short wait, and the lively atmosphere means the dining room can get quite loud during peak hours. The energy of the room is part of what makes the experience work, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are looking for a quieter dinner. Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the best places in Boston for Spanish-inspired tapas and wine. The combination of flavorful shareable dishes, a well-curated drink menu, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere makes it an easy choice for group dinners, celebrations, or date nights. It offers a meal that feels both communal and polished, with a setting that encourages slowing down and enjoying the evening. Just be prepared for the energetic environment and plan ahead if you are visiting during the busiest times.

    Photos
    Barcelona Wine Bar South End
    Chorizo with Sweet and Sour Figs
    Chorizo with Sweet and Sour Figs
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    Pulpo a la Parrilla
    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    Haley Henry Wine Bar

    4.3
    (248 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Haley Henry Wine Bar is a solid spot for a relaxed but elevated wine night. I went on a Wednesday…read moreevening without a reservation and had no problem getting seated right away for a table of two, which was a great start. The wine selection is excellent and thoughtfully curated -- whites, reds, bubbles, orange wines, and more, so there's truly something for every palate. My friend and I both ordered a red, and it was absolutely perfect. Our server was super friendly and attentive, and she even offered a few samples so we could try before committing to a full glass, which we really appreciated. For food, we shared the hot dog with fried oysters to pair with the wine, and it was surprisingly delicious and a fun, elevated bar bite. Overall, the experience was fantastic -- great wine, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Pricing is definitely on the higher end, with wine glasses around $20 and the hot dog at $14, but the quality and experience justify it. I'd absolutely come back for another wine night.

    I've been a loyal fan of haley.henry for years and have recommended this spot to countless friends,…read moreso I was really excited to finally bring a new coworker here. Unfortunately, this most recent visit didn't live up to the high standards I've come to expect. While a few dishes hit the mark, the majority of our order was a letdown: Tinned Octopus: Surprisingly chewy and lacked seasoning. Mushroom Toast: The texture was rubbery, and the flavor was completely drowned out by an aggressive amount of balsamic. Beets: Had a very overwhelming cumin flavor that threw the dish out of balance. Roast Beef Slider: Served cold and felt a bit uninspired. It's such a cute, intimate space, and I've had so many wonderful nights here in the past, but the execution was just off this time around. I'm hoping it was just an off night, but it was definitely disappointing given how much I usually love this place!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Cheese & charcuterie - the pistachio butter is unreal
    Cheese & charcuterie - the pistachio butter is unreal
    Cheese & Charcuterie - such a perfect small bite!

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    Cheese & Charcuterie - such a perfect small bite!
    Grill 23 & Bar

    Grill 23 & Bar

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$$

    We have been frequenting Grill 23 for 10 years. We often come to commemorate special occasions,…read morelike birthdays or anniversaries. Given this, in previous years, these moments were celebrated by the restaurant. Unfortunately, this was not the case tonight. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary and there was no acknowledgement of said celebration in any way. It felt really disappointing, as we have patroned this restaurant for years, and were really looking forward to this evening as new parents who do not get to have these moments out as much. It truly left a sour taste in our mouths.

    Finally tried out this Boston steakhouse staple. Steak and service were very good. The 100 day dry…read moreaged prime ribeye had great flavor and the dry aged prime new york had a nice texture. Both were served with a bit of greens and french onions to balance the rich beef. The foie gras was a good starter, kind of like a French onion soup with seared foie on top. They definitely seem to apply their French onion flavors in a couple places. Sides left a bit to be desired, the peas and mushrooms were a miss (overcooked) and while the sweet potato looked impressive the pork belly was dry. Cocktails were on the sweeter side, so wine is probably the better play. Ambiance is traditional Boston vibes and quite lively given the Back Bay location. Overall, solid steak and service, but I'm not sure I understand the hype for the price.

    Photos
    Stairs
    Stairs
    Bread pudding
    Bread pudding
    Martini espresso's are amazing!!

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    Martini espresso's are amazing!!

    Amar - portuguese - Updated July 2026

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