I'm a huge fan of Sweet Basil. But Juniper is very different. And that's fine, but I don't think Juniper has yet hit its stride. I would summarize by saying it's an excellent place to go get some appetizers or small plates and a drink, but not necessarily for a full-blown dinner. Went last night with two other couples. The front room/bar area is nice. The patio is also nice but obviously not open in Fall/Winter. The back room still feels like the old Vidalia. I can still envision the old tv on the wall and hear the sound of kids crying and their parents moaning. Juniper could have done much more to decorate this room and exorcise the Vidalia demons. Random pics on the wall, bad sconces, weird paint color, etc. The room needs a re-do. The service was slow. They don't have enough wait staff working the room. They need more - or bigger - coat racks. The food was ok. Not awesome. But reasonably priced for a place like this in Wellesley. We had several main courses: pork tenderloin. steak and the swordfish. The steaks were cooked perfectly in the middle but the outside was charred and almost bitter. I think we were all satisfied but not blown away by the meal. Again, as compared to Sweet Basil, for me, it was a bit of a letdown. It is nice to now finally have more options in town. Juniper is a nice option and I think with some tweaks here and there, this could end up being a great place. One small suggestion that I would make would be to bring a couple of Sweet Basil's more popular dishes to Juniper. read more

Inspired Mediterranean Cuisine Juniper is located in Wellesley Center right on Central St. It is easy to get to from the city and suburbs by car. They have plenty of nearby street parking. The ambiance of the restaurant is dark and classy. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Our server was knowledgeable and prompt. We started with the fava bean dip which was fantastic. A blend of garlic, tahini, and fava it had a smooth but grainy texture and a great taste. It was served with warm pita slices. My wife had the beet salad which was delicious. She was especially excited about the filo dough-wrapped goat cheese. I had the lamb tartare which was outstanding. The tartare came with a generous portion of finely diced and marinated lamb, farro salad, and pita. For our meals, I had the seafood couscous which tasted a bit too salty and perhaps just slightly too spicy (coming from the lamb sausage). The octopus was excellent as were the mussels. The problem was that the swordfish was completely raw. I sent it back and it returned almost fully cooked. I did not send it back again. This dish was just off to me. I wouldn't recommend it nor would I order it again. My wife's chicken tagine was amazing and probably among the top ones I have had. The sauce was sweet and savory and the chicken falling off the bone. Based on my experience, I would say Juniper is hit-or-miss with many more hits than misses. We did not try the desserts because we were so full. The portions are excellent and the value good. I will come back and avoid the seafood couscous. I have a feeling I will be updating this to a 5 star review soon. read more

Hadn't been to this location since it was Vidalias years ago. Was very excited to see a menu full of middle-eastern influences and creative combinations. The inclusions of wines from Israel and Lebanon made it clear that it wasn't just a motif. It was a legit culinary POV. My wife and I shared a trio of their hummus/dips (Red Pepper + Pecan, Butternut Squash, and Potato+Almond). It would've been enough for six, each attractive hummus variation sharing a long oval platter, accompanied by fresh and addictive flatbread anointed with olive oil and herbs. Then moved on to the seafood couscous, which featured a solid portion of swordfish surrounded by two half-foot-long octopus tentacles (perfectly firm without an ounce of chewiness) and a dozen mussels, all in a sweet-yet-briny broth. As good as it was, after tasting my wife's Chicken Tagine, I was jealous. Hers was a perfect winter-weather dish. Service was friendly, casual, confident and full of extras. Everyone seemed to take a turn making sure we were happy with our meals. The space is a shade tight, but the staff makes sure it feels more cozy than crowded. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could, and intend to head back next time I'm looking for a delicious yet casual Metrowest meal that breaks from the expected. read more

This is not a real Mediterranean restaurant. The food is average and the prices are ok. I come from the Middle East and the food is great there. This restaurant need to revisit it's dishes and rebuild it, it's just not good enough! Kataif cake can't just be a tasteless filling coated with dark chocolate with a thin base of kataif. The risotto is just to heavy with tons of cinnamon, the salmon is just a standard grilled salmon like you can have at any American restaurant. Where's the fabulous Mediterranean flavor?! I guess not there yet ..... read more

Every single thing I ate was phenomenal. Good variety of vegetarian options that were flavorful and hearty enough to satisfy my meat eating boyfriend. If you have to choose just one dip, I would go for muhammara (that fresh pita is TO DIE FOR). We had a dip and three small plates and it was enough to make us totally stuffed! read more

When we got to the restaurant we were seated in a comfortable and cozy booth. Within minutes we were greeted by the owner who stopped to talk to us, shared his excitement in us being there, and then brought us over a delicious hummus plate to try. Everything we had was fresh, on time, portioned well, and delicious. The heat felt like it was on the highest setting, but that will not be a deterrent for going back. Great place to eat! read more

This is a very cool place. Shame on me working in Wellesley over 5 years and just going. I had the chopped salad w shrimp skewers. Pretty good. But it was more like a Caesar salad for sure. Dear Kitchen. You have to clean the shrimp. If you can't then buy them cleaned. Everyone's meals looked fantastic. It is pricey but the portions are more than fair. read more

When we couldn't find the Diner in Wellesley (it closed), we went into the restaurant of which we were standing in front. We very much enjoyed our early afternoon/late lunch meal at Juniper. I had been in the mood for Greek food, and the Mediterranian/Near Eastern menu fit the bill. My wife was ecstatic over the fish stew. My falafel wrap has since provide me with two more meals. The falaffel was nice and crisp and the pickled onions delightful. I found the rest of its ingredients and the appetizers to be somewhat bland. We were easily able to find un-spicey appetizers and entrees. But the service was outstanding. Our waitress offered advice and cautions about the menu. Seeing that we were and elderly couple with modest appetites, she warned us about over-ordering. I was on a cane that day with foot problems, and THE WAITRESS WAITED OUTSIDE OF THE REST ROOM SO THAT SHE COULD HELP ME WITH THE DOOR WHEN I FINISHED! We only go Wellesley yearly, but we intend to return. read more

I recommend this place for a light and delicious lunch the kale was so yummy. We also ate the chicken skewers. I think you'll be pleased if you eat her. read more

Delicious! Love the menu. Vegetarian, lamb... Desert with dates was amazing. Nice outdoor patio out front.

Top notch. I loved everything I ordered here. I had the chopped salad with shrimp. My friend had the coconut curry soup. Flavorful and fresh. Also, the desserts are amazing - we tried the date cake and cardamom budino. Can't wait to go back. read more

Love this place. It has it all. Good ambience and great food. I love the short ribs and get it every time. Melted Monchego app is good too.

Has to be my favorite restaurant in Wellesley! It's on the pricier side but the servings are so huge that you need to split them with someone or do family style. The dips for appetizers are all great, but the combination of the matbucha (roasted tomato & pepper) and the baba ghanouj (bacon & rosemary) being my favorites. The Schnitzel is my absolute favorite dish! Comes with superb cherry tomatoes and chips, with just the right spice and crisp. Breading on the schnitzel is so crispy and thin enough! The wild rice is a great side too. I still need to try the short ribs, lamb Bolognese (which I hear is really good) and tagine. The seared manchego was so great too!! read more

good place，nice waitress，biggggg plates，fair price. We tried chicken wrap, today soup and pepper pecan dips of lunch menu. I love it! read more

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My friend and I came here for lunch on a Monday and this place was surprisingly packed! After tasting their food however, I wasn't surprised. I had their lamb burger with the house made potato roll substituted for their Bourbon biscuit. My friend had their buttermilk chicken sandwich, which the server told us was a new addition. We also had the baba ghanouj as a dip at the beginning of the meal. Our server was so nice, accommodating and attentive and gave us both the regular pita bread and the crunchy pita (the latter being the one I would highly recommend) upon our request. Let me just say, if you come to lunch at Juniper without an appetite, then be prepared to take home your food in a box because their portions are absolutely MASSIVE. My friend and I looked at each other and back to our plates when they were placed onto the table because we just didn't know where to start. We both ended up splitting our orders in half and bringing the other halves home as we couldn't finish them, even with our gloriously empty stomachs. The lamb was cooked deliciously medium rare, with the sumac mayo being a great complement to the meat. The Bourbon biscuit was surprisingly a delicious mix with the lamb, and their house made pickles were awesome (and I'm a pickle lover / self-proclaimed connoisseur). My burger also came with a side of potato chips and farro tabouli, with the tabouli nice and fresh. My friend loved her buttermilk chicken with it being a hilariously large size. Overall, highly recommend eating at Juniper for their amazing service, large portions, and delicious food. read more

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Our first time at Juniper exceeded our expectations. We've never been to Sweet Basil (just not that interested), so I was anxious about this. The food was excellent and well presented. Grilled rib eye was perfectly prepared and very, very tastey. Gluten Free "nan" was disappointing to Dave Becker (owner, chef) who stopped by to chat at length, but my wife and I enjoyed it tremendously. Sally had the vegatarian dish (a veg ragu w/couscous) which was rich in color and flavor. While we enjoyed a cozy, snowy Sunday supper the interior, particularly in the dining room, leaves something to be desired. It was definitely done on the cheap and cheerful, and already feels a bit dated and tired. However, we were there for the food and it was excellent.... we'll be back a lot! Congrats Dave on your new venture. It's a nice addition to the otherwise staid Wellesley dining scene. read more

Just ate a flawless lunch at this lovely neo-Mediterranean bistro. The hummus had a twist-ginger and cranberry. My wife had an excellent seafood stew with mussels, shrimp, and octopus-all very fresh. Daughter had the falafel wrap with quinoa and vegetables. My braised chicken with Israeli cous cous was delicious. The service was perfect. The spacious back parlour had some nice music playing in the background. The decor was relaxation inducing. read more

Had dinner there last Friday night. 2nd time back - Enjoyed the drinks & food. The lamb bolognese sauce had the lovely flavors only derived from being simmered for a long time. The dollop of yogurt added to the top of the dish upon serving was a excellent & delicious touch, complimenting the bolognese sauce. The seafood couscous dish was also well-prepared. The mussels were cooked perfectly & not overdone to a chewy consistency. The octopus arm was tender, BUT beware ( if squimish...) the octopus arm component of the dish is probably 5" - 6" long! We would definitely go back again! read more

Juniper is an inspiring restaurant. The food here is as good as it is inventive. Come here to eat well. Come here to explore new flavors. The service is funky- in a good way. They work hard, and they're warm, but their hospitality is all their own. One of the best restaurants in the Boston area. read more

Dined at Juniper for the first time last week. The food was good, tasty and well prepared. We had the chicken tagine with couscous. The patio was full when we arrived so we sat inside. Our server, Max, was a true delight. He was personable and pleasant, making the dining experience lovely. The only odd part was the music selection. It was a tad loud and a random selection, playing rat pack numbers and 80's hits. We were served a tasting of the houmous spread and the fig/date desert on the house. Definitely get both. They were light and well seasoned. The cinnamon whip cream on the date desert was just enough to complement the cake. All in all a nice evening and a delicious dinner. We definitely will be back. read more

Three friends and I went here for my birthday. We had a 30 minute wait on a Saturday night, as they don't take reservations. I was surprised to see how roomy the space in the back was. It's loud and hard to hear your friends talk, but a very warm enviornment. We each got different dishes and they were all wonderfully seasoned and delicious. I highly recommend this spot. read more

This restaurant is a gem. It's definitely one of the best in the area. I'm giving it five stars because the food, cocktails, and service were all excellent and my experience has been consistently great every time I've dined here. I recommend the octopus, falafel, lentil miso soup, chicken tagine, and lamb ribs! Those are my favorites but honestly any dish wont disappoint. The staff are super friendly, knowledgeable and attentive and the bartenders are really talented. The cocktails are creative and made really well! We will be dining here again. read more

Yum! The food was great with lots of vegetarian options. Everything was tasty with different flavors. I had the octupus and mussels. The salad (jicama) served with the octopus was excellent and has new flavors mixed together. Service was excellent. You can also get a bunch of dips for pita that are great and the drinks are delicious (cocktails). There is one called the thistle someone that is amazing. read more

One of our favorite restaurants in Metro West. The food is unique and delicious...especially the schnitzel. We usually sit at the bar and the bar tenders are very friendly and helpful. Always a great experience. Always leave with leftovers. Highly recommend. read more

I've been looking forward to trying Juniper for a while, as I love Sweet Basil. I was both impressed and disappointed: the dips are amazing for sure - especially try the potato almond and roasted tomato pepper. Delicious. My main meal, however, was really mediocre. I had the seafood couscous - the octopus and mussels were really overcooked, and the saffron broth bland. Swordfish was ok in the dish, but the Israeli couscous was also overcooked and starchy in the broth. The lamb sausage - minuscule at best. Service was fair, disinterested. Music loud in the bar - and strange? Michael Jackson just didn't fit with the ambience. I'd try it again though - maybe it was an off night in the kitchen? read more

I just had the BEST lunch and cocktails ever!!!! In Wellesley, MA right before my hair appointment. That was the best way to go in. Xoxoxo Stacey Wheeler read more

This place is gross, the management is lousy and the service is poor. There was only one laudable person working there and he did desserts (but I haven't seen him working at Juniper in awhile-smart to leave)...not worth the money, time or effort. HOWEVER the decorations were middling yet coherent with the Mediterranean theme read more

You should definitely come here. Eat the delicious muhummara, fatoush, schnitzel, and drink the Harvey Wallmarker! (In the pic.) If the sly boots is on the drinks menu order only that. They have good kombucha-ish cocktails too. read more

Juniper - The famous Harvey Wallmarker! - Bars Near Me - Wellesley, Massachusetts

My fiancé and I went to Juniper about a month ago and still remember it! Key takeaways from our order: Mussels were delicious- extremely flavorful and the broth was not too salty (which is in my opinion a common issue. Babaganoush dip- a good call if you are hungry when you arrive, but be wary its muy good to the point where you'll fill yourself up! Slow-cooked lamb ribs - were curry flavored, which was not all that expected, and were done well since they fell off the bone and had a great potato salad that went along with it. Overall, the portions were larger than expected for a tapas joint which makes the pricepoint appropriate ~ 60-70 for dinner and drinks for two. We'll be back to try everything else! read more

Pricy but absolutely delicious and huge portions. I had lamb bolognese, pita + muhammara dip, chicken skewer, and the date cake. Not s wrong note anywhere. The service was efficient and friendly. This isn't a place I frequently visit as it's expensive, but it's perfect for a treat. read more

Went back after nearly 2 years. Love their booths. Can relax in a hip & noisy atmosphere. Good service. But the food had gone from good to mediocre. The pita that came with the sides was just terrible. The lamb had ketchup on top. Come on Wellesley! You have money, but settle for mediocre stuff just because it is a hip place. 4 people, 4 drinks, 4 mezzes and no main courses - $200. In summary, it's hip, crowded, nice people, expensive, over-rated & mediocre food. read more

Excellent food! Love the ambiance, and the drinks are amazing! Great for vegetarians as well.

We are repeating customers, my spouse and I had a fantastic time for our anniversary! The lamb bolognese was great as always and our waitress, Ayla was wonderful and gave the best suggestion for the limeade as drinks and muhummara dip for appetizers. Just the best! read more

Stopped by at Juniper around 5pm today for drinks and appetizers after work. Ordered the muhummara dip which came with a large amount of delicious warm bits of pita - off to a good start! Next we ordered the chicken shish taouk mezze, 4 skewers came out looking delicious! I put a skewer in my plate and noticed that it was hard to cut the chicken. Once I bit it, I know why! It was tough and definitely overdone. I tried another piece from my skewer but it was the same. When the server came over, I mentioned that the chicken seemed overdone. She offered to have a new order made and took the plate with the two skewers in it. The pieces from our skewers lay mostly untouched in our plates, though my companion had a couple. The manager came over & apologized and said he would send over some tzaziki with the chicken. Nice gesture. About 15 minutes later, the new order came out with no tzaziki and TWO skewers! I have never heard of a restaurant replacing half an order of a dish that was not cooked right! This is a well reputed restaurant, not cheap by any means! Anyway, it's not like I wanted any more, just found it bizarre! Given that the chicken was not great anyway, will probably not be going back. Though it was nice to sit outside on a beautiful day in their small outdoor area! read more

Food is great. Service is good. Ambiance is ok, you can see some parts of the ceiling covered with plastic. This is not a baby friendly restaurant. No high chairs! If you have kids older than 4 then you are good. We went with a 16 month old and he was made to sit on our laps even though we had a reservation for 3. Food Perhaps one of the best food in the metrowest area. Great drinks, the muhamarra dip is to die for. We had the shish tauk which was awesome, you get the sandwich version too of this for lunch. The Fatoush salad and the quinoa falafel were good too. Ample parking spots on the streets! read more

It's a cool place, great location. But the menu items are a bit unusual and have very unique flavors. Wish they switched up the menu a bit more and offered a little bit of a different variety but still staying in line with their cuisine. read more

WOW!! Such an incredibly friendly staff, so much flavor, such fresh and delicious ingredients in one restaurant! I order the salmon special and the tasting dips with pita bread. You can try any of these six options: Skordalia, Muhummara, Baba Ghanouj, Hummus, Matbucha or Tzatziki as a dip & they are all fantastic! I highly recommend dining at Juniper : ) read more

5/5 for service! 5/5 for the Gobi Manchurian, Falafal and Sheesh Kabab 3/5 for the Schnitzel. Will definitely return! The staff REALLY are wonderful and it makes such a HUGE difference. read more

I generally don't like Mediterranean food but I liked the food at this restaurant. I am so glad that I went because this restaurant gave me a new impression about the food. Highly recommended. read more

This is a great restaurant. I don't give many 5-stars, but I do think this will qualify for a 5-star rating. The location is nice for the burbs, parking is easy. We walked in and got a seat easily which is nice! That doesn't happen in the city. The price isn't too bad either, 20-30 for each dish is expected for a place like this. We got a few different drinks, they have a nice beer selection. We shared the baba dip, hummus and tziki (spelling wrong) with pita. The pita is great. We got the charred octopus which is also awesome, and doesn't have the standard chewy feel. For dishes, we got the tuna special, rib eye and the seafood couscous. Everything was really good, especially the tuna. One of the better dishes I have had, hence the 5 stars. I will be going back! read more