Save room for desert! We shared the chocolate souflee conconction and it was probably the best desert I've ever had. Ever. No really. The food, was fine, no complaints. And I actually kind of liked the airy, open decor. We sat in what might have been the function room, off to the side. The main area of the restaurant seemed a little chattery, but back where we were was just right. Location was easy to get to with loads of parking. There was more than one thing that I was interested in on the menu and I'd definitely go back to try some more of them. read more

Saturday night requires a reservation or call ahead seating. This place gets packed. The menu apparently has been re-done recently and unfortunately is now missing a very good entree called something like Ginger Scallop. Nevertheless, the other night we went to dinner at The Cottage with friends. Call ahead seating saved us from waiting an hour, we only had to wait 30 minutes for our table. The tuna sashimi nachos are very good. I had pork chops which were served with a maple sauce, roasted acorn squash and a hunk of whole kernel corn beard, nice comfortable food. Granola mahi mahi wasn't too nutty and a unique change from basic breading. The polenta with scallops was a very large portion. Desert menu not inspiring. A scoop of sorbet or something fruit filled a happy ending. read more

I worked in Natick for about 6 months, and visited the Cottage a few times. It was a fresh alternative to almost all of the food in Natick. Good portions, good flavor. The highlight for me was a duck and goat cheese dinner salad. Huge salad, and the duck was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Beer and wine list was good sized as well. I only sat at the bar, but the bartenders were friendly and food came out fast. If I ever end up in the area again, I'm coming back just for that salad. read more

Beautiful restaurant but otherwise overrated. Food is reliably so-so and major service hiccups at times. My wife and I have had some very poor experiences here. read more

I've been to The Cottage twice now; once a few months ago for dinner (very good) and more recently for brunch, which is what this review is based on. The ambiance at The Cottage says new, clean, hip, comfortable, city - not strip mall. Very nicely done atmosphere. Our waitperson, Jason, was very attentive and helpful without being in our faces. Jason has been told that he looks like the Jason from The Bachelor and we agree. Thanks Jason for a great brunch experience. And now to the food. I chose the stuffed french toast. It was without a doubt the most amazing french toast I've ever had. Usually french toast is either bready, or greasy, or both. This was so light it could've floated off the plate, yet had a rich flavor. The stuffing was strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese which made the flavor experience amazing. And a nice presentation to top it off. The others in my group had non-stuffed FT, and a couple of omelets; all of which got thumbs up. We had done a lot of research to find the perfect Sunday brunch location in the Boston area. Sure we could have gone into Boston for brunch but found the brunch at The Cottage to lack for nothing in regards to quality, atmosphere, service and value. OK, one thing, but it's not their fault. The Puritan town fathers of Wellesley have decreed that there shall be no alcohol served in their fine little town before noon on Sunday, so the mimosa was OJ only. If you can't deal with that go after noon for the whole brunch experience. We'll definitely go back soon for brunch; before or after noon. read more

The Cottage got a lot of hype when they first opened a while ago, and they're always pretty crowded when I go. However, I'd say the food is average or slightly above average at best. Don't get me wrong, some of the dishes are quite good, but nothing blew my mind. However, do try to go for Sunday Brunch, as the one time I went for that it was really good. I've had better brunches, but this one was up there. It's also a little bit pricey, but what else do you expect for a relatively nice restaurant in the heart of Wellesley? read more

This is one of my favorite lunch spots in the area! To start, the decor is very light and open. I love how it reminds me of the beach! The Cottage's appearance is second only to its food! They have delicious rolls, beautiful and tasty salad, and delicious sandwiches! And don't get me started on their desserts! The brownie sundae is to die for!!! Also, they have a fabulous brunch on Sundays! I wished they served their omelets and French toast every day. read more

I went to The Cottage tonight with some friends and I have to admit that I was a little nervous about the quality of the service after reading some Yelp reviews before heading over. Our waiter, Jeff, is what is getting The Cottage 5 stars, though. So management at The Cottage, if you're reading this, you owe him a prize or a great big pat on the back! He was entertaining, personable, attentive, and quick! We got our bread and water pretty shortly after sitting down, and our appetizers arrived (Nachos -- plain and the Ahi Tuna ones) within what seemed like 10 minutes of ordering them. It was quite impressive how quickly they came out -- and they were delicious. It's not like they came out quickly and were poorly done -- they came out quickly and were spot on! I also read on here that some people couldn't get water refills because their waiter would never come around. Not only did Jeff fill our waters several times, but other people filled them as well. I hate when I'm sitting at a restaurant longing for more water, and never was I left with that feeling at The Cottage! Overall, the food was good! We had crab cakes (yum), burger (yum), fish & chips (yum), mahi tacos (yum), salad with asparagus on it (not sure what it was -- but the plate was cleared, so yum!). They all came out at the same time, and the servers were quick to grab extra items requested by people at the table. The Cottage also has a very cute vibe to it. I really enjoyed the layout, decor, high ceilings and dark floors. Overall I'm a fan of the way it looked. On a related-ish note, I read lots of complaints about it being too loud -- but the place was full (reservations were needed on this Wednesday evening for a table for 5 at 8 PM), and we could easily converse with one another. If I lived closer to Wellesley, I would definitely check out The Cottage again...and I'd most likely request that Jeff be my waiter! A+ to him for being attentive and having an entertaining personality. read more

This was my first time here, and I'll try to keep it short and sweet Decor- very nice restaurant and well laid out. Simple, but classy. Decent spot for a date. Service- service was great. Everyone we interacted with was very polite and friendly Food- I ordered steak tips that came with parmesan potato steak fries. Over all, I wasn't really impressed with this meal. To start, it was a fairly small portion of steak for the price. Literally 6 small cuts of steak, and they weren't really that flavorful. Well cooked, and tender, but not much flavor. Fries were good, but they were just steak fries and didn't really have any parm on them. Could have used a vegetable. Overall- not a bad spot to come, but probably better places if you look around. I ordered a beer and the steak and my check was $35. I thought that was a lot for one person especially consider how little steak was on my plate. Probably wouldn't go back. read more

Ambiance, decor and vibe of the Cottage makes you feel as though you're sitting down to dinner in a friend's kitchen. Screams Wellesley. The Steve McQueen cocktail is a must try, and I could have eaten the organic arugula salad with basil vinaigrette all day. My aunt was visiting so I brought her here for dinner, and she was thrilled with her grilled sirloin salad. I ordered the Falafel Tacos on the waiter's recommendation and while I was pleased by the serving (3 good size tacos), I was disappointed in them. They were so dry that I had to choke them down. Do not recommend, as the waiter mentioned that this had been a trend with other customers that week. Graciously apologized and removed them from the bill. I'll still be back- everyone has a hiccup or two. Great experience otherwise! read more

I've been to The Cottage a few times for lunch and am dying to go back for dinner one of these days! The food is delicious and the service is great--I also love the ambiance, it's truly a great spot! read more

Nice moderately upscale option in metro west. Our party of ten was seated in a room with another ten top which gave us some privacy. We all admired the Cape and Islands style decor. Hits were eggplant fries starter, very spicy mole type sauce w/ salmon and roasted veggie salad. Veggie egg roll starter kind of blah and over fried. Our waiter was very attentive and candid about the menu options. While the overall experience was solid I was put off by the abrasive manner of the manager--mostly to the staff but also as a try-hard w guests. I would still come back. read more

Not only is the food delicious but the setting is perfect. I love the bright, natural light that gives The Cottage the feeling that it really is a waterfront cottage right in the heart of Wellesley. My friend an I split a steak salad that was delicious. The beef was perfectly cooked and the salad had fabulous flavor. We also got eggplant fries and crab cakes - both were fried to perfection. There was plenty of food and the drinks were yummy too. I love this place. Always Great service. read more

The Cottage Wellesley - Steak salad! This is a half. So good. - New American Near Me - Wellesley, Massachusetts

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I'm not sure what happened to this place, I came here for my birthday and the food was meh, it used to be decorated like a Cape Cod home and now it's changed and not for the better. I was dissapointed in the overpriced meal and won't be returning. The Chestnut Hill Cottage is still really good. read more

My parents and I came here for my mother's birthday last week and loved it. I am only giving it four stars instead of five because I only have one experience to work with. It was a Tuesday night and the place was packed. We had a booth in the middle of the busy restaurant, but somehow the combination of booth, glass barriers and calm waitstaff kept it from feeling hectic. We had a fantastic waiter who gave real honest advice when I asked for it. Both when it came to trying to choose beer and trying to choose food, he actually told us when he didn't like something! I asked for his recommendation when I couldn't choose between three amazing sounding entrees and he enthusiastically pushed me towards the cheapest option. I went with his advice and he was spot-on. But I'm getting ahead of myself. My parents had been to the Cottage before because they heard the fish tacos were the best in the Boston area. My mother has been a little obsessed since she had fish tacos in San Diego and has been questing for a comparable version in MA. They ended up not ordering the first time because of an overabundance of cilantro in the taco - they both hate cilantro - but decided to split one for an app this time. None of us were too impresses. The fish was dry and there wasn't much sauce. I like cilantro, but I wouldn't order this again. That was the only flaw in the dinner. Both of my parents got wedge salads. I tried some and it was great. Lots of yummy blue cheese dressing and bacon. I mostly kept busy nibbling on the fresh-out-of-the-oven bread while they were eating, though. Also delicious. The entree the lovely waiter recommended was a new addition to the menu, maple and cider glazed bone-in porkchops. They were perfectly cooked and delicious - no pink left, but far from dry, sweet and salty juice. But the star on the plate was the cornbread souffle. Oh my lord. Crunchy golden-brown on the outside, full of whole corn kernels, hearty without being heavy. I would go back just for this. And the cinnamon-y roasted squash was great, too. My mother got a chicken, pea and wild rice risotto that was great. My father got the chicken piccata. I am partial to chicken piccata anyways, but this was a great version. Very flavorful, with strips of chicken mixed into pasta and lots of capers. This restaurant isn't cheap, but the portion size, quality of food and the overall dining experience justify the price. read more

"Looks can be deceiving" My wife and I came to The Cottage expecting a relaxed fine dining experience. From the website there is an impression that the food and the restaurant is fresh, inventive, and inviting. This is a deception on all fronts. Immediately entering the restaurant we were assailed by a cacophony of noises; between the music and children screaming we thought we had entered a chain restaurant. The decor is inviting, the sound level not so much. We were promptly seated - as we had placed a reservation ahead of time for 7pm on a Saturday night. Sadly, we were seated next to a party of 13 screaming girls between the ages of eight - ten. They were apparently celebrating a birthday party. (this is how children must celebrate a birthday in Wellesley) To my other side there was a mother debating with her four year old that the silverware belonged on the table and not the floor, the child was winning this debate. She was also feeding what appeared to be a newborn baby. If we had known this was a local version of Chilis we would have went elsewhere. The sights and sounds continued into our meal. My meal - duck confit, which was not fit for consumption. The duck was dry and tasteless. Please, add salt and pepper to the meat, this is not asking for much. My wife's meal - the salmon. It was dry and severely under cooked. The quality vs. the price is completely askew. We have been to other local restaurants which offer a tremendously greater experience than The Cottage - which appears to be striving for a family friendly - chain quality. read more

First time there today. Food was excellent, great variety. My kids aged 8 and 10 loved it as well. Great service. The highlight was the vanilla bean cheesecake we shared after our meal. I can say without a doubt, this was the best cheesecake I have even eaten. Very simple but made to perfection. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was the fact that they didn't have our reservation I called in days previous to make. The less senior hostess was quite rude and called the other location to make sure I hasn't called there when I told her I hadn't. I am not sure what she thought that would accomplish other than to prove me wrong. The more senior hostess was very gracious and quickly made arrangements to find us a table. We will definitely return for supper after having brunch there today. read more

Really good! Food excellent. Mixed salad with lobster had good portion of lobster. Lamb burger was great, properly cooked, abundant garnish. Grilled chicken sandwiches were moist and flavorable. Really pleasant staff. A bit pricey for the portions. read more

What happened? My wife and I have been coming here for years, litterally - although we have not been in about 6 months. It was the day after Thanksgiving and the regular Friday night crowds were not present. We have been here the day after Thanksgiving before and it was crazy. NOW I KNOW!!!! Although the bartenders are just fine, the food has totally deteriorated. No flavor, no spice, no nothing ! Bland, bland, bland. The kitchen needs a major makeover - like a new chef ! This restaurant is supposed to have the flavors and spices of So Cali.....might as well be The Olive Garden - wait the Olive Garden is better! Their food has more flavor. Get it together and relaunch, or close. Maybe it's time for you to go away....it's been a good run. Sorry to be so harsh, but somebody has to be ! read more

I went in. The receptionist helped me sit in a comfortable area. I was given a glass of water about 5~10 mins after I sat. It really felt like 8 min. The older server saw me reading bad reviews on yelp (the older one is the one who gave me the water but seemed like she didn't have time to take my order). So she called the other server loudly (nudge nudge). The server came to me very quickly. She asked me "do you need anything?". I told the server "I need a moment". I left a 5$ on the table. And left quickly. read more

Food is so much better. Great food and drinks. Hopefully they can make it through covid.

Pleasant atmosphere - clean - food good but not outstanding - Caesar salad dressing is tasteless - need to have real Caesar dressing available for your salad! Chicken was dry. Not a lot of food options in this town so would be good if this restaurant could pick up what it has to offer and really make it excellent rather than just good. read more

Had a very disappointing experience tonight. The place was noisy with kids out of control. The service was sub par, the place was a mess and the fish and chips were terrible. It will be a long time before I return. read more

Food was delicious, service was VERY slow though. Pretty sure the guy was new so we can't hold it against him.

Absolutely delicious brunch. First time here. Amazing pancakes, lobster sandwich, mahi tacos and more. Super unique drinks like watermelon juice w/mint .. Service was very attentive and all around a fabulous experience. Will certainly return. read more

Great atmosphere with roomy booths and friendly service. Large Impossible Burger done right on a Gluten Free bun that didn't fall apart, served with very good crispy fries. Good selection of other vegan meals on the menu to try the next time. read more

This is my favorite place to eat when visiting my home town which is Wellesley. The decor is modern and up to date. The food here is so good and the staff here are friendly. read more

Went there for my husbands birthday. My son left a couple of his toys on the table. When I got home I called to see if they could put them aside for us. The hostess said she had seen the bus boy move them. Said she would look for them and call me back. She never did. Had a busy week and forgot to call her back. Called two weeks later and they didn't have them. I then talked to the manager just to tell him that maybe they could tell the bus boys and waitress's to put lost items in the lost and found and not throw them away. The manager was VERY RUDE! Said that maybe she didn't call because she didn't find them. I asked shouldn't she have called back and told me even if she didn't find them? He had an attitude immediately And started arguing with me. I understand it's our fault for leaving them. I also understand it's no big deal to him but to my 7 year old it is. If I hadn't called right away when I got home and she had said she'd seen them I could understand but either way he didn't have to be a jerk about it. I know others who have had issues with the manager at this restaurant also. read more

The female bartender is so rude!!!! Terrible customer service! I was so close to walking out right after I ordered my meal bc she was so rude. read more

Went for dinner with friends and everyone enjoyed their meal. Fish tacos, granola crusted Mahi Mahi, steak tips and polenta cakes with scallops were all very good. The room is somewhat noisy, but very open and comfortable. The atmosphere is casual but adult. The decor feels New England beach house and the menu is southern Californian. 4 dinners and 4 drinks (no apps or desserts) came to $160 with tip. A little pricey, but overall worth a return trip. read more

Nice decor, but a bit pricey for breakfast. Great service. Tasty food. I would go again. read more

The Cottage is one of the best restaurants in Wellesley. The food is of high quality. It is very welcoming and the waiters/waitresses are nice. Every time I go, I am very impressed with the quality of the overall restaurant. The salads and burgers are so good. Great for dates and family. Great service and great food. If you're in Wellesley and want great food, the Cottage is the place to go. read more

Starting with the unsweetened passion fruit iced tea, this may be my all time favorite tea. Its subtle and refreshing, perfect for the sping and summer. Moving onto the Mahi Mahi tacos. I am a fish taco connoisseur. Any restaurant that has them, I will order them. Being on the east coast, I figured I had to have seafood and what better than a mahi mahi option?! We will start with the sides. The black beans were good, had a little kick but still good flavor. Not my favorite of the meal. The Pico was delicious, perfect blend of tomatoes, avocados, red onion and cilantro. I ate it by the forkful rather than putting it on my tacos. The tacos themselves.. YUM. The halibut was blackened, a little dry but forgiveable. The perfect amount of seasoning. Layered in the bottom of the lightly fried corn tortilla was a guac that packed a punch of flavor. There is also your typical slaw but dry, with just a little special sauce drizzled over it. It gets a little loud, but the decor is light and welcoming. Overall this restaurant was a lovely surprise for a gal on a business trip. If I ever find myself in Wellesley again, I will be back. read more

I've been here a few times in the last 3 months and have enjoyed it. A very nicely done casual-upscale atmosphere (Pottery Barn?) and varied menu with some interesting options make for a great go-to place for both food and conversation. Our first meal was mostly burgers and such and everyone agreed the food was fantastic, and the fries were actually cooked (unlike so many places!) with a nice color. The last time we ate we had a few entrees that were both presented well and tasted delicious, as well as a burger that was unfortunately undercooked. They asked how things were going and I mentioned the burger was two-levels off. They fixed things right away and all was good. Waiter was very attentive and did a great job. Sure these things do happen so handling the problems is the hallmark of good management. I look look forward to returning next time I am in town. Maybe I will have enough hunger to try the short ribs. read more

Clean, brightly and naturally lit, prompt courteous service, creative - delicious and beautifully presented menu and meal. A new favorite for business lunches and reunions with friends. read more

BEWARE GMO's SERVED to your Children! The Mission Statement from the Chef is extremely misleading. We had a mediocre brunch that was disappointing compared to the brunch that the Cottage severed when they first opened. At the end of the meal our kids were offered ice cream. I was a bit surprised when hoodsie style ice cream cups showed up at the table. I was somewhat distracted settling up the bill, when I glanced down at the Blue Bunny lid that clearly stated that they used GENETIC ENGINEERING!!!! This was completely contradictory to the mission statement from the Chef printed in the menu. This used to be such a great restaurant. I hope they refocus and get back to the restaurant that they used to be. read more

The Cottage Wellesley - New American Near Me - Wellesley, Massachusetts

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Another solid dinner at The Cottage and first time back since the renovation. I've been coming to The Cottage since it first opened and have never had a bad experience whether I'm dining at a table or at the bar. I give it 5 stars for consistently good food and service, friendly staff, and high comfort. And now the updated decor makes it even better. read more

Great easy place for brunch. Made a reservation which made the experience very smooth. Recommend!

Have been to Cottage numerous times for lunch and dinner. Tried Brunch for a party of 6. We had reservation and were seated promptly upon arrival. Service was ok but not exceptional. Most disappointing was the portion size of the crab cake Benedict. (3 in the party ordered) 2 crab cakes the size of quarter with the tiniest egg on top. Very little hollandaise. Potatoes were very bland. No rolls or bread served. The adult guys were still hungry. Omelet was generous in size and fluffy. What happened to the separate gluten free menu?? read more

This was my first visit to The Cottage. The service is outstanding and attentive. The food was simply delicious and fresh. I have the vegetable salad with grilled salmon. Make a reservation as even lunch was quite busy! read more