Additional Coverage:
- I ate at one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants for the first time. My $90 dinner let me down, but lunch gave me hope. (businessinsider.com)
Ramsay’s Kitchen in Back Bay: A Tale of Two Meals for One Diner
Boston, MA – Gordon Ramsay’s global culinary empire extends to Boston’s Back Bay, where Ramsay’s Kitchen promises a “casually refined” dining experience. A recent visitor, Amanda Shammas, explored this concept through two distinct meals – a Sunday evening dinner and a mid-week lunch – revealing a significant difference in value and satisfaction.
Located conveniently on Boylston Street, near prominent landmarks like the Public Library and Prudential Center, Ramsay’s Kitchen boasts an inviting and modern interior. Shammas noted the romantic ambiance, comfortable cream-colored chairs, and elegant decor, deeming it an ideal spot for a date night. Service was prompt and helpful, with staff guiding diners through the menu and highlighting signature dishes like the fan-favorite beef Wellington.
Dinner: High Expectations, Mixed Results
Shammas’s dinner experience, however, brought mixed feelings. The menu, while offering elevated dishes, was pricier than anticipated, with main courses ranging up to a $90 bone-in ribeye.
Opting for à la carte, Shammas started strong with the Harvest Salad. Priced at $8, this autumnal mix of greens, Fuji apples, goat cheese, and spiced Marcona almonds in a grain-mustard vinaigrette was lauded for its distinct flavors, perfect balance, and generous portion, setting high expectations.
The meal’s momentum faltered with the $15 Truffle Potato Gratin. While initially pleasant, Shammas found the underlying potatoes bland and underseasoned, requiring a blend of all components to be truly enjoyable.
The Connecticut-style Lobster Roll, a New England staple priced at $46, also received a qualified endorsement. The buttery brioche bun and juicy, lemon-tinged lobster were praised, though some portions of lobster were chewy, and the overall cost was deemed steep for the experience.
Ultimately, the dinner bill for one-a salad, side, and entrée-totaled $73, escalating to $90 after a 20% tip. Shammas expressed that despite the beautiful setting and excellent service, the meal’s flavors did not justify the significant expense.
Lunch: Redemption Through Value
Undeterred, Shammas returned two days later, opting for the prix-fixe lunch menu. This decision proved to be a resounding success.
For $29, she enjoyed a lobster bisque and a double burger. The bisque, described as tasty with tender lobster chunks, and the burger, noted for its juiciness and flavor, offered a stark contrast to the previous dinner’s value proposition.
Shammas was “so impressed by the value” of her lunch, feeling it effectively redeemed Ramsay’s Kitchen in her estimation. While the lobster roll and potato gratin may not see a repeat order, the positive lunch experience highlighted that accessible fine dining can indeed be found within Ramsay’s Boston establishment, particularly for those seeking an impressive meal without the dinner-time price tag.