Aceituna after Dark

Aceituna after Dark reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. A

   Amahl

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was such a delicious meal! The humus hit the spot right away, and the eggplant appetizer was roasted and dressed to the perfect level of sweetness and tartness. I tasted my friend's scrumptious lamb. It had an amazing sauce, and I enjoyed how the chickpeas complemented the tender meat. Chickpeas are always welcome! :) My own seared tuna was so wonderfully peppery, and the vegetables like radishes and greens gave it a perfect spring flavor. I loved my za'tar-laced cocktail and maybe even more loved my taste of my friend's jalapeño flavored cocktail (always seeking spice). I'm glad I had room to share the pistachio cheese cake. I have never had such a concoction before, and I loved how the green pistachios made me think (again) of spring and also how they made the cheese cake almost feel healthy lol. It was both comforting and interesting as a desert. I would definitely come again for all of these amazing dishes, and I want to try the chicken maqloubeh too!
   

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2. M

   Mo

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 5, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had an absolutely lovely time at Aceituna after Dark! The food was remarkable. In particular, the lamb leg and chicken maqluba were perfect -- fresh and modern takes on Mediterranean / Middle Eastern dishes. I also highly recommend the cocktails. In addition, the atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff is incredibly friendly. Highly highly recommend!
   

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   1 person found this helpful

3. M

   Michael

   Greater Boston15 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on April 5, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   We recently booked what was advertised as a premium dining experience ($272 for four people), but unfortunately, the overall execution fell far short of expectations. The event took place in a small room behind a curtain—essentially a bar area inside what is otherwise a fast food establishment. It lacked the ambiance and setting of a proper restaurant, which was surprising given the experience’s price point. Seating arrangements clearly prioritized fitting in as many guests as possible over providing comfort. Bar stools and small tables—more suitable for children—offered no cushioning and were made of hard wood, making the overall setup uncomfortable and cramped. Of the four or five appetizer options advertised, one of the main dishes—meatballs—was unavailable, leaving tuna and a selection of vegetarian options. The main course, lamb, was very difficult to cut even with a steak knife and was dry, as though it had either been overcooked or prepared in advance. While the bartender was attentive and professional, the waiter was slow and at times handed dishes directly to me to place on the table myself. To make matters worse, a 21% service charge (18% tip and 3% kitchen fee) was automatically added to the bill. Despite this, the payment terminal still prompted for an additional tip without any clear indication that gratuity had already been included—leaving guests at risk of tipping twice. At this price, we expected a curated, comfortable, and professionally delivered dining experience. Unfortunately, what we received felt more like an overpriced, makeshift setup in an unconventional and ill-suited location.
   

   1 person found this helpful

4. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This Newbury St restaurant is a hidden gem of the Back Bay area in Boston. The dishes are healthy and delicious and the service truly outstanding.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   2nd weekend in operation. Great Mediterranean food and inspired balanced cocktails. Attentive staff. Cool little spot! Vesuvius cocktail was a star.
   

   1 person found this helpful

6. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Greater Boston3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic experience. I love Aceituna for casual lunch, so I was interested in trying this sit-down offering. The food is amazing. My friend and I both had the chicken as our main and split the Tuna Tartare to start. Both were really flavorful and fresh. I'd go back for the Tartare alone. We shared the chocolate cake at the end. We met the owners while we were there, who were incredibly friendly and gracious. The entire experience was welcoming. The space is on the smaller side with mostly bar seating (tables are all high-tops, as well). It's an intimate experience. I'm planning to go back and hope they keep this going! I have to comment that the prices are very reasonable, as well.
   

   1 person found this helpful

7. a

   andrew

   Greater Boston7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing!! What a great dining experience! I started with the their version of a Margarita called Vesuvius and it was great. I got grilled flatbread to start and it was perfect in taste and texture. 2nd app was lamb meat balls and they were SO good, and I enjoyed that with a glass of Mondavi Cabernet Oak Barrel aged. I’m Lebanese so I wanted to try their version of Sayyadiyeh which is a fish dish with delicious toppings. It was excellent. Chardonnay went perfectly with that. I did not expect this high level of food, drink, ambiance or service. I’m glad they’re doing it again because I want to try the other dishes.  Can't wait to go back!!
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I’ve been a fan of AG for a long time, so I was really excited to try this. I went with my husband and 2 friends and we did family style apps with individual entrees. For apps we got the hummus, tuna tartare, and spicy lamb meatballs. For entrees we got chicken maqluba x2, leg of lamb, and filet mignon with AG fries. Everything was INCREDIBLE!!! So fresh and such bright flavors. All the food I’ve loved my whole life but with an elevated twist. The ambiance was perfect for a date night. The drinks were amazing as well (definitely get the Cleve’s Idol cocktail!). Overall great experience and I hope this becomes a more regular thing!!
   

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   1 person found this helpful

9. c

   cindy VIP

   Greater Boston16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 7, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Warm, friendly and inviting feel. Fantastic service and absolutely delicious food! It exceeded our expectations. What a secret gem.
   

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   1 person found this helpful

10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Amazing experience. The appetizers, entrees and desserts were out of this world. The service was top notch and very friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended.
    

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    1 person found this helpful