Boston Suburbs | Fine Dining in Concord

80 Thoreau 🏷️ Yes, that’s both the address and the restaurant name! This spot came highly recommended by my manager 🧑‍💼—and a crucial heads-up: their menu updates frequently! ❗️So the dishes you see listed on Google Maps might no longer be available when you visit. Starters Burrata: My boyfriend ordered this specifically for the salmon roe, but there was only a tiny, decorative amount (total letdown!). If you don’t like arugula, skip this one—it’s a key component. Ricotta Cavatelli: Tossed with mixed mushrooms, and I even spotted morels in there 😋! The pasta was chewy and al dente, but full disclosure: I’m not an Italian pasta fan, so I can’t judge if it’s “top-tier.” What I can say is it’s clearly fresh-made (not instant), and since I hate tomatoes, I loved that the sauce had no tomato 🍅 and wasn’t heavy with cream. (For reference: I thought this sauce was better than the one at that cash-only viral pasta spot in Boston!) Mains Lamb: Zero gamey aftertaste—surprisingly, it tasted a bit like beef brisket stewed in tomatoes, with a subtle hint of lemon and mint 🤔. Monkfish: As someone from a landlocked area, this was my first time trying monkfish 🐟—and it was amazing! The skin was crispy, and there was no fishy flavor at all. The texture was slightly similar to swordfish but less tough, and bouncier than cod. Sadly, the porcini mushroom that came with it was just a tiny, sad piece. Other Notes Service: The staff was super friendly, with warm smiles—they made the experience feel welcoming! Pacing: Food comes out on the slower side. It’s perfect for couples or friends looking to chat over a relaxed weekend meal, but the vibe feels totally out of place for a workday. Portions & Price: Portions are small—I left still hungry 😭! When you factor in the price, it’s on the expensive side for what you get. Final Take Concord is a quiet, charming town with lots of cute shops, plus Walden Pond. (Side note: I still can’t keep straight whether Concord or Lexington fired the “shot heard round the world” 😮‍💨!) If you’re planning a trip to Concord, this restaurant is a nice pick for a leisurely meal. And please—after dining here, go try the ice cream shop nearby. It’s SO good! Check my pinned post for details 🌟 Accolades & Recognition Food & Wine Magazine Nomination: Former chef Carolyn Johnson was nominated for Food & Wine’s “People’s Best New Chef” in the New England region, recognized for her French-inspired cooking using local ingredients. Boston Magazine Recommendation: The restaurant was featured in Boston Magazine as a “must-try spot—perfect for foodies and casual dinners alike.” #BostonRestaurantRecommendations #NorthAmericanLife #BostonLife #BayAreaFood #BayAreaEats #BayAreaFoodExploration #WhatToEatInTheBayArea #BayAreaFoodCheckIn #BayAreaFoodShare #WalnutCreek #BayAreaWalnutCreek