Artu — Restaurant in Boston

What an unpleasant experience we had here. A staff quite rudely rejected our fully valid state-issued driver's licences (which are in perfect condition and certainly legible) at the door, to what's billed as a restaurant, Artu. Another restaurant which was closing had referred my fiance and me to Artu, as it was purportedly open late. Such a disappointment to be treated so poorly upon arriving. We were in the area for work, and this interaction was starkly different from others we've had in Boston's North End. It's unusual for us to be asked for IDs, but we of course obliged, not expecting to be met with such unfounded suspicion (that they were fake or something?) We are 30 and 33. We were dressed like normal people, were polite, and only wanted food anyways, which we were clear about. The door person made it clear he didn't like us or our IDs (without explaining why), and so we left dumbfounded.

It was getting later and later (around 10:30 pm by then) and we'd been working at an event since 6:30 in the morning, with little to eat, and were really getting hungrier and hungrier as we looked elsewhere for food. Most restaurants were closed or closing at this point. We eventually walked back by Artu inadvertently, which was still very full and very open. I decided we would try one more time to present our IDs to the doorman and attempt to inquire why he felt they were invalid. We entered behind a group of people, and it seemed like the man didn't recognize us, even through we were just talking to him less than 30 minutes prior. I smiled and reasonably explained that we are in our 30s, and pointed out features of our IDs that prove they are valid. He increased his rudeness and continued to refuse to accept them. I asked if there was a manager we could bring in to the discussion. He said there was no manager and that he runs Artu himself. I am doubtful of this. I remained polite despite his inflexibility. I asked what it was about the IDs or us that made him not accept them. He said he couldn't see our signatures on them, which appears below the id photos. I pointed out where they are. He said he still couldn't see them. I said, they're right there. He still wouldn't acknowledge that they were visible. I said, perhaps he should have his eyes checked, at which point he abruptly stood up and moved towards us, as of he was about to literally push us out the door. We obviously backed out of the establishment immediately. We had lost our appetite at that point, and frankly felt threatened by his physical positioning.

It's not all bad though. We found a MUCH nicer restaurant with MUCH nicer staff shortly after this, and proceeded to have a lovely dinner, with drinks (without our IDs being asked for (since we do look our age)). I am very glad we didn't waste our money and 50% tip on Artu (tiny and overcrowded). Thanks for making us feel young...

I hardly ever write a negative review and I always support hard working employees however the way we were treated yesterday was horrible. My friend and I got a table after an hour wait time. It was a big mistake. Matt was the manager and Connor was our server. Our appetizer and drinks arrived in decent time. We almost finished appetizer and our drink, it was already 45 mins after ordering our food. Several people finished their meals and left. When I asked the server why we haven’t received our food yet, With unfriendly face he said you guys are still working on your appetizer and walked away. I believe his name was Connor, tall, slim young gentleman. A simple apology for a delay would take care of everything. It’s the most common response when a customer is not happy about waiting for a long time. 5 mins passed, our server was not around, requested another server to cancel our order and bring our check. He came to our table, picked up everything. While we were waiting for the check, 10 more minutes passed by. Our server came with our food. I advised him that we were waiting for the check. He got upset and said it’s been only 40 mins. Again no apology, nothing. He walked away. Matt came to our table and asked what the issue was. I told him what we experienced after waiting for a long time. His response was the server was upset and he asked why we don’t eat, if we are not hungry. His approach to a customer wasn’t better than the server. When I asked if there is a manager that I could talked to, his gave his own business card and write a name “Gianni” no last name, no email address or phone number. He refused to provide the info I requested. I tried asking politely to another server, young lady, blonde hair, she was even worse. Once she heard my question, she just ignored, told me to leave and she walked away. I saw her talking to other servers, warning them not to talk to me. What a horrible way to treat a customer. I couldn’t talk to one person who actually cares about customers, I couldn’t get a complete name or contact info for the manager. If I was wrong as a customer, why would they refused to provide this info? Words are powerful, if you actually know how to talk to another human being. It seems like this place is very popular but a big lack of customer service. If I was a manager or server I would start my conversation with most common and easiest phrase “ We do apologize for inconvenience. Let me see what I can do for you.” “You are still eating your appetizer” shows careless and disrespectful behavior. I hope an actual manager or the owner read this. I don’t recommend this place to anyone. There are much nicer places with people who have manners and know how to provide good customer service. It was a big mistake...

Visited during Dine Out Boston 2014 and do not regret a moment. Will say now that the portions for the price fix menu were much smaller then normal menu items. There was a couple sitting near my group's table and a woman ordered some sort of chicken breast dish. The thing was huge, and she spent an hour picking at it.

First Course: Grilled Peach, Ricotta, and Prosciutto Bruschetta This was a great way to start the night. Light, aromatic, flavor upon flavor of pure food-delight. I looked at the normal menu and didn't see it on there which is a shame. A must try if you enjoy sweet and savory together.

Second Course: Fettuccine, Scallops, Lobster Meat, Shrimp, Local Corn, Habanero, Lobster Stock At first, I was worried that this was going to be too much food and I wouldn't have any room for dessert. After all, fettuccine is usually accompanied by a sauce that is on the heavy side. This was not the case. The sauce was light with a nice spicy kick from the habanero. Both the scallops and shrimp were cooked to the sort of perfection that would make Gordon Ramsey smile. I regret eating it as fast as I did now; wish there had been more.

Third Course: Black Mission Figs, Mascarpone Gelato, Acacia Honey Words almost fall me in describing how good this was. The gelato had a wonderful texture and flavor. Together with the figs and the honey, this was one dessert I could easily eat again and again.

Overall, for $38 (not including the bottle of wine my group split), this was a great place to eat. The food is delicious, the portions are just right, and the atmosphere...