Grace By Nia — Restaurant in Boston

After coming across Grace by Nia on social media I decided to explore the brand during my trip to Boston. Per my usual setup, the bestfriends and I get together for Brunch on Sunday before I depart. The convenience of making reservations was much appreciated. The process is quick, easy, and efficient.

Upon arriving at Grace by Nia the visual presentation outside draws you in. The design approach is trendy and vibrant and perfect for a selfie or two. Walking up to the hostess stand we were greeted by smiling faces and welcomed to the establishment. After providing our reservation name, the hostess led the way. Once they opened the door to Grace by Nia you are immediately taken by the view of the Seaport District that is directly in front of you. The ambiance of the establishment is spot on for any situation. It’s intimate enough for date night, while still presenting a level of vibrantness that is great for a Bestie Brunch outing. As we walked to our table, you can’t help but smile as the entire staff has a smile on their face and once they are signing a speaking range they welcome you in. Talk about service, this is the definition.

We were seated in the corner which was absolutely astonishing. The sides provided a view that absolutely elevates the experience as a whole. Whoever designed this space truly understood the assignment and used the architecture to their advantage.

Once seated we were greeted by Dariah who arrived with a smile on her face and upbeat attitude. With the new Brunch Menu in motion we were ready to dive in. The menu has something for everyone and provides a spin on some of the traditional brunch favorites.

As you can imagine, my stomach was ready for the authentic Grace by Nia experience and I was ready to welcome it. LoL!!!

The Food: From the “Opening Act” portion of the menu, I decided on the Smoked Deviled Eggs. The Deviled Eggs were a refreshing opener. The yoke was whipped to perfection. The bacon was a great pairing to the spicy kick that sneaks up on you. The flavor profile presented more of a pickley taste, which wasn’t bad, however, it’s not the usual sweet relish undertone that I adore. Overall this dish is one I would order again as I enjoyed the dish as an opening act.

From the “Main Attraction” portion of the menu, I decided on the Pepper Pot. The Pepper Pot in my opinion is a dope take on an omelet blended with elements of a creole based sausage dish. Oh my gosh! When I tell you that this dish is packed full of flavors that play well off of one another. Furthermore, the mild spice is an amazing addition to the tomato presence and sits well with the garlic profiled naan bread… This dish is not only flavorful but truly a satisfying comfort. Based on this dish alone I will be back to Grace by Nia on my next trip.

While at the table we had the chance to interact with the General Manager, Everest. He introduced himself as he checked on our party. It’s apparent by his service that he is one who leads by example. Super pleasant and very informative on the offerings of Grace by Nia. He provided more than just a hello, it was a true welcome and come again focused interaction.

All in all, Grace by Nia was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. From the Host, to the food, to the service provided by Dariah and Everest, this consumer focused, taste bud pleasing, good music presenting restaurant is one to add to your...

This is a hard review to give, but overall we had a very underwhelming experience here. It wasn't bad, but definitely not great enough to recommend to others or go back.

When we heard about a new restaurant opening up in the seaport with live music, we were excited. My boyfriend patiently refreshed the reservation page for a couple of weeks in July, hoping to get a spot for our anniversary which was last Saturday when we dined here. At the time he made the reservations the were 3 options for seating that included an entertainment fee per person-- $20 for floor full stage viewing tables, $15 for partial viewing, and $10 for limited/no viewing. We choose $15, in hopes to see and hear some music but not be too distracted that we couldn't hear ourselves talk. Our first disappointment and confusion came from when we checked in for our reservation at 7:15, we were sat LITERALLY in the last table all the way in the back of the restaurant by the handicap ramp so our table was turned in a direction where my boyfriend had to either turn completely around in his seat to even try to catch a glimpse of the band or turn awkwardly sideways to look at the tvs above the bar. We thought this table didn't belong at all and when we brought it up to the hostess she completely dismissed us and said all other tables were reserved and we couldn't move. We later found out (on our own) that in-between the time we mad the res and actually were there they must have changed their policy to just standard $10 fee per person at any table and then $25 per person for stage.

We also thought it was SO ODD that you have to go outside this lovely dimly lit and well decorated restaurant with loud music to use the restroom? Which by the way is part of a movie theater they plan to open, all white bright lights and sticky floors. It totally destroyed the vibe.

The food was the most underwhelming part of the experience. Our server let us know that they bring out everything hot and as it's ready. We got the johnny hot cakes and the deviled eggs as apps. Both were good, but nothing great. The hot cakes were very thin and each had a huge slab of butter on them. Also microgreens were their chosen garnish for everything which didn't seem appropriate flavor wise? Those came out 10 min after we ordered. My boyfriend got the jambalaya and I got the shrimp and polenta. Both came out immediately after we finished out apps. Both again were good, but not something I would seek out to eat again. Desert was the worst, we got the peach cobbler cheesecake which had a crumble on it that I swear could break a tooth if you're not careful. It just all felt like they were trying to make southern classics unique and they fell short.

The worst part was that live music is advertised to play from 6pm to 1am. We got their at 7:15 and were told by our server they were taking their set break at 7:20 for 20 min....they didn't come back on until 8pm!!! So we finished all of our food in about 40 min and had heard no live music. When asked about desert, we said yes but wanted some time before placing the order so we could digest and listen to some of the band play, which he obliged to. Our server was honestly the best part of our experience. Very nice and thorough...

I went to Grace By Nia to celebrate my birthday and had an amazing time!! I made a reservation as I had seen from reviews that it was recommended, however, I noticed as the night went on the restaurant was pretty full and I'm going to assume not everyone had a reservation. I did read in reviews where people stated they walked in, but given the occasion I made a reservation and was glad because we were seated in the front.

The ambiance was simply incredible! The restaurant is breathtaking and will have you marvel at its beauty. The live performances were phenomenal and will have you singing and swaying in your seat to the rhythmic melodies. I felt like l was in at a jazz and R&B concert straight from the scene of a 90's classic! Regardless of where you're seated, you have a great view of the stage as the restaurant has an open view. The performer did make a comment that that was the last of the last of the last, so I'm not sure if the live entertainment will continue or not, but I'm blessed to have caught it if it was. He and the band did an outstanding job with keeping everyone amused and it was evident that everyone was having a good time. I appreciated his serenade to the Virgos, and how he called everyone that was there celebrating a birthday to stage and we all helped him sing the Stevie Wonder version of Happy Birthday.

My only disappointment was in the food, hence the rating for my three stars in that area. I had heard great things about Grace By Nia and had my heart set and spirit prepared to try the soul food. When we saw the menu we were taken aback as not one option on the menu was of soul food. Not even a side or dessert. The waitress was very apologetic and stated that they had just changed the menu. She was attentive, polite, and offered suggestions. While the food was flavorful, and the aroma from the tables around us were delectable, it wasn't soul food. We checked the menu online prior to going, and nothing was updated to indicate the change. I was also disappointed in the lack of selections offered. There wasn't much variety, and the main choices ranged from pizza, a burger, a chicken sandwich or salad of the sort. I was hoping for turkey to compensate for beef and they didn't have that either. The waitress expressed her empathy and brought out a mini cake with a scoop of ice cream seeing that I was celebrating my birthday, and we deeply had our hearts set on having soul food.

Overall, I had a very positive experience at Grace By Nia's. If you're looking for upscale ambiance, good music and service, then this is the place for you. I did read that the attire was dress to impress, but casual clothing is fine as well. I hope they do plan to bring the soul food back as I'd love to try it.

*PARKING- park in the Great Cedar Garage, this will bring you the closest to the restaurant. When you get off the elevators, take a right and you'll see the restaurant below you before you reach the railing. Use the escalators on the right side to go downstairs and you'll be in front of the restaurant when...