Mariel — Restaurant in Boston

The bouncers are very rude. There is one man you will probably encounter he has grayish hair and it’s slicked back a tall white man and I just wanted to say he is the rudest man I have ever met. He would not let my friends in because they were under 21 even though they were guests for a for a dinner I reserved for. He opened the gate for one friend and then closed it in her face right in front of me. I had come out to meet her and bring her to the table so I saw the whole thing. So I went out to him and told her she’s here for my dinner he wasn’t listening to me but the other bouncer heard me and told him he can let her in. I was so annoyed because he wouldn’t even listen to me if it wasn’t for the other bouncer he might not let her in. My other friend comes a little later maybe 15 minutes she was running late and she is also under 21 and they ended up not letting her in they claimed because it was too close to 11 and it was only 10:30. They said they couldn’t let her in because she might try to order a drink however at my table only a friend and I were 21 and ordered drinks and were carded. I told them when we ordered we were carded are you saying you’re not going to card ? And also it was giving they just did not want to let her in because at first they were talking about it was too close to the club opening which is at 11 I was like we should be gone by 11 they said they couldn’t break their policy. I was so upset this was my birthday dinner I just turned 21 so majority of my friends were not 21 but they don’t have to be 21 to eat. They ended up not letting her in I felt so bad she had ubered from very far away and her Uber got lost so ended up late I had her sit in my friends car because I don’t even have one to let her sit in. I was so upset because this was a dinner I reserved for 8 people it was nothing crazy just to eat in I was very upset to say the least. When I walked her to my friends car the rude bouncer gave me a dirty look I felt very uncomfortable as a young woman just because I was telling his manager how rude he was being and almost did not let in another friend of mine the manager said he would talk to him and said this is not the first time people have complained about him. When I came back from being my friend to the car the manager let me right in and then I went to the table and told my other friends and then we just ate quick and left. This was all I wanted to do to celebrate 21 and I feel as though it was a huge disappointment. It is asthetically pretty and the food was good but the service 0/10 O will never come back there’s many beautiful restaurants in Boston. It was very unfortunate this was...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mariel in Boston, and I must say, it was an experience unlike any other. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was transported to a world of captivating charm and vibrant energy that left an indelible mark on my memory.

The highlight of my visit to Mariel was undoubtedly the enchanting atmosphere that enveloped the entire space. Every corner of the restaurant exuded a sense of elegance and refinement, combined with a delightful Latin flair. The tasteful decor, adorned with lush greenery, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, created an ambiance that was both sophisticated and inviting.

As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but be captivated by the warm glow of the lighting, casting a soft, intimate ambiance throughout the dining area. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the carefully selected artwork adorning the walls to the stylish furniture that provided both comfort and aesthetic pleasure.

The ambiance at Mariel perfectly complemented the culinary journey that awaited me. It created an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the visually stunning surroundings, the staff at Mariel played an instrumental role in enhancing the overall atmosphere. They exuded a genuine warmth and hospitality that made me feel like a cherished guest. Their knowledge and passion for the cuisine were evident as they guided me through the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring that each aspect of my visit was met with care and attention.

The menu at Mariel is a delightful fusion of Latin American flavors and culinary creativity. Each dish I encountered was a celebration of vibrant ingredients, expertly combined to create a symphony of tastes and textures. The flavors were bold, yet balanced, showcasing the talent and expertise of the kitchen.

Whether you're indulging in the tantalizing ceviches, savoring the succulent grilled meats, or exploring the range of unique cocktails, Mariel's menu offers a gastronomic adventure that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

In summary, Mariel in Boston is a haven for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Its unparalleled atmosphere, characterized by elegance, vibrancy, and attention to detail, transports guests to a world where culinary delights meet captivating aesthetics. With impeccable service, a thoughtfully crafted menu, and an atmosphere that lingers long after the last bite, Mariel is an absolute gem in the...

Bottom Line: Some fantastic dishes and some were a complete let down. The things that were good were amazingly good. The things that were not so good, were not good at all. Be prepared to spend more than a typical dinner out but, despite the relatively loud music, it’s an overall great experience.

Details: As other reviewers said, this restaurant is a bit “pricey” (pricey = expensive but worth it). However, this was one of those times when the food comes out, looks so good, that you forget to take pictures! lol. We had five tapas dishes and a dessert. Starting from my least favorite: The dessert - the Chocolate Estrata Cake. We were being seated as the table next to us was leaving and we noticed that they barely touched their cake (that should have been a warning to us). We ordered it anyway. Just like table next to us, we barely touched it. The flavors didn’t mix well. The mango and passion fruit didn’t compliment the chocolate. Steak Churrasco was just “okay.” I would have liked to been given the choice of how the steak was prepared because it was a little too much on the rare side of the scale. I wouldn’t order this again (same for the cake; not gonna get that again). The Blackened Shrimp is good. It’s very similar to any other blackened shrimp that is served in many other places. While I enjoyed them, I wouldn’t get them again since there are much better options on this menu than I can only get here. If you like blackened shrimp, you’ll like these. This is where it gets hard … all of these are great and it’s hard to rank them (but, I’m going to try 😂). The Fufu Gnocchi is creamy and tasty. Very well made. Great flavor, great texture, and a decent portion size. Steak Coreano - while a relatively small portion (yes, small even for a tapas sized portion) were unbelievably flavored and quite tender. These ribs will have you sucking meat off the bone! 😂 Corn and Crab Arepitas - I’m from Maryland so, I found these to not have enough crabmeat. This is another dish that has fantastic flavors. To be clear, the crema that comes on top is a must! The flavors of the crema and the arepitas are married well. The service was prompt and friendly. The downside was they are slow to clear the used plated and serving utensils were brought only when we asked. The atmosphere is good, dimly lit, decent space between tables. The only drawback is the volume of the music might be off putting for some. This could be a challenge for larger groups that want to have conversations without a lot of “what did you say” and “please...