The Silk — Restaurant in Brookline

My partner and I dined here and had a pretty disappointing experience. When we walked in, they asked for our name and number in order to get us a table… while the restaurant was empty. They then handed us laggy tablet menus with photoshopped or AI-created menu photos. The arugula was clipping in one of them.

Some menu items showed potential allergens and some didn’t.

We got samosas to start, fine, mostly flavorless, mushy, and salty, but the crust was good.

We tried the Persian salad and neither of us could take more than two bites. We felt pretty guilty and embarrassed at that point. The dressing was so strong and vinegar tasting that it overtook any other flavors and just didn’t go with anything.

My salmon skewers were just ok, but there were some culinary choices I didn’t understand, like why it was on a spread of straight tahini. The salmon wasn’t very well seasoned, and if you’ve ever had plain tahini, you know how it’s both rich and plain. There were also about five multicolored baby carrots in the dish, most of them undercooked. I ended up feeling pretty sick to my stomach for the rest of the night, burping the taste of the salmon.

My partner’s chicken saag was ok (the only thing I took a photo of), mostly smoky flavored. The chicken was cooked well. The garlic naan was also good.

As for service, it seemed our server might have been new at the job, so I feel like some things can slide (like how our small cups of water weren’t refilled for a while, or how he didn’t ask for our entree order when he brought our appetizers).

But when he took our full plate of salad, he didn’t ask about it until the end, when we were paying. He asked if the salad wasn’t good, we said the dressing was too strong, and he just walked away without a word while we finished paying. It was just awkward.

We won’t be back and would not...

A disappointing experience overall.

Context: they opened this week.

We ordered two appetizers and two entrees: Calamari with Chili Lime Dip and Cauliflower Fritters with Sesame Chili dressing, Chicken Tikka Masala and Gochujang Braised Short Ribs.

The food: The calamari was a bit too salty but overall good and the dipping sauce was great. The Cauliflower fritters were salty, to the point salt hid any other flavor. The Chicken Tikka was just ok: the chicken was mushy and the sauce wasn't umami enough. The short rib of the Gochujang Braised Short Ribs was fine, but the sauce surrounding it was far too salty. The picked vegetables were a nice contrast to the short rib, but there was too much pickle, salt, and acidity to achieve anywhere near balance. The kimchi fried rice that came with the short ribs, on the other hand, was under seasoned -- it tasted like long grain rice mixed with kimchi without any other ingredients, like gochujang, sesame oil, green onions, etc.

The service and atmosphere: The staff was kind but inexperienced, no big deal. The architecture and ambiance is very eastern, probably inherited from the Chinese Bistro that was there before.

The price: Not worth the food quality or quantity, unfortunately. There are many restaurants in Coolidge Corner that are less than half the price and at least twice as delicious.

Overall: The promise of East Asian/Indian/Mediterranean/Italian fusion has a lot of potential, but The Silk doesn't reach even mediocre restaurant quality. We went home afterwards to eat frozen food instead of finishing the $100+ meal. If you're in Coolidge Corner, go to Los Amigos or Kung Fu Kitchen down the street or cook at home.

My recommendation to the owner: cut down the menu to only dishes you are confident you can do well, and to train them to taste the dishes before...

A Vibrant Tale of Flavors at The Silk

Tucked away in the heart of the city, The Silk is a culinary gem that dares to tell a story through its bold fusion of Indian, Asian, Continental, and Italian cuisines. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a vibrant atmosphere — a colorful blend of contemporary design and cultural accents that mirror the fusion journey the menu promises.

Each dish feels like a chapter in a carefully curated storytelling experience. The starters immediately set the tone — the Cauliflower Flitters and Spicy Seseme Tofu are a standout, marrying smoky Indian spices with delicate Asian craftsmanship. The Spaghetti Al Tartufo, an harmonious marriage of creamy Italian textures and rich pure Italian flavor, is an absolute showstopper.

What truly elevates the experience is the chef’s own touch of creativity and presentation. Whether it’s the Tikka Masala or the Chilli Garlic Mushroom, every plate is a masterpiece that respects tradition while rewriting it. Even the desserts tell their own tale — don’t miss the Masala Chai Crème Brûlée , a bold reimagination that lingers long after the last bite.

Service is warm and attentive, with staff who seem genuinely invested in guiding guests through the menu’s eclectic journey. Their passion adds another layer to the narrative, making you feel like more than just a diner — you’re part of the story.

In a world of predictable menus, The Silk a refreshing and unforgettable experience. It’s not just a meal — it’s a vibrant exploration of flavors and cultures, with each dish a standout character in a...