Puritan & Company — Restaurant in Cambridge

Up-and-coming chef Will Gilson has finally hung his own shingle in Inman Square, and he's hit the ground running.Puritan and Co., named after the once-thriving commercial cake bakery that inhabited the space 100 years ago, is a celebration of Yankee foodways, seen through the lens of a talented young chef armed with a boatload of modern finesse. As it turns out, Gilson - who earned much local acclaim while helming the kitchen at Garden at The Cellar and a subsequent string of pop-ups - still hasn't forgotten the farm.The airy space is smartly designed, with plenty of repurposed materials that wink at the life pastoral: the Glenwood oven that serves as the host stand, the whitewashed cabinetry on the backbar, and the hulking utility sink that's been transformed into an oyster bar. Seating options are aplenty here - be it the communal tables that form the backbone of the dining room, the banquette clad in a sharp damask pattern, traditional 4-tops, a long main bar, or the charcuterie bar that puts you closest to the action.Simple ingredients - artfully-elevated - are a surely a product of where Gilson first cut his teeth: cooking communal dinners at his family's Groton farmhouse restaurant, The Herb Lyceum. Fresh, crunchy baby radishes arrive atop a rough slate, with a heap of pumpernickel "soil" and a swath of creamy butter. But Gilson's take on the classic French snack will revert you into a primal state, as you find yourself scraping every last bit of butter and crumb off the stone. Swordfish pastrami is ingeniously paired with a mustard gelato that is so stupid good, you'll wish they sold it by the pint. The humble stuffie is transformed into something more refined, yet just as comforting - creamy, fried croquettes of chopped quohog delivered on the half-shell.Puritan opened their doors with a beer-and-wine only license, but they've played it to the hilt. The craft brews on tap are cheekily served in can-shaped glassware. You can expect awesome variety in their wine list, and even more importantly: a passionate, knowledgeable staff who knows how to guide you through it. Sherry and aromatized wines are on offer to help cap your meal.Those of us in the industry usually let a place work out the kinks before recommending it to others. That's not the case here. Get in there before the crowds descend, because the boffo reviews aren't...

Such a weird experience. Had a res for 5 on a Saturday, restaurant was lightly populated. Immediately noticed the palpable tension between the staff was; seemed like everyone disliked each other and no one wanted to be there. I had gone to the restroom and was pulling out my chair to sit back down and not one but two staff whisked by me and bumped into me instead of waiting to pass until i had sat down. Service was less than stellar, i’d call it aloof bordering on rude, and the timing of dish delivery was awful. We ordered drinks and our meal consisted of 5 plates to share. We’d take a bite of the first item, then get two more hot plates shortly thereafter, at the same time, and we were overwhelmed trying to eat everything before it got cold. Additionally, all the food was bland and forgettable. There was some spice mixture, maybe a crunchy chili oil on top of the tuna that had ingredients that were so rock hard it felt like chewing on stones. The pork belly was lazily presented with a stack of greens on top of it and was so tough we had to ask for a steak knife to cut it. The scallops were bland, the carrots were straight up terrible and the rolls were far too sweet. Everything about this experience told me this is a place that doesn't care about their product or their customer and may be resting on its laurels. I’m truly shocked at how bad it was. A friend mentioned he and his family also had a bad experience recently but after seeing the reviews i decided to just give it a try because i had a gift card; maybe he went on an off night? Clearly not the case. Perhaps most of the reviews are pre-pandemic or pre some other major change? Something about the reviews vs the actual experience is not adding up. I was thoroughly disappointed and would not recommend or...

Rating Reflection: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“Puritan & Company emerges as a sublime oasis, beckoning those who seek a culinary haven away from the bustling city life of Boston. Its charm lies not just in its food but in the very essence of its tranquil ambiance.”

Sublime Decor: 🍴🎨Stepping into Puritan & Company is akin to entering a realm where industrial chic meets cozy comfort. The decor, with its exposed piping and ceiling lights, melds beautifully with the elegant bar and tastefully simple tables and chairs. This blend of styles fosters a serene environment, ideal for unwinding and indulging in a leisurely brunch.

Efficient Service: 🙋‍♂️The service here is efficiently unobtrusive - striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing guests their space. It’s this standard of service that accentuates the overall dining experience, making it seamless and enjoyable.

Gastronomic Delight: 🥞🍳While we bypassed the baked goods, their visual appeal was undeniable. The real stars of our visit were the pancake and egg dishes - each fluffy, light, and executed to perfection. It’s evident that Puritan & Company prides itself on the quality of its cuisine, with a special nod to those irresistible cronuts/donuts that tantalize from afar.

In Retrospect: 🤔Puritan & Company is not just a restaurant; it’s a retreat that promises and delivers a pause from the hurried rhythms of daily life, coupled with a feast for the senses.

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - “Great”“Puritan & Company: A Culinary Sanctuary in Cambridge.”

For anyone yearning for a moment of culinary bliss, this establishment is a must-visit. Its harmonious blend of stunning decor, efficient service, and delectable fare creates an unforgettable experience that beckons you back, time and...