Orchid 7 Fusion Bar & Grill - "The Best Caribbean Restaurant in New England" — Restaurant in Dedham

I came here to dine with friends on a weekday evening and was super excited because I heard nothing, but great reviews. The restaurant is located in the heart of Dedham Square about 30 minutes south of downtown Boston and is very close to the lines of Hyde Park. Upon walking in the space is well lit with a host stand at the door, several smaller party tables along the perimeter of the venue and even has a fireplace surrounded by love seats, a couch, tv, and a neighboring wine rack. My party was for six people so we were nestled towards the back of the dining room past the bar. . Anna, our server was attentive and continued to check in periodically although we had not even looked at the menu after nearly 30 minutes into our reservation. To wine down (see what I did there??) we had Black Girl Magic Rose and added a seafood appetizer of seared sea scallops to compliment the drink. The sauce was a decadent yellow and the dish itself was succulent. Next we orderd the Orchid 7 wings jerk style and the flavor did not disappoint. Spicy is what you expect, but you could taste other smoky flavors beyond that. Our last appetizer were the french fries which were steak cut, seasoned and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. While dining, the chef Paul stopped by our table to ask us how everything was going which showed me how intentional they are with their standard of service. . We placed our order for entrees and I got the coconut curry chickpeas with a a side of plantains. Do not be fooled by the small size of the bowl its presented in! It was A LOT OF FOOD! I was so filled from the apps, I took the rest home and ate out of it four times with my sister! My friends ordered the Grilled Salmon with black rice, the Rasta Pasta and lastly the Orchid 7 Burger which also had huge portions. I wish we had space for dessert (I almost never do (.

Best restaurant in Dedham. Way to raise the bar. My advice is to go now. I predict in a month you wont be able to get a seat.

“PAN SEARED SALMON” Salmon: Crispy, flakey, flavorful, not fishy White Rice: Perfect accompaniment to tone down all that flavor. Garlic Spinach: Although alone not much just mix it with the sauce…. oh my lord…. again flavor. 9 out of 10 Notes: the rice was perfectly cooked in most parts and a bit crunchy at other times. But that was like 5 grains so I am just being picky.

“ORCHID7 VEGETENARIAN PLATER” - (May want to check the spelling on the menu if not intended…) Roasted eggplant, cherries tomatoes and garlic with olive oil: Flavor! Every bite was soooo goood! Fresh pitas: Great flavor, nice texture 8 out of 10 Notes: Very oily just drain a little of it off and you are golden. The portion was a little small for a main especially in comparison to the other meals we ordered. I would recommend adding a side of hummus and 1-2 more slices of pita.

“CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWISH” - (May want to check the spelling on the menu if not intended..) Chicken: Crispy, flavorful, perfectly cooked. Melted cheddar: The cheese had flavor y'all… not some cheap unidentifiable yellow gloop… Smashed avocado, tomatoes: Fresh ingredients picked with thought and care for the consumer. Truffle ranch toasted ciabatta bun: I could eat this on its own. Fantastic! Fries: Now I got this carry out so I can’t speak to how it is in the restaurant (yet) but the fries had wonderful flavor but were soggy from my 3 min walk home…. But that didn’t stop me from popping them in the air fryer. 9 out of 10 Notes: Pop a hole or two in the lid of the container this will let the heat and steam leak out and keep the fries crispy. Not to many or you will lose the heat. Then make sure its stacked on top of the to go bag so the holes wont be sealed by another stacked container.

Anyway long review, but I can not recommend them enough! I can not stop thinking about the salmon… and the...

I have never written reviews, but I feel I need to write one, hoping this restaurant will change course. I have been in the business for over 19 years and was excited to try a locally-owned black restaurant. I was surprised that the pictures on the website did not accurately depict the ambiance or the food. First, the prices were high compared to “like” restaurants. Okay, I expected more! Since the bartender was not versed in standard drinks, I settled on a Kettle One and cranberry. I asked jokingly; I wanted it pink—more liquor. The bartender brought my drink, and the glass was half full! He stated that I wanted more Vodka, so he had to accommodate.

Then we got our appetizers, and the garlic fries dripped with grease. My friend, an inspector from the city, informed him that the fryolator was not heated properly. I ordered a jerk burger, and I expected a hand-pact burger with seasonings because of the price. Since the kitchen is in front of the bar, I saw the cook season a prepared burger by tossing seasonings on top and placing it on the grill. Really? My food came, the fries dripped with grease, and the burger had no flavor.

I expressed my dismay with the bartender, and he agreed. I couldn’t eat my meal and let him know we were leaving to go get something to eat at another bar. The bartender said, “Where are you going? Can I come? I don’t eat here either.” I told him I would not be returning and that the food and drinks were overpriced. He also agreed. $85 later for a burger, fries, and two drinks is not worth it. I would have expected some credit, but I understand his limited ability to make things right. I tipped him and left. I am not cheap, but this dinner and experience was not worth it. We went to another bar in the area and were satisfied. Since telling this story, I spoke to others and I am not alone. Do better, I would like to support your...