Buttercup — Restaurant in Natick

Well it had to happen but I didn't want it to be me that gives a 3 star review. We are big fans of the Farmhouse and have given it 5 stars in the past. As Natick residents we were really looking forward to eating here especially as an anniversary celebration. The restaurant is laid out nicely, actually better and roomier than the Farmhouse. Limited menu like the Farmhouse and we noticed the short ribs were off the menu and replaced by a bolognese dish. We asked the waitress about that and was told the dish is still served but was not listed on the menu, a little strange we thought. My wife ordered the Fish Tacos and I had the Tiger Shrimp with fettuccine as well as truffles fries. Minor thing but the bread although tasty was not warmed and the one butter pad was very hard. The meal came out fairly quickly and both were very tasty. The truffle fries were somewhat overdone. We decided we would have a desert, however there was only one item and that was the Tres Luches. We said okay and ordered one to split. We also ordered two decaf coffees and like the Farmhouse they only serve espresso American style. The desert came out in one big bowl with two spoons but they didn't give us 2 plates to split it. I don't know what they thought we were going to do except slide it back an forth to each other. We had to ask for the plates which came but there was no knife to cut it. Then the expresso came out with a small tubular glass with cream it. While serving it the waitress spilt the glass and the cream went all over the dish the desert and part of the table. We were lucky we didn't get any on us. She was very upset and sorry and wiped it up with another person and put a napkin over the wet tablecloth. We were hoping she would tell the manager what happened but she obviously didn't as nobody else came over. The desert was a actually very good but the experience was ruined by what happened. We were wondering when we got the bill if the desert would be taken off the bill as a good gesture but it wasn't. It was obvious she didn't report it probably afraid she would get in trouble. We let it go but disappointed that it wasn't. The bill with the tip came to over $100 which is in Capitol Grille territory. Won't be back anytime soon as they definitely have things to...

You know that famous restaurant scene in "When Harry Met Sally?" That was me. For real though trying to control the food moans and utter bliss I was experiencing from every bite I took. Perfection was sought through the artistic rendition of culinary creativity and gratefully achieved. Both of my parents are chefs, my brother went to the Culinary Institute of America. I've eaten at the best restaurants in Paris and had many memorable dishes in many countries. I can't say I've EVER had an ENTIRE MEAL that made me forget my troubles and lose myself in every bite I took. This restaurant MADE their own cocktail sauce. It was so delectable, that for the first time in my life, I put cocktail sauce on every oyster and relished the experience. I've had a lot of oysters in my life. The CORNBREAD! OMG. Oh God I swear I'm not exaggerating. I bit into a piece with a smear of the ricotta spread and lavender honey and continued to try to control the noises of utter joy coming out of my body. I was so happy I remember thinking the world could end then and there and I'd be ok with that. The cornbread was perfectly moist without being cakey and still tasted like cornbread. The beets were heavenly. A mix of different types of beets over a generous spread of well whipped ricotta. So refreshing and ecstasy generating with each bite. I ordered the Tiger Shrimp Risotto with Poisson Sauce and Chili Flakes. I'm getting a tingle down my spine recalling every bite of this dish. It came in a warm dish hot off the stove. It's very easy to screw up risotto and shrimp. They didn't. The shrimp were plump and juicy, the risotto was cooked just right and the SAUCE. Oh I had my reservations about ordering risotto with a sauce but it was heavenly. I was full halfway through but I didn't care I kept eating. There was also fresh spinach which I loved. Oh God I'd eat that dish every day for the rest of my life. We also had the short rib which was so tender. The service was phenomenal....

Overall, disappointed with the experience due to the fact that the price tag was extremely high for the amount of food we received. I understand farm to table costs more, but at the end of the day when you spend money for dinner you want to feel like you actually had one. I had the burger which was ok. I asked if I could substitute greens for fries. They said "no problem". I received less than a handful of lettuce and was charged $3 more. For $19 I got an ok burger and a small bit of lettuce and I didn't even get my fries which ultimately I paid for. "Substitute" does not mean "up-charge" unless they tell you about it. My daughter ordered the Risotto for $22. Very good, but she was practically licking the plate looking for more. She didn't walk away hungry only because her friend gave her one of her 3 fish tacos ($23) (and then she walked away hungry). If only had I received my fries!!! There was nothing super about the size of the super jumbo lump crab cake. I wish I could blame the large bill on our drinks, but we ordered 4 waters. I don't mind at all spending the money, but want to feel like I got a meal when I'm done. The best part of the meal was the dessert. It was a decent size and very tasty. Other pros - cute place and friendly greeters at the door. I likely won't return particularly if I'm...