Such a disappointing meal. Parking is very limited in the area, so plan ahead and get a ride or expect to wait for a spot either on the street or in the nearby parking lot. Inside is a little tight but very beautiful. We were seated quickly and service was incredibly friendly, but the food is expensive and not worth coming back for. Lots of busy flavors and unique dishes. Our favorite of the night was the wagyu beef, though the serving size was small. The chocolate mousse was simply inedible. Far too salty and lacking in any other flavor, and the presentation wasn't doing it any favors. I can only assume desserts aren't their strong suit. Maybe it was our mistake, and I hope the experience is a lot better for wine/cocktails. Would only recommend if you go for wine/snacks and aren't planning for a full meal.
Suzanne S
I'm sad to say it, but our experience was not worth the money. Most of the dishes were either way too flavorful or had clashing flavors. The service and atmosphere were great though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Bernadette O.
This is a lovely spot with wonderful service, but very very disappointing food. We expected so much more. Everything was under seasoned, very boring, and in some cases even just tasted burnt. The only thing we really enjoyed was the bean dip which was the least expensive item on the menu we purchased one of the most expensive entrée items, the scallops, and found it almost inedible. We also did not enjoy the tuna/beef tenderloin "mosaic" which was served in a salty, but otherwise boring broth the grilled celeriac was completely unremarkable, except for the preserved, Satsuma tendrils on top. we were so looking forward to this evening and we're extremely disappointed. We are not planning on returning and would not recommend anyone looking for dinner. Go there for a delicious glass of wine or a cocktail for sure! Other than that spend your money elsewhere.
An
Large selection of wines, sophisticated atmosphere, food well-presented, service catered to target audience. They do wine by the glass, as well as great tasting cocktails. Had the Japanese Yams and the Pork Pate.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Samantha Wolfe
Wow, loved it. Came here for a belated Valentine's dinner. The service was excellent. Food was amazing and the wine was solid. I recommend the cabbage, the celeriac and the yams! Our cashew tart dessert with chocolate gelato (?) was also lovely. Thanks for a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ellie C.
My new favorite date night spot in Boston. The cozy ambience is top notch and the food was delicious and inventive. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and made sure to introduce each plate to us when served, as well as help us pick out some great wine pairings for the night. 10/10 experience, flavor, and satiation
Simson G.
Amazing food and lovely ambiance. We went for a special occasion and had a great time.
Maanasa D.
Great bartender. He's super talented and great at making mocktails as well. The sunchoke donuts were over cooked and tasted like old oil. Made me feel nauseous. Ginger pesto for the yams was extremely oversalted as was the chocolate sauce on the dessert. Server was weird when we asked if the pesto was oversalted - said it was supposed to taste like that. Free Oreos were better than the last three dishes combined. Cheese plate was really good though. Also really truly due appreciate the woman in black overalls who gave us more bread for our dip and the hostess who was really kind. Just puzzled and put off by someone who tried to convince us that pesto is meant to be grossly salty.
Emily Y.
Interesting flavors and small plates natural wine bar. Able to accommodate gluten-free. The menu is changing so each time you go the experience may be different and I found that everything to be very tasty and interesting.
Archana Sondhi
Great little place for food and drinks. Lots of interesting take on food and good options for vegetarians. A little tight in space.
Spoke is an incredible wine bar in Davis with a great wine list and absolutely delicious food! It's a great place to come as a group as they have many little plates that are perfect for sharing. Everything we had was delicious. The food was perfectly seasoned with interesting homemade sauces and combinations of flavors. The service was great and out waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the wine list, recommending wines for us. I can't recommend Spoke enough.
MJ H.
Every time I've gone to Spoke, the food and service have been wonderful. It's a "go to" in our little neighborhood. I enjoy getting dinner here with my husband and also heading over with friends.... the summer outdoor seating is superb.
Grant Murray
Had selection of finger foods and non-alcoholic cocktails. Service was supremely friendly, indulgent almost to the point of pampering. Music was loud enough to mildly impair conversation.Kid-friendliness: It's a bar.
I have loved this place in the past. Tonight though...the food was so so salty. We could imagine the idea but couldn't finish due to saltiness. The house amaro...eek...tastes like rotten veggies. I know this place can do better. Really want to love you!
Jade Z.
Intimate ambiance with a frequently changing menu, which is a good and bad thing! Had been eyeing some new items that looked good on Instagram but I think only their iconic Sunchoke donuts were worth it. Came as a group of 4 and it was busy inside! Possibly slightly understaffed. Sunchoke donuts with gouda and powdered leeks that you might accidentally choke on! The donuts themselves were super crispy! Not doughy or bready at all, more like a small fried ring of mashed potato. 5/5 Enoki mushroom cakes with sausage spice and pineapple sauce smelled heavily of cumin but tastes like shawarma pineapple on pizza. Texturally it's like a deep fried dimsum radish cake, the inside is smooth and blended so you really can't tell it's enoki mushroom. 2/5 Crudo with mango and celtuce is like a modern take on papaya salad. Refreshing but the fish was flavorless. 2/5 Countneck clams with American persimmon, soy sauce, olive oil - a surprisingly good flavor combo in one bite but the persimmon was frozen and so dissolved quickly whereas the clams were tough so you're chewing on plain clams for a while. 3/5 Burrata was very memorable! It was so creamy on the inside like cream cheese, not stringy or liquidy! Sumac and pickled onion for tang, spiced and seedy puffed rice crunchies added seasoning and texture. The steamed purple sweet potato was random. 5/5 Short rib salad with fermented black bean paste and potato chips... basically roast beef meets zhajiangmian. I wouldn't have known it was short rib because with was cold so you don't get to enjoy the warm fatty tenderness, and the black bean paste was so overpowering in flavor. 3/5 Beef muscle membrane skewers were a bit ridiculous, it was $9 for two sticks. Tasted like beef ramen flavored bean curd sheets tornado potatoed on a stick. I heard it was supposed to be like chicken skin but definitely not - just slightly crispy around the edges but the center was tough and chewy. 2/5 Celery stir fry with yuzu, chestnuts, and maple syrup was literally just college dorm room stir fry veg. Sweet maple with celery was surprisingly good though. 3/5 Kasha (buckwheat groats) risotto had the texture of oatmeal but with a fermented savory flavor from the tamarind. Topped with perfectly cooked mushrooms and mushy squash. Something crunchy on top like whole buckwheat could've been good. 3/5 Red snapper was over cooked so you could see the white protein gooo leaking out the fillet. Cauliflower had a faint miso flavor and the almond buttery crunch paired well with the fish. 3.5/5 Beetroot chocolate torte had a very strong vegetal flavor so it tasted salty yet also felt like there was a clawing amount of sugar in it attacking your teeth. Like a failed "healthy brownie". The pistachio yogurt had no pistachio flavor but was texturally nice and fluffy. The fennel shortbread further made the dessert taste savory and most of the crumbs had turned into literal rocks that i was worried for me teeth trying to chew through?! We got complementary coconut Oreos which were tastier than the dessert but did not taste like Oreos as it doesn't seem like there's the black cocoa powder. Just call it a sandwich cookie? If you time it right then maybe the menu will have more hits than misses.
Such a disappointing meal. Parking is very limited in the area, so plan ahead and get a ride or expect to wait for a spot either on the street or in the nearby parking lot. Inside is a little tight but very beautiful. We were seated quickly and service was incredibly friendly, but the food is expensive and not worth coming back for. Lots of busy flavors and unique dishes. Our favorite of the night was the wagyu beef, though the serving size was small. The chocolate mousse was simply inedible. Far too salty and lacking in any other flavor, and the presentation wasn't doing it any favors. I can only assume desserts aren't their strong suit. Maybe it was our mistake, and I hope the experience is a lot better for wine/cocktails. Would only recommend if you go for wine/snacks and aren't planning for a full meal.
I'm sad to say it, but our experience was not worth the money. Most of the dishes were either way too flavorful or had clashing flavors. The service and atmosphere were great though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
This is a lovely spot with wonderful service, but very very disappointing food. We expected so much more. Everything was under seasoned, very boring, and in some cases even just tasted burnt. The only thing we really enjoyed was the bean dip which was the least expensive item on the menu we purchased one of the most expensive entrée items, the scallops, and found it almost inedible. We also did not enjoy the tuna/beef tenderloin "mosaic" which was served in a salty, but otherwise boring broth the grilled celeriac was completely unremarkable, except for the preserved, Satsuma tendrils on top. we were so looking forward to this evening and we're extremely disappointed. We are not planning on returning and would not recommend anyone looking for dinner. Go there for a delicious glass of wine or a cocktail for sure! Other than that spend your money elsewhere.
Large selection of wines, sophisticated atmosphere, food well-presented, service catered to target audience. They do wine by the glass, as well as great tasting cocktails. Had the Japanese Yams and the Pork Pate.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Wow, loved it. Came here for a belated Valentine's dinner. The service was excellent. Food was amazing and the wine was solid. I recommend the cabbage, the celeriac and the yams! Our cashew tart dessert with chocolate gelato (?) was also lovely. Thanks for a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My new favorite date night spot in Boston. The cozy ambience is top notch and the food was delicious and inventive. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and made sure to introduce each plate to us when served, as well as help us pick out some great wine pairings for the night. 10/10 experience, flavor, and satiation
Amazing food and lovely ambiance. We went for a special occasion and had a great time.
Great bartender. He's super talented and great at making mocktails as well. The sunchoke donuts were over cooked and tasted like old oil. Made me feel nauseous. Ginger pesto for the yams was extremely oversalted as was the chocolate sauce on the dessert. Server was weird when we asked if the pesto was oversalted - said it was supposed to taste like that. Free Oreos were better than the last three dishes combined. Cheese plate was really good though. Also really truly due appreciate the woman in black overalls who gave us more bread for our dip and the hostess who was really kind. Just puzzled and put off by someone who tried to convince us that pesto is meant to be grossly salty.
Interesting flavors and small plates natural wine bar. Able to accommodate gluten-free. The menu is changing so each time you go the experience may be different and I found that everything to be very tasty and interesting.
Great little place for food and drinks. Lots of interesting take on food and good options for vegetarians. A little tight in space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sunchoke Doughnuts, Tagine Bean Dip
Restaurantji Recommends
Spoke is an incredible wine bar in Davis with a great wine list and absolutely delicious food! It's a great place to come as a group as they have many little plates that are perfect for sharing. Everything we had was delicious. The food was perfectly seasoned with interesting homemade sauces and combinations of flavors. The service was great and out waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the wine list, recommending wines for us. I can't recommend Spoke enough.
Every time I've gone to Spoke, the food and service have been wonderful. It's a "go to" in our little neighborhood. I enjoy getting dinner here with my husband and also heading over with friends.... the summer outdoor seating is superb.
Had selection of finger foods and non-alcoholic cocktails. Service was supremely friendly, indulgent almost to the point of pampering. Music was loud enough to mildly impair conversation.Kid-friendliness: It's a bar.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata, Enoki Cakes, Tuna Crudo, Sunchoke Doughnuts
I have loved this place in the past. Tonight though...the food was so so salty. We could imagine the idea but couldn't finish due to saltiness. The house amaro...eek...tastes like rotten veggies. I know this place can do better. Really want to love you!
Intimate ambiance with a frequently changing menu, which is a good and bad thing! Had been eyeing some new items that looked good on Instagram but I think only their iconic Sunchoke donuts were worth it. Came as a group of 4 and it was busy inside! Possibly slightly understaffed. Sunchoke donuts with gouda and powdered leeks that you might accidentally choke on! The donuts themselves were super crispy! Not doughy or bready at all, more like a small fried ring of mashed potato. 5/5 Enoki mushroom cakes with sausage spice and pineapple sauce smelled heavily of cumin but tastes like shawarma pineapple on pizza. Texturally it's like a deep fried dimsum radish cake, the inside is smooth and blended so you really can't tell it's enoki mushroom. 2/5 Crudo with mango and celtuce is like a modern take on papaya salad. Refreshing but the fish was flavorless. 2/5 Countneck clams with American persimmon, soy sauce, olive oil - a surprisingly good flavor combo in one bite but the persimmon was frozen and so dissolved quickly whereas the clams were tough so you're chewing on plain clams for a while. 3/5 Burrata was very memorable! It was so creamy on the inside like cream cheese, not stringy or liquidy! Sumac and pickled onion for tang, spiced and seedy puffed rice crunchies added seasoning and texture. The steamed purple sweet potato was random. 5/5 Short rib salad with fermented black bean paste and potato chips... basically roast beef meets zhajiangmian. I wouldn't have known it was short rib because with was cold so you don't get to enjoy the warm fatty tenderness, and the black bean paste was so overpowering in flavor. 3/5 Beef muscle membrane skewers were a bit ridiculous, it was $9 for two sticks. Tasted like beef ramen flavored bean curd sheets tornado potatoed on a stick. I heard it was supposed to be like chicken skin but definitely not - just slightly crispy around the edges but the center was tough and chewy. 2/5 Celery stir fry with yuzu, chestnuts, and maple syrup was literally just college dorm room stir fry veg. Sweet maple with celery was surprisingly good though. 3/5 Kasha (buckwheat groats) risotto had the texture of oatmeal but with a fermented savory flavor from the tamarind. Topped with perfectly cooked mushrooms and mushy squash. Something crunchy on top like whole buckwheat could've been good. 3/5 Red snapper was over cooked so you could see the white protein gooo leaking out the fillet. Cauliflower had a faint miso flavor and the almond buttery crunch paired well with the fish. 3.5/5 Beetroot chocolate torte had a very strong vegetal flavor so it tasted salty yet also felt like there was a clawing amount of sugar in it attacking your teeth. Like a failed "healthy brownie". The pistachio yogurt had no pistachio flavor but was texturally nice and fluffy. The fennel shortbread further made the dessert taste savory and most of the crumbs had turned into literal rocks that i was worried for me teeth trying to chew through?! We got complementary coconut Oreos which were tastier than the dessert but did not taste like Oreos as it doesn't seem like there's the black cocoa powder. Just call it a sandwich cookie? If you time it right then maybe the menu will have more hits than misses.