Ten Tables

I have always enjoyed it here but the last time I visited, service was very slow (the place wasn't full but there was only one person working at the tables. For one of our entrees, the chef had to bring it to us from the kitchen). Food was still fine, however, at the end of the meal, I was surprised by the additional 5% they tag onto the bill (now I know it's a disclaimer at the bottom of the menu). It's apparently a "kitchen appreciation" fee. The kitchen staff should be paid a living salary and customers should not have to be forced to pay an additional 5%. This fee culture in the US seems to be getting a little out of hand. The tables are quite small but the atmosphere is still homey so I don't mind. It does make eating a bit difficult if you have multiple dishes and multiple people and you easily run out of space.

Drinks were tasty, service was so-so. My salad was overdressed and too salty, and I only ate two small bites of it, but the server didn't notice or ask about it as she cleared my plate. The bavette steak I had was very chewy (not in a good way) and difficult to cut even with the steak knife. Overall, it was at best mediocre and not worth the price. I came because I heard this place was (once) good, but I will not be returning.

This is an update to an earlier 5 star review, after my friends and I visited again. JP has many restaurants where you not only can get good food, but have a good time. For me, at the top of the list for a good time and absolutely fantastic food is Ten Tables. The place is joyful, familiar and friendly. We had mussels that were the best I ever had. The halibut was succulent and the brisket pasta was such a comfort food. Thank you Krista, Randy, Cristina and the staff for allowing us to have a wonderful evening.

Had a wonderful experience at Ten Tables. Their cheese board was laid out beautifully. A mild, soft cow cheese with a sharp, hard goat cheese. A few jams, bits of fruit, olives, and honey complimented each of the cheeses. I opted for the hanger steak as my main course. It was, without a doubt, one of the best pieces of meat I've ever eaten. This steak was so tender, it didn't know which state of matter it wanted to be: a liquid or a solid. Wonderfully salty and juicy, it's triggering some subconscious memory in my mind and making my mouth water. The wait staff was professional and attentive. The dining area itself is rather small. It seemed like they did have more than "ten tables", but it probably wasn't much more than that. If you want to eat here, I would *highly* recommend getting a reservation. There were people already lined up at the door as they opened for dinner. While this is marked as a triple-dollar-sign restaurant, I'd consider it on the cheaper side of that category. An entree will only run you about $25, and you can get a tasting menu for only $50.

Ten Tables is a very enjoyable, homey, comforting experience but the price point suggests something a little more intellectual or surprising. We came here on a Saturday evening right when they opened at 5:30pm and were greeted a little strangely -- like they were surprised to see us. The restaurant was empty of customers but it was also definitely past their opening time, so I was confused by the polite if bewildered reception. No matter -- we grabbed some high-top tables in the first room when you enter. We ordered the lavender cocktail ($14) and a glass of rose (somewhere in the same realm) and while the rose was thoroughly forgettable, the cocktail was nice. It was as close as I've ever gotten to drinking a lavender-scented drink without feeling like I've buried my nose in a pile of soap. It was pisco-style, and the froth on the top of the cocktail was nice. For food, we got the shrimp dip, the TT burger, and the orecchiette. The shrimp dip was a little too salty but otherwise perfectly comforting -- creamy and cheesy to pair nice with crisp crostini. The TT burger was yummy as well, topped with crisp lettuce, two pieces of fatty bacon, a sauce that resembled McD's special sauce, and a big hunk of a patty cooked medium as I requested. The orecchiette also tended to saltiness although the pasta was nicely al dente. Wish there had been more mushrooms and kale, though. Finally, for dessert we ordered the blueberry upside down cake. The ice cream (vanilla or sweet cream) was practically melted by the time we got the dessert, but the cake itself was nice, jam-packed with blueberries and sort of crispy on the top. Overall, we paid $125 for the meal. Their entrees run $30 per (except the TT burger) and most appetizers run $10-20, with sides running $8. Cocktails are expensive at $14 each. I think Ten Tables is a great, homey restaurant -- it serves up comfort food, sort of like what you'd want a REALLY awesome pot luck where everyone just nails their home cooking to taste like. It just doesn't really blow me away, and with $30 entrees I might go to some place more innovative or off the beaten culinary track.

Went to Ten Tables for a celebratory early evening dinner and had the BEST time! The food was delicious. The salmon was one of the best meals I've had in Jamaica Plain. Everyone in our party said the same about their meals. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. Loved the homey, quaint, quiet atmosphere and being able to watch the kitchen. Will definitely be back, again and again. Thank you!