Soma

10/19/09

SOMA = Same Outstanding Meal Again

by Jeff Chalmers at Citysearch

SOMA, short for the Same Outstanding Meal Again, is an amazing experience. With scrumptous specials, an amazing wine list and service comparable to Boston's 5-Star restaurants (but without the overpriced menu and long wait), it's a favorite of not only my wife and me, but also many of my friends. If you're looking for a great night out with food and friends or family, this is your place. Period.

• Pros: Amazing Food, Amazing Wine List, Amazing Service
• Cons: That We Had to Leave

10/18/09

A Well thought out dining experience !!!

by Jack G at Citysearch

Soma is a beautifully decorated place. Attention to detail is a key element here from the sexy bar top to the black accoustic tiles that cover the entire ceiling ( when packed u can here a pin drop ) the walls are tastefully decorated with warm inviting colors & local works of art, that just draw u in as if you were home. Now living in Sarasota,fl i come back to Boston 4-5 times per year and it's my 1st stop for lunch or dinner. Last night i had the Lobster Mac-n-cheese it was excellent, creamy and loaded with fresh lobster. The pizza is to die for ( seriously ) the food is always fresh and presentation is spot on. The wait staff and bartenders really bring thier A game each and every night. Nick Paras has done an amazing job with Soma and has brought Northshore Dining to new heights. Thanks Nick see yah soon.

• Pros: Beautiful decor, great atmosphere, amazing food & drinks !
• Cons: ? NONE HERE ?

10/14/09

Touch of Class on the North Shore

by LaKM at Citysearch

There are as many bars and places to eat in Beverly as there are street corners. Many are nondescript. Soma stands out as a classy, high end alternative for great and unique food and drinks. The staff is very friendly, professional and accommodating. The atmosphere is chic, with a beautiful bamboo bar and local artisans work on the walls. If you have a chance to visit Soma you will not be disappointed. My suggestion would be to ask what the specialty drink is. The pizza's are out of this world and it is also open for lunch which is a rarity in Beverly. Relax and Enjoy!

• Pros: Service, Professionalism, Atmosphere
• Cons: Parking

10/14/09

Love this place

by Dave Szczesny at Citysearch

Great staff, unbelievable drinks and I had a steak panini for lunch the other day that was awesome! Great fries too which is very important.

• Pros: Best drinks in town!!
• Cons: none that I can think of.

08/22/08

Out of this world!

by MariaSF at Citysearch

I and 12 of my closest family and friends went to Soma a couple of weeks ago, and I must say that this was probably the best meal I have had in a long time!

Noted we did get some special things prepared for us as a couple of my friends knew the chef but no matter what the food was excellent.

Being a large group the restaurant accommodate us very well.

We decided to do a 3 course menu and as everyone wanted to try all the appetizers we decided upon the kitchen made sure there was plenty of everything and served them family style.

Having heard that Soma is famous for its Mojitos and Martinis we dove right in and tried plentiful and the rumor is true - they are really good!

The food was unforgettable and cooked to perfection.

We all shared Calamari, Mussels PEI, Arroncini which were all to die for.

Maine courses were even better:

Homemade pasta with lobster in a cream sauce w fennel was exquisite and the Scallops w pureed cauliflower and pea puree and a redwine reduction was to die for. The duck and lamb were cooked and seasoned perfectly.

The desserts were especially made for us and were unreal. Napoleon style wafers w berries and cream anglaise and best of all white currants which is a very rare sight here indeed- it was so light and refreshing and was a great end to an excellent meal.

But wait the chef wasn't done - knowing that I LOVE Madeleine?s he prepared fresh, warm ones for us. Happy and stuffed to the guiles I must say that this is the best experience and food I have had from Chef Seth Fernald.

If you are ever in the neighborhood you should try this place and it is definitely worth the drive from Boston - great food and drinks, great atmosphere.

Price is better then the City for the quality of food, try it!

• Pros: Food, Drinks and Atmosphere

06/30/08

Spectacular Suburban Surprise

by SGHale at Citysearch

My husband & I were looking for a nice date place. I'm 9 months pregnant & we won't have the opportunity for a while, so after reading some reviews we decided to try Soma. We can't wait to go back!

The space is clean, simple & modern - but not that "trying too hard" mod some places go for. The waitstaff was competent, efficient, friendly, knowledgeable, but not intrusive. Although I cannot comment on the taste of the booze, I was jealous of all the options my husband had to choose from & can't wait to go back to try them. The cocktail list is expansive & creative; the wine list is varied with many affordable choices; great beer selection - overall fantastic bar.

As for the food, we chose to share 5 appetizers like a 5 course tasting menu, which they were totally cool with:

Course 1 - Tempura fried stuffed squash blossoms over arugula with a citrus vinaigrette. Loved the seasonal, vegetal squash blossoms, creamy filling & light tempura batter. Wasn't oily at all and the clean citrus dressing & spicy arugula cut the richness of the blossoms. Get it while you can!

Course 2 - Chilled Tuscan Melon soup with creme fraiche & prosciutto chip. Yum! Cool, smooth, light & refreshing. Creme fraiche added creaminess & the prosciutto chip provided an excellent salty counterpart.

Course 3 - Risotto of the day with garlic scapes, fava bean, fennel & truffle oil. Not gluey, good texture, very cheesy, could have used a bit more liquid - but we prefer a soupy-er risotto than most. Great flavors overall.

Course 4 - Panzanella Salad with cucumbers, yellow pear tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil-infused olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Loved the texture as the bread was NOT soggy! Refreshing yet filling.

Course 5 - PEI Mussels with fries. Perfectly seasoned fries with an herb aioli, good quality mussels with a very flavorful broth.

Dessert - Lavender shortbread with fig sorbet, balsamic reduction & fresh figs & strawberries. The perfect end to the night!

• Pros: Bar selection, Food Quality, Value
• Cons: Busy on Weekends

05/16/08

Good drinks, but slow service

by jaime73 at Citysearch

I love the atmosphere, drinks, and food at Soma! The service needs work - I think they are going for a non-pushy staff setting, but we had to flag them down to get drinks, food, AND the bill at the bar.

02/23/08

AMAZING!!!!

by epm0609 at Citysearch

It has the best food ever from the drinks to the bar menu to the en tree's. We go there at least once a week. Prices are reasonable, quality is great. Cant wait to go back. Talented chef!

• Pros: nice ambience, great service
• Cons: none

11/15/07

SOMA is so much fun! I go for the music as well as the food!

by bettyeverdene at Citysearch

I especially love Weds - a glass of wine - Further From Zen, cool Indie jazz, singer Jesse Ciarmataro's sweet sounds!

09/07/07

Unbelievable food and even better service

by 2and3more at Citysearch

I was in the area traveling for business last saturday and stubled upon Soma with a few co-workers. I was greeted by a very nice women and seated promptly. The decor was beautiful and the atmosphere exactly what I needed fun but most of all relaxing.

We were greeted by our server Barbie who was a delite to have wait on us. She was very knowledgable and polite. I have traveled quite a bit and it is rare to find this type of service. We ordered cocktails and a bottle of wine with our dinner, I definetly recommend the blueberry pomegrant martini, it is to die for.

The food was wonderful, and their were so many things to choose from. I ordered the scallops and was blown away starting with the appearance and even more by its flavor. Scallops are a tough thing to cook and the chef Mark Zimmerman did an unbelievable job. I loved the aparagus wrapped in bacon and the sauce was amazing.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. It was a pleasure to dine at.

• Pros: Service and food choices
• Cons: Needs a bit more lighting although relaxing.