Ate at Craigie St Bistrot in Cambridge MA after reading nice reviews.What a mistake.The room is in a basement with bright lighting and no character or charm.The food was "gamey" not french and the staff was a rude.Don't always believe the hype.I would not suggest to anybody!

I agree,This place is very bad.Not very good food.I would NOT go back.Many other restaurants in Boston area to choose from.I'm shocked that this place does any business.It's also very expensive!

The only reason I went to this restaurant was because of the "reviews".Do most people know that restaurants pay publicity firms to help them get in all the mags,guidebooks and newspapers?I was fooled.If you want to spend alot of money for a bad meal you too can be a fool.

I agree with the previous posts.I went expecting a top notch restaurant.I had read so much about this restaurant and its chef.The restaurant was very hard to find.Indeed its located in a basement and has very little ambiance.The service was rushed and our meals were fair.Not what I expected.I would not go back.

I don't live far from there and always wanted to go. Thanks for the info, so many places around, I'll choose another.

HI, although we have not eaten there, when I looked it up in Zagat, it got a 27 (out of 30) for quality of food, which is a very high rating. Just a little added data for anyone who is interested...

I often wonder whether the reviewers have even actually dined here (along with Beacon Hill Bistro).

A fabulous French restaurant in Cambridge is Sandrine. Our favorite in Boston is Aquitane. Pierrot Bistro in Boston is also excellent.

Not only were we underwhelmed with the food and atmosphere at Craigie Street Bistro (and nearly nothing on the menu when we visited was the least bit appealing), it was one of the LOUDEST places we've ever, ever dined.

Because a restaurant gets a high rating in zagat does not mean that the restaurant is any good.Zagat and all other publications have editors who pick and choose what goes into a review.Many restaurants hire publicists who have cozy relationships with a reviewer insuring a positive mention or review.I agree with djbooks in his/her comments.The bottom line is Craigie St Bistrot is a very bad restaurant that gets reviewed all the time.If you want to waste your time and money eat at the restaurant and add your review.

Hi sam--it is very clear that *you* had a bad experience at this restaurant as did a couple of other posters...however, if Zagat is scamming people w/their reviews, as you suggest, how is anyone supposed to pick a place for the first time? I was always under the, apparently wrong, impression that Zagat was a reliable source of reviews, and that a 27 rating in one place would generally translate to being analaogous to a 27 in another....

What do you suggest to those diners looking for feedback on a place they have not gone to before? And how do you explain the success of Craigie Street? Is everyone who eats there--especially as they have a lot of repeat business--somehow a dolt? I only pursue this point b/c I have had bad experiences at places that others may enjoy very much. I can only give my opinion on my individual experience, but would not assume that all the customers who do enjoy it are somehow "fools".

I think a forum like Fodors is a place where i can write a personal review and share my experience with others.Zagat is nothing but an edited poll.Thats why many popular restaurants get high ratings,not because their good.Because a movie gets a good review and does alot of business doesn't make it a great movie.I agree I can only share my personal experience and share with others.It's obvious that others agree because I have not read one positive comment about Craigie St Bistrot.The point is Craigie St Bistrot is a lousy restaurant that serves "unappealing food" and charges high prices.I'm just trying to express my personal experience not Zagat's or other publications.Again, if you want to try a restaurant for the first time read personal reviews from ordinary people on Fodors,Citysearch,Chowhound or other food blogs.In my opinion the only fools are the people who eat at Craigie st Bistrot.

I have to say I'm shocked - live in Boston and have found the food to be fabulous every time I've eaten there! (which has been a handful of times since right after it opened). Yes, the basement scene is not the best ambiance, but the real draw has been the food. This is my experience.

To liven the atmosphere of the evening, park at the Charles Hotel and (having reserved it earlier) take the Engish taxi over to the restaurant - they will take you back to the hotel after. Fun service.

To agree with another Fodorite - Aquitaine is wonderful for French too.

Just went to Craigie Street a couple weeks ago and been meaning to write in. I loved it. I tend to troll the Cambridge restaurants first, and then Boston. No need to head to Boston at all. Never have had food like this anywhere. I ordered the Chefs Whim. Chef Tony Maws cooks for you - listening to your allergies - and then he just creates what he calls "Chefs Whim." Most memorable meal of my life. Truly. My friends have told me about the veggie menu, I need to check that out next. Just tried calling but they are closed this week - so bummed - but will try next. This is a gem.

I would have to label myself a bit of a "lurker" when it comes to these message boards - never really feeling the need to respond to a post. However, the need has arrived! I realize that you are entitled to your opinion, but, I am truly shocked at your characterization of Craigie Street as a less than superior restaurant. In my (humble) opinion, Craigie Street is one of THE finest French Bistrots outside of France. My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary there - everything about our experience was fantastic! I chose Craigie St. after a friend's recommendation, who happens to be from France. As she said, and to which I agree, Tony Maws is one of the most talented chefs the Boston area can lay claim to (and there are many). His meals are exquisitely prepared, using only the freshest ingredients. While the prices are not cheap, they are in line for the quality of food served. Yes, it is a "basement" location, but in no way does it feel dark or dreary - just the opposite, it is tastefully decorated and extremely cozy (and that doesn't mean cramped). If you are looking for a quaint, authentic bistrot experience, then I assure you, you will not be disappointed with Craigie Street!

Hmmmm....I smell something fishy here. I eat at Craigie Street often and have recommended it more times than I can count. Everyone I've ever sent there loves it! Great ambience; excellent, authentic French cuisine; and exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly wait staff. Sounds like a few of these reviews are coming from disgruntled restaurant competition or someone who might have stumbled into the wrong restaurant. This is definitely a must try for anyone who KNOWS good food and is looking for a truly memorable French dining experience. Tony Maws is a guy who loves creating great dishes, and it shows....I'd rate it one of my top five choices in the Boston/Cambridge area!!

Is there anything beyond coincidence that skypilotsam, purljuice, and malan all have posted on the same topic multiple times? Could one perhaps believe they are a single person with an ax to grind?

Let's play detective - one thing in common among posts by above-mentioned trio is that they all have a rather odd way of not leaving any space between sentences after the period.

Hmmm, gail, another coincidence is that sam and purljuice answer each other's posts a lot!! A possible secret dual identity?? An evil twin thing happening??