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Blue Ginger

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583 Washington St
Wellesley, MA 02482

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(781) 283-5790
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Blue Ginger - Wellesley, MA
Blue Ginger - Wellesley, MA
Blue Ginger - Wellesley, MA
Blue Ginger - Wellesley, MA
Blue Ginger - Wellesley, MA
Reviews
( 21 )
( 11 )
( 6 )
( 8 )
( 4 )

Best

Blue ginger is a must for special occasions, it is on the expensive side but you will not be dissapointed!

Worst

Having read rave reviews, I arranged to take my parents, visting from New York. We had high expectations. Too bad. The waitress was rude and the service was slow and unattentive. ...

A Very Pleasant Evening 1/5/2006

From the professional greeting at the door, to crisp professional service, to great food and an interesting well chosen wine list dining at Blue Ginger was a joy. We were early for our reservation but still seated promptly. Our appetizers and entrees, perfectly cooked and seasoned duck breast, were wonderful and the service just right during the entire meal. I have a great deal of difficulty understanding how I could have dinned at the same restaurant that some of the recent reviewers here have described. Ive never been disappointed at Blue Ginger and will be back again soon. more
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Let Down 12/3/2005

Of our group of seven, five seemed content with the experience, but two of us walked away completely unsatisfied. The meals were attempts at complexity, but palate confusion was the result. The Indonesian Curry tasted as if a bottle of lemongrass powder had been spilled in it (and I like lemongrass!) with some red pepper; you couldnt taste the vegetables. The crusted chicken that came with it would have been better paired with mashed potatoes and gravy. My partners polenta was cold and served with burnt vegetables. Our server, while generally attentive, managed to be obsequious and arrogant at the same time. Desserts were uninspired, although the biscotti and coffee were a rare plue here. Overall, there are better Asian-fusion restaurants in the Greater Boston area with a finer ambiance and better value. Pros: seated on time Cons: food/poor value, location/ambiance, service more
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A Delightful Culinary Experience 11/3/2005

While Blue Ginger's decor doesn't dazzle, even the most snobbish will appreciate the creativity & complexity that Ming's food embodies. For appetizers we had Mings Tea-Smoked Salmon & Beef Carpaccio w/ Fresh Wasabi Emulsion & Foie Gras-Shiitake Shumai in Sauternes-Shallot Broth. The carpaccio was ok but the foie gras was a standout. Not a dish for the less adventurous as it was rather rich & surprisingly well blended. For entrees we had Grilled Harissa Glazed New Zealand Lamb Rack w/ Coconut Raita w/ Summer Vegetable Couscous Salad & Thai Basil-Mint Puree and Pan-Seared Scallops w/ Miso Koshi-Hikari Risotto and Wilted Greens-Wild Mushroom Fondue and Spicy Pumpkin Puree. Both were oustanding w/ expertly layered taste. The lamb had a amazing smoky flavor & texture. The scallops were soft, flavorful, & and the risotto was to die for. The spicy pumpkin puree gave it a playful autumn twist. Great experience! Pros: Unique food, Choices, Attentive Service Cons: Space more
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big ming rip-off 10/29/2005

We love his show but if he doesn't pay more attn to his place he will not get much repeat biz. We took our ny friends here to impress instead we were totally embarrassed. The svc was horrendous unattentive unapologetic & rude. The food is way over rated tho very creative. Open kithen is nice but the place is so sterile. We regretfully agree with some of the poor reviews but wanted to ignore them & see for ourselves. Bad move - our uppity ny'ers have every right to rag on us this time! Pros: bathrooms, creativity but Cons: svc svc svc, disappointing fare more
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Amazing Food and Down-to-Earth Chef/Owner 7/6/2005

With as busy a schedule as the ""celebrity chefs"" have, Ming made rounds and checked on tables. He was extremely nice and down to earth. Checked on how everything was with our meals and even joked a bit about this and that. (We're neither investors in his restaurant nor potential, but he took to time to say hello - class guy.) We had a remarkably good experience at Blue Ginger. Warm atmosphere, open kitchen, inviting, friendly staff. Perhaps pricey, but you get what you pay for. Easily worth it. World-class experience in a sleepy suburb. We eat in Manhattan often, and Blue Ginger trumped many of our experiences. Food is outstanding, and the people were exceedingly nice (unlike NYC). Calm atmosphere but a great buzz in the air. CREATIVE cocktails and menu. Pros: Creative Menu, Atmosphere, Location Cons: Parking more
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SPECTACULAR SERVICE 6/9/2005

THE AMBIANCE IS NICE, THE FOOD GREAT, BUT THE SERVICE IS THE BEST I HAVE HAD IN THE BOSTON METROPOLITAN AREA. FROM THE INITIAL GREETING TO THE FRIENDLY INVITE BACK, OUR SERVER MISSY (I'M PRETTY SURE WAS HER NAME) WAS ON THE MARK!! FROM THE COURSING OF THE FOOD, TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MENU, MISSY PROVIDED AN AMAZING DINING EXPERIENCE. ANY LITTLE IMPERFECTIONS THAT WE MAY HAVE NOTICED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEAL WERE QUICKLY FORGOTTEN BY THE IMPECCABLE SERVICE. IF YOU GO TO THE BLUE GINGER, I WOULD ADVISE REQUESTING THIS BEAUTIFUL FRIENDLY SERVER TO RECEIVE SERVICE THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE WHEN YOUR SPENDING GOOD $$. THANK YOU MISSY, AND WE WILL SEE YOU SOON!! Pros: SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE Cons: NONE, NONE, NONE more
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Sadly, Disappointed 1/12/2004

As a huge fan of Ming Tsai, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience his cuisine in person. Yes, the food was divine--but the service and the ambiance were severely lacking. Our server gave all of his attention to the diners sitting next to us, who happened to be spending an obscene amount of cash on wine. He delivered our entrees at different times--mine arriving 15 minutes after those of my dining companions! When he admitted that he forgot to place my order with the kitchen, he did not apologize, and did not offer amends in the form of a free dessert or money off of the final bill--an action that truly fine dining establishments take. Bottom line--I still love Ming, but I will never dine at Blue Ginger again. more
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Great Food, good value 10/16/2003

For romantic dinner, we skipped the downtown scene (on a red-sox night). We never regreted. This is a great place with great food. surprisingly it even topped the good reviews already here. Drinks: We decided to go with coctails and were very happy as they were both special and very good (Sake and Vodka based martinies). The food was very unique, and yet very accomodating to our tast. Portions are generous too. Service was very responsive including to some special requests, no Shell-fish in our case (not an easy task in a place like this!). The Fish (butterfish) and the Stake were superb, and so was the mashroom appetiser. Be sure not to miss any of them. An unforgetable night from all aspects and good value considering the fact this is definitely one of the top restaurants in MA, and cost same or less than most other ""top 10"" restaurants. Pros: Food, Service, East meet West more
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Very good, not great 8/18/2003

I was excited to try Blue Ginger after moving to Boston. My girlfriend and I have gone twice now, and while it is good, it doesn't live up to the hype. Maybe the kitchen slips a little when Ming isn't in (he wasn't on either occasion). The main courses were better than the appetizers, which seems to be a reversal of the norm. The flavors were good and matched well with each other, but the overall execution was sloppy and had a ""mass-produced"" feel. Maybe the kitchen is turning out oo much too quickly. Pros: Celebrity Chef, interesting flavors Cons: poor execution, uninteresting apps more
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horrible service 7/10/2003

Having read rave reviews, I arranged to take my parents, visting from New York. We had high expectations. Too bad. The waitress was rude and the service was slow and unattentive. Moreover, when asked if the lobster could be done without butter (my mother cannot eat dairy), the waitress said, ""If you can't eat butter, you can't eat here. The kitchen cannot make any substitutions."" Later, the management said that was not the case, but the damage was done. They also asked for my address and contact information, but did not follow up on any of it. All in all a very poor experience and an embarrassment in front of my parents. Cons: terrible service more
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Good 6/17/2003

Overall, the food was good. The flavors were matched nicely. However, for the value, it wasn't all it was hyped to be. The dessert was ok, the creme brulee was only so so. Overall, the experience was enjoyable. more
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It would be a nothing if it were in NYC 5/12/2003

What is the story with this place? The food is so-so and the ambience is only one step above a typical Chinese restaurant. Just don't get what is so special about Blue Ginger. Pros: food Cons: food, ambience more
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The quest is over 2/10/2003

The food was incredible. The calamari were perfectly cooked and the fois gras shumai are delectable. At our table we tried the Lobster dish, outstanding and the rack of lamb, fantastic. The butterfish is good but I expected a bit more from this highly regarded dish. The bartender is a whiz so try a signiture cocktail. It is pricy but on par with many restaurants in the city and with the clebrity factor its right on. Pros: great food, Ming, Cocktails Cons: pricy, wait, its in wellesley more
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stellar 1/25/2003

wonderful wonderful wonderful......and then you pay for it. Love the open kitchen, dining room and the food .you have to like asian fusion...very original ...alittle pricey. more
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4 stars 1/9/2003

The Blue Ginger is on of the best restaurants in the Boston area. Not only does Ming Tsai's successful marrys eastern and west cuisine he also successful fuses two styles bistro and fine dinning. more
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A Memorable Dining Event! 11/14/2002

Our party of six put this place to the test, each of us ordering - and sharing - a different appetizer and entree (but, alas, only three different desserts for the table). We were completely impressed, and at times, blown away. The interplay of East-meets-West ingredients and technique were wonderful. They were put to best effect in Ming's own version of surf and turf (alternating slices of tuna and beef carpaccio) and the shiitake and foie gras spring rolls. If you are a chocolate fan, do not miss the flourless chocolate torte - it was to die for! Only (minor) complaint over an otherwise memorable evening: the noise level was a little high. Pros: creative cooking, classy, yet casual, Chef Ming hot! more
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***** 11/12/2002

Great relaxed atmosphere, Incredible food (I had the Alaskan Butterfish) Good service. My girlfriend was a bit non-plussed by the paper tablecloths etc..., but I personally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere immensely. It isn't a formal place that would impress someone with its atmosphere, but if you are just looking for a place to relax and enjoy an exquisite meal...this is it! Pros: Incredible food, Relaxed Atmosphere Cons: Parking, Disposable Chopsticks more
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Brrr, Blue Giner Bes wait ever! 11/4/2002

I'm from California and lucked out this weekend, whilst in Boston I made it to Blue Ginger.. The food is GREAT! I'm pretty much sick of ""fusion"" but this truly was a ""fusion"" of great flavors.. Ming deserves the kudos he's received. It was well worth the cold wait outside with no reservation. Although, I've decided I love CA too much to move to Wellesley. The restaurant would be my one factor in which I could be persuaded. more
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Excellent 10/25/2002

anyone not satisfied with the value, You really don't know what a special meal is. The food, service and atmosphere was great. If you pay over $30 for an entree, I hope you expect presentation, service and favor. All of this was provided. Jen M. provided great service, Ming was present, watching everything that came from the kitchen, assuring it met his expectations. Anyone who does not appreciate presentation and a fine mixtures of flavors, then I recommend you go to a buffet to get 2 pounds of beef and a pound of potatoes on a plastic plate, the way you dumped it. Anyone that enjoys a fine night of dining, visit Blue Ginger. The only regret I have is that I live in Michigan, and I would have to travel over 700 miles to eat here again. But, if I am in the area, I will definately be back. Pros: every thing I expecte more
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Worth the trip 9/14/2002

After seeing a couple of episodes of East Meets West and reading the New Yorker article on Ming Tsai a few years ago, I promised myself I'd go to Blue Ginger on my next trip to Boston (I live in CA). The food was really innovative and wonderful. I went with three other people, and all of us were absolutely delighted with our entrees. The cookie plate for dessert wasn't bad either! Pros: food Cons: somewhat remote more
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Menu for Blue Ginger


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    Fans of Ming Tsai's television shows and product lines flock to quiet Wellesley Center hoping to catch a glimpse of the star at work in the restaurant's colorful open kitchen....

  • 1/10/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Monday To Thursday From 11:30 AM To 02:00 PM Monday To Thursday From 05:30 PM To 09:30 PM Friday From 11:30 AM To 02:00 PM Friday From 05:30 PM To 10:00 PM Saturday From 05:00 PM To 10:00 PM Sunday From 05:00 PM To 09:00 PM
  • Payments: Visa, Diner's Club, Master Card, American Express
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