The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
We all know how postcard images and stock photos are staged and too perfect to be real, and that may be true for many locations. But at the corner of the tree-lined Massachusetts Avenue and the historic Commonwealth Avenue, the Boston restaurant Deuxave proves that some places really are as beautiful as they seem, both inside and out. With towering Victorian-style buildings of different colors, narrow side streets, and wall-climbing ivy, this upscale restaurant sits in the picture-perfect spot for a fine-dining experience. Once you step inside the doors of Deuxave, the experience has only just begun.
First opening in 2010, chef Coombs and Piccini have consistently worked at growing Deuxave’s prestige not only in the Boston area but also nationwide. Coombs has been at Deuxave since the beginning and is considered one of Boston’s best chefs. Coombs has consistently helped Deuxave appear on the Best of Boston Lists and win the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2015. In 2012, Coombs made the “Forbes 30 under 30” list and his successes have been nonstop since. Over the years, Deuxave has adapted to the needs of the guests, with menus that are always changing and a dynamic wine listing that complements the menus.
The overall atmosphere and dishes served at Deuxave can be best described as “Boston chic.” A modern menu inspired by French cuisine sees Coombs use his creativity to bring out the best ingredients and flavors in every dish. Along with the main menu and tasting menu, Coombs has also included some of his favorites on the menu to inspire guests. Some of his favorites include crispy duck confit and sear foie gras. Because each dish uses French influence, no meal is complete without a mouth-watering dessert. Desserts found at this establishment include French classics like crème brûlée as well as more creative dishes like mocha sponge cake and lemon cheesecake mousse. Deuxave also has a selective cocktail menu that offers the perfect variety of any spirit carefully concocted to further elevate a guest’s dining experience.
Everywhere you turn upon first entering Deuxave, there are many wine racks and wine cases stored in creative ways. Near the front of the restaurant is a glass case of stacked wine bottles that nearly reach the ceiling, and towards the middle of the main dining room is a ledge filled with standing wine bottles of various colors. These bottles are only the tip of the iceberg, however, as just behind the bar are stairs leading down to the wine cellar. The vast number of wines requires one of the best wine sommeliers in the region, Nick Daddona, to run the cellar and wine tasting. Daddona has over 10 years of experience in the beverage and wine industry and consistently works with the staff to ensure his wine pairings are perfect for guests.
Chef Coombs and owner Piccini found that they had a common passion for wine, more specifically, French Burgundy, which inspired them to create the Deuxave Wine Program. The goal of the wine program is to perfectly represent the many origins of the wines present at Deuxave, especially the wines coming from the Americas. With the expertise of Daddona and a cellar full of top-notch wines, guests can have their meals paired with the perfect wine to complement their dishes or have wines chosen for them with the tasting menu.
Such a dining experience rests not only on the food and wine but also on the ambiance of the dining room. The entire restaurant is bathed in warm lighting and cozy cream colors that are the epitome of elegance. Because this acclaimed restaurant sits in a historic building, much of the dining room consists of windows that reach the ceiling and brick-lined arched windows that overlook the avenues. The bar has a circular room with nothing but windows that overlook the patio. In the spring and summer, the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy everything Deuxave has to offer. Surrounded by private fencing, towering trees, and flowers lining the borders, there is no better way to enjoy a sunny Boston day than on the patio at Deuxave.
Back in the main dining room, a fireplace sits in the middle of the room, perfect for those cold Boston winter evenings. The cozy atmosphere expands to even the smallest of details like the stone and marble decor found on the walls, extending the calming color palette found everywhere else. One of Deuxave’s most unique features is its wall of mirrors designed to reflect the Back Bay skyline.
In addition to the main dining room, guests can opt for a more private dining experience offered at Deuxave, great for special occasions. These options are perfect for business dinners or family get-togethers. The rooms range from semi-private alcoves to a terrace that can seat up to 40 guests. This fine-dining establishment has also been known to hold special events on holidays such as St. Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. On St. Valentine’s Day, couples can reserve a spot and enjoy a 5-course tasting menu for a romantic evening. To celebrate the new year, Deuxave also offers reservations on New Year’s Eve where guests can reserve a place to experience a 5-course tasting menu.
This neighborhood eatery the definition of picture-perfect. From its location in the center of one of America’s most historic cities to its elegant cuisine to the cozy layout of the restaurant’s interior, this upscale and modern restaurant is a must for anyone coming into the city looking for one of the best fine-dining experiences to be found in the U.S.
