The Capital Grille
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
We recently had the pleasure of dining at The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, for a special occasion: a 50th birthday celebration. This restaurant is conveniently located directly across from the Chestnut Hill Mall, right off the eastbound side of Route 9. Our dining experience included my 13-year-old daughter, who has celiac disease, making gluten-free dining a priority for us. Here's what we learned from our visit.
About The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is a renowned upscale steakhouse known for its elegant ambiance, exceptional service, and expertly prepared dishes. From dry-aged steaks to fresh seafood, each menu item is crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that caters to the most discerning palates. The sophisticated decor and refined atmosphere make it an ideal spot for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a memorable meal with loved ones.
Four Things We Learned
1. Gluten-Free Bread Options
To our delight, The Capital Grille offers gluten-free bread, which comes as two sandwich slices. This thoughtful touch allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy bread alongside their meal, a rare find in fine dining establishments. It's always nice when a restaurant considers the needs of diners with dietary restrictions right from the start.
The Capital Grille Grille Bread
2. Creamed Spinach is Not Gluten-Free
While many items were available for gluten-sensitive diners, we did encounter a hiccup with the Creamed Spinach. Unfortunately, it is not gluten-free, a fact we discovered only when the dish was served. Our waiter informed us of this detail at the table, which was a bit disappointing as it would have been preferable to know when ordering, allowing us to choose a different side dish. This experience serves as a reminder to always double-check specific dish ingredients with your server if you have any dietary concerns.
3. Dry Aged NY Strip
The Dry Aged NY Strip was a highlight of our meal. Our waiter took extra care to ensure that everything in our order was gluten-free, making us feel confident and comfortable with our choices.
The Capital Grille Dry Aged NY Strip
The steak was served at the same time as other dishes, seamlessly blending into the dining experience. In some restaurants, dishes made with dietary considerations are brought out separately by the manager, indicating that the kitchen has taken extra care. While that didn't happen here, the attentiveness of our waiter reassured us of their commitment to a safe dining experience. And most importantly, the steak was excellent, satisfying the most discerning of tastes.
4. Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
No meal is complete without dessert, and the Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake was the perfect ending to our evening. This decadent dessert was absolutely delicious, and my daughter, Juliana, savored every bite. The rich flavors and perfect texture made it a memorable dish that beautifully complemented our celebration.
The Capital Grille Flowerless Cake
Great Meal!
Overall, our impression of The Capital Grille was very positive. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal, and the attention to gluten-free dining was much appreciated. While The Capital Grille is undoubtedly an upscale and expensive restaurant, it's well worth the price for special occasions. The ambiance, service, and, most importantly, the food make it a dining destination that we'll likely revisit for future celebrations.
Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a place that accommodates gluten-free dining without compromising on taste and quality, The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill is a fantastic option. Just be sure to ask specific questions about menu items to ensure a seamless dining experience.
We look forward to returning to The Capital Grille for another special occasion. Until then, we'll fondly remember our enjoyable evening celebrating a milestone birthday with delicious food and good company.