Alba Restaurant

3.5 star rating
87 reviews Rating Details

Category: Italian  [Edit]

1486 Hancock St
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 376-2522
Nearest Transit:

Hancock St @ Cottage Ave (215, 225, 230, 236, 238)

1445 Hancock St (215, 225, 230, 236, 238)

Granite St @ Hancock St (215, 225, 230, 236, 238, 245)

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Dressy
Price Range:
$$$
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Quiet
Ambience:
Classy, Upscale
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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87 reviews in English

  • Review from Rhiannon G.

    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2012

    I can't even put into words how much I love this place.

    It is upscale, yet unpretentious, and gives me an excuse to get a little snazzed up in Quincy.

    The atmosphere on the first floor is very dimly lit, with a nice mix of high top tables and nice booths. The bar is really nicely put together and the staff looks just as nice as the place does. They also have a rooftop deck in the summer which is pretty awesome for Quincy, there is also a bar and nice long leather couches, very trendy. They usually have a nice band or DJ as well.

    The food and drinks are so good. My favorite is the half organic chicken, and the espresso martini.

    Alba is not for everyone, the prices are high but it should be expected for the kind of place it is.

    Alba's rooftop patio in the summer is my new favorite place.

  • Review from John M.

    • 2 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Plympton, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I recently had a business dinner here and enjoyed myself quite a bit. I found the food and ambiance to be very nice.
    The layout of the restaurant falls right in line with the menu, in the fact that it is really over the place. You walk in and the bar is a large open room with tall tables, very spacious and inviting. To the right you can go upstairs to their roof deck and to the left is the entrance to their dining room. We had a drink before dinner and then I tried to figure out how to check in for the table since I didn't see a hostess anywhere. That to me was somewhat confusing.
    After figuring it out we walked into the dining room which was low lit and very elegant. While walking in, on your left is the dry aging room with all the steaks on display in their various states of aging.
    The menu is very eclectic in my opinion, they have steaks, Italian dishes, fish and seafood so I'm not really sure what they're going for in trying to identify themselves...
    We ordered an appetizer of burrata and octopus salad. The burrata was great, the homemade mozzarella was salty on the outside and sweet in the middle, the prosciutto was delicious too. The octopus salad was fantastic! It was cooked wonderfully, not chewy at all and the mixed greens it was served on were deliciously coated with a tasty balsamic dressing.
    For entrees we all ordered the same thing, 28 day aged NY Sirloin that came with asparagus and blue cheese mashed potatoes. The steak was nothing short of fabulous, it had wonderful flavor and was a great cut of beef. The sides were great as well. It was refreshing to order to a steak in a top notch restaurant and not have to order a la carte sides. There is a lot of value in that.
    Prices were reasonable for the kind of place that it is. The food was terrific and the ambiance was great too.

  • Review from Hien N.

    • 10 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2012

    it was a sunday night and the restaurant we originally wanted to go to was closed. so we walked down hancock street and i've driven by alba many times telling myself i will try this place. SO i did.

    we were seated immediately. they had just opened their additional seating space. it was spacious, dimly lit, romantic. we had a booth by a room that held a party of 15 people. the booth was comfortable and there was a whole wall of wine, which was fun to look at.

    our waitress was okay. we had to ask for things as opposed to her knowing that when you take away a fork, you need to replace it. but she asked how things were and got us things when we asked, so maybe she was new/training.

    i loved my prosecco. i loved the mussels appetizer. i wanted to sip the red sauce! i liked the bread. and i loved our entree. we ordered swordfish with lobster risotto to share. it was the right size when we split it. fish was tasty and the risotto was creamy with bits of lobster. i liked our dessert which was creme brulee. it was not as thick as i am used to. but it was creme brulee enough for me (the top was torched, biscotti was given on the side)

    i would come back. i'm glad i finally came in!

  • Review from Barbara K.

    • 17 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2012

    I was here a few times now. I like it because its local and the wine selections impress me:-0 The service is good, everyone is friendly here, and its clean. If you like good stake and wine this is the place to be.

  • Review from mike r.

    • 20 friends
    • 267 reviews

    Buzzards Bay, MA

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2012

    Just stopped in for a sammy for lunch and brought it to Wollaston Beach to eat. The reuben was great! Thin sliced Romanian pastrami, super lean, with kraut and Russian dressing on grilled dark rye. Yum, felt like the Stage Deli in NYC.
    Very clean, modern urban decor almost like a Salumeria vibe. Will go back for a "real" meal soon.

  • Review from Alex F.

    • 0 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Braintree, MA

    3.0 star rating
    3/30/2012

    Food was very good, came out fast and was timed well between getting apps and dinner. The service was just OK. When we first walked in we were asked to go to the roof deck for dinner. At first I was like sure that sounds great until I get up there and its packed.  Not even a space at the bar.  Then walked downstairs and sat in the dining area. I ordered a sprite with my meal and it was refilled with water for some strange reason even thought a full water was right next to my sprite. Not a big deal but for the price of this place I would expect better service.

  • Review from C C.

    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Watertown, MA

    3.0 star rating
    4/15/2012

    Took me 25 minutes to get a gift certificate... it was almost as if they didn't want my money. I really hope that it was worth the 200 bucks Im out.

  • Review from Thomas R.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Back Bay, Boston, MA

    1.0 star rating
    3/20/2012

    Was again in the Quincy area with clients and thought to tuck into a Hancock street restaurant for a second time! (See my last review). As luck would have it I chose wrong this time and ended up not so lucky. Aside from a strong poor on my cocktail the overpriced bleh food before me and my business guests left much to be desired. When I explained how unhappy we were to our server, we were shrugged at and told, "Alot of people are unhappy". Really? That was you're answer?? Fortunately I had enough sense to end the meal at apps and drinks and headed else where in town. Quincy restaurants, so far 1 for 2 in my book!

  • Review from Emily F.

    • 5 friends
    • 127 reviews

    Watertown, MA

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Excellent bar; cool feeling/ambiance, tasty wine selection, and food is yummy (maybe a bit expensive). No trash, no college crowd.

    Really a diamond in the rough for that part of Quincy.

    I only had some Apps at the bar, but would love to sit down for a full meal there.

  • Review from Christine W.

    • 2 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Belmont, NC

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2012

    Love going to Alba's when I am in town.  Steak is always tender and the Lobster Risotto is to die for.  I was pleasantly suprised with the remodel/expansion this past visit.  It icame out beautiful.  Leo great move seperating dining room from the lounge area.  I will definetly get together with freinds for drinks there next time  am in town.

  • Review from Little B.

    • 4 friends
    • 87 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    11/7/2011

    We went for a late Sunday lunch around 4pm. The gals were just finishing their set up when a shrill manager lady barked at one of them to seat us. I was thinking, if I was the manager I would have seated us and certainly not treated the staff so poorly in front of customers. We sat and the waitress was very nice, ordered an esspresso martini, the drinks took forever and we were alone in the dining room. Finally my sweet milk arrived, bad drink. Anyway, between the dining room music and the Patriots game it was hard to have a conversation. When the commercials came on the TV's sound was really loud, I could here the manager ladies loud voice, she came over to gruffly light our fake candle. The room  is nice, it was a bank, almost no decore to absorbe the bar noise.

    Maybe it's nicer at night when they are more focused on their clients pleasure, there were a couple people watching the game. The place needs fabric, it's like there was no money left. the bathroom could use a ladies touch as well, cleaning lady that is.

    The food was good, who would think, I ordered a salmon sandwich with fries and my husband had a great burger. $75.00 with tip. So come on Alba, get it together and we might try the place again.

  • Review from marc n.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    2.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    Average food for Premium prices.

    The service was an absolute travesty. 10 minutes waiting at the door for someone to acknowledge us and show us to a table, Another 15 min before we can waived someone over to give us the menu, another 15 min to track someone down to placed the order, and  effin!!! min just to get the food and drinks.

    Maybe they just had a bad service night... But I'm not going back to find out.

  • Review from Christie H.

    • 11 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    2.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    This place is very over priced for the quality and service you get. I wasn't crazy about any of their food and I've been a few times. I always think it will get better, but it never does.
    The last time I went for a friends birthday, we sat on the roof deck which seemed really nice. Until everyone lit up a smoke while I was trying to eat

  • Review from Beth G.

    • 16 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Raleigh, NC

    4.0 star rating
    5/16/2011

    I have had amazing food every time I've been to Alba.  The service isn't always great if you sit at the bar.

    The risotto wasn't great.  I don't think I would even classify it as good, to be honest.  But everything else, from my martini to my salmon and my sides in between were fantastic.  Deserts are good too!

  • Review from sue d.

    • 0 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/6/2012

    I really love Alba.  There seems to be a phenomenon out there in the restaurant world that I have aptly coined "Babies Behind Bars". I never thought I would say "kids today" or be a person without tolerance for a younger generation but the bar-TENDING concept is long gone in a lot of places.  BUT NOT AT ALBA! The constant chatting with co-workers when my drink has been empty for quite sometime, having to flag someone down to ask to order are things that I see everywhere now. BUT NOT AT ALBA!  And I would like to preface this by saying, I don't like to bug people, if I see people working and busy, I am not going to stop them unless I absolutely have to. I'm not a stickler but I do expect to be served. It's why I'm there and not at home.

    Anyhoo -
    The staff at ALBA is highly professional and consistent.  When my food shows up, everything I need is there, there is no running back by the staff to find me a soup spoon.  If I ordered soup, my spoon is there when my food arrives.  Sounds simple, but they are just on it.
    The food is great and consistent.  There menu is HUGE and I have never had a bad meal there, ever.  The steaks and fish are great, there are a lot of vegetarian options and a great specials list.  Try the tuna nachos or the chicken under a brick with roasted root vegetables.   The butter is unsalted and wonderful.  I probably go there 2x a month, average.  There is wine for the novice and the expert.
    When the weather is nice, the rooftop is a great place to have dinner or a drink and listen to a band.  ALBA is an unpretentious place that appears to care about the quality of their food and service as if they are a pretentious place.
    What I love about ALBA is the owner, Leo, will say hello to you when he recognizes that you've been there before.  He's quiet and direct and genuine in his approach.  Doesn't stay lingering around you or act like a hot shot. Good place to watch a game, too!

  • Review from Stephen L.

    • 42 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/21/2011

    I came here on a Sunday brunch awhile back. It wasn't too busy and I was seated right away. I ordered a coffee and was quickly served, from there on, it went down hill. My waiter seemed to be overwhelmed and didn't take our order until 15 minutes later. After he took our order, it took about 40 minutes for the food to come out. It didn't seem like it was busy, but I will say there was a baby shower (I'm assuming) that was happening upstairs. All the waiters were helping each other out, but it still seemed like they were all overwhelemed. This is the second time I've been here and I wasn't impress as I was as the first time. The food was good, just the waiting time in-between is something I feel they should definitely work on. Perhaps this is the way it's done in Quincy, I don't know.

    Oh, side note, I ordered  the Huevos Rancheros and when it came out, they were missing my avacados, some thing my waiter failed to notice and mention until I brought it up to him. I was not happy about that, since I would have ordered a different dish. Oh and I did see him drop two pieces of bacon while he was serving it to another table, I don't know if that party even noticed or it was replaced.

    First time experience I was more forgiving, since dinner was good, brunch, not so great.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      2/7/2011

      I must confess, I came here with low expectations. It was a typical busy Saturday. I got in there… Read more »

  • Review from Hillary G.

    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/22/2011

    This is such a hidden gem in Quincy. I've dined here several times and have always been impressed. Some of the most memorable dishes invovled scallops, beef carpaccio and fresh fresh bread! Oh, and I can't forget about the amazing duck confit..

    But what really made me want to write a review for Alba was their new and improved roof deck! Last summer my bf and I used to frequent their roof deck often.. it was HUGE with like 5 tables on the whole thing. You never felt like you were at a restaurant, just your patio. However, Alba realized this realty and revamped the whole deck, painting the brick, bamboo sticks, an outdoor bar with TV, cushions and more tables lit by dim candles. When we got up there we were shocked. Even though there were more people, I loved it SO much. It was still very private (we got a corner table that we lounged in) with attentive service.

    They also added a new roofdeck & bar menu that has great specials. Tuesday night was conveniently $1 oyster night. The first one I had was a bit gritty.. so the next ones I made sure to use my fork, MUCH better.

    I had soem sort of Martini with the word Bubble in the name. It had pureed strawberries & champagne. It was not too strong, but not weak. I LOVED it and could have drank 5.  But I'm a lady and stuck to one.

    Also want to check out their new cooking classes!!

    GO ALBA!! You are my favorite restaurant in Quincy!

  • Review from christine c.

    • 39 friends
    • 370 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/12/2011

    I've only been once, but once was enough. Alba makes a good, stiff drink but the food is so overpriced and bleh that I honestly couldn't ever go back.

    I remember the portions being pretty big, but not enough to justify the insane prices. You're in Quincy Center, not New York City for Christ's sake.

    I've also heard some pretty bad horror stories. I don't know for sure, since I was there, but have been told about bugs in food. Avoid if you can, settle for some cheaper food down the street. When I'm in the area I much prefer The Fours, which is just around the corner.

  • Review from Lauren T.

    • 17 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    I have been to Alba twice in the past few weeks and it has been very different experience each time, first for a function downstairs then for dinner out on the roof deck.

    The function downstairs was at best at 2 star experience; the room was small, the appetizers tiny and sparse and the entrees lackluster at best. Basic roast beef or chicken with no flair.

    But the dinner on the roof deck was fantastic. The space is amazing, like a previous reviewer mentioned, the walls are high enough to forget that you are in Quincy Center and the tomato plants on the perimeter are a nice touch. Beverage service was quick and even though we ordered an inexpensive bottle of wine, the waitress still went through the tasting ritual. Appetizers (Kobe meatballs, Tuna Nachos and Calamari) were delicious, although the portions were a bit small.

    Entrees came out a little slow, but they were worth the wait. I had the steak frites and the fiance had the Alba burger. Both were delicious with the truffle ketchup and rosemary Parmesan fries.

    The dessert left something to be desired, we got the cookie plate, and most of the cookies were rock hard, but the malted milkshake was heavenly.

    Overall, MUCH better experience than my first and would definitely go back, although only for special night out, as they prices are high for Quincy Center.

  • Review from Steve B.

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2010 1 Check-in Here

    First time at Alba last night. I am a fan of roof decks!

    I'm impressed with Alba! 6 of us sat on the roof deck for dinner last night to get together and celebrate a birthday. The atmosphere is nice, and you almost forget youre in Quincy center, as the roof deck is pretty quiet (except for the occasional ambulance or fire truck passing by). We shared a few appetizers: the kobe beef meatballs, the tuna nachos, and the calamari. All were very good. I like places that arent afraid to include plenty of tentacles in their calamari, and Alba did not disappoint! The meatballs were also delicious, and, as one of my dining comrades said, "the flavor is intense, like they pack all the flavor of a normal meatball in to one bite of a kobe meatball." The nachos were also good, although there was a little too much tuna for the amount of wonton chips they gave us, but I suppose thats a nice problem to have.

    For dinner, I went with the waitresses suggestion and had the seared swordfish, served over sweet pea risotto and topped with fennel. It was cooked perfectly. Swordfish can be easily dried out when cooking, but this steak was very moist and tender. The risotto was good, a little undercooked, but I still finished it. The fennel gives a great crunchy-ish licorice flavor which was a nice contrast to the mild, smooth flavor of the fish.

    My dinner associates also enjoyed their meals, which included the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, the cod wrapped in prociutto, the cheeseburger, and another dish which I cant remember right now. Everyone enjoyed thier meals. We also had dessert, splitting a few of the delicious cookie plates and a slice of cake for the birthday girl. I enjoyed the desserts, but by that point I was just so full!

    The service was also great, as mentioed before, the waitress offered suggestions as to what was popular and what she had tried and liked. She was attentive but not overly hover-ish, which I like. I will definitely return to Alba!

  • Review from Christine H.

    • 1 friend
    • 31 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/8/2010

    My husband and I have dinner at Alba several times per month on average and always have an enjoyable meal. My only complaint is that there is currently no vegetarian appetizer besides soup or salad. I am a vegetarian so my options are very limited.

    The vegetarian entree of the day has been some variation of a cheese ravioli since January. It is always good and is served with some combination of root vegetables which are normally delicious. Lately I have been making my own entree by combining sides. I love the sweet pea risotto which they will make vegetarian if you ask. The sauteed mushrooms are normally very good. If you like fries, the truffle fries are awesome.

    My husband has tried most of the entrees on the menu and has been happy with everything. I think his current favorite item is the tuna entree.

    The martinis are always perfectly made. My favorite is the Albatini which is their version of a lemon drop. We have sat inside and on the roof deck and enjoy both. The food runner is great and always makes me smile.

  • Review from Steve s.

    • 109 friends
    • 354 reviews

    MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/25/2010

    For some reason, my next door neighbors will eschew the local choices in order to drive endlessly looking for brunch.  Our trevails ended in Quincy just outside the culinary hemisphere of Boston

    What happened to Quincy Center?  Its like The Day After or quite simply people choose to work somewhere else.  Anyway, Alba is the middle of what used to be a bustling place.

    Its actually a nice place with high ceilings and a modern feel....and they serve a good brunch.  The egg white omelette was really good(always perilous in this town)...Try the banana pancakes with slices of real ...you guessed it, banana packed therein

  • Review from Natasha K.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Quincy, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/11/2011

    ALBA is the best please to bee for private diner , celebrations and small weddings
    Customers getting attention since  outside with welcomes from parking gays,  waitresses , the manager, owner etc.
    The food is great: lamb plates,all kind of fish,and calamari are the favorites for my family and relatives. We having diner twice a month at ALBA and during the summer  we had been often upstaires having cold drinks and ice cream.

  • Review from Erika K.

    • 36 friends
    • 126 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    I have wanted to try Alba's for about oh I don't know a year. So when my parents and I were walking around looking for a place to eat and my mom was interested ... well I jumped on it.

    So we sat on the balcony and enjoyed the summer breeze and night air it was very enjoyable. However, the service was kinda flighty sometimes we would go 10 minutes without seeing each other.

    The Gruyere burger was gruyere less because they were out but it was cooked perfectly and the fries were just right.

    The goat cheese and fig salad was .... drool ... oh I want some right now

    The salmon special was so good my mom was reluctant to share so we had to steal some bites when she was in the bathroom.  What you don't know won't kill you.

    The only thing we weren't in love with was the proscuitto and melon balls.  The melon wasn't right it was mushy. but the proscuitto was good.

    Oh ya... i almost forgot BREAD AND BUTTER!!!!!!!!! nom nom nom

    Its kinda pricey but somethings are worth the price.

  • Review from Josh W.

    • 49 friends
    • 347 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    1.0 star rating
    2/2/2009

    Alba sucks.  The service sucks, the valet parking is a joke, the food sucks and the atmosphere is awful.   The last time I was there (both the last time I went and the last time I will go) I got this pathetic Seafood Fra Diablo,  What was that?  The watery sauce had no kick, the seafood was frozen and it cost 27 dollars.

    It's overpriced and tacky.  This place would feel more at home on the North Shore.

  • Review from Peg P.

    • 60 friends
    • 162 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2009

    I am a fan of Alba for several reasons:

    * Nice menu - Alba has a nice variety of appetizers, soups/salad, pizza, sandwiches and dinner entrees. I have tried their vegetarian sand which and enjoyed it very much. They have fantastic french fries and the presentation was very nice. I have also tried their Margarita pizza and found it to one of the cheesiest pizzas I have had at a restaurant. Delicious!! I also shared an appetizer the last time I was there (antipasto plate) and ate the marinated veggies and some of the cheese. It was very good.

    * The atmosphere at Alba is nice. It is a pretty big restaurant with three levels. The basement level has bigger party/functiion rooms. I was impressed with this big space. The first floor has a nice bar area and many tables. The second floor also has a bar area and more seating. The second floor offers a roof deck option that is really spacious and nice.

    * Roof deck. As mentioned above the second floor offers a roof deck, which I really liked. It is set up with tables that seat 6-8 people, but the staff did not seem to mind only two of at at the table for dinner. They did allow smoking on the roof deck - this was a drawback.

    * Location - Alba is in Quincy Center so you can get there by car (they also have valet parking) or by public transportation. There are many buses that run along Hancock Street and the Quincy Center Red Line MBTA stop is a few clocks away.

    * Bar selection - Alba has a good selection of beer, and makes a great cosmo. They also have a really nice selection of wine.

    The only drawbacks of Alba as I see it are:

    * They allow smoking on the roof deck. This is too bad.

    * Pricing is in the moderate range with some items being more pricey. If you add in drinks, you are looking at a meal for two costing 50-80.00.

  • Review from Rick K.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Dorchester, Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    11/1/2011

    Went there last week for a business dinner  Seafood Fra Diablo was the best I've ever had.  My client  said he's only had a better steak at Abe and Louis, but said it was close. Valet parking was handy as it was raining that night.  Highly recommended.

  • Review from Don N.

    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    3.0 star rating
    9/1/2009

    Alba is probably the best choice in downtown Quincy for a "slightly above casual" level of dining.  There isn't really much about the place that makes it such aside from a slightly elevated price-point - but that's the best way I can think of to categorize the atmosphere.

    The cuisine seems to be a mix of different things.  There is definitely a bit of French and Italian in there... sometimes mixed up... sometimes as a distinct dish.  The selection is done well and I've never had a "bad" dish at Alba.

    I have had plenty of "salty" dishes though.  It's like someone got a hold of some Fleur de Sel and decided if something was worth doing it was worth overdoing.  I can stand a decent amount of salt - but sometimes the dishes are "fast-food" salty.  A lot of times this is what's done to mask inferior flavor - and that's probably the case here.

    The service is a little hit-or-miss.  It has never been horrible per say - but they seem to get overwhelmed easily - and that can ruin your experience to a certain point.  It can certainly lend a negative impact to the overall feel of the dining environment.  I don't care if my drink is going to take an extra few minutes to make... that's fine... I'm happy here chatting with my wife.  I do care if my waitress is going to remind me and apologize repeatedly when I'm pretty sure it's obvious that I don't care and it's fine.

    This may seem nitpicky - but it's the difference between a really nice experience and a decent environment with good food.  Wait staff should be calm and collected even if the kitchen is on fire.  It's how you maintain a consistent atmosphere.

    Atmosphere wise - the restaurant is so close to being good - but isn't.  The lighting is god-awful (and lighting is probably the MOST important element in atmosphere... you can take a warehouse and make it look like an a-list club with the right lighting) and the tables are crowded.  There is a lack of sound dampening as well - so don't come expecting a romantic environment.

    This all seems rather negative - but the restaurant is actually pretty solid.  Definitely worth a look-see - especially if you're local in Quincy.

  • Review from Will N.

    • 31 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    11/19/2008

    Showed up for drinks and the atmosphere is great.  It is very warming and welcoming.  The drinks were larger than I expected.  I got a gin & tonic and lets say it was "heavy".   The general conversation volume was nice.  I didn't have to scream to talk.  

    My only complaint is that parking is tough if you don't want to valet.  

    This is a great date place and I'd surely go back.

  • Review from Tricia N.

    • 5 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    3/28/2008

    They have a Zinfandel from a tiny winery in Dry Creek that I absolutely love and have been missing ever since I moved back to the east coast. The wine is not sold in stores & served in very few restaurants. (even in CA) I am ecstatic.....how did it arrived at this restaurant in Quincy?  Next time I go I will find out.

    The meal was excellent. I had the salmon with pinto beans, pickled fennel and parsnip puree. I never would have imagined that combination would fit together, but it was delicious. Comfort food and huge portions if you are hungry.

    Nice loungy/bar atmosphere to hang out in if you are looking for a wine & appetizer. I can't wait to go back for the zin.

  • Review from Kate M.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Cohasset, MA

    1.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    I really want to put negative star, i tried to book a function here, and the customer service was just horrible, quick on the phone, never returned my calls, kept me hanging for over a week, wasted my day off to sign contracts etc..and no one was there!!
    in this economy i would think they would welcome a large group. came for dinner once and was not too impressed, thought a brunch for a baby shower would be hard to mess up, however the owner and function coordinator managed to do just that!!!

  • Review from David A.

    Kansas City, MO

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2009

    FANTASTIC FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE. Great staff.

    I've been here 3 times and the food has always been amazing. I think I've had fish and steaks. Everyone at the table enjoyed themselves.

    It is pricy, so I go here only on special occasions.

    You can get parking behind it in the garage (pretty inexpensive) or get off at the Quincy center T by bus or subway.

    Not for casual attire. Dressy.

  • Review from Kristin G.

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/27/2009

    Went here for a friend's birthday this past weekend and it was great- the drinks were strong and well-mixed and the food was delicious.

    The place can get really LOUD though. Just a warning!

    Listed in: Quincy favorites!, Classy B*tch

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/8/2008

      First of all, I can't comment on the food, as I went here for drinks only.

      I had two mixed drinks… Read more »

  • Review from Ellomenno P.

    • 1 friend
    • 47 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/10/2011

    They were having a lot of trouble keeping credit card tabs straight when I went to the roofdeck.  I got overcharged one beer, which is strange because I had three rounds of two beers, and got charged for seven beers.  Maybe it was just fat fingers one of those times.   Beers were expensive, too, at $5.50 a Heineken.  That's downright robbery for Quincy Center.

    Here's why it really gets a "one star" - when I started a tab the bartender said "there is a $20 minimum."   Jokers.  You're skimping by implementing a cheap policy like that  after charging me WHAT for a beer?  ...I wonder what else you're skimping on.  Not going to bother finding out.

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    • 4.0 star rating
      7/23/2010

      Just had a drink and a couple apps.

      I really liked their meatball and the calimari was good, love… Read more »

  • Review from Susanna T.

    • 0 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Randolph, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2009

    First time coming to Alba. I remember passing it several times when it was at its old location. The new location is gorgeous.

    Was there for Sunday brunch and the portions is excellent. Plus the free coffee :) I ordered the waffle like french toast with strawberry butter and caramelized banana. The butter was delicious.

    The side order I had was corn beef hash...it wasn't all that great.

    My sisters had the eggs Benedict and they say it was good.

  • Review from Wang Treecy E.

    • 26 friends
    • 148 reviews

    Dracut, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/22/2010

    My boyfriend made a reservation here on Valentines. I didnt expect much because he's simpleminded but WOW! When I walked in I was IMPRESSED! This place is exactly what I wanted for a romantic dinner. There was one problem, the floors were a bit slippery so it looked like I didnt know how to walk in heels :(

    For the appetizer we ordered wonton chips with salmon. MM!! it was so good! I cant describe the taste. American/chinese?

    I ordered the rack of lambs. OMG it blew my mind! I could never ever forget the taste. It is AMAZING! So juicy! and the dipping sauce, PERFECT. I loved this meal.

    My boyfriend ordered salmon. He thought it was average. He loved the appetizer and my lamb.

    To finish off our meal, we had chocolatebrownie with icecream. I'm not a fan of brownies but my boyfriend loved it.

  • Review from Catie C.

    Quincy, MA

    4.0 star rating
    11/23/2008 1 Check-in Here

    I came here for drinks the other night - nice contemporary atmosphere. They give decent sized cocktails with reasonable prices. On top of that, they have a late night menu in case you have the munchies while drinking.

    I had their fries which they cook to order! Can't beat having fresh, hot fries burning in you mouth! It's a generous portion to fulfill the potato craving. I wish they had wings on their menu tho...

  • Review from joan k.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Wollaston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2011

    Perfect evening!  First timers to Alba. Emmy was our great waitress, she recommended the Duck APP which my hubby never had and we both loved it. we also had the Calamari with sauce it was perfect. After a very good mixed drink we enjoyed a rack of lamb and surf and turf. Cooked perfectly, great quality and taste. The atmosphere was very pleasant, music was soft, many men in suits and women dressed nicely.When we were finished we felt so good.We  have eaten in many places over the years and I want to tell you to give Alba a try. We will tell our friends about this place and we look forward to going back. Thank you Alba!

  • Review from J K.

    • 0 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/12/2011

    I have nothing bad to say about this place. We go here often. It's our go to local spot.
    It's nice to see the owner walking around all the time making sure the customers are all set.
    There's a very little turnover rate.
    The food is always on point.
    I think this is definitely Quincy's gem resteraunt.

  • Review from Heather T.

    • 10 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Scotch Plains, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    9/17/2009

    I've been here twice and have had a fairly good experience both times. I like the menu, the staff is always pleasant and prompt, and they mix a good drink. The only complaint I have - PLEASE don't start clearing plates when people at the table are still eating. God, this drives me insane.

    I think the price points are fairly spot on, but there is always a little inconsistancy between each chefs version of medium rare. Maybe 3 1/2 stars, but erring on the side of 4 because I've had a good overall experience when the meal is done.

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