Noche is located in the former defunct Icarus and right next to the South End hot spot and favorite frozen bellini bar, 28 Degrees. Noche has a fantastic bar area as well and even an enclosed glass space perfect for private dining or a party of 12.
We were hesitant to go for dinner based on my sister’s previous visit and review of Noche, but certainly we were glad we visited. We made reservations in advance, since Friday’s are quite busy. Upon our arrival, we were immediately greeted and seated. Throughout our service the staff were very attentive and warm.
The restaurant is laid back, has modern design and the dining room is filled with mirrors and funky lighting.
There were many group tables, which increased the volume of the room with jovial banter. We can envision Noche does a great job accommodating large parties.
At the start of our meal, we were brought out a cone full of complimentary plantain chips and aioli.
The chips themselves were crispy and were enhanced by the flavor of the spicy aioli.
The Tuna Crudo was tasty, but there was something missing. The slices of fresh ahi tuna went well with the mango, plaintain crumbs, lime and sriracha air, however we felt there were missing element of heat and acid ($14).
The Arepa con huevo with tender brisket, farmer’s cheese and egg yolk. The arepa was filled with warmed cheese and we really enjoyed the texture of the spicy slaw and crema. The appetizer could easily serve as an entree for $11. Some of the best arepas we have eaten were at Caracas Arepa Bar, East Village, New York.
We really enjoyed the flavor of the Pan Roasted Red Snapper. The harmony between the cilantro puree, silky and lightly sweet coconut rice and refreshing cucumber mango relish was a great combination ($26). We wish the snapper itself was cooked a little bit less, but the dish was really unique.
Noche’s Filet Mignon is noteworthy. We would return for this dish. The perfectly medium rare poblano demi-glaced filet was super tender and paired well with the swiss chard and manchego mashed potatoes ($32). The manchego potatoes were really special and a nice compliment to the entire dish.
The Molten chocolate cake had a nice intensity, however could have been warmer than it was presented. The center was room temperature. The cake came with a scoop of ice cream and raspberry puree ($9).
We would return for Noche’s brown sugar and cinnamon dusted churros. The three churros had a crispy exterior, but creamy and tender interior. Usually churros are over fried or too thick, but these were amazing and may even beat Toro’s churros, which we sampled twice (first at brunch and then at a dinner visit). The thin dulce de leche added a nice caramel flavor to the churros, however the churros were lovely as a lone reed ($9).
We would return to Noche to enjoy the bar area and try the Flower Blossom has ultimate vodka, lemon juice, peach liqueur, sparkling wine served in a flute with a hibiscus flower blossom, as well as the Sparkling Sangria white wine, peach & orange liqueurs, seasonal fruit, topped with sparkling wine, glass both for $10.
We also would love to try our server’s other suggestions of the Diablo Chicken with corn bread stuffing, sherry chicken jus, sweet potato puree ($20) and the Braised short ribs chipotle cherry glaze, cornbread puree and arugula salad ($26).
