Comfort Kitchen

An intriguing flavor experience that offers a masterful blend of flavors from African diaspora.

After so much hype around this place being on the James Beard semifinalist for best new restaurant, my friend and I decided to try this place. Had to make the reservation a month in advance, but the experience that unfolded was totally worth the wait.

Touted as a purveyor of global comfort food, Comfort Kitchen seamlessly integrates flavors from Middle Eastern, African, and Caribbean cuisines. The result is an array of refined yet approachable dishes that are familiar yet intriguingly novel. Enhancing the dining experience is the menu's magazine-style presentation, complete with photos and narratives that offer insights into the inspiration behind each dish.

From their small plates, we tried the Jerk Jackfruit Sliders and the Okra. Contrary to some reviews that said the sliders were bland, they were a complex play of sweetness, tang, and heat, thanks to the Coriander Aioli. The Okra was equally impressive, its subtle spices perfectly complemented by the creamy and tangy Masala Spiced Yogurt.

All their bigger plate options looked really good, so we ended up ordering four. Standouts included the Za’atar Brown Butter Trout and the Yassa Chicken. The Trout, with its contrast of temperatures between the chilled tomato salad and the warm, fried fish, was a delight, and I was especially impressed with the Smoked eggplant purée which added a weirdly addicting element to the dish. The Yassa Chicken was very tender, with its sauce elevating the umami of the dish. The Cassava Dumplings also added an enjoyable, rice cake-like chewy texture. The Potato Curry Cake and Jerk Roasted Duck, though more familiar in flavor, were also flawlessly executed.

Overall, our experience at Comfort Kitchen was as good as the hype. Would definitely come back to explore more of their offerings.

Was so excited to check this spot out, certainly didn’t disappoint. I appreciate the restaurants website for making parking options clear too.

The plantains were such a great appetizer! Not pictured are the jackfruit sliders, I was skeptical at first, but wow was that a flavor bomb. For the main I had the trout which also was very tasty, I usually don’t order trout at restaurants but the reviews (plus the brown butter??) sold me. Would go back just for that. My friend had the duck which was also flavorful. Cheesecake for dessert to round us off and their Sumac cocktail. This is truly a must try in the city. Had such a perfect night out!

I booked a dinner reservation, and it was a fantastic experience for me and my friend. The restaurant was small and cozy, but the food was unbelievably delicious.

We shared okra, duck, and the fish. The okra was wonderful and pairs well with its sauce. I had the jerk duck, which melts in your mouth with flavor. Finally, the trout was crispy and surprisingly filling.

The service was very friendly and attentive. I would highly recommend coming here.

A surprising and great lunch in Dorchester! We were looking for a place to satisfy a variety of tastes and Comfort Kitchen came through like no other. With a great menu selection, and a casual atmosphere we were all very happy with our choices - and stayed sipping our drinks in the comfort of the understated cafe. It was a bit chilly when we were there so we dined inside - but that outdoor dining looked cozy and fun. They also do a brisk take-out business.

I am so happy that I finally got to try Comfort Kitchen, especially since I'm always on the lookout for noteworthy food spots that aren't in the heart of Boston, which is already so saturated.

This place is reservation only for dinner. There is free street parking. The inside was intimate and cozy, with simple yet intentional decor. I love the design of the menu, which read like a magazine, giving the cultural significance behind each dish.

Food:
- Jerk Jackfruit Sliders: These were my favorite. The sweet jackfruit paired so well with the savory elements of the dish.
- Za’atar Brown Butter Trout: This was the main dish and was filling for one person. The trout was very crispy and cooked well. The cold tomatoes added a refreshing balance. There was more than enough of the smoked eggplant puree, which I appreciated. Note that there are bones, but mostly small and swallow-able.
- Okra: I ordered this last minute because I saw a lot of reviews about it, but this was my least favorite dish because the flavors were quite flat. However, the okra was cooked well.
- Basque Cheesecake: This was thick but satisfying. It would probably be better shared. I also learned afterward that there is no crust for basque cheesecakes, which I feel like was the missing element for me, so I wish I had gotten the pistachio cardamom ice cream instead.

My server was very sweet and checked on me several times throughout the meal, refilling my water as well.

I will definitely come back.

I saw God after eating here! Everything is so thought out, well balanced, intimate and personal—at an accessible price. Lovely place, would super recommend, especially for special occasions! Also sweet staff, very warm and inviting.

This establishment truly deserves all the flowers, compliments, and buzz it’s getting. We got patio seating as walk ins without a reservation and were seated within 15 minutes. I do recommend a reservation though if you want inside. The staff is so kind, even under pressure from the influx of people. And the FOOD!! Second best meal I have had all year and I ATE this year. We were blown away by the jerk duck and the rice & peas with that parsley oil??? My God they ate that up. And to finish off with the homemade pistachio cardamom ice cream!! I wouldn’t even say it’s ice cream… the texture was pillow soft, almost cloud like, and the taste was delicious. Honestly, the caliber of this meal had us shook!! It was plate licking good!! Also, if you’re sitting on the patio and want something warm to drink, their turmeric latte is perfect.

You can taste the care and stories that imbue the complex and vivacious dishes at Comfort Kitchen. The okra was luscious — cooked tender-crisp, highlighting the mineral earthiness of the vegetable, rounded out with the tangy richness of the spiced yogurt sauce and the salty crunch of plantain crumbs. It was perfect.

The jackfruit sliders had a warm spicy kick that was everything I wanted on a winter day — the heady nuanced heat of the jerk seasoning and the toothsome, savory jackfruit was complimented by the bright pickled onions, nutty arugula, and the (OMG) coriander aioli. There was a bit too much bun—but that might be just how obsessed I was with the filling.

The cardamom pistachio ice cream had an intoxicating burst of strong cardamom and I loved the texture of the crushed nuts. If you like cardamom you cannot leave without tasting this dessert. Bonus: cardamom aids in digestion :)

I sat at the bar on a busy Saturday night while it snowed frigidly outside. Ray was behind the bar—which is also *in the kitchen*… never seen that before! But the camaraderie in that tiny, frenetic space is definitely the heart of this amazing restaurant! Ray was welcoming and helpful and entertaining :) It was also great to get a front row seat to the magic happening in the kitchen. Highly recommend the bar seats!

I wanted to try every cocktail, but held myself to one: the sumac sour. It reminded me of a Pisco sour with the floral zip of sumac and a hint of gin. Can’t wait to come back and try another cocktail or three.

I also love the attention to detail, the storytelling of the food and the space, and the careful sourcing of all ingredients. You feel good on every level eating here.

Got off the plane, came straight here

Simply awesome! An OMG this is soo good experience.

Don't let the name fool you, this is really, really fine.

Some of the best food I have ever tasted. The staff are incredibly attentive, helpful and friendly. The whole restaurant greats you and says goodbye. A really nice touch.

While the recent NY Times article has increased awareness of Comfort Kitchen greatly and made reservations dear, I was able to get one and there were seats at the bar available. The number of Google reviews is actually surprisingly low fir how good this is.

The bartenders deserve special acknowledgement for their helpful and insightful assistance. They love food here.

Right off the bat I was asked about allergies which is far less common than it should be.

Enjoyed the Okra, the Za'atar Brown Butter Trout and the Basque cheesecake all accompanied with a non-alc Southern Margarita. Very intriguing cocktail.

Okra can scare me a little bit, but this was really, really worth trying. I don't know if I have ever had better tasting trout. And the cheesecake was... perfect.

This was a lot of food, though, and might have been better for sharing for two with maybe one other appetizer. But, if you are hungry then no problem. The pairing of the trout with the fresh tomatoes actually did make a large plate seem relatively light.

We visited Comfort Kitchen 2 weeks ago and it was such a wonderful experience. We had the pleasure the meet the owner and his pride shows in how he treats his clientele and how much he cares. They did not lie by showcasing that their food celebrates the African ingredients and flavors. The plates were amazingly well seasoned and had taken me back to my home flavors. They were well balanced and absolutely delicious. The place feels very intimate and well decorated. You felt like eating in the comfort of kitchen with an expert cooking master. I was surprised and impressed to find many of Haitian ingredients such our National Rum and our well known Pikliz. It is rare to find places embracing different cultures and use their ingredients really well especially ours. This was one for the book and somehow made me grateful and proud to have found Comfort Kitchen. If you haven't visited yet, make sure you go to this gem of a place.

I wanted to dine here after seeing it on Instagram and I was satisfied during my first visit! The atmosphere is nice and felt more intimate, the waiters were always helpful, and the food was delicious. I really enjoyed the plantain chips especially the sauce it comes with. Great place to dine at with a smaller group or another person.

While it takes an expert to name the nuanced details that differentiate good from great from excellent, us regular folk just have to say "you know it when you see it".

It's in that spirit that Comfort Kitchen is one of the most excellent dining experiences of my life. I know it, because I've had it.

Sure, you could comment on the phenomenal food >balanced nuanced, spiced, and bright. But rather than naming one dish, I think some of its defining characteristics is that it doesn't quite fit the mould of any restaurant I've encountered before. And despite Comfort Kitchen sitting in its own class, it's best in show.

It's just as easy to remark on the phenomenal bar program> expertly crafted cocktails, beer, and wine that pair brilliantly with the food and yet shines independently.

The service is also superb. Attentive and personalized, human and real, without being obsequious or too in your face.

If you're like me, you read reviews to get a rough sense of the place, with the ultimate goal of determining whether or not you're going to visit. Unequivocally, GO! you're not only stepping into a restaurant but a community, one that you'll be warmly included in as soon as you find your seat.

A standout. All the flavors were layered and dishes were delicious, can’t wait to go back and try more stuff. Prices were right. I wish there were more restaurants as exciting as this one in Boston!

I was excited to check out Comfort Kitchen and it did not disappoint. The interior is very welcoming as the name would imply. The service was also good and staff were very friendly. I had the jerk roasted duck with rice and peas and pikliz and it was delicious! The duck was very tender and fell right off the bone. I’ll definitely come back here to try their brunch or a different seasonal menu!

My wife and I had dinner at the chef’s table/bar. Service was outstanding… friendly, informative, and inspiring. The menu is distinctively fusion and as well executed as I’ve experienced anywhere. The wine list was clearly crafted to pair with the cuisine. If there was an option for a sixth star, Comfort Kitchen would get it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great experience, Wonderful customer service, beautiful vibe, I will be going back regularly. Best platano chips and sauce hands down. Drinks were DELICIOUS

I went here with family, excellent staff with great service. We always had water available and food was excellent. Even the vegetarian dishes were amazing for no meat, (I am not vegan)

Highly recommend the roasted Duck!!🦆🔥

You can tell the owners truly care about the restaurant and are passionate about spices, dishes, and their origins. Welcoming environment with nice music, a little crowded at times - but it won’t disturb you.

There are little plants on every table and nook and cranny. Very cute.

Saw all the good press about Comfort Kitchen, and the fact that it's Black and Woman-owned made me excited to come try it out!

My partner and I made a reservation for two for a Wednesday night at 7pm about three weeks earlier, and even though we showed up fifteen minutes early, we were seated right away. There's free two-hour parking on the street, so we got lucky in finding a spot right out front.

I ordered the BNB Daiquiri, which tasted light and sweet, from someone who doesn't drink too much alcohol.

For food, we got the Jackfruit Sliders, Plantain Chips, Yassa Chicken, and Roasted Eggplants. Between the two of us, this was more than enough food. While everything was tasty, I probably would only get the plantains and chicken again. The chips were nice and crisp, without being too hard. The chicken was seasoned perfectly, and the meat came right off the bones.

The service was friendly and the food came out pretty quickly. We were told upfront that reservations are for 90 minutes, but that wasn't an issue for us. It's a small space, so I wouldn't recommend it for groups over six (there's one cozy nook for group seating). Overall, it's a little on the pricey side, but it was well worth it. I would definitely come back to try the cafe, as well as more of their menu!

I had dinner with friends here and was absolutely blown away. The cocktails and food were both next level delicious and The service was excellent. The team at Comfort Kitchen created an incredibly welcoming, atmosphere. Im so grateful to have this new gem in our neighborhood and I know it will grow and continue to be an integral part of the Dorchester community.

This was a stellar experience from top to bottom. Every detail, every flavor was done beautifully and with great purpose. Its does an incredible balance of being perfectly innovative and refined while being entirely approachable.

Excellent bar program and no dish disappoints. Team there is super talented from top to bottom. Had bar seats so we got to see every detail. Don't skip the cheese cake, you will regret it for days.