Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar
34 Church St, Lenox, MA, 01240
Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar Menu
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Address :
34 Church St
Lenox, MA, 01240 - Phone (413) 637-0003
- Website https://www.altawinebar.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy, Intimate, Romantic, Classy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Sparky T.
Strong 4 stars - probably 4.5 overall. The 4 of us each went with fish dishes including cod, flounder, and scallops. All the fish was fresh and nicely prepared and presented. The scallops, while good, were not the best we have had recently (see Scrimshaw review for better scallops). Prices were high but inline for the area.
(4)Vinny G.
Lenox has a nice variety of excellent restaurants, but Alta's combo of food and service puts them on top. We live in Lenox and eat here fairly often, and I can't remember ever having a bad dish. It's the perfect place to bring friends. Fish is always as fresh as can be, and produce and meat is as local as they can get. Their lunch/brunch menus are a terrific deal considering the quality of the food. Some of our lunch favorites are the quinoa salad which contains a large portion of quinoa, raisins, hazelnuts over peppery arugula. We also love the lox platter. They smoke the lox themselves and are as good as you'll find in any NYC deli or specialty shop. We often split the two dishes. In addition to their regular dessert menu they usually have fresh baked cookies which I love with a glass of milk. The owner, Aurelien is very involved and always makes the rounds to insure everyone is satisfied. Service is very friendly and they normally prepare any dish to your liking if they can. If you're in the area it's worth a visit.
(5)Tom G.
Gazpacho was inspired, right down the unexpected watermelon cubes; very tender tenderloin with some plump and fiery chorizo on a skewer, with a pepper and fruit salsa topping, roasted squash, seriously good. Atlantic cod, sweet and flaky, and linguini with perfectly cooked vegetables; the meatball appetizer was also a hit. We ordered one desert: a creme brulee that was the best we have ever had, and we have had some good ones. Somehow, we felt we hit the jackpot. Oh yes, our server Darilyn was outstanding. I'm not sure you can go wrong here.
(5)Bill G.
Very nice restaurant! Warm and friendly staff. My wife and I dined there last before seeing a play in Stockbridge. Our meals were very good, although my duck was not as tender as I've had. My wife loved her fish dish. Our server was very nice, treating me to an excellent crime brûlée after learning it was my BD (I had considered it, but didn't order it because I was full. I made the room and it was well worth it). We'll be back next time we're in Western MA.
(4)Rotem B.
Wonderful hospitality with great food. The perfect combination. The professional staff only adds pleasure over the brilliantly cooked delights.
(5)Thomas N.
great place, we ate an early diner at the bar, the bartendress was outstanding with helpful suggestions and insights, food was excellent, a maple trout dish and pork cheeks, drinks different and excellent, one of the nicest meals we have had in a while.
(5)Vine F.
We spent a cold and snowy night at Alta - what an awesome evening. The owner Aurelien greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel welcome even though we did not have a reservation. The place was PACKED but he helped find us a seat at the bar. Lisa took care of us all night. She provided us great food and wine recommendations that exceeded our expectations. The food was great but the hospitality and friendliness of the staff really made the experience for us. We cant wait to go back!
(5)Michelle B.
We came here recently for a family birthday celebration, and overall had a very nice time. While our visit was not without a few minor kinks, the food was great and the service was also excellent. If you're interested in all the dirty details, check out the pictures I posted of some of our food, and read on... We arrived for our reservation a few minutes early and were greeted warmly before being seated right away. The hostess led us to a 6-top table which was in a cramped corner next to the bar. In my opinion, this space would fit one or two 2-top tables just fine, but 6 made it very cramped. It was tight enough that those sitting on the far side of the table along the wall couldn't squeeze past others to get out of their seat, and the three across the table were sitting right up against other patrons seated in stools at the bar. I was pleased when we were told that the bar would clear out by 6:30 and we'd end up having more space and less noise... But that never actually happened. The bar stayed packed for the duration. So, we filed in to our table when we arrived and we filed back out when we left... and thankfully, no one had to use the bathroom before the meal was over. We were told that someone would bring us some fresh, warm bread ,but no one ever did. That was okay, though, because we turned out to be more than satisfied with our meals. Several of us started with the soup of the day, a corn bisque, which was tasty. I also tried a few bites of the quinoa salad, which was a huge portion and very bright with fresh herbs. Our waitress (Darilyn?) was very knowledgeable about the wines. Being a wine bar, the selection is extensive, and she did a great job making individual recommendations after asking us a few questions about our preferences. Bravo. The service was also very friendly and attentive, and the food was well timed. A manager checked on us at one point to make sure were were happy, which was a nice touch. Although the meals looked a bit small at first glance, they were healthy sized portions and each of us was satisfied. The plates looked beautiful and tasted even better. I tried both the duck and tofu, and both were excellent. We were all too full to order dessert, and we had a birthday cake waiting for us at home anyway. In conclusion: although this wasn't a flawless experience, I would not hesitate to return to Alta.
(4)Cadence H.
We went last night, during a crazy and slippery storm. Visiting from NJ for the weekend, loved everything about this place. Food was great, delicious wine, fantastic service. The owner even came over to console my husband who was rooting for the Packers in the playoff game. Hope to visit again on our next trip here!!
(5)Ella B.
This was our first time in the area and we were happy to find Alta! Our dinner was Delish! It was a busy night so we ended up seated at the bar which was not too bad. We started with foie gras, our mains were the steak and cod. Both were cooked well with generous portions. Good wine list, and had the sorbet for dessert.
(4)Meredith D.
This place was a major disappointment. Had a family dinner there before a Tanglewood concert. Drinks: not good--visibly not shaken and not tasty either. Food: The lobster cocktail just tasted like mayo, and the soup didn't taste like anything. The lamb meatballs was the one item anyone enjoyed all night--flavorful, and well paired with dates and a salad. For entrees, my dad had the cod--overcooked. My mom and I had the scallops--overcooked and rubbery, and we were both crunching on some kind of sand or dirt that was in them. My brother had the chicken--really dry and the chickpea flour sticks that accompanied it were disgusting and totally unseasoned (weirdly, our waitress had raved about them). My other brother had the salmon, which he said was flavorless. The only positive other than the meatballs was the complimentary bread--hot, tasty, and bread service was quick. Service: I work as a server, and my brother and dad used to work as waiters too, so we're usually a pretty easygoing bunch. But not only did all our food take forever to come out; our server was unapologetic, salty, and didn't seem to care how our experience went. She had good menu knowledge and did her requisite table "touches" (checking back 5 min after we got dishes to ask how they were) but didn't really seem to care what answer we gave her. She seemed pissed the whole time.. Manager stopped by once to tell us our food would be out soon but also seemed unapologetic about how long everything was talking. I'm not demanding, and am usually the apologist for servers whenever i go out. Even just one "I'm sorry about this" would have gone a long way to change my impression, but these people just didn't seem to care. To top it all off, it's way overpriced, especially considering the quality of what you get. Sure, we tipped well, because we're servers ourselves--but that was the only reason we tipped well. My parents used to really like this place, but I don't think they'll be back.
(2)Stella T.
We had a lovely lunch on the covered porch of this pretty wine bar restaurant. There was a large selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass. Service was excellent and everyone was friendly. There was a nice selection of salads, panini s, wraps and entrees for lunch. There were even lunch specials. I had a tomato and caramelized onion torte with arugula salad and a glass or Pinot Grigio from Sonoma ($7!). My husband had a ham, Brie and apple wrap with sweet potato and regular fries. He had a Riesling from Germany. Everything was wonderful. If we are ever in the area again, we will not hesitate to return.
(4)Olaf A.
Great place. We celebrated a 69th birthday and brought my 94-old mother. Everybody were very helpful, showed us how to get into and out of the restaurant. The decor was very interesting and the food was excellent, the food-wine suggestions worked very well. Highly recommended!
(5)Holly W.
Disappointing. Stood waiting to be seated while several staff members made eye contact but never greeted us. Eventually, the manager/bus boy sat us. Server gave wrong information about the menu, food was ok not great. Everyone told us alta was the best, I guess they had an off night.
(2)Brittany H.
Loved it! Stopped in while exploring my favorite town. We sat at the bar, and though it did take a while for someone to finally acknowledge us, we did end up with a great bartender. She was flexible in making a cocktail that we wanted and was very resourceful and knew the menu. There were not a lot of appetizers, which was a bit disappointing as we were just stopping in for something light, but the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds - beyond amazing. My Cocktail was excellent and the waitress even talked us into a Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake which was to DIE for. I would definitely make this a permanent stop in Lenox.
(4)Kathy L.
Great wines and food well worth the trek. My friends and I went skiing at Jiminy Peak and wanted to eat at a "nice" restaurant. Husband found Alta and I am so glad he did. What I love most about this place are the wines. They offer "make your own flights" - how cool is that! Also their $6 cab was delicious! It says alot about a place when their cheapest wine is so delicious All 6 of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had the pasta - was originally worried that it would be too heavy because it was in a cream sauce but it wasn't! I couldn't stop eating it. Save room for dessert. We loved the cheesecake.
(5)Paul G.
Cannot comment on main restaurant menu because we only ate at the bar but 3 of us enjoyed bar menu and service immensely. I ordered a burger with cheese, bacon and caramelized onions and hand cut fries, it was very good at $14. Others ordered a burger and salad and were equally happy. Overall, food and service, very good.
(4)Kim M.
The cod was overcooked, the duck was completely raw in the center, we didn't get bread for the table until after the appetizer, the drinks were flavorless and boring, and our waitress acted like she could care less about her job. Save your money and your taste buds and go around the block to Brava or Nudel.
(1)Matt G.
Excellent food, especially the lunch menu. The Salmon Quesadillas are incredible. The owner and staff are very friendly and knowledgable of the wine menu.
(5)David M.
Consistently the best restaurant in the Berkshires. Food is delicious, weight staff attentive, and the owner takes great pride in making certain everything is to your satisfaction. Have NEVER had a bad meal there!
(5)Laura R.
More of a 3.5... food was good, but not great. Had the duck and my husband had the cod. Also had the lamb meatballs, which were very good. Great wine list. Staff was very attentive. In a cute neighborhood....not bad. Maybe other menu items are better. Still would try it again.
(3)J M.
I went to Alta for my birthday. Told them in advance. I was very excited based on reviews and word of mouth. It was very disappointing for all of us. Service was slow. Food was disappointing. Nothing on the menu jumped out... I had the duck and can only say For duck go to Stockbridge to Once Upon a Table.
(3)Ken B.
I had the Quinoa Salad with Salmon on it & with a light mint dressing . It was a perfect summer dish. Really Excellent.
(4)james r.
We went on a rainy weekday evening and opted for the porch. The sound of rain was a nice backdrop for our meal. We had the Tagine and the Duck Breast. All was nicely done. The caramel and sea salt sauce with the Duck Breast was tasty and intriguing. We will go back.
(4)Claire H.
We LOVE Alta! We come to Tanglewood every year, and this is always one of our stops! The service is always extremely polite and prompt, and the atmosphere can't be beat. I had the quinoa salad with mint vinaigrette, which was DIVINE. They used to have a roasted beet salad on mixed greens which was equally as delicious. Everything is super fresh, seasonal, and YUMMY. Lovely service, amazing food, we will definitely be back!
(5)Jennifer W.
Great location and very nice setting. Food was very good will definitely try again. Our waiter was a bit slow, but the owner, who read our response card after we paid came and apologized as we were heading out the door. I can't remember the last time a business owner was that concerned about the opinions of their customers, it was extremely refreshing.
(4)Paul H.
After a week of eating below average restaurants in Pittsfield, I came here as one of my last nights. I don't know if my expectations had been killed by my other bad experiences, but this place rocked! The duck was cooked perfectly and the dessert cheesecake was not too sweet, so perfect. This was the best meal I had in the Berkshires!
(4)Marc C.
This review applies to lunch only... I am a creature of habit, so when I find a place I like I go often. My wife and I were in the Berkshires for a week and had lunch at Alta three times. I loved the lunch concept - an omelette, soup, and stew of the day. Simple, but plenty of room for creativity. The salads were huge and delicious. I particularly liked the Cesar. Seating on the porch was a nice touch. Good selection of wine as well (though that didn't help my post-lunch energy level).
(5)David G.
Alta you are a gem of a restaurant. The patio dining is just grand in the summer. Loved the foie gras ...which is not legal in California! Their salads are amazing and everything is so fresh. Great wine selection and amazing service..this place is top notch.
(4)Jonathan C.
We decided to picnic at Tanglewood and chose takeout from Alta. The owner was gracious enough make a few special salads for two of our group on strict diets. Everyone was happy with their meals. The food was a little under seasoned but that could be because of their very health conscious menu. Nothing was amazing but sometimes consistency is key. I would recommend this to our friends.
(3)Purple Orchard 2.
I was passing through Lenox and needed a place for dinner. Upon walking by this place, decided to give it a try just based on seeing the menu and the atmosphere. The food was delicious! I ended up ordering several dishes because each dish was better than the next. Signed on to write this review and saw all the rare reviews and five stars--its well deserved! If you are in Lenox this is the place to eat. During my last visit, my friends wanted to hit FireFly. The food and wine there is good, but not anything special like at Alta. Firefly is also more casual. Too tired to write the details of my meal, you dont need them anyway because whatever you have is bound to be delish.
(4)Daniel C.
Great food and excellent service. The duck was perfect and the panna cotta desert was wonderful. We would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Lenox and looking for a nice place for dinner.
(5)Jimmy V.
This place has some of the best food I have had. The presentation is exceptional and the wine is above par. You will not regret your decision to dine at this establishment when in town.
(5)Alex R.
Tasty, but way too rich for me. If you like cheese-cheese-cheese-butter-butter-cheese, this place is for you. Otherwise it can be overwhelming and leave you feeling stuffed and a bit ill.
(2)Robin S.
great malbec!!!! fabulous service!! great table on porch!!! food was just okay!
(4)Q L.
I was here last year, and we ordered a scallop dish and a halibut dish, both were very good. But we ordered them to-go so I did not write a review. Now, a year later, I tried out the risotto w/scallops and it's a 0.5 star dish. Very wary on complaining in restaurant while you're being watched over by staff, I bit my tongue about the lousy risotto and tried to focus on the redeeming scallops. The scallops were slightly under done, which was perfect...though a slight salt taste to them like they were previously frozen. The risotto was sooooo lazily made, I've never experienced risotto like this. Al Dente is not an excuse. The risotto was not pillowy or soft or creamy as rice, it was the texture of cooked white rice, and the chef attempted to make up for this and make it creamy with about a quart of cream....NEVER seen this before. Now under the risotto (yes, UNDER it) was a pool of broth and olive oil with a mound of squash, zuchinni, asparagus, green beans, and garlic. The veg literally looks like the mound you'd find next to a piece of meat, and then the risotto slopped on top. Olive oil pool mixing with heavy cream in the risotto....bad bad bad mix. Based on the written description you'd think you were going to get what most restaurants would have served....a risotto made with stock/broth with some parm and then asparagus cut and mixed in. For $27 I really think this was incredibly overcharged for what I got. Skip dish if you're not going to skip this place.
(2)Kyle S.
We were vacationing in the Berkshires this summer and decided to venture out to nearby towns. My wife and I have 5 kids and don't get out often. We were not so happy with the restaurant options in Pittsfleld so we looked for a good date-night restaurant in Lenox. Luckily, there seems to be a few good options it seemed, including this restaurant and one across the street. It was a toss-up. When we arrived, visually Alta seemed to be the coziest-looking with it's outdoor alfresco dining. We started with a nice bottle of wine. My wife order the gazpacho to start and the duck entree with a salted caramel sauce. I ordered tomato w/black bean soup with sour cream and a lime-scented scallops with quinoa. We sat outside and the ambiance was nice it seemed. The waiter was pleasant enough. Our soups arrived and we were rather underwhelmed. My wife's Gazpacho, a soup served cold, arrived in a warmed bowl - like it just got out of the dishwasher. The gazpacho lacked flavor, it seemed like someone opened a can of tomato juice and poured it into her hot bowl. The soup was garnished with different sized-cuts of tomatoes - some of which still had the core! Not so good. My soup tasted like store-bought tomato sauce and was missing the sour cream dollop. When the waiter finally arrived to check in, I asked for the sour cream (that was supposed to be IN the soup) to which he delivered a ramekin of sour cream - too late to make a difference to the soup. Also not good. It wasn't looking good at this point - but we kept and open mind for the entrees. We were disappointed when they arrived. The duck's cut was not even so the temperature was all over the place - rare to medium on one piece of duck. My scallops, which were supposed to be seared, most looked more like they were steamed. Overall, the dishes were flavorful, we understood the intent, but the way it was executed was poorly done. What killed the dinner however was the hostess. You are probably thinking - "how does a hostess ruin a dinner after you are seated?". One word- bug spray. Because we were on the outside deck, the hostess found it necessary to spray herself with bug spray in the middle of the deck. Wafting into the air, it was only a mere 60 seconds before we tasted mostly bug spray from this point on. We heard other people commenting as well on the smell & taste. The saving grace here from this restaurant not getting one star was that the owner/manager came out to ask how things were... and we were honest. He seemed genuinely concerned and thanked us for the feedback with words and an offering of dessert, on the house. We shared the molten chocolate cake (that he said was awesome) to which we are afraid to say was more like a soup, not a cake- kind of nasty. So from beginning to end, we do not recommend going here, looks can be deceiving - the place looks charming but if were had the chance to do it again, should have gone across the street. Update 8/13/11: The co-owner of Alta contacted me after this review which started as a 2-star. He, the chef, and staff are really genuinely interested in quality and customer experience, and offered an better experience on our return. While I'm not sure if we'll ever be back in that area, I am impressed when a company/owner values feedback enough to reach out and try to do something about a negative experience. Kudos to Alta. Maybe they deserve another chance. I'm elevating a start to 3. BTW- the owner did address the bug-spray issue with the new hostess.
(3)Keith G.
Just ate here this past Saturday, 9/22/12, and it was AMAZING. I had the Mediterranean salad (soooo good) and a burger (the goat cheese is yummy!) and my boyfriend had the butternut squash soup which was very very good he said, and he also had a burger. The service was A+++++. I forgot who our waitress's name was, but I know she used to live in Danvers, MA. :-) Anyway, I would totally recomment this place!! Great prices and amazing food and service!!!
(5)Ryan R.
We happened on Alta twice in a week while doing sales in the Berkshires. Our first pleasant surprise was that they were open and receptive. Our second was the great service, warm greetings, and excellent wine and food. We were greeted both times by the warm and knowledgeable owner, and had a great conversation about Alsace and local tastes. I enjoyed a great wine flight both times and enjoyed their Russian River Cab as well as their Sancerre. I thought they had a good selection without going over the top. Our second visit we had lunch. I had a wrap that was grilled with a nice spicy mustard, my wife's salad was scrumptious also. Fresh, fast, and with a smiles. We were both very happy, and had wished we were closer to enjoy it more often. It looks like we'll be looking for an excuse to get back to Lenox soon.
(5)Jason B.
After our mini-vacation in the Berhshires, we stopped off for one more meal before heading back to the Hub. Alta is a more stylish spot in the middle of downtown Lenox. Their lunch menu is small, but has a lot of great selections. Their special Spiced Sangria is unreal. Not to be missed. I had the Autumn panini, a nice pressed sandwich made from fresh local bread, fresh sliced turkey, caramelized onions, cranberry spread and cheddar cheese. Very tasty. The hand-cut fries are good, but would be better if they soaked them overnight. The homemade lentil soup is off the chart, and the portobello panini is quite good too. Service was impeccable; our waiter was polite and careful. I would have loved to try more selections from them, but I'll have to swing back through here next time we hit Tanglewood.
(4)John W.
We had a very good meal here. For an appetizer we split quinoa salad which was enough for the two of us. The martinis were "adult" ie heavy pour. They do have some speciality drinks which sounded great with locally made vodka, gin and bourbon . They infuse the gin with black tea for one of their martinis. For our entree we had the salmon special which was to die for. The salmon was broiled and served on a bed of chunky mashed potatoes with spinach . We sat at the bar and the service was great. It would have gotten 5 stars, but it was a little hot, temperature wise, at the bar. Overall a very good experience .
(4)Timothy A.
This was a really amazing restaurant, owned and operated by a Frenchman who was very attentive to our needs and whose staff is friendly and efficient. All of our dishes - scallops, linguini, pork chop, beet salad, provencal tart - were delicious. The creme brulee with Grand Marnier was perfect! We had a Washington State Meritage by Hogue (2007) that was an excellent value. The wine list had a lot of choices and the pricing was fair. We admired the paintings by a local artist, Kris Galli, which adorn the walls. If Scott Prior and Johannes Vermeer had collaborated, these would be the result - realistic and softly muted. Back to the food, it was very pleasing and we had a great time. You can see why the locals support this restaurant year round.
(5)R E.
Everything was delicious. Had a quinoa salad with lots of raisins and fresh mint; foie gras expertly prepared and a pork dish that was too much for the two of us. Friendly, accommodating service. Great wine flight for a reasonably priced $10.
(5)Steven J.
Wow!! The greatest find so far. We had a 7:00 pm reservation and were taken in immediately. Our waitress Daralyn was the best. We started with the best caesar salad I have ever had way big enough for two. She led us to our favorites. I had the special (shrimp with risotto and veggies) to die for. My better half had the trout which was scrumptious. Desert-OH MY GOD. A fruit cobbler that nothing could be left over. This is a definite stop if you are in the Birkshires.
(5)Bill S.
I always like a restaurant tha will modify what they serve to meet your desires, and, when they are French, that is an extra plus. We originally tried Nudel across the street, but since my wife is gluten intolerant and a vegitarian, we left. I tend to shy away from a place the calls itself a wine bar, because I feel the emphasis will be on the wine, not the food. Was I wrong! At first we did not see any vegitarian options, but then the hostess said she was vegan and they could cook for any dietary restrictions. The result was superb; well worth the hour wait for a table. We had the scallops and the tastes were perfectly balanced. We will reserve ahead the next time.
(5)Jonathan W.
Loved it. Great food, had lunch here and went back for dinner. We found lot of food mediocre in the area, but this stood out as quality. The owner also seems to be a genuinely good person which is great to see.
(5)Keith L.
The best restaurant in Lenox. Had the salmon risotto and duck 9 Aug 11. Both done to a turn. Accompanying veggies outstanding. Owner is extremely attentive as is the rest of the wait staff. We'll definitely return.
(5)S L.
We chose Alta's because of the reviews on yelp. We certainly were not disappointed. We both had the special of the evening, which was a fresh sea bass with a hazelnut pesto sauce, it was excellent. The side of mashed potatoes were very good. Our waitress was outstanding. You must try the basil peach white sangria, amazing! Highly recommend a visit here.
(5)V L.
I had just driven out to the Berkshires to attend an event and had to drive back. It was a long drive round trip so to reward myself I went back to Alta. The last time I was there was before a Tanglewood event. This time, I was less rushed, but the service was just as prompt. I had the scallops with a butternut maple puree. It was excellent. Then, the owner himself came over to me and asked me how things were and asked me if I wanted dessert. He introduced a special pineapple tiramisu to me and it intrigued me. He said that it was the first time that they were making it but customers were providing positive feedback. He added that if I was not happy with it, he would let me try any other dessert. How could I go wrong? I tried it ... it was good, but not the best thing I ever ate ... I wish there were more ladyfingers. I did relay this message to the owner and he offered to give me more ladyfingers to go with the remainder of the cream ... what service! what friendliness! I would definitely go back there.
(4)J P.
I'm a foodie and love eating out, this has been one of my better experiences. Sat. night, place was full but having reservations we were seated immediately. Amanda was our waitress but I also observed the staff in general was very attentive - no need to flag them down, they're right they're when you need them. While enjoying our appetizers the owner came out and introduced himself and made sure everything is up to par, we saw him constantly mingling with the crowd to make sure everyone is having a great experience. Amanda brought out the main course and after a few minutes came back to check how the food is. The dish that I ordered didn't particularly tickle my fancy, Amanda immediately and with a great smile suggested a different dish. After a few minutes the assistant manager also came to our table to inquire if there was something wrong with the food or if it simply didn't please my palette, which was in fact the case. Again he assured us that my 2nd choice is being prepared and will be out shortly. Great service! We had ginger carrot soup and leek tart for as the appetizer. For the main course we ended up having the scallops and the roasted salmon. All cooked to perfection. Lovely place, great atmosphere and spectacular service.
(5)Wendy W.
Great meal! Food was wonderful and the wait staff were great. Only downside was that the front door kept banging every few minutes as the wait staff went in and out of outside seating area. They have a great wine selection!
(4)Tyler L.
Excellent chef with a nicely selected and fairly priced wine list. We enjoyed mussels, duck and a NY sirlion - all cooked perfectly.
(5)Paul D.
Great service. Nice wine list for reasonable price. Dinner presentation and quality excellent. Sarah was very attentive to our needs.
(4)Rita V.
Great service and absolutely lovely wine list. Service was slow, and the menu is limited, but as far as bistro lunch is concerned, not bad value for the money. Food was ok, not "knock your socks off" but given the gastronomic insult from "cheaper eats" like Arizona Pizza Co., Alta was a surprise. Its still "a little train that can"... Ribs were cold but very flavorful, and we were hungry and short on time, so we just ate and sipped a very nice Spanish garnacha. They were very accommodating to changes, and very pleasant. Their soup du jour is wonderful, their breads are very nice, and the fries (if they weren't COLD), are a mix of regular and sweet potato. Definitely a nice stop in town for some nice wine and bistro eats.
(3)J E.
I went to Alta with a friend this Sunday -- we were exploring Lenox and looking for somewhere with outdoor dining to have dinner. We had discounted Alta after reading reviews because they don't have a patio, but what they DO have is a lovely open-air seating area in the front of the restaurant that looks out onto Church St. It looked very inviting, and they were happy to seat us and get us drinks even though they weren't technically open for dinner yet. I got "The Spa," which I think consisted of Henrick's gin, fresh ginger, fresh lime, fresh cucumber, maybe some mint -- it was good, not amazing though. I think there was supposed to be some sparkling water or something in it, which was not evident. I could be remembering it wrong, but if I am this drink could use a little carbonation of some sort. Not bad though. The service here was very good -- we felt very well taken care of and our server was quite patient as we asked him to repeat the specials one more time. We ended up ordering the ahi tuna appetizer, which had some bright green seaweed in the middle and a little sauce around the edges. It was good but not amazing, the tuna & seaweed were excellent but the sauce drizzled around a little boring - basically tasted like sweet, thickened soy sauce. If they spiced that up somehow, it could be amazing. Then we both got the special pasta -- fettucine with *freshly foraged* chantarelle mushrooms in a white wine and shallot sauce with oven-roasted tomatoes. YUM YUM YUM, AMAZING! I ate every bite. I want all my chatarelles freshly foraged from now on. I would definitely recommend a reservation here -- we went on a Sunday, probably getting there at 4:45 (like I said, they hadn't even opened yet). We got the last unreserved table in the street-front area and the place filled up within a half hour of opening.
(4)Polly A.
Wonderful surprise. A lovely evening on the outside porch - food and service were awesome. We were rained out of Tanglewood and ended up at Alta. The foie gras was very good - cocktails excellent . Will make a point of going back
(5)Shep F.
The staff was friendly and accomodating in moving our table away from a large, noisy group of diners and into a smaller, quieter room. The young owner check up to make sure that we were satisfied, and that personal touch enhanced our evening. We learned that the menu is normally determined by what foods are available locally, but remains unchanged during the busy summer season. The food was outstanding. The risotto the best ever and the tuna cooked just right. We expect to return often.
(5)Amelia G.
Lovely lovely place, interesting art on the walls exceptional service, delicious Sancerre by the glass, had a delightful lunch.
(5)JJ F.
We were super satisfied with our dining experience at Alta. We sat at the bar..."very cool" for a small town. Server/ bartender was informative and a class act. Food was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend.
(5)Glenn M.
I would give this 3.5 stars but I can't give it 4, so 3 it is. We ate out in the open air seating. The space was very crowded the people around us kept having a tough time getting out or moving around. The service was just "OK". Our server just struck me as a little odd. While we got frequent refills of water the person kept only filling up the glasses half way. The food was very good for us. However, I felt the price was way too high considering the portion size, the simpleness of the food, and the less than fine seating. They charge like they are fine dining but its just a fine place to dine.
(3)Susan A.
While the butter they served with the bread had a faint taste of being kept out in the refrigerator too long, the rest of the meal was sublime. My party had an excellent gazpacho, pork tenderloin with an inventive Dijon whipped cream, and then there was my entree, duck breast in a salty caramel sauce. If this sauce had been a man I would have torn off his clothes and had my way with him. I could have done with the sauce. I will say that the peach-chocolate cobbler should have gone one way or the other - the combination didn't work. But I would crawl on my knees through broken glass for more of that duck and especially the sauce.
(5)Nick K.
As the old saying goes, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. I've been traveling to the Berkshires for nearly 30 years and the one thing that surprises me is how mediocre (or worse) all of the restaurants are (especially given how many demanding New Yorkers frequent the area). Alta is one of the best of the worst. This place is LOUD, the tables are close together and, like just about every other restaurant in the area, the service is appalling -- slow, inattentive and barely polite. When we dined there recently, I had the scallops. Not bad. My wife ordered the salmon but asked that it be "cooked." Result? Nearly shoe leather. Burnt to a crisp. And, it took nearly two hours for our meal to be served. Meh. I would suggest you go elsewhere, but, as I said, good dining in the Berkshires is a bit of an oxymoron. And, the owner that everyone raves about? At least he was present, but it didn't mean our meal went well.
(2)Joel F.
Had dinner at the bar tonight before Tanglewood. Duck breast with baby asparagus and mashed potatoes. Absolutely delicious and good service too. Will be back.
(5)Stella C.
My boyfriend and I were staying in Lenox for the week prior to Labor Day and had 2 opportunities to dine at Alta. As many reviewers have noted, the restaurant looks inviting from the street with that pretty, semi-enclosed porch for alfresco dining. Likewise, the menu offers clean, simple fare with a variety of interesting flavors. However, the dining experience itself leaves a lot to be desired. We ate lunch there late on Wednesday afternoon and came in for an after dinner drink and dessert on Thursday evening after the theater. So, neither the restaurant nor the bar were particularly crowded. Both times, we sat at the bar. The food and drinks at lunch were excellent. We had the quesadillas and a large beautiful cheese platter filled with beautiful regional cheeses, quince and fresh fruit. The problem was the service. A waiter took both our drink and food order but it took awhile for a bar tender to show up to make the drinks and longer still for the food to arrive. It wasn't clear who was covering the bar and it made for a really disjointed drinking and dining experience because when we had a question or needed a utensil, there was no one around to serve. It was frustrating. We thought we might fare better Thursday evening when we came for after dinner drinks and dessert. A young, female, bartender was positioned behind the bar the entire time and there were some patrons there as well. However, her girlfriend was also sitting there, carrying on a non-stop exclusive, conversation with her, yelling across the bar and monopolizing her time, so that once again, the service was just bad. This created a very frustrating dining experience. We again had the cheese platter and a hot molten lava cake. The latter was served in a coffee cup and topped with a frothy caramel substance. It was baked in the cup so the cup was scalding hot and the cake was burnt onto the sides. If we could have gotten our bartender's attention, we may have sent it back, but she was engaged in a fervent discussion about movies with her friend. Later, when she gave us a bill and asked (for the first time) if everything was OK, we told her what we thought of the cake. This was greeted with an indifferent response that she would mention it to the cook. So, Alta looks good from the outside and could be wonderful but they need to get their act together and begin to show a little more interest in the customers they are serving. If you want it all, visit Prime around the corner.
(2)Anna O.
Went to Alta for dinner while visiting the spa at cranwell. We started with the wine flight and the waitress was very knowledgable about what we got and very helpfulmwith recommendations. The duck with the salted Carmel sauce was the star but the scallops were impeccably cooked and the pesto with fresh veggies was great and very summery. I highly recommend this place. Also the owner was very sweet and attentive
(5)Mr B.
Creative options for otherwise relatively standard fare. Lunch is diverse bordering brunch options and much more casual than dining in the evening. Rates as well as other restaurants in the area if not better because of broad selection of wines by the glass.
(4)Katie W.
I spend my summers in the Berkshires and always make a point to have several meals at Alta. Great food, good service. Gets crowded on the weekends in the summer-be warned! Great for lunch or dinner while in Lenox.
(5)Angelina C.
Still four stars, but please DO try the herb pan-roasted half chicken entree, their vanilla cheesecake and a lovely shiraz to accompany it all. Best of Church Street!
(4)Paul T.
For a wine bar in the Berkshires, not bad, and I wouldn't go again to dine. The food did not impress us (we had steak, tagine, appetizers) - it was alright but not great for the price tag. The wine service was definitely the star attraction, with options for trio wine tastings by region for as little as $10. Nice location and ambiance, service friendly but not very professional-feeling - again, alright for a cafe but disappointing for a three-figure dinner for two.
(3)Jon D.
A stunning restaurant in the Berkshires! Found this place doing research ahead of a trip to Lenox on chow.com forums, and what a find. Open since early June 2008, Alta replaced "Napa" wine restaurant, and judging from the yelp reviews, is a big upgrade. Alta features over 20 interesting wines by the glass from CA, Europe, South Africa, South America, and New Zealand. Full service bar includes beer (6 very respectable drafts--no yellow fizz--and ~10 bottles), cocktails, ports and sherry. The food is simply spectacular. Appetizers of scallops and a walnut and goat cheese salad were a good start, with the scallops being the highlight. As I enjoyed the tender seafood I overheard a customer ordering the salmon I had considered, asking for "well done!" The writer on Chow had praised the pork chop as best in town--it is probably the best I ever had. It was superbly prepared; moist and delicious. My wife enjoyed rack of lamb -- also superb. Prepared perfectly to order: medium rare, it was accompanied by a thin and subtle sauce (almost juice) with a hint of mint -- thankfully, no green mint jelly in sight! This was my first visit to Lenox, and this is the only restaurant in town I tried, but Alta's food, drinks and atmosphere compare favorably with most restaurants the DC area. If I have to wait for next year to visit Alta it will be much too long!
(5)Eric G.
Had a fantastic meal here a few nights ago. Great service, great food and an all around enjoyable experience. Tried their wine flight which offered some really tasty new samples.
(4)Carlos S.
Went for lunch on a Saturday. The food was fine. I had a bisket panini that was good (except for the large fatty piece, which should not be put into a sandwich). The mix of regular fries and sweet potato fries with the panini was a nice touch. My wife and friends had salads, all of which were good but not exceptional. The waiter was friendly and good when he was around, but he disappeared for long stretches and, although a manager came around to check on us, we went a long time without anyone except the busboy coming by the table. The busboy was a nice kid, but needs better training. After we had all finished and the dishes sat around, I asked him to clear them and he said something to the effect that it was not his job and he would get in trouble for doing it. I didn't understand, but finally asked a third time after the dishes sat around for 10 minutes and he cleared them. Very odd. If in Lenox, I would consider coming here again for lunch, but would probably check out other places first.
(3)Brian D.
One of the best cafes in the Berkshires. A large bar with plenty of surrounding tables. Wait staff is top notch! My food was cooked to perfection. I recommend Alta to my clients who fly in to North Adams Airport.
(5)M.J. C.
Our favorite place to stop in Lenox! And by far the best burger in the Berkshires--perfectly prepared with so many choices. My favorite is the combo of goat cheese, carmelized onions and bacon with a beautiful salad (or fries). A masterpiece! Great wines by the glass Service: We usually sit at the bar and service is generally good. There are some great female bartenders who are really nice. The only suggestion I would offer is that the the tall male bartender smile & engage the customers at the bar. He gives off a standoff-ish, 'I wish I could be somewhere else' kind of vibe....Not sure if he's aware of that but a smile goes a long way!
(4)Cindy K.
My husband and I went to Alta after reading some good reviews on it! For appetizers I had the blue cheese samosa and crispy tuna (both were very good). My husband had the foie gras (which he really enjoyed!). For dinner he had the lamb and he really liked it. I had the beef tenderloin and was not impressed (it did not have much flavor to it). Overall the experience was nice and I would go back. The drinks were great and our server was such a nice guy!
(4)Raedella B.
We were in Lenox, MA during the last week in February and a friend told us about several restaurants and hotels. The restaurant he like best was yours, so when we arrived we had lunch at Alta's. I had the butter nut squash soup and my boyfriend had the chicken stew, both were delicious, so much so that he asked for the recipes. We went back to Alta's the next evening, and again the meal was delicious. The waitress/bartender gave him a business card and told him to ask the chef for the recipes and that he would be glad to send them to him. He has written twice with no response from either the owner or the chef. Since you do not want to communicate with us we have decided that when we return to Lenox Alta's will NOT be our go to place to eat. This is why we are giving your place of business one star.
(1)Alexis M.
Very good food and very friendly servers. i asked to turn a wrap into a panini and it wasn't the slightest of problems. It was absolutely delicious, and came with a huge portions of fries- both regular and sweet potato. I will definitely be back.
(4)Jonathan L.
Best service of all Lenox restaurants. Very creative dishes and fantastic bar menu. The owner is very accommodating and kind. Highly recommended!
(5)Michelle E.
Having eaten in many restaurants in both Europe and the USA, I can honestly say that this place was one of the best meals I've had. My initial reaction to being seated on the outside patio was off putting. The wind was kicking up and storm clouds were quickly rolling in, however having made reservations the same day, we didn't have the luxury of an inside table. We were pleasantly greeted by the hostess and owner who informed us that unfortunately no inside tables would be available until 8 and being that it was 6:15, that wasn't an option for us. We were seated promptly and placed our order, but as the rain kicked up we must have been noticeably cold. Our starters arrived and were very tasty. The blue cheese samosa resembled a mozzarella in carrozza with a buttery outside and sharp blue cheese layer. The vegetable tart had a smooth, smoky eggplant base and was topped with zucchini and tomato slices. In between courses, the owner made it a point to inform us that a table had freed up inside and that he'd quickly move us while putting our dinner on hold. Not only did he show us great hospitality, but he also didn't treat us like typical tourists but instead as 'regulars' which you can tell he had many of dining with him this evening. The real stars of the evening were the entrees. The tenderloin, perfectly cooked to a medium, was well paired with mushrooms, spinach and homemade fries. The duck, as others have mentioned, was beyond tender. The caramel sauce was a delightful compliment to this dish and the meat was not only succulent, but also extremely lean. Finally, the creme brûlée was absolutely divine. Tonight's selection was lemon verbena and at first I was apprehensive of the possibility of a lemon creme brûlée, but I can't express how delicate and creamy the dessert was. If the food doesn't convince you, then the service definitely should. Our server was kind and professional, and even after having moved our table to the very back of the restaurant, she continued to be extremely efficient, prompt and accommodating. An owner that knows how to please his patrons, food that is beyond delicious and service that is top notch, there really is nothing that should stop you from trying this restaurant if you're in the area. We're already looking forward to our next trip to this area to return to this very restaurant. Bon appetit!
(5)Antony D.
My wife and I had a scrumptious lunch at Alta this week. She ordered the curry tuna salad, and I had the croque madame. The food was excellent and was the best part about our trip to the Berkshires. The wait staff were terrific, really A+, and we tipped them well.
(5)Arley L.
Wandering down Church St we found Alta first. Glad we didn't go any further. The cocktails were perfect, the trout was excellent. A good selection of local craft beer and great service. Creme brûlée for desert was great. More locals than tourists which is always a good sign. Don't know if I will ever be back this way, but if so I will eat here.
(5)Lisa B.
We had a delicious dinner despite the slow service. The portions and the pours were generous and the space was really conducive to an enjoyable dinner. They did the right thing by comping a round of drinks and dessert for the forever wait. We will return.
(4)Kuldip K.
One of the best meals we've had in a long time. We found this place on Yelp after spending a weekend in the Berkshires. Don't be fooled by the two 1 star reviews (they're ridiculous). Since we had a late dinner, we elected to go straight to our entrees. We ordered the duck and the lamb shoulder. The duck was cooked medium and with a side of corn and garbanzo beans, and mashed potatoes. This duck breast was by far the best duck I had ever had. Highly Recommended! Our second entree was the lamb shoulder. Cooked with a perfect char on the outside, and the inside so nice and tender, that the meat fell apart while using a fork. This was well complemented with a side of local vegetable ratatouille and farro. TL;DR - great restaurant with a nice vibe - make a reservation ahead of time! - 2 entrees + glass of wine = ~$68 (tax included)
(5)Katrina B.
this is a really great place in a fantastic area. I came here for dinner on a weekend getaway. thank goodness we made reservations because the place was pretty well packed. we just came here for plates to share and a couple of drinks but left so full which was awesome! we had a party of four and ordered a bottle of red, the cheese platter, the prosciutto platter and the lamb meatballs. everything was excellent! the cheese selection was great, the prosciutto was plentiful and the lamb meatballs were cooked delicately and well seasoned. the staff was equally as fantastic. our waitress was well prepared to answer any questions and was very accommodating and attentive. the hostess seated us right away without a wait. and there was another person (I don't know what his role was but was equally appreciated) that made sure we were enjoying every step of our meal. you can tell this was a local place but welcomed new customers with open arms. I would definitely recommended anyone to come and try this place. a little on the pricey side but well worth it for the amount of food you get.
(4)Lori R.
After reading the amazing reviews about Alta.... I had to give it a try. Excellent food great service!!!! I agree!!!
(4)Jane R.
First time at Alta and WILL be back for another visit! Friendly staff & amazing food! Great wine selection too!
(5)Bess F.
In a nutshell.... Great service, beautiful restaurant and great menu. Most if not all of the food is local. A must go to restaurant if visiting Lenox.
(5)E P.
Enjoyed our dinner. Food was delicious. Large portions and very nice presentation. We sat at the bar because we didn't have a reservation. Bar was comfortable and the service was friendly. Would definitely go back.
(5)Cathy H.
This restaurant came highly recommended so I was thrilled to be able to score a table on a saturday evening. The meal, while good, was by no means exceptional. Our starters (blue cheese samosas and minestrone soup) were fine but not remarkable. My lamb was a bit dry and lacking in taste. My boyfriend's duck was by far the best item and worth an extra star. Still, I'm a bit disappointed and would rate this as only average.
(3)Thomas F.
This place was absolutely amazing. Great food, beautiful front porch and impeccable service. Highly recommended!
(5)Mark T.
Very nice! Great food. Lively, boisterous atmosphere. Food was tasty and well-presented. Attentive wait staff.
(4)Nicole M.
Great place to have a great meal and enjoy the nice weather on the front patio. Staff is welcoming and friendly. The lunch portions are large, which allows for yummy leftovers. I had The Ham and my husband had the Alto Burger, both were really good!
(4)Karen N.
We enjoyed Alta, although I have to say, our expectations were somewhat raised given the rave reviews. It was very good, but not *great* ? The quinoa salad was delicious. But though I thought the Moroccan chicken sounded so interesting, it ended up being rather bland. We had a much tastier brick chicken at Prairie Whale. And the presumed freshness of the tuna was lost in its heavy and dominating egg-roll type wrapper. I also felt a little uncomfortable on the front porch -- there were too many servers per customer. Overall, I prefer Brava, but it just can't compete, re: setting and ambiance.
(4)Eve H.
I've been uninspired lately. Not really going anywhere that would kick me out of my Yelp writing block. I don't like leaving reviews for places that were just "meh". I love LOVING the experience so much I want to tell EVERYONE about it. All this time what was missing was an almost 4 hour ride to Lenox to kick me out of my writing rut. I LOVE ALTA! This is the only place that really inspires me to try new or different foods. I normally come here when in town for the weekend and have my meals at the bar. without fail, each time I am ready to order (from the menu) and say what I thought I wanted, the owner, Aurelien, will ask me if I am interested instead in... and presents such a delicious and vivid picture of what else I could be having, that I almost want to marry it (and him also, so that he tells me things like this every day!). During my last visit (10/6 late lunch) , as suggested I had the Chicken Stew. I really need take foodie 101 to be able to describe this dish because my words are failing right now. There was so much flavor in this hearty, yet delicate dish. It was the perfect balance of ingredients. The service is always fantastic. During my last visit I fully comprehended why. While I was chatting with a couple sitting next to me, Aurelien, told us (when we asked) the story of how he got in the restaurant business. He started washing dishes at 12, held every single post until in his 20's at which point he managed his first restaurant. He told us in this business you have to be ready to perform any job any day because every single member of the crew is very important. Anyone calls out and he immediately needs to step in, from washing dishes, to preparing and serving food. Aurelien's passion for his business is evident in everything from his story, how he greets customers, to his interaction with his staff. As he was telling us this, I became acutely aware of the very professional way the Maître 'D was calling all the evening reservations to confirm and ask if there were any special requests. How the servers were going around checking on customers, and even how Aurelien would politely pause in our conversation to greet people coming in. I love Alta - everything the food, the service, the ambiance.. I can't wait to go back try a new dish!
(5)Elizabeth H.
Great food and great atmosphere! Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon around 12:00. We were seated right away and had waters and our drink order taken in just a few minutes. We ordered the mushroom bisque with truffle oil and it was sooooo good! The bread that came was also great. We had salads - a cobb salad and a ceasar with salmon - and everything exceeded our expectations in taste and looks. It was a perfect romantic and tasty lunch for us! The staff was great, friendly, and prompt. Oh - it was on the expensive side - but well worth it.
(5)Stephen B.
Nice place. Artsy decor, nice service and quality food. Stopped in for lunch. I had their wild board stew which was awesome. Definitely going back to have it again or to enjoy their wines during an evening visit.
(4)Riccardo D.
A farm to table restaurant in the Berkshires. The good: The menu, heavy on fish selections, is interesting and creative. I started with sweet potato soup with creme fraiche and it was delicious. Next came a filet with a sauce, a potato purée and mushrooms and sautéed spinach. The steak was tender as could be and the garnishes were stunningly good. Dessert was a chocolate cake with a Burgandy chocolate sauce with a scoop of homemade sorbet. The prices are mid to high with the quality of the food backing up the cost. The service was superb and expertly trained.
(4)Molly K.
Alta is a solid nice dining experience. The atmosphere is calm, quaint, and what you would expect for fine dining in the Berkshires. Service was ok. We felt like our waiter was not so enthusiastic to answer our questions or provide us with recommendations. The food presentation was excellent and the kitchen split for us the meals we were sharing. Highly recommend the crispy tuna and the caesar salad as appetizers. Our dishes were good, but not overwhelming with flavor. All in all I wouldn't make it a priority to come back, but was glad to have tried it.
(3)Tom M.
Went to Alta this evening. Sat on the patio, it was a nice setting to end a beautiful day. The service is very good, attentive but not overly so. The Foie Gras starter was good but the steak entree, while the correct temp, was unseasoned. Sad, it was a beautiful steak. The wine was great, the wine list is a good representation of good wines. All in all, I'd go again but I would explicitly ask for my steak to be well seasoned.
(3)Bonnie B.
Food is consistent, signature duck dish most flavorful. A lot of four out of fives on the food, not earth shattering, but decent. With price though, wish it was outstanding. Wine tasters are nice for those that want a change in wine venue through their courses, but don't want to get hammered in the process. Had the tuna roll app, tuna was overcooked though the idea was a good one. Bar is also nice to eat at, but loud and fills up quickly. Service at bar could be a bit better. Last time I was there I was held hostage to overhearing stories of the bartender's recent drama du jour being discussed with another staffer. Felt through attitude as if I should be happy they were doing me a favor by waiting on me. Maybe someone was just having rough day, but as a customer, I don't want to hear it. Overall, it's where I go to when I'm in the area.
(4)Joyce T.
The menu provides selection of wine to go with the entree! We got the duck and the trout.
(4)Audrey P.
Warning...no where on the website does it say reservations required. Turned away because they didn't have a table yet there were many empty tables. Many better places to eat where my business would be welcome.
(1)Donna L.
Went for lunch had wonderful service and food. I had the cob salad which I would recommend, crisp fresh greens, delicious blue cheese,moist grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon, fresh avocado and a boiled egg. I am gluten-free and was able to get the tastiest bread I've ever had. They said it was from Woburn Massachusetts from a place called sweet without wheat. I'm definitely going to try to mail order their bread. I used to live in the area and would come to have lunch here often, I have since moved but was so glad when I came back for a visit that everything was just as I remembered!
(5)Diane C.
To preface this review-- I RARELY write yelp reviews... AND I recently moved from Los Angeles to New York. This is also a review on the service and not the actually food at Alta. My family flew out from California to visit the Berkshires. We were looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner, and everyone seems to love Alta. We walked in on a rainy Saturday evening, the main dining room was half full, and the patio completely vacant. I politely asked the hostess for a table for 7 people. Without hesitation, she immediately told us that she couldn't seat us. The restaurant was empty, but I thought to myself: "maybe all these tables are reserved." So I asked if we could have a seat on the patio, which was only a little damp from the rain. She immediately replied, "Sorry, we can't seat you." At this point I was so confused! So I asked, "what if we split our party... could we get a table for 3 and another table for 4?" Again, without hesitation she said "sorry, we can't seat you." Having experience in the service industry, I could see that the hostess wouldn't change her mind. I felt a pit at the bottom of my stomach. Feeling uneasy, I walked out of the restaurant with my family wondering... could it be they don't want to sit us because we're different? It's a horrible thought. I immediately shrugged it off, but the thought continues to come back even days after... It's pretty upsetting to experience this, especially this day in age.
(1)Lindsey G.
Recently enjoyed dinner at Alta while visiting the area. The food is fresh, high quality, and well prepared. Great flavor in everything except the linguini pasta, which left something to be desired. Steak was perfectly cooked. Really enjoyed the mushroom tart as an appetizer. Macarons were not the best I have had. Dessert menu so left something to be desired. Service was attentive and just right. I would definitely return back again.
(4)Suzanne M.
Love to sit at the bar and get dinner. This place is a gem. Service and food are outstanding.
(5)Steve B.
What a fantastic meal we had at Alta on a rainy Sunday night over Labor Day weekend. They actually sat us 15 minutes earlier than our reservation (you can walk in, but reservations are recommended), and the service was impeccable all night. The wine list is actually really reasonably prices, and they recommend wines by the glass with your entree choices. I started with the special corn bisque soup with a chorizo infusion, and it was the best deal on the menu ($6!!!). So creamy and delicious. My wife had the quinoa salad with raisins, feta cheese and carrots and absolutely loved it. Then for entrees, my wife got the salmon with tsatziki sauce, rice and ratatouille. It was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing fresh and delicious. I got the duck with the salty caramel sauce and mashed potatoes. I was afraid of it being too sweet at first, but it was actually very savory, and the duck was cooked absolutely perfectly. One of the best duck dishes I've ever had. Great location, great atmosphere (you can sit on the front porch all summer and not get eaten alive by bugs) and great food. Perfect meal from start to finish.
(5)Kathy S.
The local Berkshires magazine had an article on restaurants and a couple of local celebs chose Alta as their favorite so we had an easy choice. Alta is in the heart of Lenox and a fun, cozy spot with interesting menu choices and good food. Service was attentive but relaxed and the place was hopping on a pre-season Tuesday evening. The only disappointment was a hot flourless chocolate dessert topped with hazelnut gelato in a ramekin that could not be touched. We chased it around the plate, but found that as it cooled the whole thing turned into one big hard chunk. Other than that final bit, I would give Alta 5 stars!
(4)Will F.
Great food...wine.... decor. Quaint spot with a wonderful outdoor patio. Quesadilla was the best I ever tasted! Wonderful Vermont cheddar mixed with chicken and the right amount of black beans oozing from a wonderful whole wheat tortilla slightly browned to a wonderful crisp! My wife had the salad with salmon which she says was awesome. One of my favorites in Lenox!
(5)Rocky A.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Lenox! The atmosphere is warm and the waitstaff and owner are very welcoming and warm. The food is amazing and very decadent. The duck dish is my favorite and you have to try the salads which are all big and so yummy! Great drinks here also!
(5)Jr R.
Lovely birthday dinner. Very pricey Delicious duck and soup. Many wines to choose from, Like the wine suggestions with each entree.
(4)Anna P.
Thank you Alta for amazing birthday dinner!! Your frozen nougat was divine,trout was one of the best and foie dish was exquisite.Wine selection is amazing,service was top notch and we will drive from Boston just for the dinner at your restaurant.
(5)Scott F.
Alta was amazing! We had such a great experience. We flew in from Chicago for a work conference and landed in Albany. We got on yelp and knew Alta was the place to be based on prior reviews. It did not disappoint. The service was amazing. We should have made a reservation but they accommodated us at the bar. The food was delicious. We highly recommend the steak and had a terrific special as well. The bartender was so fun and helpful as we navigated the menu. She took great care of us and made us feel at home. Everyone was so nice and the ambiance is such a treat to the small town community of Lenox. We loved it!
(5)Vine F.
We spent a cold and snowy night at Alta - what an awesome evening. The owner Aurelien greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel welcome even though we did not have a reservation. The place was PACKED but he helped find us a seat at the bar. Lisa took care of us all night. She provided us great food and wine recommendations that exceeded our expectations. The food was great but the hospitality and friendliness of the staff really made the experience for us. We cant wait to go back!
(5)Rotem B.
Wonderful hospitality with great food. The perfect combination. The professional staff only adds pleasure over the brilliantly cooked delights.
(5)Thomas N.
great place, we ate an early diner at the bar, the bartendress was outstanding with helpful suggestions and insights, food was excellent, a maple trout dish and pork cheeks, drinks different and excellent, one of the nicest meals we have had in a while.
(5)Michelle B.
We came here recently for a family birthday celebration, and overall had a very nice time. While our visit was not without a few minor kinks, the food was great and the service was also excellent. If you're interested in all the dirty details, check out the pictures I posted of some of our food, and read on... We arrived for our reservation a few minutes early and were greeted warmly before being seated right away. The hostess led us to a 6-top table which was in a cramped corner next to the bar. In my opinion, this space would fit one or two 2-top tables just fine, but 6 made it very cramped. It was tight enough that those sitting on the far side of the table along the wall couldn't squeeze past others to get out of their seat, and the three across the table were sitting right up against other patrons seated in stools at the bar. I was pleased when we were told that the bar would clear out by 6:30 and we'd end up having more space and less noise... But that never actually happened. The bar stayed packed for the duration. So, we filed in to our table when we arrived and we filed back out when we left... and thankfully, no one had to use the bathroom before the meal was over. We were told that someone would bring us some fresh, warm bread ,but no one ever did. That was okay, though, because we turned out to be more than satisfied with our meals. Several of us started with the soup of the day, a corn bisque, which was tasty. I also tried a few bites of the quinoa salad, which was a huge portion and very bright with fresh herbs. Our waitress (Darilyn?) was very knowledgeable about the wines. Being a wine bar, the selection is extensive, and she did a great job making individual recommendations after asking us a few questions about our preferences. Bravo. The service was also very friendly and attentive, and the food was well timed. A manager checked on us at one point to make sure were were happy, which was a nice touch. Although the meals looked a bit small at first glance, they were healthy sized portions and each of us was satisfied. The plates looked beautiful and tasted even better. I tried both the duck and tofu, and both were excellent. We were all too full to order dessert, and we had a birthday cake waiting for us at home anyway. In conclusion: although this wasn't a flawless experience, I would not hesitate to return to Alta.
(4)Cadence H.
We went last night, during a crazy and slippery storm. Visiting from NJ for the weekend, loved everything about this place. Food was great, delicious wine, fantastic service. The owner even came over to console my husband who was rooting for the Packers in the playoff game. Hope to visit again on our next trip here!!
(5)Ella B.
This was our first time in the area and we were happy to find Alta! Our dinner was Delish! It was a busy night so we ended up seated at the bar which was not too bad. We started with foie gras, our mains were the steak and cod. Both were cooked well with generous portions. Good wine list, and had the sorbet for dessert.
(4)Meredith D.
This place was a major disappointment. Had a family dinner there before a Tanglewood concert. Drinks: not good--visibly not shaken and not tasty either. Food: The lobster cocktail just tasted like mayo, and the soup didn't taste like anything. The lamb meatballs was the one item anyone enjoyed all night--flavorful, and well paired with dates and a salad. For entrees, my dad had the cod--overcooked. My mom and I had the scallops--overcooked and rubbery, and we were both crunching on some kind of sand or dirt that was in them. My brother had the chicken--really dry and the chickpea flour sticks that accompanied it were disgusting and totally unseasoned (weirdly, our waitress had raved about them). My other brother had the salmon, which he said was flavorless. The only positive other than the meatballs was the complimentary bread--hot, tasty, and bread service was quick. Service: I work as a server, and my brother and dad used to work as waiters too, so we're usually a pretty easygoing bunch. But not only did all our food take forever to come out; our server was unapologetic, salty, and didn't seem to care how our experience went. She had good menu knowledge and did her requisite table "touches" (checking back 5 min after we got dishes to ask how they were) but didn't really seem to care what answer we gave her. She seemed pissed the whole time.. Manager stopped by once to tell us our food would be out soon but also seemed unapologetic about how long everything was talking. I'm not demanding, and am usually the apologist for servers whenever i go out. Even just one "I'm sorry about this" would have gone a long way to change my impression, but these people just didn't seem to care. To top it all off, it's way overpriced, especially considering the quality of what you get. Sure, we tipped well, because we're servers ourselves--but that was the only reason we tipped well. My parents used to really like this place, but I don't think they'll be back.
(2)Stella T.
We had a lovely lunch on the covered porch of this pretty wine bar restaurant. There was a large selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass. Service was excellent and everyone was friendly. There was a nice selection of salads, panini s, wraps and entrees for lunch. There were even lunch specials. I had a tomato and caramelized onion torte with arugula salad and a glass or Pinot Grigio from Sonoma ($7!). My husband had a ham, Brie and apple wrap with sweet potato and regular fries. He had a Riesling from Germany. Everything was wonderful. If we are ever in the area again, we will not hesitate to return.
(4)Olaf A.
Great place. We celebrated a 69th birthday and brought my 94-old mother. Everybody were very helpful, showed us how to get into and out of the restaurant. The decor was very interesting and the food was excellent, the food-wine suggestions worked very well. Highly recommended!
(5)Holly W.
Disappointing. Stood waiting to be seated while several staff members made eye contact but never greeted us. Eventually, the manager/bus boy sat us. Server gave wrong information about the menu, food was ok not great. Everyone told us alta was the best, I guess they had an off night.
(2)Brittany H.
Loved it! Stopped in while exploring my favorite town. We sat at the bar, and though it did take a while for someone to finally acknowledge us, we did end up with a great bartender. She was flexible in making a cocktail that we wanted and was very resourceful and knew the menu. There were not a lot of appetizers, which was a bit disappointing as we were just stopping in for something light, but the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds - beyond amazing. My Cocktail was excellent and the waitress even talked us into a Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake which was to DIE for. I would definitely make this a permanent stop in Lenox.
(4)Kathy L.
Great wines and food well worth the trek. My friends and I went skiing at Jiminy Peak and wanted to eat at a "nice" restaurant. Husband found Alta and I am so glad he did. What I love most about this place are the wines. They offer "make your own flights" - how cool is that! Also their $6 cab was delicious! It says alot about a place when their cheapest wine is so delicious All 6 of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had the pasta - was originally worried that it would be too heavy because it was in a cream sauce but it wasn't! I couldn't stop eating it. Save room for dessert. We loved the cheesecake.
(5)Paul G.
Cannot comment on main restaurant menu because we only ate at the bar but 3 of us enjoyed bar menu and service immensely. I ordered a burger with cheese, bacon and caramelized onions and hand cut fries, it was very good at $14. Others ordered a burger and salad and were equally happy. Overall, food and service, very good.
(4)Kim M.
The cod was overcooked, the duck was completely raw in the center, we didn't get bread for the table until after the appetizer, the drinks were flavorless and boring, and our waitress acted like she could care less about her job. Save your money and your taste buds and go around the block to Brava or Nudel.
(1)Matt G.
Excellent food, especially the lunch menu. The Salmon Quesadillas are incredible. The owner and staff are very friendly and knowledgable of the wine menu.
(5)David M.
Consistently the best restaurant in the Berkshires. Food is delicious, weight staff attentive, and the owner takes great pride in making certain everything is to your satisfaction. Have NEVER had a bad meal there!
(5)Laura R.
More of a 3.5... food was good, but not great. Had the duck and my husband had the cod. Also had the lamb meatballs, which were very good. Great wine list. Staff was very attentive. In a cute neighborhood....not bad. Maybe other menu items are better. Still would try it again.
(3)J M.
I went to Alta for my birthday. Told them in advance. I was very excited based on reviews and word of mouth. It was very disappointing for all of us. Service was slow. Food was disappointing. Nothing on the menu jumped out... I had the duck and can only say For duck go to Stockbridge to Once Upon a Table.
(3)Ken B.
I had the Quinoa Salad with Salmon on it & with a light mint dressing . It was a perfect summer dish. Really Excellent.
(4)james r.
We went on a rainy weekday evening and opted for the porch. The sound of rain was a nice backdrop for our meal. We had the Tagine and the Duck Breast. All was nicely done. The caramel and sea salt sauce with the Duck Breast was tasty and intriguing. We will go back.
(4)Claire H.
We LOVE Alta! We come to Tanglewood every year, and this is always one of our stops! The service is always extremely polite and prompt, and the atmosphere can't be beat. I had the quinoa salad with mint vinaigrette, which was DIVINE. They used to have a roasted beet salad on mixed greens which was equally as delicious. Everything is super fresh, seasonal, and YUMMY. Lovely service, amazing food, we will definitely be back!
(5)Jennifer W.
Great location and very nice setting. Food was very good will definitely try again. Our waiter was a bit slow, but the owner, who read our response card after we paid came and apologized as we were heading out the door. I can't remember the last time a business owner was that concerned about the opinions of their customers, it was extremely refreshing.
(4)Paul H.
After a week of eating below average restaurants in Pittsfield, I came here as one of my last nights. I don't know if my expectations had been killed by my other bad experiences, but this place rocked! The duck was cooked perfectly and the dessert cheesecake was not too sweet, so perfect. This was the best meal I had in the Berkshires!
(4)Marc C.
This review applies to lunch only... I am a creature of habit, so when I find a place I like I go often. My wife and I were in the Berkshires for a week and had lunch at Alta three times. I loved the lunch concept - an omelette, soup, and stew of the day. Simple, but plenty of room for creativity. The salads were huge and delicious. I particularly liked the Cesar. Seating on the porch was a nice touch. Good selection of wine as well (though that didn't help my post-lunch energy level).
(5)David G.
Alta you are a gem of a restaurant. The patio dining is just grand in the summer. Loved the foie gras ...which is not legal in California! Their salads are amazing and everything is so fresh. Great wine selection and amazing service..this place is top notch.
(4)Jonathan C.
We decided to picnic at Tanglewood and chose takeout from Alta. The owner was gracious enough make a few special salads for two of our group on strict diets. Everyone was happy with their meals. The food was a little under seasoned but that could be because of their very health conscious menu. Nothing was amazing but sometimes consistency is key. I would recommend this to our friends.
(3)Purple Orchard 2.
I was passing through Lenox and needed a place for dinner. Upon walking by this place, decided to give it a try just based on seeing the menu and the atmosphere. The food was delicious! I ended up ordering several dishes because each dish was better than the next. Signed on to write this review and saw all the rare reviews and five stars--its well deserved! If you are in Lenox this is the place to eat. During my last visit, my friends wanted to hit FireFly. The food and wine there is good, but not anything special like at Alta. Firefly is also more casual. Too tired to write the details of my meal, you dont need them anyway because whatever you have is bound to be delish.
(4)Daniel C.
Great food and excellent service. The duck was perfect and the panna cotta desert was wonderful. We would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Lenox and looking for a nice place for dinner.
(5)Jimmy V.
This place has some of the best food I have had. The presentation is exceptional and the wine is above par. You will not regret your decision to dine at this establishment when in town.
(5)Alex R.
Tasty, but way too rich for me. If you like cheese-cheese-cheese-butter-butter-cheese, this place is for you. Otherwise it can be overwhelming and leave you feeling stuffed and a bit ill.
(2)Robin S.
great malbec!!!! fabulous service!! great table on porch!!! food was just okay!
(4)Q L.
I was here last year, and we ordered a scallop dish and a halibut dish, both were very good. But we ordered them to-go so I did not write a review. Now, a year later, I tried out the risotto w/scallops and it's a 0.5 star dish. Very wary on complaining in restaurant while you're being watched over by staff, I bit my tongue about the lousy risotto and tried to focus on the redeeming scallops. The scallops were slightly under done, which was perfect...though a slight salt taste to them like they were previously frozen. The risotto was sooooo lazily made, I've never experienced risotto like this. Al Dente is not an excuse. The risotto was not pillowy or soft or creamy as rice, it was the texture of cooked white rice, and the chef attempted to make up for this and make it creamy with about a quart of cream....NEVER seen this before. Now under the risotto (yes, UNDER it) was a pool of broth and olive oil with a mound of squash, zuchinni, asparagus, green beans, and garlic. The veg literally looks like the mound you'd find next to a piece of meat, and then the risotto slopped on top. Olive oil pool mixing with heavy cream in the risotto....bad bad bad mix. Based on the written description you'd think you were going to get what most restaurants would have served....a risotto made with stock/broth with some parm and then asparagus cut and mixed in. For $27 I really think this was incredibly overcharged for what I got. Skip dish if you're not going to skip this place.
(2)Kyle S.
We were vacationing in the Berkshires this summer and decided to venture out to nearby towns. My wife and I have 5 kids and don't get out often. We were not so happy with the restaurant options in Pittsfleld so we looked for a good date-night restaurant in Lenox. Luckily, there seems to be a few good options it seemed, including this restaurant and one across the street. It was a toss-up. When we arrived, visually Alta seemed to be the coziest-looking with it's outdoor alfresco dining. We started with a nice bottle of wine. My wife order the gazpacho to start and the duck entree with a salted caramel sauce. I ordered tomato w/black bean soup with sour cream and a lime-scented scallops with quinoa. We sat outside and the ambiance was nice it seemed. The waiter was pleasant enough. Our soups arrived and we were rather underwhelmed. My wife's Gazpacho, a soup served cold, arrived in a warmed bowl - like it just got out of the dishwasher. The gazpacho lacked flavor, it seemed like someone opened a can of tomato juice and poured it into her hot bowl. The soup was garnished with different sized-cuts of tomatoes - some of which still had the core! Not so good. My soup tasted like store-bought tomato sauce and was missing the sour cream dollop. When the waiter finally arrived to check in, I asked for the sour cream (that was supposed to be IN the soup) to which he delivered a ramekin of sour cream - too late to make a difference to the soup. Also not good. It wasn't looking good at this point - but we kept and open mind for the entrees. We were disappointed when they arrived. The duck's cut was not even so the temperature was all over the place - rare to medium on one piece of duck. My scallops, which were supposed to be seared, most looked more like they were steamed. Overall, the dishes were flavorful, we understood the intent, but the way it was executed was poorly done. What killed the dinner however was the hostess. You are probably thinking - "how does a hostess ruin a dinner after you are seated?". One word- bug spray. Because we were on the outside deck, the hostess found it necessary to spray herself with bug spray in the middle of the deck. Wafting into the air, it was only a mere 60 seconds before we tasted mostly bug spray from this point on. We heard other people commenting as well on the smell & taste. The saving grace here from this restaurant not getting one star was that the owner/manager came out to ask how things were... and we were honest. He seemed genuinely concerned and thanked us for the feedback with words and an offering of dessert, on the house. We shared the molten chocolate cake (that he said was awesome) to which we are afraid to say was more like a soup, not a cake- kind of nasty. So from beginning to end, we do not recommend going here, looks can be deceiving - the place looks charming but if were had the chance to do it again, should have gone across the street. Update 8/13/11: The co-owner of Alta contacted me after this review which started as a 2-star. He, the chef, and staff are really genuinely interested in quality and customer experience, and offered an better experience on our return. While I'm not sure if we'll ever be back in that area, I am impressed when a company/owner values feedback enough to reach out and try to do something about a negative experience. Kudos to Alta. Maybe they deserve another chance. I'm elevating a start to 3. BTW- the owner did address the bug-spray issue with the new hostess.
(3)Keith G.
Just ate here this past Saturday, 9/22/12, and it was AMAZING. I had the Mediterranean salad (soooo good) and a burger (the goat cheese is yummy!) and my boyfriend had the butternut squash soup which was very very good he said, and he also had a burger. The service was A+++++. I forgot who our waitress's name was, but I know she used to live in Danvers, MA. :-) Anyway, I would totally recomment this place!! Great prices and amazing food and service!!!
(5)Ryan R.
We happened on Alta twice in a week while doing sales in the Berkshires. Our first pleasant surprise was that they were open and receptive. Our second was the great service, warm greetings, and excellent wine and food. We were greeted both times by the warm and knowledgeable owner, and had a great conversation about Alsace and local tastes. I enjoyed a great wine flight both times and enjoyed their Russian River Cab as well as their Sancerre. I thought they had a good selection without going over the top. Our second visit we had lunch. I had a wrap that was grilled with a nice spicy mustard, my wife's salad was scrumptious also. Fresh, fast, and with a smiles. We were both very happy, and had wished we were closer to enjoy it more often. It looks like we'll be looking for an excuse to get back to Lenox soon.
(5)Jason B.
After our mini-vacation in the Berhshires, we stopped off for one more meal before heading back to the Hub. Alta is a more stylish spot in the middle of downtown Lenox. Their lunch menu is small, but has a lot of great selections. Their special Spiced Sangria is unreal. Not to be missed. I had the Autumn panini, a nice pressed sandwich made from fresh local bread, fresh sliced turkey, caramelized onions, cranberry spread and cheddar cheese. Very tasty. The hand-cut fries are good, but would be better if they soaked them overnight. The homemade lentil soup is off the chart, and the portobello panini is quite good too. Service was impeccable; our waiter was polite and careful. I would have loved to try more selections from them, but I'll have to swing back through here next time we hit Tanglewood.
(4)John W.
We had a very good meal here. For an appetizer we split quinoa salad which was enough for the two of us. The martinis were "adult" ie heavy pour. They do have some speciality drinks which sounded great with locally made vodka, gin and bourbon . They infuse the gin with black tea for one of their martinis. For our entree we had the salmon special which was to die for. The salmon was broiled and served on a bed of chunky mashed potatoes with spinach . We sat at the bar and the service was great. It would have gotten 5 stars, but it was a little hot, temperature wise, at the bar. Overall a very good experience .
(4)Timothy A.
This was a really amazing restaurant, owned and operated by a Frenchman who was very attentive to our needs and whose staff is friendly and efficient. All of our dishes - scallops, linguini, pork chop, beet salad, provencal tart - were delicious. The creme brulee with Grand Marnier was perfect! We had a Washington State Meritage by Hogue (2007) that was an excellent value. The wine list had a lot of choices and the pricing was fair. We admired the paintings by a local artist, Kris Galli, which adorn the walls. If Scott Prior and Johannes Vermeer had collaborated, these would be the result - realistic and softly muted. Back to the food, it was very pleasing and we had a great time. You can see why the locals support this restaurant year round.
(5)R E.
Everything was delicious. Had a quinoa salad with lots of raisins and fresh mint; foie gras expertly prepared and a pork dish that was too much for the two of us. Friendly, accommodating service. Great wine flight for a reasonably priced $10.
(5)Steven J.
Wow!! The greatest find so far. We had a 7:00 pm reservation and were taken in immediately. Our waitress Daralyn was the best. We started with the best caesar salad I have ever had way big enough for two. She led us to our favorites. I had the special (shrimp with risotto and veggies) to die for. My better half had the trout which was scrumptious. Desert-OH MY GOD. A fruit cobbler that nothing could be left over. This is a definite stop if you are in the Birkshires.
(5)Bill S.
I always like a restaurant tha will modify what they serve to meet your desires, and, when they are French, that is an extra plus. We originally tried Nudel across the street, but since my wife is gluten intolerant and a vegitarian, we left. I tend to shy away from a place the calls itself a wine bar, because I feel the emphasis will be on the wine, not the food. Was I wrong! At first we did not see any vegitarian options, but then the hostess said she was vegan and they could cook for any dietary restrictions. The result was superb; well worth the hour wait for a table. We had the scallops and the tastes were perfectly balanced. We will reserve ahead the next time.
(5)Jonathan W.
Loved it. Great food, had lunch here and went back for dinner. We found lot of food mediocre in the area, but this stood out as quality. The owner also seems to be a genuinely good person which is great to see.
(5)Keith L.
The best restaurant in Lenox. Had the salmon risotto and duck 9 Aug 11. Both done to a turn. Accompanying veggies outstanding. Owner is extremely attentive as is the rest of the wait staff. We'll definitely return.
(5)S L.
We chose Alta's because of the reviews on yelp. We certainly were not disappointed. We both had the special of the evening, which was a fresh sea bass with a hazelnut pesto sauce, it was excellent. The side of mashed potatoes were very good. Our waitress was outstanding. You must try the basil peach white sangria, amazing! Highly recommend a visit here.
(5)V L.
I had just driven out to the Berkshires to attend an event and had to drive back. It was a long drive round trip so to reward myself I went back to Alta. The last time I was there was before a Tanglewood event. This time, I was less rushed, but the service was just as prompt. I had the scallops with a butternut maple puree. It was excellent. Then, the owner himself came over to me and asked me how things were and asked me if I wanted dessert. He introduced a special pineapple tiramisu to me and it intrigued me. He said that it was the first time that they were making it but customers were providing positive feedback. He added that if I was not happy with it, he would let me try any other dessert. How could I go wrong? I tried it ... it was good, but not the best thing I ever ate ... I wish there were more ladyfingers. I did relay this message to the owner and he offered to give me more ladyfingers to go with the remainder of the cream ... what service! what friendliness! I would definitely go back there.
(4)J P.
I'm a foodie and love eating out, this has been one of my better experiences. Sat. night, place was full but having reservations we were seated immediately. Amanda was our waitress but I also observed the staff in general was very attentive - no need to flag them down, they're right they're when you need them. While enjoying our appetizers the owner came out and introduced himself and made sure everything is up to par, we saw him constantly mingling with the crowd to make sure everyone is having a great experience. Amanda brought out the main course and after a few minutes came back to check how the food is. The dish that I ordered didn't particularly tickle my fancy, Amanda immediately and with a great smile suggested a different dish. After a few minutes the assistant manager also came to our table to inquire if there was something wrong with the food or if it simply didn't please my palette, which was in fact the case. Again he assured us that my 2nd choice is being prepared and will be out shortly. Great service! We had ginger carrot soup and leek tart for as the appetizer. For the main course we ended up having the scallops and the roasted salmon. All cooked to perfection. Lovely place, great atmosphere and spectacular service.
(5)Wendy W.
Great meal! Food was wonderful and the wait staff were great. Only downside was that the front door kept banging every few minutes as the wait staff went in and out of outside seating area. They have a great wine selection!
(4)Tyler L.
Excellent chef with a nicely selected and fairly priced wine list. We enjoyed mussels, duck and a NY sirlion - all cooked perfectly.
(5)Paul D.
Great service. Nice wine list for reasonable price. Dinner presentation and quality excellent. Sarah was very attentive to our needs.
(4)Rita V.
Great service and absolutely lovely wine list. Service was slow, and the menu is limited, but as far as bistro lunch is concerned, not bad value for the money. Food was ok, not "knock your socks off" but given the gastronomic insult from "cheaper eats" like Arizona Pizza Co., Alta was a surprise. Its still "a little train that can"... Ribs were cold but very flavorful, and we were hungry and short on time, so we just ate and sipped a very nice Spanish garnacha. They were very accommodating to changes, and very pleasant. Their soup du jour is wonderful, their breads are very nice, and the fries (if they weren't COLD), are a mix of regular and sweet potato. Definitely a nice stop in town for some nice wine and bistro eats.
(3)J E.
I went to Alta with a friend this Sunday -- we were exploring Lenox and looking for somewhere with outdoor dining to have dinner. We had discounted Alta after reading reviews because they don't have a patio, but what they DO have is a lovely open-air seating area in the front of the restaurant that looks out onto Church St. It looked very inviting, and they were happy to seat us and get us drinks even though they weren't technically open for dinner yet. I got "The Spa," which I think consisted of Henrick's gin, fresh ginger, fresh lime, fresh cucumber, maybe some mint -- it was good, not amazing though. I think there was supposed to be some sparkling water or something in it, which was not evident. I could be remembering it wrong, but if I am this drink could use a little carbonation of some sort. Not bad though. The service here was very good -- we felt very well taken care of and our server was quite patient as we asked him to repeat the specials one more time. We ended up ordering the ahi tuna appetizer, which had some bright green seaweed in the middle and a little sauce around the edges. It was good but not amazing, the tuna & seaweed were excellent but the sauce drizzled around a little boring - basically tasted like sweet, thickened soy sauce. If they spiced that up somehow, it could be amazing. Then we both got the special pasta -- fettucine with *freshly foraged* chantarelle mushrooms in a white wine and shallot sauce with oven-roasted tomatoes. YUM YUM YUM, AMAZING! I ate every bite. I want all my chatarelles freshly foraged from now on. I would definitely recommend a reservation here -- we went on a Sunday, probably getting there at 4:45 (like I said, they hadn't even opened yet). We got the last unreserved table in the street-front area and the place filled up within a half hour of opening.
(4)Polly A.
Wonderful surprise. A lovely evening on the outside porch - food and service were awesome. We were rained out of Tanglewood and ended up at Alta. The foie gras was very good - cocktails excellent . Will make a point of going back
(5)Shep F.
The staff was friendly and accomodating in moving our table away from a large, noisy group of diners and into a smaller, quieter room. The young owner check up to make sure that we were satisfied, and that personal touch enhanced our evening. We learned that the menu is normally determined by what foods are available locally, but remains unchanged during the busy summer season. The food was outstanding. The risotto the best ever and the tuna cooked just right. We expect to return often.
(5)Amelia G.
Lovely lovely place, interesting art on the walls exceptional service, delicious Sancerre by the glass, had a delightful lunch.
(5)JJ F.
We were super satisfied with our dining experience at Alta. We sat at the bar..."very cool" for a small town. Server/ bartender was informative and a class act. Food was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend.
(5)Glenn M.
I would give this 3.5 stars but I can't give it 4, so 3 it is. We ate out in the open air seating. The space was very crowded the people around us kept having a tough time getting out or moving around. The service was just "OK". Our server just struck me as a little odd. While we got frequent refills of water the person kept only filling up the glasses half way. The food was very good for us. However, I felt the price was way too high considering the portion size, the simpleness of the food, and the less than fine seating. They charge like they are fine dining but its just a fine place to dine.
(3)Susan A.
While the butter they served with the bread had a faint taste of being kept out in the refrigerator too long, the rest of the meal was sublime. My party had an excellent gazpacho, pork tenderloin with an inventive Dijon whipped cream, and then there was my entree, duck breast in a salty caramel sauce. If this sauce had been a man I would have torn off his clothes and had my way with him. I could have done with the sauce. I will say that the peach-chocolate cobbler should have gone one way or the other - the combination didn't work. But I would crawl on my knees through broken glass for more of that duck and especially the sauce.
(5)Nick K.
As the old saying goes, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. I've been traveling to the Berkshires for nearly 30 years and the one thing that surprises me is how mediocre (or worse) all of the restaurants are (especially given how many demanding New Yorkers frequent the area). Alta is one of the best of the worst. This place is LOUD, the tables are close together and, like just about every other restaurant in the area, the service is appalling -- slow, inattentive and barely polite. When we dined there recently, I had the scallops. Not bad. My wife ordered the salmon but asked that it be "cooked." Result? Nearly shoe leather. Burnt to a crisp. And, it took nearly two hours for our meal to be served. Meh. I would suggest you go elsewhere, but, as I said, good dining in the Berkshires is a bit of an oxymoron. And, the owner that everyone raves about? At least he was present, but it didn't mean our meal went well.
(2)Joel F.
Had dinner at the bar tonight before Tanglewood. Duck breast with baby asparagus and mashed potatoes. Absolutely delicious and good service too. Will be back.
(5)Stella C.
My boyfriend and I were staying in Lenox for the week prior to Labor Day and had 2 opportunities to dine at Alta. As many reviewers have noted, the restaurant looks inviting from the street with that pretty, semi-enclosed porch for alfresco dining. Likewise, the menu offers clean, simple fare with a variety of interesting flavors. However, the dining experience itself leaves a lot to be desired. We ate lunch there late on Wednesday afternoon and came in for an after dinner drink and dessert on Thursday evening after the theater. So, neither the restaurant nor the bar were particularly crowded. Both times, we sat at the bar. The food and drinks at lunch were excellent. We had the quesadillas and a large beautiful cheese platter filled with beautiful regional cheeses, quince and fresh fruit. The problem was the service. A waiter took both our drink and food order but it took awhile for a bar tender to show up to make the drinks and longer still for the food to arrive. It wasn't clear who was covering the bar and it made for a really disjointed drinking and dining experience because when we had a question or needed a utensil, there was no one around to serve. It was frustrating. We thought we might fare better Thursday evening when we came for after dinner drinks and dessert. A young, female, bartender was positioned behind the bar the entire time and there were some patrons there as well. However, her girlfriend was also sitting there, carrying on a non-stop exclusive, conversation with her, yelling across the bar and monopolizing her time, so that once again, the service was just bad. This created a very frustrating dining experience. We again had the cheese platter and a hot molten lava cake. The latter was served in a coffee cup and topped with a frothy caramel substance. It was baked in the cup so the cup was scalding hot and the cake was burnt onto the sides. If we could have gotten our bartender's attention, we may have sent it back, but she was engaged in a fervent discussion about movies with her friend. Later, when she gave us a bill and asked (for the first time) if everything was OK, we told her what we thought of the cake. This was greeted with an indifferent response that she would mention it to the cook. So, Alta looks good from the outside and could be wonderful but they need to get their act together and begin to show a little more interest in the customers they are serving. If you want it all, visit Prime around the corner.
(2)Anna O.
Went to Alta for dinner while visiting the spa at cranwell. We started with the wine flight and the waitress was very knowledgable about what we got and very helpfulmwith recommendations. The duck with the salted Carmel sauce was the star but the scallops were impeccably cooked and the pesto with fresh veggies was great and very summery. I highly recommend this place. Also the owner was very sweet and attentive
(5)Mr B.
Creative options for otherwise relatively standard fare. Lunch is diverse bordering brunch options and much more casual than dining in the evening. Rates as well as other restaurants in the area if not better because of broad selection of wines by the glass.
(4)Katie W.
I spend my summers in the Berkshires and always make a point to have several meals at Alta. Great food, good service. Gets crowded on the weekends in the summer-be warned! Great for lunch or dinner while in Lenox.
(5)Angelina C.
Still four stars, but please DO try the herb pan-roasted half chicken entree, their vanilla cheesecake and a lovely shiraz to accompany it all. Best of Church Street!
(4)Paul T.
For a wine bar in the Berkshires, not bad, and I wouldn't go again to dine. The food did not impress us (we had steak, tagine, appetizers) - it was alright but not great for the price tag. The wine service was definitely the star attraction, with options for trio wine tastings by region for as little as $10. Nice location and ambiance, service friendly but not very professional-feeling - again, alright for a cafe but disappointing for a three-figure dinner for two.
(3)Jon D.
A stunning restaurant in the Berkshires! Found this place doing research ahead of a trip to Lenox on chow.com forums, and what a find. Open since early June 2008, Alta replaced "Napa" wine restaurant, and judging from the yelp reviews, is a big upgrade. Alta features over 20 interesting wines by the glass from CA, Europe, South Africa, South America, and New Zealand. Full service bar includes beer (6 very respectable drafts--no yellow fizz--and ~10 bottles), cocktails, ports and sherry. The food is simply spectacular. Appetizers of scallops and a walnut and goat cheese salad were a good start, with the scallops being the highlight. As I enjoyed the tender seafood I overheard a customer ordering the salmon I had considered, asking for "well done!" The writer on Chow had praised the pork chop as best in town--it is probably the best I ever had. It was superbly prepared; moist and delicious. My wife enjoyed rack of lamb -- also superb. Prepared perfectly to order: medium rare, it was accompanied by a thin and subtle sauce (almost juice) with a hint of mint -- thankfully, no green mint jelly in sight! This was my first visit to Lenox, and this is the only restaurant in town I tried, but Alta's food, drinks and atmosphere compare favorably with most restaurants the DC area. If I have to wait for next year to visit Alta it will be much too long!
(5)Eric G.
Had a fantastic meal here a few nights ago. Great service, great food and an all around enjoyable experience. Tried their wine flight which offered some really tasty new samples.
(4)Carlos S.
Went for lunch on a Saturday. The food was fine. I had a bisket panini that was good (except for the large fatty piece, which should not be put into a sandwich). The mix of regular fries and sweet potato fries with the panini was a nice touch. My wife and friends had salads, all of which were good but not exceptional. The waiter was friendly and good when he was around, but he disappeared for long stretches and, although a manager came around to check on us, we went a long time without anyone except the busboy coming by the table. The busboy was a nice kid, but needs better training. After we had all finished and the dishes sat around, I asked him to clear them and he said something to the effect that it was not his job and he would get in trouble for doing it. I didn't understand, but finally asked a third time after the dishes sat around for 10 minutes and he cleared them. Very odd. If in Lenox, I would consider coming here again for lunch, but would probably check out other places first.
(3)Diane C.
To preface this review-- I RARELY write yelp reviews... AND I recently moved from Los Angeles to New York. This is also a review on the service and not the actually food at Alta. My family flew out from California to visit the Berkshires. We were looking forward to enjoying a nice dinner, and everyone seems to love Alta. We walked in on a rainy Saturday evening, the main dining room was half full, and the patio completely vacant. I politely asked the hostess for a table for 7 people. Without hesitation, she immediately told us that she couldn't seat us. The restaurant was empty, but I thought to myself: "maybe all these tables are reserved." So I asked if we could have a seat on the patio, which was only a little damp from the rain. She immediately replied, "Sorry, we can't seat you." At this point I was so confused! So I asked, "what if we split our party... could we get a table for 3 and another table for 4?" Again, without hesitation she said "sorry, we can't seat you." Having experience in the service industry, I could see that the hostess wouldn't change her mind. I felt a pit at the bottom of my stomach. Feeling uneasy, I walked out of the restaurant with my family wondering... could it be they don't want to sit us because we're different? It's a horrible thought. I immediately shrugged it off, but the thought continues to come back even days after... It's pretty upsetting to experience this, especially this day in age.
(1)Lindsey G.
Recently enjoyed dinner at Alta while visiting the area. The food is fresh, high quality, and well prepared. Great flavor in everything except the linguini pasta, which left something to be desired. Steak was perfectly cooked. Really enjoyed the mushroom tart as an appetizer. Macarons were not the best I have had. Dessert menu so left something to be desired. Service was attentive and just right. I would definitely return back again.
(4)Suzanne M.
Love to sit at the bar and get dinner. This place is a gem. Service and food are outstanding.
(5)Steve B.
What a fantastic meal we had at Alta on a rainy Sunday night over Labor Day weekend. They actually sat us 15 minutes earlier than our reservation (you can walk in, but reservations are recommended), and the service was impeccable all night. The wine list is actually really reasonably prices, and they recommend wines by the glass with your entree choices. I started with the special corn bisque soup with a chorizo infusion, and it was the best deal on the menu ($6!!!). So creamy and delicious. My wife had the quinoa salad with raisins, feta cheese and carrots and absolutely loved it. Then for entrees, my wife got the salmon with tsatziki sauce, rice and ratatouille. It was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing fresh and delicious. I got the duck with the salty caramel sauce and mashed potatoes. I was afraid of it being too sweet at first, but it was actually very savory, and the duck was cooked absolutely perfectly. One of the best duck dishes I've ever had. Great location, great atmosphere (you can sit on the front porch all summer and not get eaten alive by bugs) and great food. Perfect meal from start to finish.
(5)Will F.
Great food...wine.... decor. Quaint spot with a wonderful outdoor patio. Quesadilla was the best I ever tasted! Wonderful Vermont cheddar mixed with chicken and the right amount of black beans oozing from a wonderful whole wheat tortilla slightly browned to a wonderful crisp! My wife had the salad with salmon which she says was awesome. One of my favorites in Lenox!
(5)Rocky A.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Lenox! The atmosphere is warm and the waitstaff and owner are very welcoming and warm. The food is amazing and very decadent. The duck dish is my favorite and you have to try the salads which are all big and so yummy! Great drinks here also!
(5)Jr R.
Lovely birthday dinner. Very pricey Delicious duck and soup. Many wines to choose from, Like the wine suggestions with each entree.
(4)Anna P.
Thank you Alta for amazing birthday dinner!! Your frozen nougat was divine,trout was one of the best and foie dish was exquisite.Wine selection is amazing,service was top notch and we will drive from Boston just for the dinner at your restaurant.
(5)Scott F.
Alta was amazing! We had such a great experience. We flew in from Chicago for a work conference and landed in Albany. We got on yelp and knew Alta was the place to be based on prior reviews. It did not disappoint. The service was amazing. We should have made a reservation but they accommodated us at the bar. The food was delicious. We highly recommend the steak and had a terrific special as well. The bartender was so fun and helpful as we navigated the menu. She took great care of us and made us feel at home. Everyone was so nice and the ambiance is such a treat to the small town community of Lenox. We loved it!
(5)Sparky T.
Strong 4 stars - probably 4.5 overall. The 4 of us each went with fish dishes including cod, flounder, and scallops. All the fish was fresh and nicely prepared and presented. The scallops, while good, were not the best we have had recently (see Scrimshaw review for better scallops). Prices were high but inline for the area.
(4)Vinny G.
Lenox has a nice variety of excellent restaurants, but Alta's combo of food and service puts them on top. We live in Lenox and eat here fairly often, and I can't remember ever having a bad dish. It's the perfect place to bring friends. Fish is always as fresh as can be, and produce and meat is as local as they can get. Their lunch/brunch menus are a terrific deal considering the quality of the food. Some of our lunch favorites are the quinoa salad which contains a large portion of quinoa, raisins, hazelnuts over peppery arugula. We also love the lox platter. They smoke the lox themselves and are as good as you'll find in any NYC deli or specialty shop. We often split the two dishes. In addition to their regular dessert menu they usually have fresh baked cookies which I love with a glass of milk. The owner, Aurelien is very involved and always makes the rounds to insure everyone is satisfied. Service is very friendly and they normally prepare any dish to your liking if they can. If you're in the area it's worth a visit.
(5)Tom G.
Gazpacho was inspired, right down the unexpected watermelon cubes; very tender tenderloin with some plump and fiery chorizo on a skewer, with a pepper and fruit salsa topping, roasted squash, seriously good. Atlantic cod, sweet and flaky, and linguini with perfectly cooked vegetables; the meatball appetizer was also a hit. We ordered one desert: a creme brulee that was the best we have ever had, and we have had some good ones. Somehow, we felt we hit the jackpot. Oh yes, our server Darilyn was outstanding. I'm not sure you can go wrong here.
(5)Bill G.
Very nice restaurant! Warm and friendly staff. My wife and I dined there last before seeing a play in Stockbridge. Our meals were very good, although my duck was not as tender as I've had. My wife loved her fish dish. Our server was very nice, treating me to an excellent crime brûlée after learning it was my BD (I had considered it, but didn't order it because I was full. I made the room and it was well worth it). We'll be back next time we're in Western MA.
(4)Brian D.
One of the best cafes in the Berkshires. A large bar with plenty of surrounding tables. Wait staff is top notch! My food was cooked to perfection. I recommend Alta to my clients who fly in to North Adams Airport.
(5)M.J. C.
Our favorite place to stop in Lenox! And by far the best burger in the Berkshires--perfectly prepared with so many choices. My favorite is the combo of goat cheese, carmelized onions and bacon with a beautiful salad (or fries). A masterpiece! Great wines by the glass Service: We usually sit at the bar and service is generally good. There are some great female bartenders who are really nice. The only suggestion I would offer is that the the tall male bartender smile & engage the customers at the bar. He gives off a standoff-ish, 'I wish I could be somewhere else' kind of vibe....Not sure if he's aware of that but a smile goes a long way!
(4)Cindy K.
My husband and I went to Alta after reading some good reviews on it! For appetizers I had the blue cheese samosa and crispy tuna (both were very good). My husband had the foie gras (which he really enjoyed!). For dinner he had the lamb and he really liked it. I had the beef tenderloin and was not impressed (it did not have much flavor to it). Overall the experience was nice and I would go back. The drinks were great and our server was such a nice guy!
(4)Raedella B.
We were in Lenox, MA during the last week in February and a friend told us about several restaurants and hotels. The restaurant he like best was yours, so when we arrived we had lunch at Alta's. I had the butter nut squash soup and my boyfriend had the chicken stew, both were delicious, so much so that he asked for the recipes. We went back to Alta's the next evening, and again the meal was delicious. The waitress/bartender gave him a business card and told him to ask the chef for the recipes and that he would be glad to send them to him. He has written twice with no response from either the owner or the chef. Since you do not want to communicate with us we have decided that when we return to Lenox Alta's will NOT be our go to place to eat. This is why we are giving your place of business one star.
(1)Alexis M.
Very good food and very friendly servers. i asked to turn a wrap into a panini and it wasn't the slightest of problems. It was absolutely delicious, and came with a huge portions of fries- both regular and sweet potato. I will definitely be back.
(4)Michelle E.
Having eaten in many restaurants in both Europe and the USA, I can honestly say that this place was one of the best meals I've had. My initial reaction to being seated on the outside patio was off putting. The wind was kicking up and storm clouds were quickly rolling in, however having made reservations the same day, we didn't have the luxury of an inside table. We were pleasantly greeted by the hostess and owner who informed us that unfortunately no inside tables would be available until 8 and being that it was 6:15, that wasn't an option for us. We were seated promptly and placed our order, but as the rain kicked up we must have been noticeably cold. Our starters arrived and were very tasty. The blue cheese samosa resembled a mozzarella in carrozza with a buttery outside and sharp blue cheese layer. The vegetable tart had a smooth, smoky eggplant base and was topped with zucchini and tomato slices. In between courses, the owner made it a point to inform us that a table had freed up inside and that he'd quickly move us while putting our dinner on hold. Not only did he show us great hospitality, but he also didn't treat us like typical tourists but instead as 'regulars' which you can tell he had many of dining with him this evening. The real stars of the evening were the entrees. The tenderloin, perfectly cooked to a medium, was well paired with mushrooms, spinach and homemade fries. The duck, as others have mentioned, was beyond tender. The caramel sauce was a delightful compliment to this dish and the meat was not only succulent, but also extremely lean. Finally, the creme brûlée was absolutely divine. Tonight's selection was lemon verbena and at first I was apprehensive of the possibility of a lemon creme brûlée, but I can't express how delicate and creamy the dessert was. If the food doesn't convince you, then the service definitely should. Our server was kind and professional, and even after having moved our table to the very back of the restaurant, she continued to be extremely efficient, prompt and accommodating. An owner that knows how to please his patrons, food that is beyond delicious and service that is top notch, there really is nothing that should stop you from trying this restaurant if you're in the area. We're already looking forward to our next trip to this area to return to this very restaurant. Bon appetit!
(5)Antony D.
My wife and I had a scrumptious lunch at Alta this week. She ordered the curry tuna salad, and I had the croque madame. The food was excellent and was the best part about our trip to the Berkshires. The wait staff were terrific, really A+, and we tipped them well.
(5)Arley L.
Wandering down Church St we found Alta first. Glad we didn't go any further. The cocktails were perfect, the trout was excellent. A good selection of local craft beer and great service. Creme brûlée for desert was great. More locals than tourists which is always a good sign. Don't know if I will ever be back this way, but if so I will eat here.
(5)Lisa B.
We had a delicious dinner despite the slow service. The portions and the pours were generous and the space was really conducive to an enjoyable dinner. They did the right thing by comping a round of drinks and dessert for the forever wait. We will return.
(4)Jonathan L.
Best service of all Lenox restaurants. Very creative dishes and fantastic bar menu. The owner is very accommodating and kind. Highly recommended!
(5)Kuldip K.
One of the best meals we've had in a long time. We found this place on Yelp after spending a weekend in the Berkshires. Don't be fooled by the two 1 star reviews (they're ridiculous). Since we had a late dinner, we elected to go straight to our entrees. We ordered the duck and the lamb shoulder. The duck was cooked medium and with a side of corn and garbanzo beans, and mashed potatoes. This duck breast was by far the best duck I had ever had. Highly Recommended! Our second entree was the lamb shoulder. Cooked with a perfect char on the outside, and the inside so nice and tender, that the meat fell apart while using a fork. This was well complemented with a side of local vegetable ratatouille and farro. TL;DR - great restaurant with a nice vibe - make a reservation ahead of time! - 2 entrees + glass of wine = ~$68 (tax included)
(5)Katrina B.
this is a really great place in a fantastic area. I came here for dinner on a weekend getaway. thank goodness we made reservations because the place was pretty well packed. we just came here for plates to share and a couple of drinks but left so full which was awesome! we had a party of four and ordered a bottle of red, the cheese platter, the prosciutto platter and the lamb meatballs. everything was excellent! the cheese selection was great, the prosciutto was plentiful and the lamb meatballs were cooked delicately and well seasoned. the staff was equally as fantastic. our waitress was well prepared to answer any questions and was very accommodating and attentive. the hostess seated us right away without a wait. and there was another person (I don't know what his role was but was equally appreciated) that made sure we were enjoying every step of our meal. you can tell this was a local place but welcomed new customers with open arms. I would definitely recommended anyone to come and try this place. a little on the pricey side but well worth it for the amount of food you get.
(4)Lori R.
After reading the amazing reviews about Alta.... I had to give it a try. Excellent food great service!!!! I agree!!!
(4)Jane R.
First time at Alta and WILL be back for another visit! Friendly staff & amazing food! Great wine selection too!
(5)Bess F.
In a nutshell.... Great service, beautiful restaurant and great menu. Most if not all of the food is local. A must go to restaurant if visiting Lenox.
(5)E P.
Enjoyed our dinner. Food was delicious. Large portions and very nice presentation. We sat at the bar because we didn't have a reservation. Bar was comfortable and the service was friendly. Would definitely go back.
(5)Cathy H.
This restaurant came highly recommended so I was thrilled to be able to score a table on a saturday evening. The meal, while good, was by no means exceptional. Our starters (blue cheese samosas and minestrone soup) were fine but not remarkable. My lamb was a bit dry and lacking in taste. My boyfriend's duck was by far the best item and worth an extra star. Still, I'm a bit disappointed and would rate this as only average.
(3)Thomas F.
This place was absolutely amazing. Great food, beautiful front porch and impeccable service. Highly recommended!
(5)Mark T.
Very nice! Great food. Lively, boisterous atmosphere. Food was tasty and well-presented. Attentive wait staff.
(4)Nicole M.
Great place to have a great meal and enjoy the nice weather on the front patio. Staff is welcoming and friendly. The lunch portions are large, which allows for yummy leftovers. I had The Ham and my husband had the Alto Burger, both were really good!
(4)Karen N.
We enjoyed Alta, although I have to say, our expectations were somewhat raised given the rave reviews. It was very good, but not *great* ? The quinoa salad was delicious. But though I thought the Moroccan chicken sounded so interesting, it ended up being rather bland. We had a much tastier brick chicken at Prairie Whale. And the presumed freshness of the tuna was lost in its heavy and dominating egg-roll type wrapper. I also felt a little uncomfortable on the front porch -- there were too many servers per customer. Overall, I prefer Brava, but it just can't compete, re: setting and ambiance.
(4)Riccardo D.
A farm to table restaurant in the Berkshires. The good: The menu, heavy on fish selections, is interesting and creative. I started with sweet potato soup with creme fraiche and it was delicious. Next came a filet with a sauce, a potato purée and mushrooms and sautéed spinach. The steak was tender as could be and the garnishes were stunningly good. Dessert was a chocolate cake with a Burgandy chocolate sauce with a scoop of homemade sorbet. The prices are mid to high with the quality of the food backing up the cost. The service was superb and expertly trained.
(4)Molly K.
Alta is a solid nice dining experience. The atmosphere is calm, quaint, and what you would expect for fine dining in the Berkshires. Service was ok. We felt like our waiter was not so enthusiastic to answer our questions or provide us with recommendations. The food presentation was excellent and the kitchen split for us the meals we were sharing. Highly recommend the crispy tuna and the caesar salad as appetizers. Our dishes were good, but not overwhelming with flavor. All in all I wouldn't make it a priority to come back, but was glad to have tried it.
(3)Eve H.
I've been uninspired lately. Not really going anywhere that would kick me out of my Yelp writing block. I don't like leaving reviews for places that were just "meh". I love LOVING the experience so much I want to tell EVERYONE about it. All this time what was missing was an almost 4 hour ride to Lenox to kick me out of my writing rut. I LOVE ALTA! This is the only place that really inspires me to try new or different foods. I normally come here when in town for the weekend and have my meals at the bar. without fail, each time I am ready to order (from the menu) and say what I thought I wanted, the owner, Aurelien, will ask me if I am interested instead in... and presents such a delicious and vivid picture of what else I could be having, that I almost want to marry it (and him also, so that he tells me things like this every day!). During my last visit (10/6 late lunch) , as suggested I had the Chicken Stew. I really need take foodie 101 to be able to describe this dish because my words are failing right now. There was so much flavor in this hearty, yet delicate dish. It was the perfect balance of ingredients. The service is always fantastic. During my last visit I fully comprehended why. While I was chatting with a couple sitting next to me, Aurelien, told us (when we asked) the story of how he got in the restaurant business. He started washing dishes at 12, held every single post until in his 20's at which point he managed his first restaurant. He told us in this business you have to be ready to perform any job any day because every single member of the crew is very important. Anyone calls out and he immediately needs to step in, from washing dishes, to preparing and serving food. Aurelien's passion for his business is evident in everything from his story, how he greets customers, to his interaction with his staff. As he was telling us this, I became acutely aware of the very professional way the Maître 'D was calling all the evening reservations to confirm and ask if there were any special requests. How the servers were going around checking on customers, and even how Aurelien would politely pause in our conversation to greet people coming in. I love Alta - everything the food, the service, the ambiance.. I can't wait to go back try a new dish!
(5)Elizabeth H.
Great food and great atmosphere! Came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon around 12:00. We were seated right away and had waters and our drink order taken in just a few minutes. We ordered the mushroom bisque with truffle oil and it was sooooo good! The bread that came was also great. We had salads - a cobb salad and a ceasar with salmon - and everything exceeded our expectations in taste and looks. It was a perfect romantic and tasty lunch for us! The staff was great, friendly, and prompt. Oh - it was on the expensive side - but well worth it.
(5)Stephen B.
Nice place. Artsy decor, nice service and quality food. Stopped in for lunch. I had their wild board stew which was awesome. Definitely going back to have it again or to enjoy their wines during an evening visit.
(4)Tom M.
Went to Alta this evening. Sat on the patio, it was a nice setting to end a beautiful day. The service is very good, attentive but not overly so. The Foie Gras starter was good but the steak entree, while the correct temp, was unseasoned. Sad, it was a beautiful steak. The wine was great, the wine list is a good representation of good wines. All in all, I'd go again but I would explicitly ask for my steak to be well seasoned.
(3)Bonnie B.
Food is consistent, signature duck dish most flavorful. A lot of four out of fives on the food, not earth shattering, but decent. With price though, wish it was outstanding. Wine tasters are nice for those that want a change in wine venue through their courses, but don't want to get hammered in the process. Had the tuna roll app, tuna was overcooked though the idea was a good one. Bar is also nice to eat at, but loud and fills up quickly. Service at bar could be a bit better. Last time I was there I was held hostage to overhearing stories of the bartender's recent drama du jour being discussed with another staffer. Felt through attitude as if I should be happy they were doing me a favor by waiting on me. Maybe someone was just having rough day, but as a customer, I don't want to hear it. Overall, it's where I go to when I'm in the area.
(4)Joyce T.
The menu provides selection of wine to go with the entree! We got the duck and the trout.
(4)Audrey P.
Warning...no where on the website does it say reservations required. Turned away because they didn't have a table yet there were many empty tables. Many better places to eat where my business would be welcome.
(1)Donna L.
Went for lunch had wonderful service and food. I had the cob salad which I would recommend, crisp fresh greens, delicious blue cheese,moist grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon, fresh avocado and a boiled egg. I am gluten-free and was able to get the tastiest bread I've ever had. They said it was from Woburn Massachusetts from a place called sweet without wheat. I'm definitely going to try to mail order their bread. I used to live in the area and would come to have lunch here often, I have since moved but was so glad when I came back for a visit that everything was just as I remembered!
(5)Kathy S.
The local Berkshires magazine had an article on restaurants and a couple of local celebs chose Alta as their favorite so we had an easy choice. Alta is in the heart of Lenox and a fun, cozy spot with interesting menu choices and good food. Service was attentive but relaxed and the place was hopping on a pre-season Tuesday evening. The only disappointment was a hot flourless chocolate dessert topped with hazelnut gelato in a ramekin that could not be touched. We chased it around the plate, but found that as it cooled the whole thing turned into one big hard chunk. Other than that final bit, I would give Alta 5 stars!
(4)