Bastille Kitchen is a 270 seat French bistro that opened on Melcher Street in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood of Boston this past summer. The restaurant feels very open – in part due to the large windows, exposed brick walls and light wood floors, tables and ceilings. The bar / lounge area is also fairly spacious – capable of seating at the bar and in comfortable lounge furniture 40+ people.
We were celebrating a friend’s birthday on this occasion and while I didn’t try everything served, I was impressed with the service and enjoyed my food. The menu starts with more than a dozen appetizers to choose from ranging in price from $10-$22; house made flatbreads $15-$18; fruits de mer which range in price according to market; entrees and local sustainable seafood $18-$42.
While my dining companions each tried the escargots ($15) and duck confit ($14), I opted for the frisee aux lardons ($14) and was very happy with my choice. The savory salad was rich and flavorful. The poached egg’s yolk was delicious with the duck confit – which you can see was served with generous portions. While my companions enjoyed the duck confit appetizer, the escargot (which I didn’t try) was described by both as bland and disappointing.
My main course was the roast lamb shank ($29). The dinner came served in a skillet with tomatoes, an eggplant pave and herb grits. This was an incredibly hardy meal and very filling. The lamb was cooked perfectly; falling from the bone with hardly any effort. The accompanying sauce and herb grits complemented the rich flavors of the lamb and despite the large serving I ate everything. 
Above are the dinners of my dining companions. The top image is the Beef Short Rib Wellington $38 and the image immediately above is the Hampshire Pork Au Poivre served on the bone for $28. Both said they enjoyed their dinners and would order it again when they return.
Bastille Kitchen is open daily but reservations are strongly recommended. Bastille Kitchen is located at 49 Melcher Street, Boston, (617) 556-8000.
BosGuy 