Number 5 Is Alive
Given that those of us who live out in the suburbs don’t always want to travel into Boston for fine dining, it’s nice to find a little unknown jewel tucked way in the orchards of Acton. The “Number 5” Restaurant just off Route 2A on Strawberry Hill Road is just a fine and romantic dining experience. When you step inside the atmosphere is both warm and cozy. There is an inviting small bar that you can stop in to have just a cocktail, or have an appetizer and some of their famed olive tapenade spread. The dining is set up in two areas, plus in the summer time they have a lovely deck area with tables for dinning under the stars. The main dining room in the rear has about a dozen tables. Our wait staff was friendly, attentive and courteous, as we did not feel at all rushed. The French onion soup was truly excellent, and my wife tried a Brie fondue served with toasted home-made croutons – yummy! Their wine list was good, but being an avid wine drinker, I was semi-stumped as many labels they had I never heard of before. The selection of French whites was better than their French reds. Also, the wines offered were mainly in the $60 range and then jumped to the $110 range. There just was not a lot to choose from in the $25 to $50 categories. As it turned out, I asked the waiter for help selecting and in explaining to him our preferences and food pairing. He then made an excellent suggestion that didn’t break the bank. With regards to dinner, I had the broiled encrusted lamb chops, which were cooked to absolute perfection. My wife ordered the duck à l’orange, which was more than an ample portion and will be savored again this week as we had to “doggie” bag what was left. Side orders such as potatoes and veggies were five dollars and more than served two people. Their deserts were plentiful in select. I opted for the strawberries Romanoff, and my wife had an excellently mixed espresso martini, that was rimmed in fine powdered chocolate, which I “taxed” to ensure that it was O.K. The couple sitting next to us ordered some kind of bourbon pecan pie that they were sharing spoons and moaning over it with each delectable bite. All in all, this was a really nice dining experience. The entrees are very reasonably priced as our “dinner portion” with appetizers and desert was only about $75. But the alcohol (wine and cocktails) well exceeded that. I would highly recommend No. 5. If you're looking for a sophisticated fine dining experience west of Boston, this place is a must try. I do not feel that you’ll be disappointed. Perhaps we’ll see you there because we know we’ll definitely be going back again and telling our friends too!
Recommended: French onion soup, homemade bread
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 8

Don't Waste Your Time!
This restaurant is terrible, the food is lousy and the service is mediocre at best.
Food: 2
Service: 2
Ambiance: 2
Overall: 2

Great Food, Non-existent Service
My wife and I ate at Strawberry Hill for our anniversary, but while the food was spectacular, the service veered between surly and non-existent. Most striking was the fact we waited over fifteen minutes for our main course plates to be cleared and upon leaving I noticed the beer bottles and glasses from a large party which had had drinks outside and been seated inside for over an hour remained. This was on a Thursday which was not exceptionally busy. The fact that the chef brought our first course should have tipped us off. Do they have any busboys?
Recommended: lamb shanks, mussels, vichyssoise
Food: 8
Service: 4
Ambiance: 6
Overall: 6
- Concord

Worth the Visit
A wonderful diamond of a surburban restaurant. Romantic little bar is a delight. Chef/owner is cordial, available and talented. Wait staff is excellent, and food is consistent and exceedingly good. You get what you pay for. Ambiance is very nice, wonderful restaurant any time of year, but most especially in the Fall.
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 8

My Personal Culinary Oasis.
The food is superb and the service is faultless. This is a diamond in a sea of semi-precious stones.
Recommended: rack of lamb
Food: 10
Service: 10
Overall: 10
- Ayer

So Rare for Out Here
Cozy setting, delicious food, elegant presentations, and a decent wine list. Such a rarity for out this way. I am consistently pleased when I go there.
Recommended: cheese fondue with black truffle oil
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 10

Great Food
Don't miss the French onion soup - could hold its own against any recipe. Miss the bartender who use to be there (Peter?). Very attentive and detailed.
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 6
- Acton

It was a wonderful dining experiene.
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 8

This Restaurant Is Open and Awesome
We've been there, the place is redone and it's great. Same owners and chef - it's all good.
Food: 8
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 8