RESTAURANTS > RESTAURANT PROFILES > Finale

Finale
30 Dunster St. Harvard Square, Cambridge 617-441-9797
Scott Roberto

Many have joked that dessert should be eaten first. But when Finale opened its doors in Boston’s Theatre District in 1998, it took this concept seriously. Thus began a revolution that elevated dessert to a whole new level, offering an irresistible, impeccably decadent re-invention of what had previously been considered an after-dinner treat.

This upscale restaurant, the brainchild of Harvard Business School students, recently returned to its roots with the addition of a second location in Cambridge’s Harvard Square.

With its plush, red banquettes and a warm, intimate atmosphere, Finale exudes a cozy, tucked-away feeling. The room also features a dessert plating station where patrons can witness one of Finale’s chefs put the finishing touches on their dish via an overhead mirror.

But for those who find the idea of sitting down at a nice restaurant just to satisfy their sweet tooth a foreign concept, there’s also the list of “preludes:” appetizer-sized portions of such delectable fare as Mediterranean pizza and roasted duck. A fine way to begin, but you would, of course, be missing the point entirely by not saving room for dessert.

And that’s where award-winning chef Nicole Coady’s unique creations come in. Presented in such an attractive manner that they almost look too good to eat, the desserts rival the finest in modern sculpture. But don’t be intimidated. Selections such as the coffee connection, a pyramid of chocolate hazelnut mousse surrounded by a gallery of java-themed sweets, and the caramel carnivale, consisting of caramel mousse layered between crisp puff pastry, were definitely meant to be savored. And the signature dish, the warm, fudge-filled molten chocolate cake, is worthy of every accolade that has been heaped upon it.

For those whom sugar is not a big enough rush, a wide array of liquor, from cognacs to single malt scotches, is also offered, and many dishes are carefully paired with suggested dessert wines. For a truly grand finale, and a sweet ending at home, a take-out bakery tempts diners on their way out the door—not that the cuisine at this sweet spot ever makes it easy to leave.