Finale, Decadent Dessert Dining

Never has the phrase "just desserts" been more appropriate than at Finale. Best known for its decadent menu of award-winning plated desserts, Finale also offers lunch and light appetizers. But the real star here is the dessert menu, and with locations in Coolidge Corner, Park Plaza, and Harvard Square, Finale has done a great job satisfying Boston’s sweet tooth since 1996.

Pros

Cons

As a foodie with an overactive sweet tooth, Finale has been a staple in my Boston dining repertoire. Each location has the same trademark feel—it's as if you're dining [em]inside[/em] one of their decadent desserts. Booths are velvety smooth and chairs are all dark rich leather.

Menu standouts include the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, which Finale offers in both an individual size ($10.95) and a sharing size ($16.95), a high end version of the classic Boston Cream ($10.95), and a deceptively light Crème Brulee ($9.95). Other notables include a rich bittersweet Manjari Mousse ($11.95) and the classic Tiramisu Delizioso ($9.95). For couples willing to share, the Whole Nine Yards ($28.95) offers a little bit of everything, or try the truly decadent Chocolate Paradise ($26.95). Beautiful platings and extras, such as the moist mini Whoopie Pies that come with the Boston Cream or the Cabernet Blueberry Sorbet with the Manjari Mousse, make Finale's desserts stand out.

Finale rotates its menu items, which presents a double-edged sword: It's exciting to see what new dessert will be there, but certain favorites can also disappear. There have also been ocassional quality issues with certain desserts. I was once surprised by an overly dry Boston Cream Pie; another time I ordered the Molten Chocolate and it was already bursting before the fork even touched it, thereby defeating the "oooh" factor of the dish. And though you are paying entrée prices for dessert, don't expect entrée sizes; portions tend to be on the smaller side.

Even though Finale can get hectic, the wait staff always does its best to accommodate everyone. No reservations are accepted on Fridays and Saturdays, so expect a long wait. Fortunately, the bakery is open during restaurant hours and offers similar desserts at half price, making it a good alternative if you crave a more low-key affair.