Located just outside of Boston in the chic Chestnut Hill Mall, Besito Mexican is a must visit for anyone in the Boston area. I had heard great things about the restaurant, so when my fiancé and I were invited for hosted dinner a couple of weeks ago, we jumped at the chance.

We went to dinner on a Sunday evening to close out the weekend, arriving at the restaurant around 7:30pm. We were surprised to find the place busy with couples and families, but after our dinner, can easily see why it’s so popular.

Decorated taverna style, Besito Mexican, has a sophisticated yet down-to-earth vibe. Assorted lanterns, high-back chairs, and white tablecloths give the spacious restaurant an intimate feel. Everyone on staff was warm and friendly—the kind of welcome you feel when you’re dining at a friend’s house—and make you feel like part of the family.

Upon arriving at the table, our server told us a bit about the restaurant, including the daily Appy Happy Hour and events like the Día de Muertos festivities, where the staff paints their faces like sugar skulls. He even presented us with branded keychain lights to help us see the menu in the dim restaurant—a perfect solution to the issue of diners using the annoying flashlight on their phone.

In addition to the service and ambiance, Besito also offers a different take on the usual Mexican style food in local and chain restaurants for roughly the same price. The flavors and specials are fresh and authentically creative. You won’t find fajitas on the menu (iron skillet tacos are the closest thing they serve) but you won’t complain. From the food to the drinks, everything is expertly crafted and literally drool-worthy…and affordable. Appetizers are all less than $15 (most are under $10)  and entrées range from $18-$29.

We started our impromptu date night with table side guacamole and a round of cocktails—a Paloma for me and a Spicy Martini for Ronnie. The Paloma was refreshing, perfect for the hot summer weather and the Spicy Martini offered an unusual and welcome flair. Radically different in taste, each drink was rimmed in a different salt mix that made our taste buds dance with joy.

Hector, the manager of the Chestnut Hill location, brought the drinks to our table and chatted for a few minutes. He recommended the Tacos de Camarones (shrimp tacos) appetizer on the menu but we had already had our hearts set on the rib special that our served had mentioned. Regardless, the Chef sent over both appetizers for us to enjoy.  The shrimp mini tacos were the perfect size, full of flavor, and the ribs in mole sauce fell off the bone.

After stuffing myself on the appetizers, chips and guacamole, I opted for the seemingly lighter Camarones Jalisco—a dish of pan seared jumbo shrimp, mashed boniato, tequila chipotle glaze, and spring pico. While the dish was lighter in calories, it was not small! I was surprised at the size of the dish and the number of shrimp on the plate.

Ronnie got the Filete de Res al Chipotle—a Filet Mignon marinated in Negra Modelo, salsa de chipotle quemado, queso Chihuahua, nopales, plantains, and queso fresco.  A big fan of bold flavors, Ronnie loved the steak. Both dishes were perfectly complemented by the Elotes de la Calle (Mexican street corn) that we ordered and the complementary side of black beans and rice that comes with every entrée.

Full from the delicious entrées, we opted not to order dessert, but Hector had other plans and sent over the most delicious cheese flan topped with crema, walnuts, and a sweet drizzle. Fluffy and rich, it was the perfect sized dessert for us to split. Before leaving, we were presented with mini churros to go with two little worry dolls. Our server explained that if you tell our worries to the doll and place it under your pillow, you’ll wake up worry free.

Dinner was so relaxing that we almost didn’t realize that it 9pm and closing time by the time we were ready to leave. The restaurant was nearly empty as we rolled ourselves out the door and bid adieu to the staff. We left Besito Mexican impressed. Food, service, and ambiance—everything about the restaurant blew us away and we cannot wait to go back. If you’re in the Chestnut Hill area and craving an authentic Mexican experience, I highly recommend Besito Mexican.

Note: I received this meal free of charge but all opinions are my own.