Bernard's Brings Old Favorites to a New Venue in Chestnut Hill

When Bernard’s closed its doors at the Mall at Chestnut Hill, a nearly audible cry of dismay arose from around Newton and Chestnut Hill. Longtime patrons of the popular Chinese restaurant wondered where they would dine locally for their favorite Asian dishes.

During Patch's interview earlier this week, a customer came in to the restaurant (which had not yet opened for the day) and spoke to the gentleman manning the front desk.

“So, are you really open now?” she inquired. When this was confirmed, she continued, “I’m so glad! When I went to the Mall (at Chestnut Hill) and saw that you had closed, my heart just sank.  But then I saw the big red sign out front here, and I came in to make sure it was true. I am so glad you are back!”

And they are, in fact, back: last Tuesday April 16, the new Bernard’s opened at THE STREET in Chestnut Hill and general manager Allan Lam promises that they will be serving the same menu but in a reimagined, larger venue.

“This is one of a kind Chinese-Asian food,” Lam explains. “It fits in really well with the feel of this place (THE STREET).”

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Since their reopening, Bernard’s has seen a steady flow of customers old and new, to the point where evening reservations are often booked up until closing time.

Recently hired bartender Tim Tighe has an opinion about why Bernard’s is so popular.

“We cater to a really articulate crowd,” he states. “We have an upscale, casual feeling – in the dining room and even here in the bar. But it’s without the usual frat boy antics.”

Tighe also thinks that part of the success of Bernard’s is due to the management team. He praises Lam for being “everywhere,” and respectfully mentions that Lam is often seen cleaning up after hours, “dust broom in hand.”

He also mentions that owner Bernard Leung is often out and about in the restaurant, not hidden in the back “at his desk,” because he is really the “last line of defense in the kitchen.”

“The quality and presentation are nothing short of perfect (because of Leung),” says Tighe. “The food is just escorted angelically to the table, as it should be.”

Lam is quick to agree with this assessment of the caliber of the fare and the service, and he is in a position to know having worked for the restaurant for 18 years.

When Leung opened Bernard’s in 1989, it quickly became a restaurant popular with families and small groups. But the limited space meant that patrons often had to be turned away or had long wait times.

The new location is open and spacious, boasting an impressive 120 seats in the dining room and another 25 or so in the bar area. Lam states that the new venue will allow for more couples coming on dates, and the flexible layout- including a back area that can be curtained off- can now accommodate small group meetings and events. And, of course, families will still feel at home in the dining room.

Additionally, Bernard’s continues to provide catering and participate in local events such as the upcoming Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Seasonings, which will take place on Monday May 6.

But what is it about the food that brings in such crowds and inspires such loyalty?

“We only use fresh ingredients,” Lam shares. “Fresh vegetables, fresh meat come in daily. And we’re just opening now, but in the future we will be adding specials that will also use these things.”

Some of the favorite appetizers on the menu, according to Lam, include the Barbecued Spareribs and the Chicken Wraps with Lettuce (“We did them before that other place,” laughs Lam). Their “must try” entrees range from Shrimp with Roasted Black Beans, Garlic and Shallots to Crispy Chilean Sea Bass (also mentioned by Tighe as a favorite), to Sautéed Beef with Mandarin BBQ Sauce.

To go with the elegant Asian fare, Tighe recommends one of the many Polynesian drinks on the menu or some beer or wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling paired with “the spicy stuff.”

Lam is excited about Bernard’s settling in to its new location and the new opportunities this will present. But he is equally enthusiastic about the things that have stayed the same.

“We have the same menu, for the most part, the same staff and the same consistent, fresh food. We combine excellent food and excellent atmosphere, just like we always did.”

Bernard's is located at THE STREET at Chestnut Hill, 55 Boylston Street. They can be reached by phone at 617-738-3388.