DINING
ABE & LOUIE’S
A classic American steakhouse, this elegant Back Bay eatery complements its prime Delmonicos and New York Strips with an extensive wine list.
INSIDER TIP: If there’s one must-order, it’s Abe & Louie’s signature side of fresh creamed corn with bacon. 793 Boylston St., 617-536-6300; abeandlouies.com
ALDEN & HARLOW
Alden & Harlow serves creative and thoughtfully sourced New American food. Ask for the Secret Burger— ingredients include eight ounces of House Creekstone beef, a homemade roll, and “faith.” 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-864-2100; aldenharlow.com
B&G OYSTER BAR
This is Boston’s modern take on the classic oyster bar. Grab a bar stool and watch the chef shuck your meal in front of you—or, order B&G’s famed Maine lobster roll to go. 550 Tremont St., 617-423-0550; bandgoysters.com
BANYAN BAR + REFUGE
This modern, open-concept Asian gastropub sports a “chef’s counter” featuring a view of the kitchen action, while large windows behind provide an expansive view of the picturesque South End. Menu must-have: roasted cauliflower with a toasted coconut sauce and yellow-curry raisin compote. 553 Tremont St., 617-556-4211; banyanboston.com
BAR BOULUD
Fine-dining heritage meets French café fare at this Daniel Boulud bistro and wine bar. Slip into a comfy booth or watch Boylston Street go by from a table by the windows. 776 Boylston St., 617-535-8800; barboulud.com/boston
BAR MEZZANA
This coastal Italian restaurant, tucked away into a warm and inviting space in Boston’s super-trendy Ink Block, brings sophistication and refinement to classic Italian dishes. 360 Harrison Ave., 617-530-1770; barmezzana.com
BASTILLE KITCHEN
Bistro cuisine meets its modern twist at this beloved French restaurant, which features a beautiful, long quartz bar.
INSIDER TIP: The best steak frites in town! 49 Melcher St., 617-556-8000; bastillekitchen.net
THE BEEHIVE
An underground “bohemian bistro,” The Beehive specializes in rustic comfort foods infused with American, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences.
INSIDER TIP: To actually take advantage of the bohemian vibe, stop in for dinner Monday to Wednesday, when it’s (significantly!) less crowded than on weekends. 541 Tremont St., 617-423-0069; beehiveboston.com
BISTRO DU MIDI
Provençal cuisine goes modern at this French-Mediterranean eatery. Tuck into the “bouillabaisse du midi” at the corner roundtable with a view of the Public Garden. 272 Boylston St., 617-426-7878; bistrodumidi.com
THE BUTCHER SHOP
Barbara Lynch’s tribute to old-world European boucheries, this wine bar and butcher shop’s meat-heavy menu changes daily. 552 Tremont St., 617423-4800; thebutchershopboston.com
BUTTERMILK & BOURBON
Southern hospitality makes its way to the Back Bay thanks to chef Jason Santos, offering a cozy atmosphere and a modern take on traditional New Orleans dishes with menu items including Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Beignets. 160 Commonwealth Ave., 617-266-1122; buttermilkbourbon.com
CAFÉ ARTSCIENCE
Enjoy the avante-garde French fare by the soaring windows that look out onto industrial-chic Kendall Square, or experience the bar—and its scientific cocktails!—that make this futuristic restaurant famous. 650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge, 857-999-2193; cafeartscience.com
CAFE ESCADRILLE
Classic dishes—Chateaubriand, rack of lamb—abound at this old-world elegant Burlington mainstay.
INSIDER TIP: Make sure to tap into the wine expertise—the restaurant is known for its highly regarded sommelier team. 26 Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-2731916; cafeescadrille.com
COMMITTEE
This Mediterranean hot spot located in the Seaport is inspired by the “cuzeri” found throughout Greece. Committee is known for its tapas including the Tzatziki Trio and Shrimp Skorko, its Tiki inspired cocktails, and eclectic décor with a penny-tiled bathroom floor and pipe chandeliers. 50 Northern Ave., 617-737-5051; committeeboston.com
COPPA
Featuring Italian small plates, woodfired pizzas, and homemade pastas and charcuterie, this modern enoteca delivers the romana goods. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617-391-0902; coppaboston.com
CRU NANTUCKET
Visitors and residents alike can never ever get enough of CRU, the Mecca of all things ACK. Perched on a waterside dock, the eatery offers both plushy outdoor space, interior glamour and a rival-less raw bar.
INSIDER TIP: Book the cornerside, couch table and order the Grand Cru plateau for the full Cru, panoramic view, and culinary experience. One Straight Wharf, Nantucket, 508-228927; crunantucket.com
DANTE
Fresh Italian cuisine meets an extensive and Italian-heavy wine list at this elegant restaurant and patio with panoramic views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-497-4200; restaurantdante.com
DAVIO’S
The best views in this spacious, relaxed dining room full of white tablecloths are at the chef’s table, in the heart of the action in the kitchen, which specializes in hearty, high-end Northern Italian fare such as beef steaks, veal chops, and fresh handmade pastas. 75 Arlington St., 617-357-4810; davios.com
DEL FRISCO’S
This established steak house in the Seaport District has a lot to offer with an assortment of steak and seafood, a sleek modern ambiance, and beautiful harbor views. Insider tip: There is a Prix-Fixe menu available every
Sunday. 250 Northern Ave., 617-9511368; delfriscos.com
DEUXAVE
The French-influenced fare is served in an opulent yet rustic Back Bay dining room that features Alice in Wonderland– like wingback chairs and a cozy fireplace. 371 Commonwealth Ave., 617-517-5915; deuxave.com
DORETTA TAVERNA
Experience the simple, approachable, fresh, bold flavors of Greek cuisine. Anything with lamb is recommended.
INSIDER TIP: The walls surrounding Table 303, which is tucked privately away in a corner (talk about power lunch perfection), features works by local artist Adrienne Schlow, wife of chef-owner Michael Schlow. 79 Park Plz., 617-422-0008; dorettaboston.com
EASTERN STANDARD
This neighborhood brasserie serves creative twists on classic French fare and shakes up top-level craft cocktails.
INSIDER TIP: The bar’s once-signature whiskey smash hasn’t been on the menu for several years, but customers still ask for it—you can, too. 528 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9100; easternstandardboston.com
EATALY BOSTON
The famous Italian marketplace run by celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich, and restaurateur Joe Bastianich features restaurants, groceries, and a cooking school to give food lovers the chance to experience authentic Italian cuisine. 800 Boylston St., Prudential Center, 617-807-7300; eataly.com
GASLIGHT BRASSERIE
Get the gold-standard Gallic treatment at Gaslight, located in the artsy section of the South End. Try the classics, such as steak frites with sauce béarnaise or maitre d’hotel butter. 560 Harrison Ave., 617-422-0224; gaslight560.com
GRILL 23 & BAR
After enjoying Grill 23’s all-natural prime beef steaks or fresh, creative seafood presentations, indulge in a post-prandial puff courtesy of the restaurant’s premium cigar service, the first-ever in Boston. 161 Berkeley St., 617-542-2255; grill23.com
HALEY.HENRY
Located in the heart of Downtown Crossing, chef-owner Haley Fortier wants people to have a good time at her wine bar. Enjoy this unique wine experience with a selection of 40–50 wines to be paired with European inspired small plates such as tinned fish and ceviche. 45 Province St., 617-208-6000; haleyhenry.com
IL MOLO
This elegant seafood spot located in the North End offers Italian inspired creations by chef Pino Maffeo and will give diners an underwater feel with the shell-like blue tiles and aquatic styled artwork and decor. 326 Commercial St., 857-277-1895; ilmoloboston.com
ISLAND CREEK OYSTER BAR
The menu at this American seafood restaurant changes daily, featuring the likes of lobster-roe noodles with braised short rib, grilled lobster, and oyster mushrooms. 500 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-5300; islandcreekoysterbar.com
JULIET
Juliet is a place for the Union Square community to interact through delicious food with a Mediterranean flare and good hospitality thanks to Josh Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri. Commuter-friendly menus, as well as leisurely stay-in options has Juliet’s being a destination for just about anybody. INSIDER TIP: Juliet offers a Prix-Fixe Menu for lunch from 11 am–3 pm. 257 Washington St, Somerville, 617-718-0958; julietsomerville.com
KAVA NEO-TAVERNA
Imported wines and Greek small plates take the stage at this South End neighborhood hot spot. 315 Shawmut Ave., 617-356-1100; kavaneotaverna.com
LA BRASA
La Brasa’s cuisine draws on chef Daniel Bojorquez’s cultural influences as well as the makeup of the restaurant’s East Somerville neighborhood—Mexican, Peruvian, and Middle Eastern. 124 Broadway, Somerville, 617-764-1412; labrasasomerville.com
LA MORRA
This traditional Northern Italian kitchen specializes in homemade pastas, with gluten-free available on request.
INSIDER TIP: The tagliatelle bolognese is Tom Brady’s favorite. 48 Boylston St., Brookline, 617-739-0007; lamorra.com
LA VOILE
The authentic décor at La Voile is a Francophile’s dream: Everything from the zinc bar to the wooden wine fridge and vintage chandeliers are imported from France. 261 Newbury St., 617-587-4200; lavoileboston.net
LITTLE DONKEY
Take a trip around the world with Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette’s globally inspired small plates. 505 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-945-1008; littledonkeybos.com
MENTON
At culinary star Barbara Lynch’s fine dining ode to Italy and France, ask to sit at the Gold Bar, a smaller, more intimate setting than the main dining room. 354 Congress St., 617-737-0099; mentonboston.com
MIDA
Celebrating Italian culinary traditions in the South End, chef Douglass Williams is committed to bringing high quality ingredients to life through “creativity, curiosity and skill” in his dishes including the Arancini, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Caponata Toast. 782 Tremont St., 617-936-3490; midaboston.com
MISTRAL
Located in the South End, locals’ favorite Mistral has been providing classic French-Mediterranean fare in a casually elegant setting for nearly 20 years. 223 Columbus Ave., 617-8679300; mistralbistro.com
MOOO RESTAURANT
This modern steakhouse boasts a
formidable wine cellar. Come thirsty!
15 Beacon St., 617-670-2515; mooorestaurant.com
NEPTUNE OYSTER
Neptune serves simple American seafood in a cozy, intimate setting. Try the Maine hot lobster roll, served with fresh-cut french fries. 63 Salem St., 617-742-3474; neptuneoyster.com
NO. 9 PARK
The regionally inspired Italian and French dishes at No. 9 Park have been charming locals and tourists for years.
INSIDER TIP: Ask to be seated in the intimate leather-and-velvet banquettes in the back dining room. 9 Park St., 617-423-4800; no9park.com
O YA
O Ya was the first in Boston to reinterpret traditional Japanese flavors and ingredients with a modern touch. Their contemporary and creative izakaya aims to surprise and delight. 9 East St., 617-654-9900; o-ya.restaurant
OAK LONG BAR + KITCHEN
OAK comes alive at night to the hum of spirited conversation as guests gather around the copper-top bar to dive into salt-and-vinegar fries and smoked bluefish toast. 138 St. James Ave., 617-585-7222; oaklongbarkitchen.com
OCEAN HOUSE
The Relais & Chateau ranking is the first massive clue that Watch Hill’s Ocean House is no ordinary summer resort. State-of-the-art luxury suites, cooking classes, wine tastings and spanking new Mercedes Benz roadsters on hand for guests are just some of the posh pickings at this Rhode Island masterpiece. 1 Bluff Ave., Westerly, RI, 401-584-7000; oceanhouseri.com
OCEAN PRIME
Ocean Prime features classic steak house and seafood fare crafted with a modern sensibility and an appreciation for ingredients. Enjoy the impeccable service. 140 Seaport Blvd., 617-6701345; ocean-prime.com
OFFSITE CATERING
An impromptu martini cocktail party? 100 people? At your pad? TONIGHT?!!! No problem. OffSITE Catering has your back. The Bostonbased party event company can produce, design and staff up the soiree of your dreams, so you—bon vivant that you are—can greet your guests oh-so-coolly… martini in hand. getoffsite.com
OISHII
In the South End, high-concept sushi is artfully arranged and composed of the sea’s freshest bounty. 1166 Washington St., 617-482-8868; oishiiboston.com
NEBO CUCINA & ENOTECA
Sisters Carla and Christine Pallotta serve up an authentic Italian menu that captures the “true essence” of dining in an Italian home with dishes including Zucchini Lasagna and Papardelle Alla Bolognese, and décor that pays homage to a traditional Italian neighborhood. 520 Atlantic Ave., 617-723-06326; neborestaurant.com
OSTRA
New England seafood is given a Mediterranean touch at this classic restaurant known for its salt-crust branzino for two. 1 Charles St. S., 617-421-1200; ostraboston.com
PABU BOSTON
Chef Michael Mina and Chef Ken Tominaga are serving up a modern take on Izakaya-style dining at Pabu located on the second floor of the luxurious and upscale Millennium Tower. With traditional yet chic Japanese decor, and a menu with award-winning sushi and sashimi, the dining experience is unlike any other.
INSIDER TIP: Pabu has a private dining room, which is the perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion or host a private event. 3 Franklin St., 857-3277228; michaelmina.net
PARSNIP RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
This stylish, two-story restaurant serves ingredient-driven, European influenced fare—think “borscht salad,” quail roulade, and cod polonaise. 91 Winthrop St., Cambridge, 617-714-3206; parsniprestaurant.com
PORTO
Chef Jody Adams is an expert when it comes to Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Her menu at Porto is largely focused on seafood with outstanding seasonal dishes including the Striped Bass a la Plancha caught fresh in New England. Ring Rd., 617-536-1234; porto-boston.com
PRECINCT KITCHEN & BAR
Tried-and-true New England staples hold pride of place in this former police headquarters on Berkeley Street.
INSIDER TIP: A happy hour special on oysters is offered everyday. 154 Berkeley St., 617-532-3827; precinctkitchenandbar.com
PUBLICO STREET BISTRO & GARDEN
With the name meaning “for the public good,” Publico prides itself on letting the customers explore flavors from Europe, South and North America. The simple plates offered are made with local goods from New England farms, and should be a go-to for anyone looking to indulge in a little something extra. 11 Dorchester St., 617-622-5700; publicoboston.com
ROW 34
Row 34 is an approachable and convivial neighborhood restaurant and bar that celebrates New England’s rich seafood traditions. INSIDER TIP:
When dinner service is packed, the standing-only rails around industrial wood pillars are an easy place to enjoy drinks and snacks. 383 Congress St., 617-553-5900; row34.com
RUKA
Located in the Godfrey Hotel, culinary director and chef Tom Berry is serving up a Peruvian menu that incorporates Nikkei and Chifa cuisines with standouts including colorful Green Noodles, Lima-style Fried Calamari with leche de tigre garlic butter, Halibut Ceviche, and a vibrant and stylish scene that can’t be missed. 505 Washington St., 617-2660102; rukarestobar.com
SCAMPO
Chef Lydia Shire’s Italian-inspired cuisine draws on flavors from the Mediterranean and Middle East.
INSIDER TIP: Create the ultimate private event with the help of party coordinator Carah McLaughlin. 15 Charles St., 617-536-2100; scampoboston.com
SMITH & WOLLENSKY
Nestled into The Castle at Park Plaza, this fine dining steak house serves up classics like a bone-in sirloin and prime rib eye. If you’re looking for bonus fun, ask for a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle. 101 Arlington St., 617-423-1112; smithandwollensky.com/boston-back-bay
SORELLINA
Sorellina’s contemporary take on Italian-Mediterranean produces dishes like gnocchi with Maine lobster.
INSIDER TIP: The round table in the front windows, which seats up to seven, provides a spectacular view of Copley Square. 1 Huntington Ave., 617-4124600; sorellinaboston.com
SPORTELLO
Take advantage of the kitchen-facing counter seating at this modern interpretation of the classic diner. 348 Congress St., 617-737-1234; sportelloboston.com
SRV
Chef’s Michael Lombardi and Kevin O’Donnell created Boston’s first Venetian-style Bacaro and wine bar specializing in small bites, homemade pasta, and risotto, adding a more modern interpretation to traditional Venetian food. 569 Columbus Ave., 617-536-9500; srvboston.com
STEPHANIE’S ON NEWBURY
The sophisticated New England-style comfort food starts off with a tuna tartare or classic mac and cheese and crescendoes with buttery Atlantic salmon. 190 Newbury St., 617-2360990; stephaniesrestaurantgroup.com
STRIP BY STREGA
Modern steak house STRIP by Strega is a high-energy, uber-modern trifecta of exceptional cuisine, creative cocktails, and upscale nightlife. 64 Arlington St., 617-456-5300; stripbystrega.com
SWEET CHEEKS Q
Mouthwatering, heritage breed pulled pork and prime brisket make this barbecue joint a Fenway foodie favorite. 1381 Boylston St., 617-2661300; sweetcheeksq.com
TAPESTRY
Located in the Fenway neighborhood, Tapestry is known for being a dualconcept restaurant with a menu curated by husband and wife duo Meghann Ward and Kevin Walsh. The Expo Kitchen offers items such as oysters and Neapolitan-style pizza, while the Club Room has a tropical vibe and features modern American dishes.69 Kilmarnock St., 617-421-4470; tapestry. restaurant
TIGER MAMA
Tiger Mama is a Boston favorite for vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine—the Singapore street noodles are a great introduction to the menu. 1363 Boylston St., 617-425-6262; tigermamaboston.com
TORO
South End favorite Toro’s Barcelonastyle tapas are made better by the space’s open windows, which bring the outdoors in. 1704 Washington St., 617-536-4300; toro-restaurant.com
TRADE
Innovative Mediterranean fare is served up in a lively, high-ceilinged space at this Waterfront restaurant. 540 Atlantic Ave., 617-451-1234; trade-boston.com
YVONNE’S
This modern reinterpretation of the supper club features a cosmopolitan menu that offers guests shared dishes that weave in flavors of the Far East, Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe. 2 Winter Pl., 617-267-0047; yvonnesboston.com