Almejas—sautéed petite clams and chorizo—from Atlántico
COVID-19 may have slowed down restaurant openings, but since August, new eateries still have been popping up around town. From fresh seafood to prime meats and Spanish flavors, these seven spots should definitely host your next night out—or be on your list for takeout.
The Lexington
Puritan & Co.’s chef Will Gilson recently debuted this new dining concept. Located in Cambridge Crossing, the casual restaurant and cocktail bar offers snacks, sips and bigger bites—perfect for dinner and drinks with friends or a casual date night. Order the flavorful baked stuffed clams, or indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth glazed short ribs. For al fresco dining under the stars, look to their roof deck terrace that overlooks the Common. 100 N. First St., Cambridge, 617.945.1349, thelexingtoncx.com
OFFSUIT
Venture down a dimly lit alley and escape for the night at Chris Campell’s OFFSUIT. Once opening the black door marked 5, you’ll be swept inside the city’s newest speakeasy where craft cocktails and gourmet fare awaits. Think original drinks like the apple brandy Lounge Act and a large selection of vino followed by a double burger or a Chicago-style pork chop sandwich. 5 Utica St., 781.855.6111, offsuitboston.com
Ivory Pearl
Located in Brookline’s Washington Square, Ivory Pearl is cooking up delectable seafood dishes in addition to a raw bar. Indulge in a platter of fresh oysters before savoring a main course of homemade orecchiette pasta with monkfish. The casual yet sophisticated atmosphere includes stunning wood paneling and comfy leather booths along the walls. Also, no matter how chilly it is, the Ivory Pearl offers heated outdoor seating. 1704 Beacon St., 617.487.5297, ivorypearlbar.com
Cobble
A year spent in Italy studying and cooking led chef-owner Emily Vena to open the Italian eatery Cobble in September. This BYOB invites guests to enjoy a five-course Italian meal from a weekly curated menu. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or liquors to mix with her house-made cocktail mixers. Open for dinner Fridays and Saturdays, customers can reserve a table in the dining room or opt for a private dining experience. 318 Harvard St., Ste. 38 & 39, 601.301.2193, dinneratcobble.com
Daily Catch Waterfront
Originally opening as the Calamari Cafe in 1973, Daily Catch has been a Boston staple for decades. You may have dined at one of the other locations in North End, Brookline or Woodstock, but the brand’s Waterfront eatery offers more than beloved Italian seafood plates and a raw bar. The new location, which opened last July, overlooks Boston Harbor, providing a scenic setting for heavenly squid ink pasta and lobster fra diavolo. 65 Atlantic Ave., 617.772.4400, thedailycatch.com
Nusr-Et
Do you know what a Salt Bae is? Visit Nusr-Et, and you’ll quickly find out. In 2010, owner Nusret Gökçe opened his first luxury Turkish steakhouse in Istanbul, and 10 years later, the restaurant has 17 locations worldwide. Their newest location in Back Bay dishes dozens of prime meats like Kobe steak and gourmet appetizers. Each table is also assigned a Salt Bae to season your preferred cut so you can enjoy every single bite. 100 Arlington St., 617.457.8130, nusr-et.com
Atlántico
Travel to Spain and Portugal may be on hold, but Atlántico will transport you there for the night. In October, Chef Michael Sherpa opened this cafe and tapas bar to bring Portuguese- and Spanish-inspired recipes and cocktails to the South End. Local and imported seafood and wines from the regions give Atlántico its authentic flavors. Chef Sherpa’s plates like pan con tomate and lagosta are sure to bring you to Barcelona’s Las Rambla and the beaches of Lagos. 660 Harrison Ave., 857.233.2898, atlanticoboston.com
Photography by: Brian Samuels; cover image courtesy of the Daily Catch
