From fabulous Italian cuisine to mixology with moxie, here are leaders in good taste.
Little Miss Perfect
(1391 Boylston St.)
What does Tiffani Faison not excel at? The restaurant chef-owner literally has her own row of yummy eateries in Fenway. The newest entry, Orfano, does not disappoint. Decorated with quirky art, the restaurant proudly serves carbs, steaks and martinis. Menu highlights include garlic bread and lobster bucatini. Go, Tiffani, go.
Insider tip Go with a group and try everything your stomach can handle.
Very Foxy
(28 W. Broadway)
There are potato chips, and then there are the ones chef Karen Akunowicz serves. The James Beard Award winner and Top Chef finalist opened Fox & the Knife after spending time in Modena, Italy. The eatery celebrates the spirit of the Italian location with a homey atmosphere and drop-the-mic menu. And while the vibe is casual, the food—which includes pesce fritto (branzino, salsa verde, pickled lemons, fennel salad), Luna de Ricotta (with sage brown butter, prosciutto) and, yes, chips—is absolute luxury.
Insider tip Prioritize pairing wine with your meal. Akunowicz’s list will please even the pickiest of oenophiles.
Lounge around
(223 Columbus Ave.)
As if Mistral wasn’t always a gem in this city, the restaurant is due to unveil a stunning renovation in its lounge space. Now, you can enjoy chef-owner Jamie Mammano’s fabulous fare along with the luxe new cushy seating. Then, indulge your senses with truffle macaroni with Madeira and Parmesan or Dover sole meunière with lemon and capers.
Insider tip Save some room for the warm chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream.
Don’t Tell!
(11 William E. Mullins Way)
For a supersecretive evening, book a seat at No Relation, the ultraexclusive nine-seat sushi restaurant, with only two seatings each night (6 and 8:30pm). No Relation is tucked away in South End Tiki restaurant Shore Leave. Here, diners can enjoy watching chef Colin Lynch prepare a 14-course omakase menu in front of them and choose to purchase a beverage pairing with the meal most nights of the week.
Insider tip Book far in advance—you can be notified if spots open up through Resy or on their Instagram page.
The Rarest of All
(1 Broadway, Everett)
It’s no secret that the food scene at Encore Boston Harbor is a total jackpot. But the top prize belongs to Rare, the only restaurant in New England that serves up certified-authentic Kobe beef. Yes, there are other awesome steaks on the menu, but the Kobe will have you buckling at the knees. The meat is as soft and buttery as the white leather chairs that you’ll be fainting on from happiness.
Insider Tip The private dining room is not to be believed. (Happy birthday to you.)
Cheers: The Sequel
(3A Boylston St.)
Tucked away between The Urban Grape and Miniluxe is a neighborhood eatery the likes of which barely exist anymore. James Beard Award winner chef Ron Suhanosky swung open the doors of Chef Ronsky’s a few months ago, and it has captured the hearts of metro-Boston folk far and wide. Why wouldn’t it? Guests can observe the chef cooking up their homemade gnocchi with braised fennel, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes right in front of them.
Insider tip Ask Chef to cook up one of his specialties from his recent cookbook, The Italian Table.
Photography by: Photo by JM Leach
