From world-class Italian to Mediterranean cuisine, securing a reservation at one of these coveted dining destinations is no easy feat.
Contessa, designed by Ken Fulk, is a feast for the eyes and stomach.
Three 1 One Omakase
Tucked inside a historic Victorian brownstone in South End is the 10-seat Three 1 One Omakase. The 18-course menu is curated by three Michelin star-trained executive chef Wei Fa Chen using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Described as a delicious, artful experience, settle in for a night of pure culinary excellence, with sake or wine in hand. 605 Tremont St., 311boston.com
Carmelina’s
Celebrating a decade of serving The North End, Carmelina’s quaint space on Hanover feels like a Sunday dinner at home. Along with family photos covering the walls, guests can enjoy authentic Sicilian recipes: think chicken parm smothered in smoked mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce or Mimmos baked meatballs. Though tables are reserved for a firm 90-minute meal, there are plenty of cafés in the area to continue a night of conversation and merriment. 307 Hanover St., carmelinasboston.com
Comfort Kitchen
Serving global flavors of the African diaspora, Comfort Kitchen is a must-try spot in Dorchester—if you can secure one of their 30 seats. A full-service bar with six stools can accommodate lucky walk-ins, but we wouldn’t risk missing out on the delectable banana leaf roasted chicken, jerk-roasted duck or beef short rib. An extensive and carefully crafted cocktail menu with sips like The Silver Box with Bombay Sapphire, St. Germain and Luxardo Bitter Bianco seals the deal. 611 Columbia Road, Dorchester, comfortkitchenbos.com
Contessa
Inside the Newbury Hotel, this Back Bay favorite promises a selection of indulgent Italian classics—just not a table after 6 p.m., unless you’re lucky. Glide through the tiled interior designed by Ken Fulk for a dirty martini at the bar before securing a sophisticated spot in one of Contessa’s dreamy blush pink booths. Bites like spicy lobster Capellini, squash Carpaccio and veal Milanese await. 3 Newbury St., contessaristorante.com
Faccia a Faccia
Securing a seat after 5 p.m. at this coastal Italian eatery is no small feat, but certainly worth the wait. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer, Faccia a Faccia offers a contemporary take on traditional recipes and seasonally inspired bites like paccheri bolognese, hamachi crudo, grilled Nantucket bay scallop and lamb ribs. Before heading out, enjoy a nightcap at the downstairs wine bar, Bar Pallino. 278 Newbury St., facciaafacciaboston.com
Field & Vine
Behind an inconspicuous green door on a lush alleyway lies the garden-fresh goodness of Field & Vine. A seat at chef and co-owner Andy Brady’s table is an invitation to taste the season’s sweetest picks—many from local farms and gardens. The menu follows the crop of New England seasons, featuring bites like beef tartare and smoked pork & beef sausage with Alpha Tolman cheese, cranberry beans, dijon and pears. Unless you’re looking to sit before 6 p.m., book your table a few weeks ahead. 9 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, fieldandvinesomerville.com
Giulia
Reservations for this Italian eatery go live at midnight two weeks in advance, and those lucky enough to snag a table are in for a treat. The real tour de force is the pasta dalla nostra tavola, or pasta table. Guests are treated to the freshest dishes, like bucatini all’amatriciana with house-cured pancetta, tomato and pecorino. With fresh Italian white truffle season upon us, make sure to indulge in duck wing and prosciutto tortelli with black winter truffles, chanterelles, potato and kale. 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, giuliarestaurant.com
Gufo
This modern Italian eatery and cafe quickly became a favorite in Cambridge when it opened this past spring. Now, tables are quickly snatched up, with reservations released a month in advance. Who wouldn’t want a seat when dishes like cacio e pepe arancini with fontina fonduta and potato gnocchi with rabbit sugo, lacinato kale and pecorino grace the menu? For eager-to-try foodies, brunch time slots are an easier get and offer an equally delectable experience—think breakfast pizza with bacon, potato, caramelized onion and a sunny side egg. 660 Cambridge St., Cambridge, gufocambridge.com
KAVA Neo Taverna
With reservations opening only a day in advance, KAVA Neo’s intimate South End eatery is the place to be. Salt-bleached tables and white chairs beckon patrons to an evening in the Mediterranean, as well as a menu brimming with Greek bites. Order a selection of plates for the table, like the keftedes (lamb meatballs) and feta psiti (feta wrapped in phyllo, honey and sesame seeds). With an Athenian spritz or glass of Greek wine in hand, you’ll think you’re on the Aegean Coast. 315 Shawmut Ave., kavaneotaverna.com
Lolita
Intimate ambient interiors meet bustling dining rooms—Lolita is always packed, and for good reason. Step into the Back Bay location or moody Fort Point space adorned with red chandeliers, skulls and stained glass. For dinner, their fiery Diablo marg is the ideal way to kick off a night of grilled street corn, blackened mahi-mahi tacos and four guacamole variations. Finish strong with hot churros and mango tequila sorbet. Multiple locations, lolitamexican.com
Mariel
Located in the historic Atlantic National Bank, this Cuban restaurant boasts young, creative interiors and a lively atmosphere. Miso Chilean seabass, Cubano street pizza and pork empanadas are only a hint of the decadent menu. To secure a spot at one of Mariel’s pink booths or intimate tables, be sure to make a reservation well in advance. 10 Post Office Square #120, marielofficial.com
Mr. H
This modern Chinese restaurant inspired by the cuisines of mainland China and Taiwan recently opened its doors in September—and everyone wants a table. Described as a sanctuary of intimacy and elegance, the Imperial steak, variety of dumplings and house cocktails impress guests with good fortune on Seven Rooms. 225 Northern Ave., mrhchinese.com
Oleana
Find your foodie haven at Oleana, where delectable Turkish and Middle Eastern bites await from James Beard Award-winning executive chef Ana Sortun. Start with the Za’atar bread with whipped yellow lentils and pumpkin, almonds, brown butter and sage before indulging in Vermont quail kebab served with Baharat spice, barberries and pistachio. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, oleanarestaurant.com
O Ya
Inspired by the freshness and quality of Japanese cuisine, chef/owners Tim and Nancy Cushman present a fanciful omakase experience you won’t want to miss. The chef’s choice 20-course menu changes daily, but featured seafood may include oysters, salmon, yellowtail and bluefin tuna. Make a prepaid reservation in advance—a glass of sake and an unparalleled night of dining in a century-old Boston fire station awaits. 9 East St., o-ya.restaurant
Prima
Situated in the heart of the historic Charlestown, Prima has created quite a stir with their reimagined Italian and steakhouse classics. For those hoping to sit before 9 p.m., planning ahead is a must. Start with the burrata and prosciutto from the mozzarella bar—served with apple caponata, grapes, olive oil and panna—before indulging in one of their decadent hand-rolled pasta like spaghetti alla vongole with Duxbury clams, grilled squid, prosecco and torn herbs. A Venetian or limoncello spritz completes the experience. 10 City Square, primaboston.com
Sarma
Meze, or small plates, are the name of the game at chef Cassie Piuma’s Turkish-with-a-twist eatery. This spot is a vegetarian’s dream, serving bites like Sicilian cauliflower polenta, Moroccan street carrots and lentil nachos. And don’t worry—the Armenian cheesesteak and Tandoori lamb will satisfy any other diners looking for a meat fix. It's a good thing the menu is best enjoyed shared because you’ll want one of everything. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, sarmarestaurant.com
Yvonne’s
Tucked behind a blow-dry bar, this restaurant’s chic interiors, creative cocktails and global flavors do not disappoint. The location has been home to a supper club for 150 years, and now fills with the aromas of baked Alaska and prime rib chop with smoked mushroom gravy, horseradish-onion jam, fines herbes butter and steak fries. 2 Winter Place, yvonnesboston.com
Photography by: Douglas Friedman; Courtesy of Lolita; Kristin Teig
