The 14 Most Sought-After Reservations in Boston

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.

311 Omakase
Tucked inside a historic Victorian brownstone in South End is the 10-seat 311 Omakase. The 18-course menu, curated by three Michelin star-trained chef Wei Fa Chen, features fresh seafood sourced locally and imported from Japan. For those lucky enough to get off the waitlist, an ever-changing menu boasting bites like sweet kegani (horsehair crab) topped with uni and caviar, fatty tuna belly and shrimp tamago (baked and topped with sugar) await. 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 motz and homemade tomato sauce or Mimmos Baked Meatballs. 307 Hanover St., carmelinasboston.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 Cappellini, 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 Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, Faccia a Faccia offers a contemporary take on traditional recipes and seasonally inspired bites like grilled octopus, hamachi crudo, orecchiette baresi and squid ink trottole. 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 housemade cavatelli with chanterelle mushrooms, kale, jimmy nardello harissa and amontillado sherry. Unless you’re looking to sit before 6 p.m., book your table a few weeks ahead. 9 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, fieldandvinesomerville.com

Giulia
This Cambridge classic is always packed, but the real tour de force is the Italian eatery’s Pasta Table. Used to roll out homemade pasta daily, the table is transformed each night for a mouthwatering chef’s tasting menu. Guests are treated to a front row seat as chefs prepare the pasta selection right at the table. Reservations open up six months in advance, so think ahead. 1682 Cambridge Ave., Cambridge, giuliarestaurant.com

Gufo
Although a recent addition to the local restaurant scene, this modern Italian eatery and cafe quickly became a favorite in Cambridge. Tables are quickly snatched up, with reservations released a month in advance—but who wouldn’t want a seat when dishes like cacio e pepe arancini and potato gnocchi with rabbit sugo, kale and pecorino grace the menu? For impatient foodies who can’t wait for their dinner res, brunch time slots are an easier get and offer an equally delectable experience. 660 Cambridge St., Cambridge, gufocambridge.com

Kava Neo Taverna
With reservations opening only 48 hours in advance, Kava Neo’s intimate South End eatery is the place to be. Salt-bleached tables and 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’ve died and gone to Santorini. 315 Shawmut Ave., kavaneotaverna.com

Lolita
To Mexican food lovers’ dismay, the dining rooms at Lolita are always packed, and for good reason. Step into the newly reopened Back Bay location or moody Fort Point space adorned with red chandeliers, skulls and stained glass. For dinner, their fiery Diablo marg is the only way to kick off a night of corn and lobster hush puppies, grilled street corn and pork taquitos. Multiple locations, lolitamexican.com

Menton
Nestled in Fort Point, Menton brings a modern twist to the historic neighborhood. The contemporary American eatery offers both a decadent prix fixe menu and chef’s tasting, allowing diners to sample rich delicacies like truffle, wagyu and lobster. The hidden gem, however, is the Chef Table: Think an intimate 12-seat table overlooking the bustling kitchen during service. It’s truly a dining experience like no other. 354 Congress St., mentonboston.com

Oleana
Find your foodie haven at Oleana, where delectable Turkish and Middle Eastern bites await from James Beard Award-winning chef Ana Sortun. Start with the Macomber turnip schnitzel with apple amba, maple-braised cabbage and hazelnuts before indulging in Vermont lamb chops served with kohlrabi fritter, pistachio butter and harissa. 134 New Hampshire St., Cambridge, oleanarestaurant.com

O Ya
Inspired by the freshness and quality of Japanese cuisine, chef Tim and Nancy Cushman present a fanciful omakase experience you won’t want to miss. While the menu changes daily, guests can look forward to bites featuring sea urchin, wild prawns and Wagyu beef. Pour a glass of sake and settle in for an unparalleled night of dining. 9 East St., o-ya.restaurant

Prima
As one of Charlestown’s newest arrivals, 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 but undoubtedly worth the wait. Start with the stracciatella, served with hazelnut, apple butter and brioche, before indulging in one of their decadent hand-rolled pastas like the aragosta pazzesca with local lobster. Dry-aged florentine and filet mignon, paired with your sauce of choice, complete the experience. 10 City Sqaure, 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 cacio e pepe polenta, poblano pepper falafel and lentil nachos. And don’t worry, the pesto chicken shawarma and lamb manti will satisfy any other diners looking for a protein fix. Good thing the menu is best enjoyed shared, because you’ll want one of everything. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, 617.764.4464, sarmarestaurant.com