Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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98 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM THIS PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. 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 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., 617-670- 1345; ocean-prime.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 NEW 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., 857-327- 7228; 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 NEW 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 NEW 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., 617-266- 0102; rukarestobar.com SARMA RESTAURANT Modeled after the traditional meyhanes of Turkey, Sarma offers a large selection of small, seasonal plates designed to be shared. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, 617-764-4464; sarmarestaurant.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 A Back Bay icon 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., 617-412- 4600; sorellinaboston.com William I. Koch Gallery of European Painting and Hanoverian Silver at Museum of Fine Arts. The SOURCE: SCENE