Le Soir

Sophisticated city dining has hit Newton—hard—in the form of this beautiful bistro. Chef-owner and Ritz-Carlton Dining Room alumnus Mark Allen has nailed everything modern French eating ought to be; his menu is refined (minus any stuffiness) and delicious (minus any heaviness). Diners are pampered from the time they walk in the door, as the friendly staff takes coats and hands over drinks almost simultaneously. All that, and we haven't even mentioned the enchanting, sumptuous dishes: scallops seared and paired with cucumber-potato puree, lobster and fennel profiteroles, and pan-roasted monkfish so rich it could pass for dessert.