WHAT Sportello, the casual breakfast and lunch counter in Barbara Lynch's fab new Fort Point project, FP3.
WHY It's Lynch's take on a diner: freshly baked pastries for breakfast; market-driven soups, salads, and pastas for lunch, all served at a sleek white counter that snakes through the room (in Italy, a sportello is a counter-service joint). Takeout is available.
WHERE 348 Congress St., Boston, sportelloboston.com.
WHAT Tory Row, a new Euro-style café in the former Greenhouse space in Harvard Square.
WHY It's the latest launch from the team behind Cambridge 1 and Miracle of Science, so expect cut-above food, cool décor, and precious little attitude.
WHERE 3 Brattle St., Cambridge.
WHAT Sage, the bistro-style Italian eatery from Tony Susi.
WHY In keeping with last year's move to the South End, Susi is heading south on his menu, too, featuring small plates and dishes from Italy's sunnier half. Arrivederci, rabbit Milanese; benvenuto, baccalà.
WHERE 1395 Washington St., Boston, 617-248-8814, sageboston.com.
