First Bite: Russell House Tavern
With a sweet location and early buzz, this Harvard Square spot got a running start. If only the menu could catch up.
First Bite: Basho
A big Japanese fusion restaurant that has something for everyone? Amazingly, this crowd-pleaser mostly pulls it off.
First Bite: Posto
Davis Square’s newest pizza joint gets better by the day.
First Bite: Aka Bistro
Formerly a dining dead zone, Lincoln gets two sparkling new restaurants in one.
First Bite: Stoddard’s
A long-anticipated downtown tavern delivers on its promise of good food — and even better drinks.
Ahead of the Beat
As Patrick Lyons prepares to open the doors to two new Back Bay restaurants, the social mogul reflects on the evolution of the city’s dining and nightlife scene.
First Bite: Cutty’s
In Brookline Village, a perfection-minded proprietor turns out one wicked ‘wich.
First Bite: Buddachen
A Brookline newbie aims for pan-Asian gloss, but ends up muddled instead.
First Bite: Bombay Club
Transplanted from Cambridge, this Indian favorite has yet to find its place in the South End.
First Bite: Stanhope Grille
This revamped Back Bay restaurant promises flights of fancy. Too bad many dishes don’t make it off the ground.
First Bite: Woodward
This new downtown spot has plenty of sizzle. Now, if only it would turn up the heat in the kitchen.
First Bite: East by Northeast
Chef Phillip Tang bestows brilliantly modern — and affordable — Chinese cuisine upon Inman Square
Tastemaking: The Best Chef You’ve Never Heard Of
Culinary underdog Simon Restrepo cooks most toques under the table.
First Bite: Lord Hobo
Cambridge’s burgeoning bar scene welcomes new royalty.
First Bite: City Table
The Lenox hotel’s new restaurant concept aims for comfort—and ends up being a yawn.