Best of Boston

2018 Best Outstanding Chef

Tony Messina, Uni

Sometimes it’s good to let your roots show. At Uni, Tony Messina unexpectedly draws from his Eastie-Italian heritage to bring something new to the burgeoning-in-Boston izakaya genre. That translates to dishes like his signature lubina sashimi with gremolata and chermoula, and hot plates such as spaghetti with nori. And Messina and partner chef Ken Oringer aren’t afraid to have fun within the luxe dining genre, either—as anyone who’s eaten one of Uni’s cheeseburger sushi rolls can attest.

370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-536-7200, uni-boston.com