Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/641736
photography by eric levin From the Back Bay to the North eNd: BostoN's very Best eats. ECLECTIC Taj Cafe dine on New american fare at this swank spot in the five-star taj hotel. 15 Arlington St., 617-598-5255; tajhotels.com Towne STove & SpiriTS towne flaunts an eclectic, seafood-heavy menu in its trendy bi-level space in the heart of Back Bay. 900 Boylston St., 617-247-0400; towneboston.com Xhale Located in the copley square hotel, Xhale serves creative spins on classic american dishes. 47 Huntington Ave., 617-536-9000; copley squarehotel.com/dining mEd CuIsInE DoreTTa Taverna & raw Bar enjoy mediterranean meze while surrounded by contemporary art. 79 Park Plaza, 617-422-0008; dorettaboston.com TraDe trade's varied mediterranean menu—with international touches—accentuates the region's small-plates tradition, here in a modern and stylish setting. 540 Northern Ave., 617-477-2900; legalseafoods.com oSTra traditional seafood gets a contemporary, mediterranean twist at this upscale eatery across from Boston common. 1 Charles St S., 617-421-1200; ostraboston.com row 34 a "working man's oyster bar," row 34 pairs raw seafood with another Boston speciality: craft beer. 383 Congress St., 617-553-5900; row34.com roweS wharf Sea Grille the perfect warm-weather spot, the chic-yet-casual sea Grille features a waterside patio. 70 Rowes Wharf, 617-856-7744; roweswharf seagrille.com AmERICAn arTiSan BiSTro Innovative takes on familiar/ favorite dishes define this elegant bistro in the heart of the city. 10 Avery St., 617- 574-7176; ritzcarlton.com Cafe eSCaDrille this Burlington establishment's american and continental dishes are heightened by the space's timeless décor, which includes a long mahogany bar. Atlantic Ave., 617-451-1234; trade-boston.com Toro chef ken oringer brings the south of spain to south end, serving up both modern and traditional spanish tapas (and pouring spanish wines). 1704 Washington St., 617-536- 4300; toro-restaurant.com sEAFOOd aTlanTiC fiSh Company head to the heart of the Back Bay for sophisticated, fresh seafood dining in a chic, upscale environment. 761 Boylston St., 617-267-4000; atlanticfishco.com B&G oySTer Bar enjoy an exquisite raw bar and seafood menu at this intimate south end spot. 550 Tremont St., 617-423-0550; bandgoysters.com iSlanD Creek don't be "shellfish" and eat all of the oysters; Island creek's raw bar is best enjoyed with friends and family. 500 Commonwealth Ave., 617- 532-5300; islandcreek oysterbar.com leGal harBorSiDe this three story eatery features some of Boston's best fresh seafood alongside fantastic harbor views. 270 THE BOSTON RIVIER A Mistral is a sophisticated restaurant inside a gracious space, with light, fresh fare and an airy setting to match. The décor is inspired by the south of France, and the menu is nothing short of the same, with refned and elegant French-Mediterranean offerings of fsh, meats, thin-crust pizzas, homemade desserts, and more than 275 selections of wine. The South End hot spot even hosts private events in its intimate settings—should you want the Riviera all to yourself. 223 Columbus Ave., 617- 867-9300; mistralbistro.com scene: THe guide! 58 boSToncoMMon-MagazinE.coM DINING EXCELLENCE STRIP by Strega, an all-new, high-energy concept by restaurateur Nick Varano, fuses the look and feel of a sophisticated, uber-modern steakhouse with that of a sleek, high-end lounge. STRIP by Strega is a neighborhood destination that caters to guests seeking a premier location for a business meeting, while simultaneously serving as Boston's epicenter for exceptional, inspiring dishes, creative cocktails and upscale nightlife. STRIP by Strega is the perfect location for your next private event. 64 Arlington Street at Park Plaza stripbystregaboston.com 617.456.5300