Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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102 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL contemporary European cooking embraces quintessential New England ingredients. Grab a seat in the cozy second-floor library. 279 Dartmouth St., 617-267-045; metbackbay.com MISTRAL Located in the South End, locals' favorite Mistral has been providing classic French-Mediterranean fare in a casually elegant setting for nearly 20 years. 223 Columbus Ave., 617-867- 9300; mistralbistro.com MOOO RESTAURANT This modern steakhouse boasts a formidable wine cellar. Come thirsty! 15 Beacon St., 617-670-2515; mooorestaurant.com NEPTUNE OYSTER Neptune serves simple American seafood in a cozy, intimate setting. Try the Maine hot lobster roll, served with fresh-cut french fries. 63 Salem St., 617-742-3474; neptuneoyster.com NO. 9 PARK The regionally inspired Italian and French dishes at No. 9 Park have been charming locals and tourists for years. INSIDER TIP: Ask to be seated in the intimate leather-and-velvet banquettes in the back dining room. 9 Park St., 617-423-4800; no9park.com O YA O Ya was the first in Boston to reinterpret traditional Japanese flavors and ingredients with a modern touch. Their contemporary and creative izakaya aims to surprise and delight. 9 East St., 617-654-9900; o-ya.restaurant OAK LONG BAR + KITCHEN OAK comes alive at night to the hum of spirited conversation as guests gather around the copper-top bar to dive into salt-and-vinegar fries and smoked bluefish toast. 138 St. James Ave., 617-585-7222; oaklongbarkitchen.com OCEAN PRIME Ocean Prime features classic steak house and seafood fare crafted with a modern sensibility and an appreciation for ingredients. Enjoy the impeccable service. 140 Seaport Blvd., 617-670- 1345; ocean-prime.com OISHII In the South End, high-concept sushi is artfully arranged and composed of the sea's freshest bounty. 1166 Washington St., 617-482-8868; oishiiboston.com OSTERIA POSTO Hearty meats meet pastas and raw bar fare at this urbane Italian restaurant. Try the cap steak with bone marrow sugo, rosemary potatoes, and salsa verde. 99 Third Ave., Waltham, 781-622-1500; osteriaposto.com OSTRA New England seafood is given a Mediterranean touch at this classic restaurant known for its salt-crust branzino for two. 1 Charles St. S., 617-421-1200; ostraboston.com PARSNIP RESTAURANT & LOUNGE This stylish, two-story restaurant serves ingredient-driven, European influenced fare—think "borscht salad," quail roulade, and cod polonaise. 91 Winthrop St., Cambridge, 617-714-3206; parsniprestaurant.com POST 390 Post 390 features farm-to-table tavern fare with a contemporary twist. Check out the restaurant's monthly "Farm to Post" spotlight on some of New England's finest farms and fishermen. 406 Stuart St., 617-399-0015; post390restaurant.com PRECINCT KITCHEN & BAR Tried-and-true New England staples hold pride of place in this former police headquarters on Berkeley Street. INSIDER TIP: A happy hour special on oysters is offered everyday. 154 Berkeley St., 617-532-3827; precinctkitchenandbar.com PURITAN & COMPANY This rustic-industrial restaurant serves modern American cuisine with an emphasis on traditional New England ingredients. Ask for the chef's table if you have a larger group; the bar-style seating overlooks the kitchen. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-615- 6195; puritancambridge.com ROW 34 Row 34 is an approachable and convivial neighborhood restaurant and bar that celebrates New England's rich seafood traditions. INSIDER TIP: When dinner service is packed, the standing-only rails around industrial wood pillars are an easy place to enjoy drinks and snacks. 383 Congress St., 617-553-5900; row34.com SARMA RESTAURANT Modeled after the traditional meyhanes of Turkey, Sarma offers a large selection of small, seasonal plates designed to be shared. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, 617-764-4464; sarmarestaurant.com SCAMPO Chef Lydia Shire's Italian-inspired cuisine draws on flavors from the Mediterranean and Middle East. INSIDER TIP: Create the ultimate private event with the help of party coordinator Carah McLaughlin. 15 Charles St., 617-536-2100; scampoboston.com SELECT OYSTER BAR Bivalves are at the heart of Select's menu. Try the curated list of oyster options outside on the patio, surrounded by harbor lights and hanging herb gardens. 50 Gloucester St., 857-239-8064; selectboston.com SMITH & WOLLENSKY A Back Bay icon nestled into The Castle at Park Plaza, this fine dining steak house serves up classics like a bone-in sirloin and prime rib eye. If you're looking for bonus fun, ask for a behind-the-scenes tour of the castle. 101 Arlington St., 617-423-1112; smithandwollensky.com/boston-back-bay SORELLINA Sorellina's contemporary take on Italian-Mediterranean produces dishes like gnocchi with Maine lobster. INSIDER TIP: The round table in the front windows, which seats up to seven, provides a spectacular view of Copley Square. 1 Huntington Ave., 617-412- 4600; sorellinaboston.com SPORTELLO Take advantage of the kitchen-facing counter seating at this modern interpretation of the classic diner. Chef Daniel Bruce of Meritage showcases nightly his deep knowledge of food and wine (Bruce is the founder of the Boston Wine Festival). The SOURCE: SCENE