This year, we witnessed a slew of new restaurant openings in our city, many of which have already gained plenty of national attention and accolades, helping to transform our city into a top dining destination. From inventive and seasonal small plates to modern and delectable French fare, Boston is home to so many innovative new restaurants that you absolutely have to experience before the year’s over. To help you out, we’ve listed five new must-try eateries that opened in 2014. Check ’em out (below) and start booking your tables ASAP.
Alden & Harlow
If you haven’t experienced Alden & Harlow’s phenomenal small plates, we recommend making a reservation right this second. The Harvard Square eatery, opened by Chef-Owner Michael Scelfo this past January, has already proven to be wildly popular with diners and critics, alike. The restaurant was even nominated by Bon Appetit as a “Best New Restaurant of 2014.” If you go, we recommend ordering the restaurant’s Secret Burger, which was listed this year as a must-try burger by CNN.
Bastille Kitchen
The French Bistro, opened by Seth Greenberg and Cameron Grob this past July, introduced modern Parisian cuisine to Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. Bastille Kitchen offers a 160-seat restaurant, a “chalet lounge” and plenty of creative dishes. The atmosphere lends an old world charm to this bustling industrial part of town – and is certainly worth the trip. If you go, we recommend ordering the Gnocchi ŕ La Parisienne and Octopus Ceviche.
Brass Union
This past June, Somerville’s Union Square neighborhood welcomed its newest “NYC-style tavern,” Brass Union. The restaurant was an instant hit due to its tasty small plates and interactive, fun setting. In case you haven’t been, the eatery offers games like vintage tabletop, a shuffleboard court, life-sized Jenga, Connect Four, and even cornhole. If you go, we recommend trying the Mushroom Toast and Steak Frites.
Liquid Art House
An art gallery and restaurant in one, Liquid Art House is a one-of-a-kind experience in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The innovative restaurant, opened by Ruta Laukien, combines a lounge, dining room, gallery and showroom all in one space. So far, Liquid Art House has garnered plenty of positive attention from Boston diners and critics. If you go, we recommend trying their dumplings, Muscovy Duck and one of their seasonal desserts.
Wink & Nod
Boston Nightlife Ventures opened this South End speakeasy in March, and (we think it’s safe to say) the neighborhood hasn’t been the same since. The restaurant boasts expertly crafted cocktails, immaculate interior, and a rotating culinary pop-up program, which previously hosted Whisk and currently hosts Bread & Salt. If you go, we recommend ordering one of their many fall cocktails and some Lobster Curry for the table.
Make your reservations and hold tight because next week, we’ll have five additional must-try new restaurants for 2014 – stay posted.
Photo Credit: Debbie Grubstein
