Fox & the Knife, Bar Lyon, Celeste, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this prized newcomer just made Food & Wine’s Best New Restaurants list, and you can expect the city to take notice. Make a Resy and sample signature handmade pastas, like gorgonzola-stuffed tortelli and pistachio pesto campanelle, inspired by chef Karen Akunowicz’s time living in Modena. Round out the meal with an order of tigelle, a type of pressed Modenese bread served with slather-worthy butter.

Because Bar Lyon mends the French cuisine-shaped hole left in our hearts from L’Espalier’s closure. There’s much to love about this South End spot, from its laidback bistro-feel to a bar program that champions French spirits, but the classics—a hand-cut sirloin steak tartare, a French Onion soup dripping with gruyere, and a steamed pot of juicy P.E.I. mussels in a creamy white-wine broth—are everything you could ask for.

Because this tiny Peruvian wonder continues to draw crowds with the promise of unfussy ceviche bowls bursting with acid and flavor. And if you haven’t yet explored the daily specials, try to get there on a Friday when a Peruvian-Chinese seafood risotto is served.

Because Michael Scelfo’s finger food paradise just dropped a new cocktail menu—this time, named after tracks from the entirety of Billy Joel’s 1986 album The Bridge. Pair your mortadella musubi and potato chip-topped deviled eggs with the delightfully earthy This Is The Time, which is made with a chervil-and-pea-infused gin.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (617) 864-0001.

Because now’s the time to revisit this classic standby (known for its award-winning meatballs), and find even more to love. Retreat to the checkered tablecloth enivrons for a cozy meal of rich and perfectly al dente cacio e pepe or savory chicken Parmesan.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (617) 580-0321. 

Because warm weather begs for cocktails at this subterranean tiki jewel from the Bar Mezzana crew. Sherry-enhanced strawberry daiquiris and fried clam bao continue to satisfy, but consider splurging on one of the ticketed omakase dinners held at No Relation– the nine-seat sushi bar quietly tucked into the space.

Walk-ins only. 

Because this is the first summer to make use of Trillium’s substantial outdoor patio and third-floor roof deck. Take in the sunshine with a double dry-hopped IPA and a smoked shoulder BBQ pork sandwich (enhanced by root beer BBQ sauce) or a whole grilled fish with Bangs Island mussels.

Because this Porter Square outpost of the Waltham original provides the Cuban flavors and flair that the local scene has lacked. Snack on small plates, like chicharrones with avocado puree and oxtail tacos, or commit to a large dish like the mariscada seafood stew made with coconut milk and lobster sauce.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (855) 487-8296.

Because the weather is finally right to make the most of this elegant, kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant’s rooftop lounge. Sip sake over salmon caviar rice balls and mission fig tempura. And if you’re not quite ready to dive into the 11-course kaiseki tasting menu, you can drop by in the afternoon for bento boxes, featuring the likes of seasoned sashimi and robata grilled chicken breasts.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (617) 377-4588.

Because the tasting menus at this farm-to-table spot do not disappoint. Choose from 3-5 courses of delights, including pork cheek dumplings, kalbi hangar steak with mushroom congee and chocolate miso lava cake. For a more casual experience, drop by during the weekend to partake in a brunch that offers garlic roasted mushroom tartine and a biscuit sandwich made with aged country ham and gravy.