The Emory, 111 East, Ilona, Now on The Resy Hit list

Because Beacon Hill’s somewhat staid dining scene has been jolted awake by the opening of The Emory.  You’ll find creative high-low combos like buffalo sweetbreads, foie gras tots, and a can’t-miss burger topped with garlic cheddar fondue. The drink list is similarly inventive yet approachable; it features the Clarified Jungle Bird—a “milk punch” with Bounty Gold rum, pineapple, Campari, and lime—and the Guilty Pleasure—with rum, pineapple, coffee, and cocoa.

Because elevated hot pot has arrived at the seaport, courtesy of the team behind Nantucket’s Lola 41. You’ll choose between miso, Szechuan, Chinese herbal, and sofrito for your piping hot broth. Use it to cook everything from scallops to Wagyu prime ribeye. 111 East also serves a range of pan-Asian fare that includes pork belly buns and ginger scallion lobster.

Because Bow Market has a new watering hole in the form of this art gallery and cocktail bar from Louis DiBiccari, the former Tavern Road owner. In addition to highlighting local artists, Create pays tribute to local bartenders by featuring draft cocktails they developed. For instance,  the Continental Relic—made with bourbon and sassafras-infused vermouth—was created by The Hawthorne’s Jared Sadoian.

Walk-ins only.

Because Back Bay’s Doretta Taverna-shaped hole has at last been filled by this new seafood-focused entry from chef Chris Parsons. Its sleek, wood-filled dining room recalls the interior of a yacht and is precisely where you want to enjoy a plate of oysters Rockefeller followed by a whole grilled branzino. There’s a lobster roll, of course (this one made with tasso ham mayonnaise), and each day features its own lobster special: lobster tacos with smoked tomatoes on Tuesday, lobster toast with avocado and bacon on Saturday, etc.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at 617-426-6700.

Because the team behind Bar Mezzana, Shore Leave, and No Relation has filled the former Stephi’s on Tremont space with a concept that champions classic neighborhood bistro fare at its finest. Start with salt and vinegar potato chips or roasted king crab, and continue with a cheeseburger or duck frites with orange béarnaise. The cocktail list is just as unfussy, featuring pre-hipster favorites like the Gin Gimlet and a Dirty Martini made with olive oil and black pepper vodka. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at 617-982-6330.

Because this second South End venture from the owners of Kava Neo-Taverna will challenge your definition of Mediterranean fare. On any given night you may find yourself noshing on monkfish kebabs beside Egyptian flatbreads and lamb-stuffed eggplant. If you’re interested in lesser-represented wine-producing countries, you’ll be delighted by the wine list, which features grapes from Lebanon, Georgia, Armenia, and more.

Because summer demands barbecue and outdoor entertainment, and The Porch delivers both in one slick package. Come for the Nashville hot chicken and St. Louis spare ribs pulled out of a 1,000-pound wood-fired smoker; stick around for bourbon drinks and live music from country, blues, and rockabilly acts.

Because you can’t live on fried dough alone.  The team behind Blackbird Doughnuts has opened a new sandwich concept in their Tremont Street location. At Sally’s Sandwiches, you can count on hearty fare like a brisket sandwich with pimento goat cheese on a sesame torta, and a 14-hour roasted porchetta on an Italian roll. Come early for breakfast tacos or a breakfast sandwich made with a Blackbird’s everything bagel. 

Walk-ins only.

Because night owls can take advantage of T&B Pizza’s new late-night special: a slice of pizza, a beer, and a shot for just $12. Make a Resy for any other time to get a Roman-style smoked salmon pizza with peaches and ricotta or a meat lover calzone stuffed with pork shoulder and mortadella.

Because this upscale Japanese spot ensconced in Boston’s newest Four Seasons has debuted its lunch menu. Choose between standard lunch options and a three-course prix fixe, and wait for the avocado tempura, salmon nigiri and uni-topped sashimi donburi to arrive. Or go full omakase for $70—but be sure to clear your afternoon schedule first. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at 857-449-2500.