Ilona, Tsurutontan, and Bar ’Cino: Now on the Resy Hit List

Because Newport’s resident purveyor of aperitivo cocktails, thin-crust pizzas, and hearty pastas has expanded to Boston. Bar ’Cino’s newly opened Brookline location — complete with homey wooden booths, a wraparound bar and hand-painted wall murals — is the perfect setting to take in a chewy fig-and-prosciutto pizza or make short work of a rigatoni Bolognese.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 617-608-3220.

Because the Boston udon movement continues with a branch of the Japanese noodle chain Tsurutontan. Within the Commonwealth Hotel, you’ll find the brand’s fourth location, where more than a dozen styles of thick udon are served, alongside treats like fried oysters, dumplings, and beef buns.

Because South Boston’s sorely needed natural wine bar is off to a promising start. Make a Resy to avoid the wait, choose from the diverse by-the-glass wine list, and follow with snacks like rock shrimp with roasted sunchokes in ham broth or more-substantial plates like steak frites with black garlic.  

Because the hottest addition to Boston’s cocktail scene has crafted a menu that expertly blends the familiar with the fresh. Stick to the “Classics” side of the menu, and you’ll find spot-on renditions of old-school drams like the Adonis, the Mamie Taylor, and the Boulevardier. Or venture into the house cocktail list to discover the Scavenger Hunt — made with mezcal, pineapple juice, crème de cacao and Campari — and the Joyride, featuring local Bully Boy vodka, Lillet Rose, and grapefruit cordial.

Walk-ins only.

Because this neighborhood favorite serves Mediterranean mezze for a touch of brightness in mid-winter. Sink into a jewel-toned booth and forget the weather as plates of pan-seared halloumi with pickled grapes and toasted sesame and swordfish kebabs in lemony, garlicky chermoula sauce awaken your senses.

Because six months in, Tiffani Faison’s revival of old-school Italian is worth a second look — or a first, if you haven’t yet been able to visit. With Sox season in the rear view, there’s never been a better time to occupy one of Orfano’s tufted banquettes and dine on lobster bucatini and 35-day dry-aged rib eye as you wait for the martini cart to arrive.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 617-916-9600.

Because Black Lamb’s chicken wings — featuring a housemade buffalo sauce — are no longer just a game-day special. They’ve been moved to the regular menu, where you’ll find them alongside Wagyu beef tartare, braised short ribs, and baked Island Creek Oysters.

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

Because the thick of winter feels like the perfect time to indulge in Stillwater’s rib-sticking comfort fare. Start your meal with blue cheese-thyme biscuits or homemade “cheese-its” with creamy dill-cucumber dip before moving onto chicken fried ribeye with cherry pepper relish.

Because the hearty, locally sourced dishes that make up Chickadee’s diverse menu are particularly satisfying this time of year. Warm up with a sour cream and onion doughnut with caviar and crème fraîche, Scotch olives with loukaniko sausage, and roasted halibut with apple cider and honeynut squash. Don’t neglect the avian-inspired cocktail list, studded with gems like the Dr. Crane (Japanese whisky, toasted coconut, green apple, and tonic).

Because Karen Akunowicz’s enoteca is marking the start of its second year in business with a refreshed menu. Make a Resy at the Southie favorite to partake in fresh dishes like orecchiette with prosciutto, broccoli rabe and chickpeas, and pork Milanese. Should you overindulge, count on the roving amaro cart to sort you out.