The April Hit List: Black Lamb, Haley.Henry, Nada Cart, and More

That Black Lamb-shaped hole on Tremont street has finally been filled … by the return of Black Lamb itself. You’ll find that its modern American bistro fare is right where you left it, complete with steak tartare kicked up by a zesty brown-butter vinaigrette, roasted cauliflower with anchovy and grapefruit, and duck frites with orange Béarnaise. We predict that the South End brunch set will quickly vie again for a spot on its expanded patio; make a reservation to ensure a seat for your lemon poppyseed waffle with macerated berries and whipped cream.

Dining status: Open for indoor and outdoor dining.

Big change has come to Yum Mee Garden in a little fried package: the long-standing Chinese restaurant is now hosting an empanada maker from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Place your order online ahead of time, then swing by in person to pick up crispy-yet-fluffy empanadas stuffed with sweet Argentinian-style beef; roasted corn and cheese; pulled chicken in tomato sauce; and more. For an extra pop of flavor, also grab one of their sauces, including garlic aioli and jalapeño crema.

Dining status: Takeout only. Order here.

The little DTX wine bar — named a 2020 James Beard Award semifinalist for its wine program — comes back April 5. Toast to its well-earned recognition with pretty much any choice from their well-curated, natural-heavy list, and don’t forget about the extensive tinned fish selection, or a smattering of hot dishes like lamb tartare with fried shallots.

Dining status: Reservations available for indoor and outdoor dining. Order here for takeout.

Bar Mezzana will again turn its strip of Harrison Avenue into the Amalfi Coast, thanks to a patio stocked with Aperol-orange umbrellas — but more importantly, new dishes like ravioli con uovo with morels and saba, or braised veal shank, accompanied by saffron orzo and salsa verde. As ever, the spritz situation remains integral to the Mezzana experience: This season expect to sip on an sgroppino with vodka, sparkling wine, and lemon sorbetto; or a Truth You Can’t Hide, mixed with hibiscus-infused mezcal, grapefruit and bergamot liqueurs, and good ol’ Polar grapefruit seltzer.

Dining status: open for indoor and outdoor dining.

What was perhaps Boston’s highest profile opening during the pandemic has roared back from its three-month nap. In the interim they’ve created a bevy of high-low seafood delights, including unagi grilled cheese, and a tentacle hot dog that gives braised octopus the Fenway Frank treatment — complete with mustard and trout roe on a housemade Japanese milk bread bun. And if you’ve worked up a thirst since your last visit, it can be quenched with a Pearl Colada featuring aged rum, savory coconut, arrack and Champagne.

Dining status: open for indoor and outdoor dining by reservation; call 617-487-5297. Order here for takeout.

The April 1 re-awakening of ReelHouse also marks the return of what could be the best dining view in the city. Its East Boston outdoor deck will provide the clearest views of the city skyline, but its yachty interior is also a fine venue for sampling tuna crudo tacos, pots of mussels with sofrito and garlic toast, seafood fra diavolo, and other from-the-sea delights.

Dining status: open for indoor and outdoor dining.

Since it first opened in 2015, the menu at Select Oyster Bar has scarcely changed. That’s a comfort in 2021, as the restaurant opens for the first time in four months. Waiting there to welcome you back will be Spanish octopus with roasted tomatillos and chimichurri; whole-roasted sea bream in herb dressing; and the can’t-mess-with-it Maine lobster salad, completed by snow peas, cashews, radishes and Thai-style dressing.

Dining status: Open for indoor and outdoor dining. Call 857-239-8064 for reservations.

There’s good news on all fronts for Darryl’s: Not only has it re-opened for indoor dining, and brought back its extra outdoor seating, but the live music that’s long lived at the heart of its experience has returned, too. That means you can again enjoy fried catfish strips, Creole jambalaya or Cajun roasted salmon while taking in jazz saxophone or Afro-Cubano piano.

Dining status: Open for indoor and outdoor dining. Order here for takeout and here for delivery.

Coppersmith’s comeback kicked off in March, and the gloriously oversized South Boston restaurant continues to make up for lost time with lobster cavatappi mac and cheese, roasted street corn, and other stick-to-your-ribs delights. And yes, their rooftop is included in the re-opening, once again allowing for panoramic views of South Boston while you slowly drain a Bloody.

Dining status: Open for indoor and outdoor dining. Call 617-658-3452 for reservations.

If there’s an appropriate way to welcome back A&B, it’s surely by sinking your teeth into a Sweet and Salty burger crowned by burrata, fig jam, and bacon, or perhaps the Nick’s BBQ, with its American cheese, bacon, fried onion strings, and barbecue sauce. No matter your route to burger satisfaction, you might want a pint of Lord Hobo Virtuoso or a Plum Island Belgian White to sate your thirst afterward.

Dining status: Open for indoor dining. Order here for takeout and delivery.