The July Hit List: Contessa, No Relation, Mida, and More

Major Food Group — you might recognize the name from New York whirlwinds like Carbone — has broken ground in Boston with the magnificently decked-out Contessa. Located on the roof of the newly-opened Newbury Hotel, and secured from the elements with a glass enclosure, Contessa promises classic Italian decadence: Think daily imported burrata, spicy lobster capellini, veal Milanese, and a 40-ounce bistecca Florentina that will surely require reinforcements (so bring your friends).

Filling the hole left in Central Square by Cuchi Cuchi’s departure, Cloud & Spirits serves what it describes as “Korean-inspired New American.” In more practical terms, that means that a visit could begin by ordering shrimp toast on homemade milk bread before receiving spaghetti with kimchi butter and parmesan or fried chicken seasoned with roasted garlic sesame. A cocktail menu populated by the likes of K Tea Party (10-year-old Scotch, matcha, mint) and Vineyard Seoul (gin, soju, Aperol) keeps things lively.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 617-945-1158.

While the tropical cocktail bar’s subterranean “rum dungeon” remains closed for the time being (except on rainy days), its street-level patio has been transformed into “Camp Shore Leave.” So, in addition to mai tais and Painkillers, you’ll encounter “Bug Juice” made with mystery ingredients, just like at summer camp — plus a trio of hot dogs, including a bacon-wrapped kimchi dog slathered with spicy mayo.

Speaking of Shore Leave, after 15 months off, it’s time to welcome back the nine-seat omakase bar tucked within its underground space. After you book your experience by purchasing tickets for either a 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. seating ahead of time, you’ll be treated to 14 courses of sushi and more, prepared and served by chef Colin Lynch.

Tiffani Faison’s Fenway-adjacent hideaway for tiki drinks and Southeast Asian fare is another recent returner. Welcome Tiger Mama back into your life by going straight for the classics like mala mushrooms, bun cha Hanoi, and its crave-worthy coconut sticky rice. Raise a Trader Vic mai tai or Calypso Collins (gin, fino sherry, pineapple, celery) while you’re at it.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 617-425-6262.

Davis Square’s natural wine bar of choice has hummed back to life, with a brand-new covered patio that remains the sole sitting situation for the time being. Rain or shine, you can congregate under its shelter to enjoy red snapper crudo or sunchoke doughnuts, with a glass of Argentinian orange wine or thoughtful cocktails like the Desert, Forest, Prairie (sotol, fermented blueberry, mace, grappa).

A once-in-a-century pandemic and a subsequent kitchen fire had SRV’s sister restaurant down, but The Salty Pig is back on its feet. Greet it by partaking in housemade pastas like bucatini amatriciana with bacon and pecorino or stone-grilled pizzas such as the eponymous Salty Pig, piled with mustard crema, arugula, beer caramel, and charcuterie.

We’ve got good news for all those who have longed to consume chicken katsu sandwiches and frozen palomas under the neon lights of old beer-brand signage: State Park’s dive bar-chic dining room and bar have fully reopened. Commemorate the occasion with something new from their cocktail list, like a Golden Gate (bourbon, fruited Cynar, sweet vermouth) or Lumberjackalope (apple brandy, mezcal, lemon, orange, maple).

It’s a similar scene at Southie’s premier naturalish wine bar, which has invited patrons to again sit at its actual bar (or anywhere else within its dining room). And while you’re there, prepare to encounter shareable plates like tuna tartare with daikon and bottarga or Rhode Island-style fried clams with fire-roasted marinara, as selections like Forlorn Hope’s Sierra Foothills verdelho fortuitously end up in your glass.

Lucky Newton: This particular ‘burb just scored its own location of chef Douglas Williams’s acclaimed South End restaurant, albeit in a larger space fitted out with light woods, white marble and general mid-century flair. The newest location continues to serve the housemade pastas that made the original’s reputation, such as paccheri Bolognese and gnocchi cacio e pepe, while introducing New Haven-style thin-crust pizzas to the tune of classic pepperoni, mushroom artichoke, and more.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 617-546-8010.