New on Resy: Bar Enza, Area Four, Franklin Cafe, and More

Here’s a homecoming to celebrate: after learning his way around the kitchen at Todd English’s influential Olives in Charlestown, then going on to win a James Beard Award and a four-star New York Times review at the elegant Del Posto in Manhattan, Belmont native Mark Ladner has come home to launch this lively Italian brasserie. Yes, his famous 100-layer lasagna will be on the menu, along with grass-fed steaks from a Massachusetts farm, bar snacks, and more.

It’s all about the fires at this high-energy Kendall Square hot spot — the wood fires in the massive twin pizza ovens, that is, which turn out not only irresistible charred-crust pizzas (the dough is aged for 36 hours) but also wood-roasted broccoli and three kinds of chicken wings. Regulars in the know never leave without ordering the Wellfleet cherrystone clam and bacon pizza with pecorino and hot peppers.

You’re bound to feel like you’ve stepped into Old Havana at this lively establishment with its wood slat walls, bar framed in decorative tiles, and vividly flavored food; whatever you do, don’t miss the ropa vieja or the incredible cocktails.

Burger? Pizza? Steak frites? Hummus platter? If you can’t find something you like on the exuberantly varied menu, you’re probably not hungry. A wall full of artisanal spirits, 40 craft beers on tap, and an affordable wine list seal the deal.

Want to dine where the pros go? Opened in 1996 by chef David DuBois and bartender Maureen McLaughlin and serving a full menu — from ciabatta with hummus to pan-roasted Atlantic cob with nori risotto — seven nights a week till 1:30 a.m., Franklin Cafe has become one of Boston’s favorite after-hours restaurant industry hangouts. Salute your favorite chefs and restaurateurs with the Franklin’s signature Dirty Martini, made with olive bitters.

Duplicating the success of his crowd-pleasing Sweet Basil in Needham, chef-restaurateur Dave Becker brought his brand of Italian fare to Waltham after a Sweet Basil pop-up there left fans clamoring for more. Think classic pastas, shrimp scampi, and a daily fresh fish special.

You’ll want to make the trip to the Massachusetts North Shore town of Rowley to sample chef Ben Lightbody’s easy-going, locally sourced specialties — think tempura asparagus, pan-seared cod, and cinnamon bread pudding — in this airy farmhouse-themed dining room at the rustic-elegant Briar Barn Inn.