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Deep in concentration at the Chickadee kitchen. Photo courtesy of Chickadee

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The Boston Reservations You’ll Want to Access in Summer 2023

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After a few weeks in that blissful window where the outside world feels hospitable again, it’s time to turn our attention to a key matter at hand: summer plans. Now begins the season of long weekend escapes from the swelter, and clocking out early for a beverage on the patio. However you choose to spend the longer days, it’s likely that a restaurant will be involved.

And luckily for American Express premium cardmembers, you’ve got Global Dining Access by Resy to help. Our growing network of restaurant partners offer exclusive opportunities to nab top tables, from South Boston to Somerville and beyond.

We’ve rounded up a sampling of options to get the wheels turning — including an extra-limited five-course menu, a no-luxury-overlooked “grand trattoria” at the top of the Newbury Hotel, the architectural artistic haven that explores the vast tapestry of Peruvian cuisine, and much more. All you need to do is decide where to start.

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Cobble

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Coolidge Corner

Perched on the second floor of the Coolidge Corner Arcade sits this hyper-intimate concept, one that reads more like dinner party than restaurant. With just one seating per night and four tables, chef-owner Emily Vena puts out a five-course tasting menu centered around seasonal local produce.

The Vibe

Sit back and relax — we’re all friends here. Service typically runs until 9:30, but in the spirit of every good hang, stragglers are welcomed to stick around until 10 p.m.

Can’t Miss

The April to June menu is locked and loaded with stellar courses like fettucine with asparagus and rosemary, as well as artichokes with tomatillo Italiano.

By the Way

To imbibe at Cobble is to BYOB, but the team goes above and beyond to class up your carried-in beer, wine, or spirits with the appropriate glassware and garnishes.

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Oleana

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Cambridge

Bursting at the seams with flavors, Oleana has helped put Chef Ana Sortun on the map as an innovative restaurateur who never runs out of gas. The menu is loaded with mezes — hot and cold — that showcase the vast array of aromatic spices that keep Middle Eastern cuisine, specifically Sortun’s interpretation, on the cutting edge.

The Vibe

Roll up your sleeves for an endless list of shared plates and a crowd that’s ready to celebrate.

Can’t Miss

It will likely take a few visits before you get a solid handle on the menu, but first-timers can’t go wrong with the topik (stuffed potato hummus) or the fatteh (caramelized onion, cauliflower, crispy mushrooms, pine nuts, and yogurt).

By the Way

The coveted backyard garden is in full bloom and available for dining — on a first come, first served basis.

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La Royal

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Cambridge

You know what they say: When life gives you a century-old building, make an open-kitchen marvel. At least that’s how Maria Rondeau and JuanMa Calderón — the award-winning team behind Celeste — approach things. La Royal is their latest smash hit, one that meanders through the various regions of Peru, surfacing dishes that at once feel familial and revelatory. Paired with an architecturally impressive space and a collaborative spirit, it’s a spot that has quickly earned deserved accolades.

The Vibe

From the prismatic transom windows to a massive concrete art installation, this is a space that celebrates free-flowing creativity, in and out of the kitchen.

Can’t Miss

The part sippable, part snackable leche de tigre is a Peruvian signature that deserves the spotlight before the rest of your order comes through. After you’ve elbowed your way to the last drop, it’s time for the next showstopper to hit the table: the patarascha (an Amazonian treatment of branzino grilled in plantain leaves.)

By the Way

If you’re wondering how the industrial details appear perfectly curated, keep in mind that co-owner Maria Rondeau was a trained architect before pivoting to hospitality.

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Chickadee

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Seaport

Situated harborside in the Innovation and Design Building, Chickadee summons the industrious spirit of Massachusetts’ state bird. The New England-born and Mediterranean-inspired destination is the latest gift from No. 9 alums and tenured friends John daSilva and Ted Kilpatrick. The seasonal menu dresses up ingredients found at local farms and markets, complemented by an equally thoughtful cocktail program.

The Vibe

Elegantly simple and streamlined. A soothing neutral canvas that makes each dazzling plate pop.

Can’t Miss

Vegetables make a strong showing here, so don’t skip the marinated beets with whipped goat cheese or the crispy hen of the woods mushrooms. If proof lies in longevity, the squid-ink fusilli has spent ample time on the Chickadee roster.

By the Way

It would be remiss of us not to plug the Chickadee patio. The open-air space is one of most refreshing ways to enjoy the Seaport ambiance.

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Contessa Boston

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Back Bay

Should the occasion call for a healthy flourish of glitz and glamour, make your way to the glass-walled crown jewel atop The Newbury hotel. Courtesy of the hospitality titans that brought us Carbone, Contessa is an Italian all-day, maximalist “grand trattoria” that demands indulgence. Not only should you brace for platefuls of buttery, creamy, hand-crafted pastas, but also prepare to be visually pampered with rich jewel-toned velvets and variegated marble — not to mention some of the best Back Bay views in town.

The Vibe

Sun-drenched by day. Twinkling starlight by night. An opulent re-imagination of old-world Italian resorts.

Can’t Miss

As you savor the first drops of that classic Negroni, make sure to mull over the bold flavors of the octopus agrodolce before heading down-menu. The spicy lobster capellini or macaroni con cinghiale (wild boar) shan’t be far behind.

By the Way

Shout-out to the Major Food Group team for bringing its signature swank to Boston. Contessa was pioneered here (there’s now one in Boston) and was one of the city’s first GDA-accessible restaurants.

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Myers + Chang

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South End

After 15 years of addressing the appetites of South End diners, Myers + Chang deserves the title of “institution.” Husband-and-wife duo Christopher Myers and Joanne Chang have always kept their focus on the simple mission of creating a space that gets top-tier ingredients in front of lovely people. Using nontraditional treatments, the unique cuisine dodges definitive labels, but for those who demand it, the team offers “Asian-ish.” Channeling the greatest familial hits from her childhood, Chang delivers a bit of nostalgia with a few twists along the way.

The Vibe

A swanky small-scale standby with a big-hearted sense of hospitality.

Can’t Miss

The oft-raved about items include dumplings — frankly, all of them. If it’s easiest to start at the top of the list, Mama Chang’s pork and chive won’t lead you astray. But don’t stop there! Best to get an order of wok-charred udon noodles on the ticket as well as a selection of “dim sum-y” staples like the sweet potato and Chinese sausage fritters.

By the Way

Myers + Chang isn’t the team’s first rodeo. The duo staked their claim in Boston with the award-winning bakery, Flour, which has scaled to nine locations. Pastry fans are already nodding their heads.

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Faccia a Faccia

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Back Bay

Many have been coaxed through the bold brownstone archway on Newbury Street and very few have ever regretted it. Here, celebrated chefs and restaurateurs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette have created a polished coastal Italian experience that weaves in touches of their travels through Liguria, Sicily, and Sardinia. Whitewashed brick, warm light fixtures, and draped ivy help set the scene for the expansive menu of snacks, crudos, pastas, and beyond.

The Vibe

The spirit of easy, breezy Italian is strong here — perhaps even more pronounced in the open air of the lush patio. With spritz in hand, of course.

Can’t Miss

The diverse menu touches on all the perfect first bite preambles — such as the potato chips with caviar — as well as a smattering of small plates to punctuate the table before inevitably turning to the pastas. Making their debut to the menu this spring: green tagliatelle with clams, and a reimagined cacio e pepe with black pepper mafalde noodles.

By the Way

Whether it’s before or after dinner, or another impromptu rendezvous, check Bar Pallino downstairs. Inspired by the latest wave of Parisian wine bars, this spot features an impressive collection of natural, organic, and biodynamic offerings.

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The Nautilus Pier 4

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Seaport

After inverting the dining scene on Nantucket back in 2014 with the original interpretation of the Nautilus, its trio of co-founders made the prudent decision to chart a new course for their internationally inspired concept on the Boston harbor. The mainland iteration of Nautilus Pier 4 embraces the sea-breeze spirit of New England while integrating invigorating global techniques and style. From sea to land to garden, each dish is designed to share, and as we flock to the patios, this spot is as enticing as any.

The Vibe

Energetic and extroverted, with a healthy dose of oceanic iconography. Sea monster murals as well as tinges of rope and copper can be interpreted as overt gestures to the iconic 1870 Jules Verne sci-fi novel, but the output is 20,000 leagues above expectations. (See what we did there?)

Can’t Miss

It’s best to come hungry and with something to celebrate. The tempura East Coast oyster tacos journey from Nantucket and are a delectable amalgamation of culture. If your crew is up for it, the Peking whole roasted duck makes quite the splash.

By the Way

If you have a trip to Nantucket on the books, the original 50-seat Nautilus recently reopened for their 10th season. Keep an eye out for scheduling shifts.

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Saltie Girl Boston

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Back Bay

With a palpable affinity for time spent sailing on the Atlantic, owner — and long-time New Englander — Kathy Sidell considers Saltie Girl a perpetual state of mind as much as she does a seafood showcase. She’s kept the focus on globally sustainable iterations of the fresh, briny, and succulent flavors of ocean’s bounty. The curated menu explores the full range of preparation — be it raw, fried, steamed, or smoked in tins.

The Vibe

A cool and quirky ode to all things maritime.

Can’t Miss

Whichever end of the “let’s go for it” spectrum you fall on, there’s an adequate response on the menu. Celebrating? There are three sizes of seafood towers. Ready to throw down at brunch? There’s fried lobster and waffles with spicy maple syrup waiting for you.

By the Way

There’s a standalone menu for 60+ varieties of tinned fish. Before the decision paralysis sets in, flag down a server for a recommendation.

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