Woods Hill Pier 4, Lola Burger, Mariel, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because a Seaport awash in out-of-town steakhouse chains is getting disrupted by a local favorite. Woods Hill Pier 4, an offshoot of Concord’s lauded Woods Hill Table, is bringing its farm-to-table ethos and cooking to the neighborhood when it opens on Tuesday, November 26. Make a Resy to get a head-start on local crudo and shared dishes like a dry-aged duck breast for two.

Because what was formerly 111 East has transformed into a glorious new Boston-based outpost of Nantucket’s ever-popular Lola Burger. At long last, you can get your hands on the eponymous burger topped by aged cheddar, red onion compote and foie gras sauce — without buying a ferry ticket. You can also opt for an “adult happy meal “comprised of the Classic Burger, fries and a half-bottle of Champagne for $26.

Because Downtown’s recently opened Cuban stunner has expanded into the lunch game. Drop by between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. during weekdays for a pressed Cubano with slow-roasted pork, ham, Gruyère, pickles, mustard and garlic butter, or a fried fish sandwich with Key Lime hot sauce on a torta. And if your afternoon is particularly open, indulge in the house Mojito or a Pineapple Daiquiri.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617)-333-8776.

Because it’s the “open beta” for Boston’s first interactive board game bar. The bad news is that it isn’t serving food or drink yet. The good news, however, is that Tavern of Tales is currently offering six different immersive, sound-enhanced games, and you can make a Resy now to partake.

Because the hole left in Kenmore Square’s heart by the closing of the Lower Depths has finally been filled. At the Kenmore, you’ll find beer options aplenty, thanks to 16 tap lines and cheap eats, such as a $4.95 burger and hot dogs topped by everything from chili cheese fries to scrambled eggs.

Walks-ins only.

Because Brookline village has a brand-new purveyor of Japanese pub food, ranging from chicken katsu to pork belly buns to bacon-wrapped scallop yakitori. Experience its delights a la carte, or opt for its chef-driven omakase for two.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (617) 505-5924.

Because with rumors of a new Chinatown restaurant from the Shojo crew swirling, it’s worth making a Resy to remember where the magic began. As always, you’ll find eclectic dishes like “shadowless” duck-fat fries covered in kimcheese and Hong Kong waffles topped by fried chicken, set to a vintage hip-hop soundtrack and vintage martial arts flicks. 

Because it’s time that vegetables took a larger role. Chickadee bills itself as “New England–born and Mediterranean-inspired” and that translates to a menu that dedicates entire sections to both vegetables and grains, including standouts like a grilled carrot salad or a fried cauliflower with local burrata and figs. Carnivores needn’t worry, though; there’s also a full slate of meaty entrees, from duck to venison.

Because if you haven’t been to Ana Sortun’s original Middle Eastern restaurant in a spell, colder weather provides an excellent reason to return. Warm up to hot mezze options like cabbage and leek pancakes with Urfa chile or lamb with hot pepper labne before calling it a night with a plate of beef souvlaki in mustard sauce with pumpkin orzo.

Because Allston’s favorite izakaya isn’t gone forever — it’s just been relocated across the river. Now you’ll find Izakaya Ittoku tucked within the Japanese food court at the Porter Exchange Building. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time diner, you’ll have a biblically long menu stocked with bluefin tuna don, shoyu ramen, and deep-fired Hiroshima oysters at your disposal.

Walk-ins only.