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JapaneseBack Bay
Ken Oringer's UNI inside the Eliot Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue has run the city's contemporary izakaya programme in Boston since 2002, expanded 2016.
OrderThe omakase nigiri flight and the spicy tuna roll with toasted sesame.
TipLate-night ramen menu kicks in at 22:00; the room is at its best after the dinner rush clears.
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SeafoodSeaport Fort Point
Row 34 on Congress Street has run the Fort Point oyster room in Boston since 2013. Located in Seaport Fort Point. Priced at $$$. Kitchen leans seafood.
OrderA dozen mixed oysters and the crispy oysters with sriracha aioli.
TipThe bar runs the same menu without the reservation lead time, and Tuesday nights are the easy walk-in seat at the counter.
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BrasserieKenmore Fenway
Garrett Harker's Eastern Standard reopened in the Bower complex on Beacon Street in 2023, recovering the Kenmore Square brasserie template Boston lost.
OrderThe ESK burger with house frites and an Aviation cocktail.
TipPre-Sox-game dinner books out by 17:30. Late-night service runs to midnight on weekends.
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SteakhouseBeacon Hill
Jamie Mammano's modern steakhouse inside the XV Beacon Hotel has anchored Beacon Hill in Boston since 2007. Priced at $$$$. At 15 Beacon St.
OrderThe 28-day dry-aged ribeye, medium rare, with bone marrow.
TipLunch is the under-the-radar seat. Pre-theatre menu at 17:30 prices the steak below the dinner card.
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Eastern MediterraneanCambridge
Ana Sortun's Inman Square room has run an Eastern Mediterranean kitchen in Cambridge since 2001. Turkish, Syrian and Lebanese plates from Siena Farms produce.
OrderThe sultan's delight: tamarind-glazed beef on smoky eggplant cream.
TipThe garden patio in summer is one of Cambridge's best outdoor seats. Books out three weeks ahead in season.
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Eastern MediterraneanSomerville
Cassie Piuma and Ana Sortun's meze room on Pearl Street in Somerville has run Turkish-style small plates since 2013. Kitchen leans eastern mediterranean.
OrderLamb manti, Turkish dumplings with yogurt and chili butter.
TipOrder the chef's choice tasting; the kitchen will send the best of the night unprompted.