Restaurants
Boston area openings include a new Mexican joint in South Boston to a Havana-inspired concept from COJE Management Group.
December is undoubtedly a month of eating at home or at friend’s dinner parties. Yet, there’s plenty of new flavor coming to the city this season that will hopefully remind you to check out a new spot in between all the hosting and house party commitments. From a new Mexican joint in South Boston to the U.S. debut of a popular Canadian dining venue to a new Havana-inspired concept from COJE Management Group, here are the restaurants you’ll find at the top of our reservation list this month.
Boston has an enduring history with the performing arts of which a new fine dining concept is honoring with their “more than a restaurant” experience in Fields Corner. Combining live music with shareable plates from around the world in a cozy venue, Acapella by X is all about showcasing the harmony in a night out with the meeting of gastronomy, artistic expression and culture. The tapas-centric menu by executive chef Freddy Ureña includes Spain’s favorite patatas bravas ($9), Chinese pork and chive dumplings ($14), and Mexican chicken tacos ($7). The current mains are limited to four selections of varying proteins like slow-roasted Peruvian Cornish Hen ($26), Chilean seabass with ginger shishito dressing ($42) skirt steak in housemade chimichurri ($30), and lobster ravioli ($45) and there are plenty of sides to tack on for snacks throughout a live performance, which will be further introduced as Acapella sheds their soft opening hours. Given their emphasis on an elevated evening out, the restaurant implements a “dress to impress” policy as they ask guests to refrain from wearing work boots, flip-flops, tank tops, hats or beach attire to maintain a refined atmosphere.
1505 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
Now Open
The shuttering of Purple Shell at the start of South Boston left big shoes to fill—literally over 5,000-square-feet. Now, Agavero Guac and Margs calls the space home, offering bold flavors inspired by popular Mexican street food dishes, with fresh guacamole and piled-high tacos among them. Decked out in colorful wall art of ethereal portrayals of nature from whimsical hummingbirds to fierce leopards and portraits of Dia De Los Muertos ‘calavera,’ or skeleton, makeup, the new restaurant feels immersive from plate to ambiance. Agavero offers a nightly happy hour, a room for private parties and also plans to roll out an immersive events schedule throughout the year with dates already listed for Valentine’s Day and National Margarita Day.
11 West Broadway, South Boston
Now Open
Chef Sarah Wade, of Boston’s Stillwater and Sloane’s, debuted her newest concept last month in the midst of the Leather District. The bistro-style ambiance is furthered by a menu steeped in comfort dishes for lunch and dinner, from Matzo ball soup ($13) to bolognese ($30), steak frites ($55), and Giannoni half chicken ($32). Bargoers also have the exclusive option to order homemade cheese or pepperoni pizzas ($15) from 7 p.m. onward which are a perfect pairing with the selection of Italian wines by the glass or with the team’s signature, creative cocktails like the SJ’s Martini with vodka, tarragon, pink peppercorn and lemon-infused vermouth and the Skyeline with gin, yuzuri, creme de violette, Luxardo and fresh yuzu.
745 Atlantic Ave., Leather District
Now Open
Curved ceilings, statement lighting and custom millwork set the scene across 9,500-square-feet of lounge and dining space at Back Bay’s newest restaurant. The Vancouver-based Cactus Club Cafe expands to Boston with its first-ever U.S. location that embraces the “elevated but never pretentious” mindset of the eatery. “The food, design, and energy are on par with some of the best restaurants in North America, but at a price point that invites people to come often,” shared Andrew Latchford, President of Cactus Club Cafe. Helmed by executive chef Greg McCallum and their Test Kitchen team of culinary experts, the menu was designed to showcase the best of Boston’s ingredients, including dishes like crab dip ($19), seafood platters for the table with lobster tail and hamachi sashimi ($78), and shrimp and scallop ceviche ($23), while also highlighting longtime Cactus Club Cafe favorites, like pastas (from $21) and steaks (from $37).
500 Boylston St., Back Bay
Opens: December 9
This month, COJE Management Group adds another venture to their portfolio with the opening of My Girl, an ode to the glamor of 1950s Havana. Chief culinary officer Tom Berry has curated a Latin-inspired menu that will be accompanied by live music and performances throughout the week. Shareable highlights include Wagyu steak carpaccio with smoked shoyu, wasakaka and crispy onion for “a luxe take on a classic,” said Berry, as well as tuna puffs—“A playful, interactive dish featuring crunchy Pani Puri puffs filled with spicy yellowfin tuna and topped with wasabi kizami and Thai basil. Each puff is paired with a chilled “Demon Slayer” gazpacho shot for a refreshing, spicy-cool contrast.” Designed by the London-based Natalia Miyar, the intimate space beneath COJE’s already successful Mariel, is draped in rich metallic tones and velvet textures, with a shiny back bar that will surely act as a stage to the bespoke martinis and reimagined bottle service thought up by COJE’s Director Of Bars, Ray Tremblay.
10 Post Office Square, Downtown Boston
Opens: Early December
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