The best new restaurants in Boston

Within the signature restaurant on the 17th floor of the new Raffles Hotel, Michelin-starred chef George Mendes serves up modern Portuguese fine dining to those lucky enough to grab a reservation. Eponymous with “love” in Portuguese, Amar is a love letter to seafood-heavy, classic dishes with the chef’s own twist—Jamon Iberico, uni toast, Carabineros prawns, Gomes de Sá cod, a decadent shellfish custard and an arroz di mariscos for two. The desserts are sublime, including the made-to-order Pão de ló Sponge cake, an Iberian egg-yolk sponge cake with smoked cinnamon ice cream. 

Limani Grille Seaport transports diners to the beautiful shores of Cyprus and Greece with its fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare. ​​Spearheaded by Chef George Salas, the menu showcases selections including shareable must-haves like the Limani chips (paper-thin zucchini and eggplant served with lightly fried Kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki), as well as bar items items like Mediterranean ceviche (Lavraki dressed with lime, fresh herbs, gigantes beans and feta cheese). Limani also offers an array of entrees like its braised lamb shank, Moussaka, and whole-fish Fagri for Two.

An expansive, Boston version of the late-night industry favorite in New York City, this 265-seat restaurant is located directly at the doorstep of Kenmore Square’s Hotel Commonwealth. The brasserie is not only the perfect place to stop in for a burger and beer before a Red Sox night game, but it’s also an ideal spot to wrap up the evening with a nightcap and late-night bites (check out their discounted Late Night Social Hour from 10pm-midnight). The menu fills you up with hearty dishes, such as lamb chops, steak frites, pierogies, foie gras terrine, paella and French onion soup bubbling under a layer of melted gruyère cheese.

The newest movie theater in the Seaport can easily double as a great spot for a meal. While you’re enjoying your movie, simply write down your food order from the menu (peep the spicy buffalo chicken pizza, mini corn dogs and milkshakes) on the provided paper, press the button, and the sheet is whisked away quietly. They bring your food right to your chair—you have your own table in front of each seat—so your attention on the screen isn’t interrupted at all.

An ode to the seaside clam shacks and raw bars of the New England coast, Little Whale is set in a charming brownstone with Chef Michael Serpa at the helm. A new addition to his seafood empire, the airy, bright atmosphere with a breezy, nautical feel offers two floors of dining. While a smaller order of tasty bivalves whets your whistle, go big with one of their three chilled plateaux—the Newbury, the Grand or the Big Whale (a whopping 24 oysters, dozen shrimp cocktail, dressed lobster, ceviche, tuna crudo and caviar service). Dishes not to miss include the Greek Branzino, white clam flatbread, bluefish dip and broccolini with white anchovies.

Recently celebrating its first birthday, Puritan Oyster Bar is perfect for not only a full seafood feast, but also a quick fix of drinks and a dozen of the ocean’s finest. Owned by beloved local chef and restaurateur Will Gilson, this cozy Inman Square spot is lauded for its oyster service, raw favorites like crudo and tartare, as well as other oceanic delights, such as lobster rolls, smoked fish dishes, seafood dips and salads.