I have been going back to Boston with some frequency to see my 91-year old mother who has been stricken with a miserable case of shingles. If ever you need motivation to get the newest, 2-shot shingles vaccine, the notes on
Facial Paralysis Caused By Shingles might be enough. Good chance of losing sight in one eye, going deaf in one ear, and losing permanent muscle control on one side of your face.
That said, I've tried a few restaurants, most are disappointing with particularly uninspired wine list. There are exceptions, however!
Haley Henry has very simple food and a surprising wine list. I thought I knew at least a few of the "natural" wine producers; in retrospect, I know almost nothing. What is the converse of Dunning-Kreuger?
Pagu in contrast, has a simple wine list and much more interesting food. I've only been once, would definitely go back.
Rebel Rebel Wine Bar Very interesting wine selection, mostly "natural" with some hidden gems. Bar food only, so eat elsewhere. They also have a sister restaurant/bar
Dear Annie Bar that looks like a blend of Rebel Rebel and Haley Henry. I haven't been yet.
Samra has excellent Middle-Eastern/Lebanese food. I've been several times, and if you can get a reservation it is truly worth the schlep from downtown. Wine list is decent. Sister restaurant
Oleana is supposed to be even better, but I've never been able to get a table.
More ideas as I think of them.
Well, I thought of another place:
Bakey Babka has excellent baked goods, including boreks, babkas, and croissants. Coffee is pretty good, too, and it's not all that far from Government Center.
Final thought - avoid Tatte like the plague (or like shingles, or herpes, or "insert your favorite lethal or semi-lethal disease here.") If you can make it out to Newton (and why would you?)
Salt Patisserie has superb laminated pastries.
