I have a list on my phone that I try and remember to add new places to. With a small budget and not being a very frequent diner-out, I am ashamed to admit that several establishments never made it off my list prior to closing. (I’m looking at you, Playska!). My own list is focused on the Somerville/Cambridge area but there’s so much ground to cover, I thought it might be fun to share.
Yume Wakatore (it’s never the right time to stand in line with two hungry Sprouts)
Journeyman
Cafe Art Science
Row 34
Loyal Nine for dinner (have done lunch and coffee)
Juliet (just had an excellent scone, want to go back for a meal)
That new hot pot place in Davis Square that was briefly a fro-yo shop
Spoke
Istanbu’lu
Dosa n’ Curry (I haven’t had good dosas in too long)
State Park
Mamaleh’s (when it opens)
Journeyman (when they start their new wood-fired oven thing)
Juliet
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Neptune Oyster
Yume Wo Katare
Little Q Hot Pot
Moulton’s Surf and Turf in Medford
Casa B
Red Bird - I’ve failed on a Monday three times
Bronwyn
Asta
Row 34
Oh good lord my list is pages long. I’ve stopped asking for general recommendations because it will take me years to get through what I already have.
That said - Red Bird is in my hood so if you go, report back. It is definitely still on the Moody Street list for me - been working my way down the street just haven’t made it there yet.
Select oyster bar
Carl Dooley’s restaurant Table
Juliet
Tasting counter
Thimes – we live in Waltham and have been to Red Bird several times. Very solid food. We find the wine list lacking. Solid cocktails for the most part.
