Best of 2014

          In 2012 I rated my top ten restaurants in and around Boston and meant to update this annually. However, in 2013 I realized I'd tried many amazing new places but still loved my old favorites, and simply couldn't choose. Instead I decided to rate the top ten NEW (to me) restaurants of 2013. Continuing the tradition in 2014, here are my ten favorite new restaurants for the year in no (alphabetical) order:

Alden and Harlow: One of the newest additions to Harvard Square, Alden and Harlow has an eclectic menu of delicious tapas style dishes and craft cocktails. The corn pancakes, pasta with chicken skin and liver butter, squash hummus, and pork belly are all amazing. Read the full post here.

Bar Boulud: Chef Daniel Boulud's first venture in Boston is the closest thing this city has seen to a Michelin starred restaurant. The charcuterie bar with build your own boards and an amazing selection of pates, cured meats, and cheeses is a must try, as well as the raw bar and burger. Read the full post here. 

Barcelona: The second Boston area location of this Spanish tapas restaurant opened in the south end in December 2014. The fideos with chorizo, foie gras, and poached egg is simply divine, and the sugar cookies with caramel are one of my favorite desserts in Boston. Read the full post here.

Cafe Art Science: Part laboratory, part high end restaurant - Cafe Art Science is as much about the experience as it is the food (although the food is outstanding). Vapor cocktails that hover above the bar are just one of the many reasons this place fits in perfectly with the Kendall Square neighborhood right next to MIT. The tuna crudo and poached egg with chicken skin and foie gras vinaigrette are two of my favorites from the opening menu. Read the full post here.

Douzo: Douzo has become a regular spot for sushi, both in the restaurant and for delivery. They have a great mix of traditional and more creative dishes, and the quality is always top notch. My favorites are the seared salmon over crab salad and chef's choice mixed sushi and sashimi platter. Read the full post here.

Oleana: This place has been on my list for years, but for some reason I never made it in until recently (and then I went back a few more times)! The vegetarian tasting menu is an amazing value at $40, and enough for two people to share. The spinach falafel wraps and chickpea terrine are two dishes that make me consider becoming vegetarian. Read the full post here.

Row 34: This place has become my favorite seafood in Boston. They have an amazing crudo and raw bar selection, a delicious smoked seafood board, a hot buttered lobster roll, and one of the best desserts in Boston: a homemade candy bar. Read the full post here.

Sarma: This Turkish inspired restaurant in Somerville is from the same owners as Oleana, but a bit more casual. I absolutely love the squash fritters, seven layer hummus dip, and hot dates with goat cheese. Although there is a mix of meats and vegetables, this is another place that makes me consider being vegetarian (if I could eat here everyday). Read the full post here.

Study: This is the newest concept from the owners of Journeyman, and the menu is meant to be a little more casual and flexible. They offer several tasting menus, a la carte, and vegetarian options. There are plenty of interesting options like beef tongue, goat, and rabbit all done perfectly, and they have a great selection of natural and organic wine including several orange wines. Read the full post here.

Wink and Nod: This speakeasy in the south end rotates chefs and concepts every few months. I tried it when the guys from Whisk were in the kitchen, and had an amazing meal. Some of my favorites were the venison tartare, duck and foie gras meatballs, and black pasta. This place is also worth coming to just for a drink at the bar to enjoy the atmosphere. Read the full post here.