Restaurant Week Boston always brings a few surprises and this summer’s crop of first-time participants is one of its strongest yet. The rookie class includes some of the city’s buzziest new openings, longtime neighborhood favorites finally joining the fun and a handful of destinations that put a fresh spin on the prix fixe experience. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to branch out, this is it.
Leading the pack is Maple & Ash Boston, the long-awaited Seaport outpost of the acclaimed Chicago steakhouse, along with fellow newcomers Fallow Kin and Alice & Monarch in Cambridge and Rosa y Marigold in the Back Bay, a trio of chef-driven restaurants that have quickly found devoted followings since opening their doors. Wine lovers should also make room on the agenda for Marzae, the new tasting room and restaurant (opening this week!) at the Boston Public Market.
Looking for something a little different? The Treasury Indian and Greek Kitchen brings together two distinct culinary traditions under one roof, while F1 Arcade Boston and The Sportsbook pair Restaurant Week menus with built-in entertainment, making dinner feel more like a night out.
There are plenty of beloved neighborhood spots joining Restaurant Week for the first time, too. Bianca, Hojoko, The Haven, Julianne’s Kitchen & Bar, Slack’s Oyster House & Grill and My Happy Hunan Kitchen all make their debut this season, adding everything from sushi and seafood to Scottish specialties and Chinese comfort food to the lineup.
Sushi fans, in particular, have reason to celebrate. All five Fuji locations (South End, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton and Quincy) are participating for the first time, making it easier than ever to satisfy your sashimi and specialty roll cravings no matter which side of the river you call home.
Whether you’re finally checking out one of Boston’s hottest new restaurants or revisiting a neighborhood favorite in a new way, this year’s first-time participants offer plenty of reasons to mix up your routine. Browse the full lineup on the Insider’s Guide to Restaurant Week, start mapping out your reservations and discover a few new favorites along the way.
