MIDA, the first restaurant from talented up-and-comer Douglass Williams, is an Italian-influenced neighborhood restaurant with a focus on wine and warm service in a casual setting. Guests at the South End spot, which is located at the corner of Mass Ave and Tremont Street, can expect a dining experience that brings the highest quality of ingredients to life through creativity, curiosity, and skill in the form of handmade pastas, bold, unique flavor combinations, and limitless passion and generosity.

Rooted in Italian culinary tradition and seasoned by Chef Williams’ extensive travels, MIDA’s menu is designed around the shared dining experience. Every dish from the small starters (piccolo) to the desserts (dolci), build on the quintessential culinary elements – charred, spicy, crunchy and crispy. There are plenty of handmade pastas to choose from and family-style plates that are perfect for sharing.

The wine program aims to introduce guests to lesser known world-class producers while remaining approachable and value-driven. Primarily Northern Italian and French, there are a few Eastern European and domestic bottles as well. A concise by-the-glass list offers three sparkling and four red and white options, and a there’s a great selection of Campari and ten types of vermouth. Cocktails are focused yet creative while beers hail from both Italy and New England with six each on tap and by the bottle. Fun non-alcoholic beverages are available for underage guests or abstainers.

MIDA is simple yet chic and inviting, a bright urban space with a cozy ambiance. Clean light grey walls and panelized trim along with brushed ceramic tile create elegant texture throughout, and a blue bar front adds a pop of color behind a backlit metal mesh. Rich, black wood and leather seating and grey banquettes span the restaurant at the bar, high tops, and farm tables, and an open kitchen faces the back dining area with a beautiful white stone top counter. Lighting throughout lends itself to the warmth of the space with European-style chandeliers, hanging pendants, and a row of lights delicately dangling above the bar. Each area of the restaurant provides its own feeling, perfect for intimacy or socializing.