Haute Spots Boston: Yvonne’s

Photo Credit: Yvonne’s

When Boston’s historic restaurant Locke-Ober closed its doors in 2012, we waited with bated breath for the announcement of its replacement. After three long years, it’s finally about to happen. Introducing Yvonne’s, a modern reinterpretation of the supper club concept slated to open over the next couple of weeks.

Locke-Ober was known for attracting an elite clientele over the years since it opened its doors in 1862, including President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. The reinterpretation of the classic restaurant, Yvonne’s (named for the subject of a classic painting in Locke-Ober) will continue the tradition that Locke-Ober was so well known for while adding some new twists (think a champagne cart available by tugging a chandelier string and communal dining with shared plates).

Located near Downtown Crossing at 3 Winter Place, Yvonne’s has a “secret entrance” through a blow-dry bar and is now divided into a classic Library Bar, main dining room and comfortable lounge. The iconic restaurant, owned by Lolita Cocina co-owner Chris Jamison and business partner Mark Malatesta, has remained true to its roots with Locke-Ober’s expansive Santo Domingo mahogany bar still prominently on display now with polished décor.

As for dining, the menu here, which focuses on shared plates, was designed by Chefs Tom Berry and Juan Pedrosa with flavors of the Far & Middle East, Mediterranean, Europe and America. Sip on a classic cocktail here like Locke-Ober’s infamous Ward 8 or select a bottle of wine from their collection of more than 200 selections. (A separate drink list will be available in the Library Bar).
Culinary Director Tom Berry has worked at some of the area’s best restaurants, including Blue Ginger of Wellesley, Bambara in the Hotel Marlowe and Temple Bar of Cambridge. Executive Chef Juan Pedrosa worked with Berry previously at Temple Bar before moving onto the Great Harbor Yacht Club, Trade in Boston and The Glenville Stops of Allston.