Haute Spots: Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar:

One of Boston’s most highly anticipated restaurant openings is happening any day now. Brought to us by chef/owner Michael Schlow, the Greek focused restaurant will take over the space previously occupied by Via Matta at 79 Park Square at the Heritage on the Garden. The James Beard award winning chef’s latest venture, Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar, pays homage to his wife’s Greek culture.
Photo Credit: Michael Schlow

Schlow’s Good Essen Restaurant Group also includes Alta Strada in Wellesley, Mass. and Foxwoods in Connecticut, which serves Italian fare; Tico in Boston and in DC, Schlow’s interpretation of South American and Spanish cuisine; PINE at the Hanover Inn in Dartmouth, NH that serves farm-focused, locally sourced cuisine; and Cavatina in Los Angeles inside of the Sunset Marquis Hotel, which offers a twist on California cuisine. His most recent restaurant, The Riggsby, opened earlier this month in Washington, DC.

The Greek translation of “Doro” means “gift,” which is precisely what Schlow’s cooking always delivers – a surprise with every creative dish that leaves a lasting memory. The former Via Matta space where Schlow delivered Italian fare for 13 years has been completely transformed to now include an expanded patio area, a new center bar, “show kitchen,” raw bar, and 60-foot hand-painted wall created by Schlow’s artist wife Adrienne.

As for the food, think simple Greek fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients like Greek ceviche, grilled octopus with lemon, onions and capers or roasted pepper and eggplant spreads served with warm house made flatbread. The menu is divided into five different sections – raw bar, spreads, small plates, entrees and sides. Here, you can start off with a sampling of local oysters, move onto crispy zucchini chips with spicy cucumber yogurt, before enjoying heartier plates like his 15-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder rubbed with rosemary, lemon, garlic, parsley and mint. Adrienne’s family’s recipes like Mimi’s lemon and olive oil potatoes are also featured on the menu.

We are looking forward to checking out their new international wine program that will feature an extensive wines by the glass selection. Doretta Taverna will start off serving dinner nightly with lunch to follow.