Haute Spots Boston: ArtBar

Dining in and around Boston is best when it’s at an al fresco seat on a patio with a waterfront view during the summer months. That’s just what ArtBar Cambridge provides. ArtBar is located inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge across from the Cambridgeside Galleria. The outdoor patio offers a beautiful view of The Charles River across the street and Boston skyline.

Photo Credit: ArtBar/Sullivan Communications

The concept here is food meets art so expect the unexpected. For example, start off with a taste of Spanish octopus with marcona almonds, olives and peppadew peppers or pork belly sammies made with house kimchee and spicy cashews topped with hoisin glaze and avocado aioli. Instead of opting for a warm bowl of clam chowder to enjoy under the sun, try the seasonal favorite chilled corn and coconut soup. Our two favorite starters are the sweet potato tots with garlic parmesan aioli, and whole wheat orecchiette made with broccoli rabe, house chorizo and fennel. Executive Chef Brian Dandro has created a menu that focuses on seasonal American cuisine with a New England flair.

When it comes to dinner, we recommend the lobster carbonara, a deliciously rich combination of cider brine pork belly, English peas and fresh spaghetti topped with a farm fresh egg that oozes perfectly throughout the dish. The baby kale salad is the perfect dish for summer topped with glazed almonds, strawberries, goat cheese and honey lime dressing. There is also a Niman Ranch chuck burger on the menu as well as a lobster roll (available in single or double portions) made even better when topped with lemon aioli.

The tender duck breast is accompanied by whipped sweet potatoes, collard greens and a pickled watermelon rind. One of our favorite dishes is the New York strip, a tender cut of beef cooked to our medium rare liking served with potato puree, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and roasted bone marrow butter. As you step outside the restaurant, be sure to check out the hotel’s world-class art collection that line the walls.

ArtBar is located at 40 Edwin Land Boulevard in Cambridge.