1. Local restaurateur Kenneth Himmel (Harvest and Grill 23) opened Post 390 between Back Bay and the South End in October. The bilevel tavern features dark wood walls and leather chairs, and views of Trinity Church and the Hancock Tower. In addition to two dining rooms, a semiprivate room can host 35 for cocktails, and two private dining rooms seat 16 and 42.
2. Bina Osteria opened in Downtown Crossing in December 2008 with a large street-front window and white terrazzo floors. A private dining room seats 12, a semiprivate lounge and bar area seats 50, a semiprivate communal table in the main dining room seats 14, and full buyouts seat 90.
3. In January 2009, the Langham Hotel debuted Bond, an opulent restaurant with 25-foot vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and plush lounge seating. The elevated Dom Perignon Lounge holds 30 in a space overlooking the main dining room, which can be bought out for 78. The private Wyeth Room holds 80 and includes audiovisual equipment.
4. In March 2009, popular eatery Stephanie’s on Newbury launched a South End offshoot, Stephi’s on Tremont. The bright, open restaurant serves creative comfort food like pretzel-crusted crab cakes and pecan-goat-cheese fritter salad. A private dining room seats 12, and buyouts seat 70.
