1. Dante de Magistris of Restaurant Dante opened Il Casale in Belmont in April. The renovated firehouse seats 200 in the dining room, 50 in the bar and 32 on the patio.
2. In November, Ken Oringer (of KO Prime, Clio, and Toro), opened Coppa, an Italian-style wine bar in the South End. The entire venue can accommodate 50.
3. Also new to the South End, Teranga opened in May. The eatery serves African specialties and is available for buyouts for as many as 36.
4. In Back Bay, the Catered Affair took over the Novel cafe at the Boston Public Library in May and reopened it as the Courtyard Restaurant. It can host seated dinners for 75 or receptions for 99.
5. Two blocks form the library, Pazzo Ristorante and Bar also opened in May. This bilevel Italian spot seats 125 and includes a sidewalk patio.
6. The Millennium Bostonian Hotel opened North 26 in March 2009. The 125-seat venue offers two semiprivate areas for 30 and 12.
