Interested in checking out the freshest new spots in Downtown? From a Parisian creperie to a Japanese ramen house, read on for the newest establishments to open for business in this area of Boston.
Blue Bottle Coffee
100 Federal St., Suite K200, The Exchange
Blue Bottle Coffee is a kiosk situated amid an airy, open dining area in the Exchange Conference Center on Boston's historic waterfront.
It's the second location in town for the global chain, which has outposts in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and more. The new kiosk offers up specialty espresso drinks, teas and liège-style Belgian waffles.
With a 3.5-star Yelp rating out of seven reviews, Blue Bottle Coffee is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper B T., who reviewed Blue Bottle Coffee on May 5, wrote: "Finally! Blue Bottle in downtown Boston! Location is beautiful. Away from the main tourist attraction, but close enough to walk there and enjoy the coffee on a weekend!"
“For an 8-ounce cafe latte and a piece of rhubarb pound cake, I paid over $10 this morning," added Yelper Mindy L. "It's a little too pricey and a bit too fancy for a Dunkin' Donuts aficionado like myself, though I will say that the cafe latte was made beautifully by the barista. It required no sweetener as the taste was lovely and mild with no bitter notes.”
Blue Bottle Coffee is open from 7 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends.
Crepe & More
1 S. Station, South Boston
Crepe & More is a creperie offering sweet and savory Parisian crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. According to its Yelp page, the restaurant's flour is imported from a small region in France, and additional ingredients are locally-sourced in the areas surrounding Boston.
Yelp users are still warming up to Crepe & More, which currently holds 3.5 stars out of seven reviews on the site.
Yelper William J., who reviewed Crepe & More on April 14, wrote: "Had the "classic" buckwheat crepe. Texture of the crepe was amazing, a bit of a crispy crunch as you bite in. Reminded me of the crepes in my favorite creperie in the Saint Germain area of Paris — Little Breizh."
And DA H. added: "If you're in South Station, and need a snack, definitely give them a try. Fresh, handmade crepes while you watch."
Crepe & More is open from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekends.
Oisa Ramen
1 3/4 Broad St., Financial District
Last but not least, Oisa Ramen is a pop-up eatery, offering signature ramen dishes like the smoky shoyu, made with vegetable stock, burnt shallot oil, shiitake and trumpet mushrooms, bok choy and scallions.
Thirsty? A selection of tea, sake, rice beer and lager is on hand, along with Calpico — a Japanese uncarbonated soft drink.
With a four-star Yelp rating out of 52 reviews on Yelp, Oisa Ramen has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Leon K., who reviewed Oisa Ramen on May 5, wrote: "Chef Moe is cooking up delicious ramen like a boss in this small spot nestled between Bostonia and Tiki Rock. Unlike most other places, her main ramen stock is vegetable based, which is unexpectedly packed with umami. For the omnivores out there, she tops her ramen with delicious pork belly."
"I traveled to Japan and literally ate ramen in a place similar to this," shared Yelper Shazia B. "It was delicious and so is Oisa. I got the veggie one, and the broth and noodles were cooked perfectly. The flavors were perfect."
Oisa Ramen is open from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and re-opens from 5–9 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings. (It's closed on weekends.)
