Looking to find out about the freshest new spots in Back Bay? From a place to score desserts to an Italian eatery, read on for the newest spots to open for business in this part of Boston.
SAMA Confections
279 Newbury St.
SAMA Confections is a New England-based business that makes and distributes handmade desserts in a jar, including crème brûlée, chocolate pudding with almonds, coconut panna cotta and matcha mousse. It also has artisanal coffees and handcrafted teas. (See the full menu here.)
With a five-star Yelp rating out of eight reviews, SAMA Confections has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Anna X., who reviewed the shop on Aug. 8, wrote, "I ordered the matcha mousse and it came in a cute, round jar with a small recyclable spoon. The portion is sort of on the small side, but it's enough to satisfy your cravings. The matcha mousse also came with a thin layer of red bean paste on the bottom!"
And Suzanne P. added, "Exquisite quality desserts matched by an exceptionally open, airy and beautiful interior space. Everything here is fresh and of the highest quality — down to the fresh cold brew and pour over coffee."
SAMA Confections is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
I-CE-NY
217 Newbury St.
International chain I-CE-NY has opened its first shop in Massachusetts, offering its signature Thai rolled ice cream.
Create your own custom treat or try favorites like the Mango Sticky Rice with mango ice cream, Ataulfo mango, Thai coconut milk-infused sticky rice and savory coconut sauce; Matcha Mania with green tea ice cream, cornflakes, red bean, mochi and condensed milk; and the Cookie Spree with sweet cream ice cream, Oreo, Cookie Crisp and chocolate sauce.
The new addition has gotten an enthusiastic response thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 27 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Ashwini P., who reviewed it on Aug. 4, wrote, "One of the best ice cream shops I've been to! ... The store itself is very cute and Instagrammable, with a little area to take pictures. Watching the ice cream mashers make the ice cream was so cool!"
Katrina L. added, "This place is amazing! Perfect location on Newbury Street. They can make your ice cream however you want. Service was great and I love how they decorated the store."
Head on over to check it out: I-CE-NY is open from noon–10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on weekends.
Orá Trattorizza
653 Boylston St.
Orá Trattorizza is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria that offers seasonally inspired fare for lunch and dinner.
On its website, the new establishment says it is focused on delivering "bold Italian flavors in both classic, traditional dishes as well as re-imagined, more elevated ones."
Menu items include brick-oven pizzas like the Diavola (picante salami, arugula leaves, mozzarella and ricotta), pasta dishes like the Cavatelli (pan-seared chicken, roasted leaks, walnut pesto and grana peelings) and salads like the Rucola (arugula, roasted quinoa, avocado, shaved grana, caper berries and crushed tomato vinaigrette). It also offers cocktails and desserts. (See the full menu here.)
Yelpers are excited about Orá Trattorizza, which currently holds five stars out of five reviews on the site.
Richard N., who reviewed the trattoria on Aug. 8, wrote, "I've had two pizzas, plus the Nutella pizza dessert, and each time I was blown away with how well they take care of their pizza crust! The wine selection is very good, they have pairings for each course on the menu. Don't skip over the salads, they are very well built by the chef, and are surprisingly large portions!"
Yelper Dana L. added, "Delicious Italian food and lovely ambiance! Their brick-oven pizza is fantastic. We also had a great pesto pasta. Lots of outdoor seating as well."
Orá Trattorizza is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
