Two exceptional eateries have been recognized on Bon Appétit's distinguished Best New Restaurants of 2023 list. Moëca, a sustainable seafood restaurant in Cambridge, and Rubato, a modern Hong Kong cafe in Quincy, have joined 22 other culinary hotspots from all across the nation in this celebration of food innovation and creativity.
Bon Appétit's team of dedicated food enthusiasts has traversed the country over the year to gather the crème de la crème of the restaurant scene, searching for outstanding dining experiences that epitomize creativity and culinary innovation. This year's list features 24 top-notch establishments, more than the publication has ever highlighted in the past.
So, let's dive into the magic that Moëca and Rubato bring to the food lovers of Boston:
Moëca: Seafood with a Sustainable Twist
Opened in August 2022, Moëca is the brainchild of award-winning chef Michael Pagliarini, whose passion for sustainability has shaped this Cambridge gem into a true culinary sensation according to Boston.com. Moëca is also the sibling restaurant of Cambridge's Italian hot spot Giulia, and it brings the same awe-inspiring qualities – this time, with a focus on seafood.
Committedly using seafood sustainably, Moëca often has a rotating menu, with unique presentations of the same type of seafood, as suggested by Bon Appétit. The restaurant skillfully combines various global flavors, primarily from Italy and the Mediterranean, with each delectable dish merging seafood with ingredients like harissa and Calabrian chili.
Rubato: A Modern Hong Kong Cafe in the Heart of Quincy
In the summer of 2022, beloved Contempo Bakery owner Joyce Chan retired and passed her legacy to her son Laurence Louie and daughter-in-law Rary Ratsifa. A little later in August, the establishment reopened as Rubato, a modern take on Cantonese and Hong Kong comfort foods, which earned its spot on Bon Appétit's list.
Rubato boasts a warm, casual cafe atmosphere, where patrons can choose from quick-service meals, dine in, or order takeout food. This cosy eatery that can seat up to nine guests retains a few vestiges of its predecessor, including some of its fan-favorite dishes, as well the musical inspiration behind the restaurant's name. Offerings include modern takes on classics like fried chicken bolo bao and the signature Rubato fun fun and HK pork chop rice. The magazine lauded Rubato's grounded, confident cuisine and the amazing style that makes diners feel like they're a part of an intimate audience.
Owners of both Moëca and Rubato expressed their gratitude for the national recognition, noting the challenges restaurants have faced in order to open in a post-pandemic climate.
Bostonians are fortunate to have unique culinary gems like Moëca and Rubato within their city that have been recognized on a national stage.
