Le Mari to Debut on Newbury This Friday, Led by Chef Leigh Whittaker, an Alum of James Beard-Awarded Fox & The Knife

Newbury Street is set to welcome a new culinary gem this Friday with the opening of Le Mari. This Mediterranean-inspired concept comes from rising-star Chef Leigh Whittaker, and it promises a vivid celebration of seasonal creations and social dining.

Chef Whittaker, who made a major leap from a successful career in the medical device industry, embarks on this new endeavor after a rise through Boston’s prominent food landscape. Whittaker graduated as valedictorian from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in 2021, then quickly made a name for herself at well-known 'farm-to-fork' dining experience Earth at Hidden Pond in Maine, before joining forces with James Beard awardee Karen Akunowicz at South Boston's acclaimed Fox & The Knife.

Le Mari Restaurant spans 1,300 square feet of meticulously designed space, accompanied by a Parisian-style patio, where Chef Whittaker will breathe life into her Mediterranean inspirations. The establishment, which occupies the old Bar à vin 1855 spot, features deep turquoise tones, golden accents, and an array of seating options including traditional tables, high-tops, and banquettes. Dual bars adorn the back, seating up to 18 diners, while an additional 30 seats spread across the dining room, anchored by a French mural depicting Mediterranean vistas.

The establishment’s layout is complemented by quaint Parisian-style patios, ideal for al fresco dining experiences. Intricately designed interiors include glittering chandeliers, sconces, and a whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” inspired piece, contributing to the restaurant’s playful yet sophisticated ambiance. Natural light pours in from three oversized bay windows, ensuring diners can savor the atmosphere during the day, while stylish lighting adds a contemporary touch by night.

The menu, distinctively tailored by Chef Whittaker, offers a tantalizing variety of dishes intended for sharing. Some highlights include scallop crudo with grilled pineapple and toasted coconut, crispy duck fat gaufrettes served with shallot aioli and caviar, and pansotti con cipolla, a homemade pasta stuffed with fontina and caramelized onion. Noteworthy entrées feature sea bass complemented by tzatziki, fennel, apple, and sumac, a picanha-cut steak with gremolata, and a unique Lion’s Mane mushroom dish with butterbean puree.

Complementing the food is an expertly curated beverage program that marries classic techniques with playful innovations. Among the offerings are the “Yes, Chef” cocktail blending Altos blanco with Thai bird chili, the “Catchin' a Flight T'Amaro” with bourbon and citrus, and the creatively named “(Not) a Basic B*tch Spritz” featuring Bonanto cherry, apple, mango, and cava. For those opting for non-alcoholic choices, zero-proof elixirs such as Phony-Negroni and Amaro Soda provide satisfying alternatives.

Le Mari is located at 259 Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and will start by serving dinner Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with lunch and brunch services debuting in the coming weeks. Chef Whittaker's ambition is to create an atmosphere where seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients blend seamlessly into an engaging and congenial dining experience.

Reflecting on her journey, Chef Whittaker shared that inspiration from Boston's formidable female chefs drove her vision. Her desire to craft a social dining environment with fresh, seasonal offerings is at the heart of Le Mari's identity. By marrying her passions for local sourcing and homemade pastas, she aims to create not just a meal, but a culinary experience.

"Dishes are largely designed to be shared, in a social setting, and enjoyed with a curated cocktail and an endless, fluid wine list," Chef Whittaker said in a statement to Hoodline Boston.

Be sure to experience the vibrant, sophisticated charm of Le Mari yourself upon its debut this Friday, bringing a new wave of Mediterranean warmth and innovative culinary creativity to Newbury Street.