Mission On Fire restaurant opens in West Roxbury
Restaurateur Wellington Augusto opens his fifth restaurant, Mission On Fire in West Roxbury, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.
The New York Times just released their fourth annual restaurant list, and one spot in Boston made the cut.
This list compiles 50 of the best dining locations across the country, which the Times calls their “50 favorite places” to eat in America for the year. Out of the 50, four are in New England, with one each in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
While Dorchester’s Comfort Kitchen was the only Massachusetts restaurant to make the list last year, Somaek in downtown Boston is representing the state on this year’s list.
Somaek features traditional Korean dishes in a comfortable, intimate setting away from the business of Downtown Crossing. Chef Jamie Bissonnette says he fell in love with Korean cuisine while cooking with his mother-in-law Soon Han, to whom he gives full credit for the menu.
“We are thrilled to raise a glass to our team and celebrate being named among the @nytimes Restaurants List highlighting their 50 favorite places in America right now,” the restaurant posted on Instagram after being named to the list.
The restaurant is only one aspect of the three businesses currently owned by Bissonnette’s restaurant group. Located right next door is Temple Records, a music lounge and bar that takes inspiration from Japanese listening bars, and downstairs is a sushi counter and speakeasy.
What to eat at Somaek
When it comes to the robust menu, writer Julia Moskin recommends classic dishes in The New York Times story such as chilled pork belly, seared beef and stir-fried squid with rice cakes.
Moskin also calls the Banchan menu “a master class,” recommending shareable sides like chive-garlic salad, radish kimchi and pickled perilla leaf.
How to visit Somaek
Somaek is open from 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
You can find Somaek at 11 Temple Pl. in Boston. Discounted parking is available for customers in the Lafayette Garage at 1 Lafayette Pl.
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What other New England restaurants made the list?
Want to visit some of the other winners? Here are the three other restaurants in New England that made the New York Times’ top 50:
