Lay Of The Land: The Best Of Roslindale Square

Originally published on April 30. In the eight months since, we’ve grown even fonder of Geoffrey’s. Also, Nuvo is no longer.

When we were growing up in Roslindale, it wasn’t much of a culinary destination. The area’s dining options consisted one or two diners that seemed to cater exclusively to the area’s more senior population, a truly sketchy Chinese restaurant, and a bakery. Now, a good decade and a half later, Rozzy Square (which we’ve never heard called “Roslindale Village” by anyone who grew up there) is becoming a destination for Boston’s food lovers. Although we’re tempted to let the Square’s great restaurants stay a secret, we must admit that nothing makes us happier than introducing others to our beloved home neighborhood, so for your epicurian edification, a guide to the best Roslindale Square has to offer.

•Come to Nuvo Kitchen & Wine Bar for the wine and stay for the lobster ravioli at this wine bar/Irish-inspired bistro just outside the Square. Warning: you may well intend to stop in for just a glass of wine and a snack, but the odds are good that the friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere will inspire you to stay until you’ve consumed a large dinner and a bottle of vino.
•Step into Sophia’s Grotto, a restaurant nestled into a courtyard off Birch Street and discover what Rozzy residents have known for two years: there’s some damn fine food in this tiny trattoria. The well-cultivated menu takes its inspiration from Spain and Italy and the gnocchi bolognaise just might be the best in Boston.
•Village Sushi and Grill, Roslindale’s only Asian restaurant of note serves up stellar sushi and pan-Asian dishes from udon noodles to bibimbop, all in an unusually relaxed and calm atmosphere. In warm weather, diners can sit in the courtyard, which is Roslindale’s best spot for people-watching.
•From the outside, Romano’s doesn’t look like much more than a divey neighborhood pizza joint. Those brave enough to venture in, however, are rewarded by far-above-average pizza and, more surprisingly, superlative Mexican food, which has been praised by authorities like Burrito Blog and the usually-harsh patrons of Chowhound.
•Geoffrey’s won many fans during its two previous incarnations in the South End and Back Bay. Now the restaurant has brought its signature comfort food (think steak tips and pork chops) to Roslindalians and early reports indicate that it’s very good (and very reasonably priced) indeed.

Nuvo Kitchen & Wine Bar, 4174 Washington St, Roslindale, (617) 363-9225
Sophia’s Grotto, 22 Birch St, Roslindale, (617) 323-4595
Village Sushi & Grill, 14 Corinth St, Roslindale, (617) 363-7864
Romano’s Pizza, 4249 Washington St, Roslindale, (617) 325-2885
Geoffrey’s, 4257 Washington St, Roslindale, (617) 325-1000

Lay Of The Land: The Best Of Roslindale Square