Boston | I was afraid it would be too hot but it was worth the trip
đ· Dali: Bostonâs Most Exciting New FindâUnexpected Flavor Combos That Work Bostonâs been lacking âwowâ restaurants lately, but Dali? Itâs a game-changer. I knew it was good, but not this good. Think bold, unexpected ingredient pairings that somehow clickâplus a vibe thatâs perfect for dates. đŽ Standout Dishes Chuletillas de Cordero ($15): đ Grilled lamb chops with peach sauce. Wildly good. The sauce tastes like a mix of lamb jus and roasted peachesâsavory, meaty, with a bright fruity kick that cuts through the richness. The lamb itself is tender, full-flavored, and the peach isnât just a gimmickâit balances the dish. A first-time combo for me, and Iâm hooked. Pato Braseado ($18): đŠ Braised duck leg with blackberry sauce. Another surprise. The sauce is pure, intense blackberryâsweet, tart, and so fruityâit tames the duckâs richness without overpowering it. The skinâs crispy, the meat tender (no gamey aftertaste), and the contrast between savory duck and bright berry? Genius. Tortilla Española ($8): đ„ A throw-in order that stole the show. Thick, fluffy Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions, served with garlic aioli. Rich, hearty, and packed with depthâway more satisfying than your average tapas. Mariscos en Crema de Camarones ($30): đ€ Skipped the classic paella for this creamy shrimp-sauce seafood rice, and no regrets. Loaded with fresh scallops, squid, mussels, shrimp, and octopusâall tender, no rubbery textures. The rice is slightly al dente (traditional), but the sauce? Heaven. Creamy, briny, with a hint of mysterious spices that tie everything together. đč Drinks to Sip Mango Caipirinha ($14) : đ„ Recommended by the serverâmade with cachaça (a Brazilian rum-like spirit), muddled lime, and mango purĂ©e. Refreshing, not too sweet, with a bright kick. Their cocktail list is long (all $14), so thereâs plenty to explore. Passionfruit Mojito (non-alcoholic, $7): đč A friendâs orderâbetter than the classic mojito. Zesty, fruity, and perfectly balanced. âš The Vibe Cozy, dimly lit, and romanticâthink vibrant, (warm) decor with colorful tables and dishes. Perfect for dates or small groups. Book ahead: We arrived at 5:30 PM on a weekend, and people were already waiting for doors to open. Pro tip: If online shows no spots, callâthey might squeeze you in. Price: ~$56 per person (with drinks); skip alcohol and it drops. Tapas portions are smallâ4 dishes work for 2 people. đ Dali 415 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 #BostonEats #SpanishFood #DateNightSpots