Asta

There are sheepskin blankets covering the benches at Asta in Back Bay, which is good, because since this is a tasting menu place (five courses for $80, 8 for $110) you’re going to be here for a while. The menu is typically filled with upscale American food like lamb served with green pea puree and mackerel with squid ink and endive. While not all the courses are going to blow you away, you can expect a few memorable bites every night, and with a lively open kitchen and a Ryan Gosling poster in the bathroom, Asta is the rare fine dining place that feels fun and casual.