No luck for reservations at Bondir- second place suggestions?

[Kirs]

I'd wanted to take the new beau to Bondir for his birthday dinner next Friday, but they were already booked full (will keep in mind that a week is not enough for Bondir reservations on Friday for future endeavors). And now that my awesome plans have been foiled I can't seem to come up with any other ideas.

Any good suggestions for a replacement option? Looking for something a little romantic. Somewhat spendy is okay (L'espalier is probably out). But not spendy is okay too (although I'd really like a lovely atmosphere if possible). We are adventurous eaters. Local/sustainable given high marks.

We did Coppa last Friday otherwise I'd just do that! (We've also done all of JP, so no Ten Tables or Tres Gatos suggestions, but we love those places too).

EDIT: And my second choice, Oleana, is also booked up. Third place goes to....

[beetlebug]

Try Catalyst or Bergamot. I've had consistently excellent meals and service at both.

[teezeetoo]

Lots of good choices - I do love Rendezvous, and right now prefer the food at Catalyst, Journeyman (maybe that's closest to Bondir in concept) and T.W. Food to Blue Room, but i did really like my one "stop in" at Belly!

[KevinJF]

I actually put 7:00 in for two next Friday on Open Table. I think reservations are essential for a birthday dinner on a Friday. I came up with the following viable options, based on recent personal visits: Bergamot, Bustro du Midi, Blue Room, Erbaluce, Hamersley's, Harvest, Taranta, and Troquet.

Oleana, Craigie, and Hungry Mother have nothing within an hour of 7:00 PM. I have not been to West Bridge or Rendezvous, two suggestions made by others.

[Kirs]

Blue Room! That's it! Plus we can check out Belly either before or after.

Thanks, guys, for jogging my brain.

[FinnFPM]

A dark horse in this race might be Asmara. Depending on the type of people you are, the vibe could be romantic, especially if you haven't done it before. It's certainly not too spendy.

Maybe Tupelo?

[Kirs]

Alas, if I chose Asmara it would appear that I'd only considered my love of Ethiopian for his birthday dinner! Otherwise, Ethiopian is always a stellar choice.

Tupelo looks amazing though.

[jgg13]

Just for future reference, I recently made a reservation at bondir and was equally curious as to what the current time ahead requirement was. as far as 1.5 months out there were no tables for 2 outside of the very early or very late time slots Mon-Sat.

[Kirs]

Is that the lengthiest wait in Boston? I'm guessing it must be.

[mkfisher]

How about just stay in that same general area and go to Oleana?

[Bob Dobalina]

West Bridge - same area, good chow (or so I hear).
Oleana, Hungry Mother - really, a ton of options in the Kendall area near Bondir - where have you NOT been?

[Kirs]

We did West Bridge a few weeks ago. It was pretty tasty. That egg thing that every raves about is legit good.

We've both done Oleana & HM. But not together. Both viable options. Especially Oleana.

[huuvola]

I echo the votes for Hungry Mother, Oleana, and West Bridge, and would add Bergamot to the mix. Have had excellent experiences both times I've visited.

[Kirs]

Ugh. Both Oleana and Hungry Mother are out.

I thought a week would be plenty of time. Clearly I'm wrong.

[cambridgedoctpr]

i liked Trattoria Toscana in the South End even though they do not take reservations; I also like Rialto.

You liked Coppa; why not try Toro?

My guess is that Craigie is not possible but what about Rendezvous in Central Square.

If you like wine, there is always Troquet.

[Kirs]

Toro is awesome except for the no reservations thing. I put some deep thought into Craigie, but I think it might be just a little too spendy.

Will check out Troquet.

[Taralli]

To ward off any confusion, Trattoria Toscana is on Jersey St. in the Fenway. I agree w/both the TT and Rendezvous suggestions.