Gallia1525 Washington St.

Boston

(617) 247-4455


South End's Washington Street was shabby and lifeless a couple of years ago. After undergoing an aesthetic makeover, it is now a concourse of numerous chic restaurants, including Gallia. This fine establishment opened only six months ago and is situated five blocks away from the Prudential Center.

Named after the province conquered by the Romans in 51 B.C., Gallia evokes a neo-Mediterranean style in its dcor and menu. The oak floor and pale yellow walls in the main dining section create a cozy and balmy ambiance that cajoles theappetite. The large windows that stretch across one wall of the restaurant allow one to eat while looking out on Blackstone Park. The restaurant is comfortably small and intimate, and there is a modern-taste granite bar separate from the dining room, where they have a separate menu for light dining.

Gallia combines the familiarity of a caf with the gourmandise of a three-star restaurant. Former Federalist chef Stefano Zimei offers the fine dining experience at an affordable price that is appealing in this college town. The background music is of the Caf del Mar genre - very hip, yet tasteful. The prompt seating and friendly service make the evening all the more memorable.

Their list of mouth-watering dishes gives an equal amount of attention to meat and fish. The restaurant, however, claims to be vegetarian-friendly, and is willing to adapt any of their dishes to individual requests. Everything starts off on a good note, with a basket of crusty bread and a side of green olives marinated in olive oil.

My first dish consisted of a single slice of Macintosh apple topped with finely-diced raw halibut and vedalia onion in a lemon and white vinegar marinade. First impression: Fresh, imaginative and flavorful.

The second dish was a seasonal delight, a pumpkin bisque with cinnamon, apple cider, pured pumpkin stock and lobster claw meat. The soup was topped with elegantly toasted pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil. The cinnamon left an unforgettable tingling sensation on my tongue. The third appetizer was pan-seared lamb tenderloin, sliced and served with sauted white kidney beans and a lemon-cilantro sauce. The lamb was incredibly soft, and the beans were cooked and seasoned to perfection.

The entre (a restaurant recommendation) was a tranche of sauted halibut topped with a pickled radish salad and served with a sauce made of jasmine, apple, celery root and potato. The sauce was surprisingly creamy and every ingredient maintained its individual flavor and texture while creating a harmonic taste. The geometric appearance of the dish was also a remarkable sight.

Their wine list offers a variety of international wines, from California Merlot and Spanish Fuentespinas to French Sancerre and Portuguese Vinho Verde. If you can not afford one of their bottles ($24-$48), you can choose from about 20 wines that are served by the glass ($6-$10). They also have a dessert menu, of which the fresh fruit sorbet looked particularly appetizing.

Gallia is an ideal place to revitalize those taste buds that have been desensitized by mediocre food. Whether you're on a date or celebrating among friends, I guarantee you will leave with a hearty smile.

- Anna Natsume