This Boston restaurant offers modern takes on traditional Portuguese cuisine
Baleia , a South End establishment serving up modern takes on traditional Portuguese cuisine in a stylish, upscale dining space, is a more recent addition to the Boston restaurant scene.
The 264 East Berkeley St. restaurant opened in 2024 and even then was among the city's " top 5 restaurants " last year.
Among its food selection is its charred and juicy piri piri chicken served with fries and a garlic aioli sauce.
The piri piri chicken and seared cod dishes from Baleia in Boston.Alexandra Francisco
There is also the seared cod served in a caldo verde purée with "chouriço," a type of Portuguese sausage, and crispy potatoes. The dish is a creative take on traditional Portuguese "bacalhau e batatas" mixed with other cultural staples.
For drinks, Baleia offers a variety of cocktails and many Portuguese wines, including a not-always-easy-to-find and crisp "vinho verde."
To open the meal, try the Portuguese sweet rolls as a starter. To close out your dinner, try the "pastéis de nata" egg custard tart pastries or a "sonhos" fried dough treats with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces for dessert.
The restaurant Baleia in Boston's South End serves up modern takes on traditional Portuguese cuisine and favorite dishes.Alexandra Francisco
There is an outdoor patio space to dine al fresco, but inside patrons will find a stylish, upscale dining room filled with yellow hues and an open kitchen.
The name "Baleia" means "Whale" in Portuguese and features a whale tail in its signage.
The restaurant is open daily at 5 p.m. for dinner service. Sunday through Thursday it closes at 9:30 p.m., but stays open later on Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m.
The restaurant Baleia in Boston's South End serves up modern takes on traditional Portuguese cuisine and favorite dishes.Alexandra Francisco
Baleia's bar is open from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Portuguese-American communities in the country.
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