Privus is a new glam Asian outpost in Allston.
photo: Mike Ritter
With its ship-shaped bar, podlike booths and wavy lines, Privus, a glam Asian outpost, may offer up a trendy under-the-sea vibe, but it’s the artfully presented sushi and inventive sake cocktails that are sure to have bar-hoppers dropping anchor in Allston; N.B. the menu also includes cooked items for those not into raw fin fare (165 Brighton Ave., Allston; 617-787-7483).
Radiating funky sophistication with its round wooden bar and dramatic light fixtures, MKT, a Financial District lounge, showcases the talents of chef Rene Michelena (of Domani and La Bettola fame), who whips up Asian- and French-influenced nibbles similar to what he creates at the adjacent Central 37; it’s equally suited to after-work cocktails or a late-night flirtation, and the chilled-out vibe extends to Tim Collins’ DJ spinnings (130 Water St.; 617-367-0658).