Myers + Chang

Myers + Chang is a casual, lively restaurant on Washington Street in the South End, co-owned by chef Joanne Chang, whose name is also on the Flour bakeries. Benjamin Hoxsie is the executive chef. The menu is made up of Asian-inspired plates for sharing, which makes it a good place for relaxed dinners with friends.

Dumplings are a good place to start, especially Mama Chang's pork and chive dumplings. Korean fried chicken buns, wild boar dan dan noodles, pan-roasted soy-glazed salmon and miso black cod are among the dishes on recent menus, along with vegetable plates such as beets and greens. Ordering several dishes for the table works better than one main each. From Monday to Thursday evenings there is also a Great Date Night set menu, though it cannot take substitutions, including for allergies.

The restaurant is open from 4pm to 9pm Monday to Wednesday, from 11:30am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday, and from 11:30am to 9pm on Sunday, with brunch from Thursday to Sunday. From November a holiday dim sum service runs on Wednesdays from 11:30am. Tables can be booked through Resy, and a service charge may be added for parties of six or more.

Some dishes are cooked on shared grills and fryers, so the kitchen advises that they may not be safe for people with serious allergies; tell your server about any allergies before you order. Prices are mid-range for the city, which makes it a good option for groups of friends and couples who want something informal but well cooked. Families with older children who like dumplings and noodles will also do well here.

Most dishes are designed to share, so a group of four can comfortably cover dumplings, buns, noodles and a fish dish between them. Weekday evenings are usually easier for a last-minute table than Friday and Saturday nights, and brunch is a good alternative if dinner is fully booked.

The restaurant is on Washington Street in the South End, a residential neighbourhood with plenty of independent restaurants, and a walk around its streets before or after dinner is a pleasant way to round off the evening. As a general tip, a taxi or ride share is often the simplest way back to a hotel late at night.