"It’s no small feat to keep a restaurant alive and well for nearly ten years and one pandemic. But the Venetian-inspired SRV — which stands for the Serene Republic of Venice — isn’t merely still standing after all that time in the South End. The restaurant keeps giving us reasons to return again and again. The chefs are always adapting the Italian menu to showcase fresh ideas (but they don’t overdo it; old favorites stay on for a reason), and the staff’s hospitality is second to none. It’s no surprise that so many diners keep coming back here for a consistently outstanding meal. Insider tip: Can’t decide what to order? Try the restaurant’s $65-per-person Arsenale option, a shared tasting menu for the table that pays homage to Venice." - Erika Adams