Eat Rustic Italian, Cheap Hot Dogs, and Sea Urchin This Weekend

First, some new (or newly reopened) options:

• Sullivan's: Tomorrow (Saturday, February 27) is reopening day for the seasonal Castle Island hot dog spot — which means that tomorrow is actually the first day of spring, despite what the calendar says. Why not fill your weekend with 95-cent hot dogs? (The price goes up to $1.90 after March 1.) This time of year, the takeout joint is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, although bad weather occasionally alters the hours. 2080 Day Blvd., South Boston
• Capo: Speaking of Southie, the hottest new opening in the neighborhood comes from the team behind Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant and Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar — Capo. Featuring "rustic" Italian from chef Tony Susi (whom you may remember from his Sage days), jugs of wine, and cocktails from Kevin Mabry (JM Curley and more), Capo has been filled with happy diners since opening a week and a half ago. 443 W. Broadway, South Boston
• Prescott: Charlestown has a brand new lunch/brunch spot that pays homage to the local history with dishes like Freedom Trail fish tacos and Bunker Hill burritos. "Look for the loading dock and bright red sign," notes one early Yelper — the location is a bit hidden. 50 Terminal St., Building II, Unit 101, Charlestown
• Shanti: This longtime Dorchester Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, which expanded to Roslindale in 2013, now has a Cambridge location too. Keep an eye out for the debut of a patio in warmer weather. 7 Broad Canal Way, Kendall Square, Cambridge

And some recommendations from the Eater Boston team:

Emily Phares, Eater Boston contributor:

• Shepard: "I heartily recommend Shepard. I'm going tonight and already know that for starters, I'm ordering the Maine sea urchin (served in its prickly shell, it's definitely a little different — and tasty) and the pinwheel sausage with sauerkraut. I order that every time, and it's unfailingly delicious (and lighter than you would think). I also plan to arrive early and have a Manhattan at the bar, because Nicholas Mansur makes excellent cocktails. The food, drinks, and ambiance at Shepard are all delightful, and the whole place is cozy and understated but with a sort of quiet elegance to it. Definitely worth visiting over the weekend." 1 Shepard St., Porter/Harvard Squares, Cambridge

Korsha Wilson, Eater Boston contributor:

• BISq: Korsha recommends the N'awlins barbecue shrimp toast. 1071 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge
• Shanghai Gate: Korsha recommends the paradise mountain chicken. 204 Harvard Ave., Allston

Rachel Leah Blumenthal, Eater Boston editor:

• Branch Line: "I can't get enough of this place. It's such a crowd-pleaser — I've gone with several groups of very satisfied friends, and I've been able to add it to the very short list of places my picky parents enjoy. I love that they offer half pours of beers, because there are so many I want to try on the sour-heavy beer list. (The list was heading more into IPA territory on my most recent visit, but there were still sufficient sour and funky options.) Four more words: sugar snap pea salad." 321 Arsenal St., Watertown
• The Table at Season to Taste: "Get in there now while there are still reservations available. This 20-seater is going to be perpetually booked as more people find the need to keep returning for Carl Dooley's beautiful tasting menu. Want something more casual? There's a small area to stand and order a snack and a drink." 2447 Massachusetts Ave, North Cambridge