Aquitaine Makes Its Return to the South End

After months of renovations, a French favorite in the South End has reopened. Aquitaine Bar à Vin Bistrot, known as Aquitaine, debuted its refreshed look and taste to the neighborhood yesterday, as Boston Magazine reported, showcasing bistro-style cuisine and clean, homey features inside.

Aquitaine worked with Boston design firm Hark + Osborne to renovate the interior, bringing in a poured pewter bar that seats 11 people, installing French oak paneling, and refinishing the floor with the addition of some hexagonal tiling. They also added a second bathroom and custom lighting.

The menu at Aquitaine also received a refresh courtesy of chef Bob Krajewski. Updated items include coq au vin, duck a l’orange with cauliflower, foie gras torchon, and steak frites, among others.

The 569 Tremont St. restaurant closed back on February 21 to prepare for all of these changes, which come 19 years after Aquitaine first opened in the South End. In the years since, founder Seth Woods and the Aquitaine Group have expanded the business to include a strong lineup of restaurants, including two other Aquitaine locations in Chestnut Hill and in Dedham, as well as Cinquecento, Metropolis, Gaslight Brasserie du Coin and Gaslight Lynnfield, and La Motta's Italian Specialties.

• Aquitaine Reopens With Fresh Parisian Flair, More Dining Options & a Bigger Bar [BM]
• Aquitaine Boston Will Close for Renovations [EBOS]