Anoush’ella Sails Into the South End This Spring

Boston’s South End will soon be home to a new restaurant that specializes in Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Anoush’ella: Saj Kitchen is currently under construction and fast approaching its targeted spring opening date at 35 W. Newton St.

The restaurant is the work of husband-and-wife team Raffi and Nina Festekjian, who are drawing upon their Armenian-Lebanese heritage for inspiration. The restaurant will offer both eat-in and take-out options, filling the South End neighborhood with street food-inspired dishes, including wraps, salads, and more. “The menu is meant to capture the Eastern Mediterranean street food flavors of my childhood,” Nina said in a release.

The featured menu items are thin, flatbread-like wraps called m’anoush. The breads are cooked on a saj oven (a convex metal griddle) and will be used for wraps, dips, and alongside meats like lamb, chicken, and beef. Other major ingredients on the Anoush’ella menu include chickpeas, yogurt, labne, garlic, lemons, herbs, and vegetables.

Customers at Anoush’ella can expect to see menu items such as sabich (hummus with grilled eggplant slices and assorted toppings), lahmadjoun (spiced minced lamb and beef), and a dish featuring Middle Eastern herb blend za’atar (the dish will include herbs mixed with olive oil and topped with tomatoes, cucumber, mint, olives, and pomegranate), as well as a slow-roasted sumac chicken. Anoush’ella will also serve wine, beer, and cocktails.

The restaurant’s name means “may it be sweet” in Armenian, which is “an expression of the love, pride and enjoyment that goes into serving someone who enjoys your food..and thanks you,” a note on the website reads. Anoush’ella will seat 55 and will have a communal table, outdoor seating, and a bar. It is located at the corner of W. Newton Street and Washington Street, near Flour Bakery and Stella.

Provided

• Anoush’ella [Official Site]
• Boston's 18 Most Anticipated Spring Restaurant Openings [Zagat]
• Anoush'Ella: Saj Kitchen Plans to Open in Boston's South End [BRT]