Masona Grill is New American Cuisine with Mediterranean Flair

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, West Roxbury Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Masona Grill

Overview: Masona Grill is the brainchild of Peruvian-American chef Manuel Sifnugel, former owner of the South End hotspot the Claremont Cafe. The menu changes seasonally, but expect New American cuisine with Mediterranean flair served in an unusual environment that's both elegant and casual at the same time. 

Decor: There is a high-ceiling in the lower level, with wooden tables that can accommodate for an intimate dinner for two, or for a larger party. Natural light flows into the restaurant from Corey Street. The bar is small and cozy.

The Drinks: Standard beer and wine list with full bottles ranging from $29-$55. There are $5 drafts of seasonal Sam Adams and Blue Moon.  Port, cordials and coffee drinks are $8.

Appetizers: Chef Sifnugel delivers some delicious appetizers within a good price range. The Shrimp ceviche with red peppers, cucumbers, orange aji sauce and cilantro is $9. You can see Sifnugel's Latin background in many of the dishes, including the yucca fries with pickled Spanish curtido and hot pepper puree for $7.

Entrees: Check out Masona Grill's web page often because they are always running prix fixe menus, which pair delicious food and alcohol to make a perfect dinner. Try Manny’s paella, which has shrimp, mussels, calamari, chorizo and saffron rice for $25; How good is it? The chef named it after himself. The Crispy local cod with red onion escaveche, black olives and yucca fries is also delicious for $23.

Sides: All sides are $4, and you have several potato options with sweet potato fries, sweet potato mash, and roasted potatoes. Do not forget the Spanish curtido
garlicky spinach.

Desserts: If you have room for dessert, then try out Diane Devlin's desserts made on the premises, all priced at $7. You can not go wrong with any of the three regular options: carrot cake with cream cheese frosting; seasonal fruit crisp with cinnamon ice cream; and the layered chocolate cake with raspberry sauce.

Service: Make reservations online or call the restaurant at 617-323-3331

Signature Dish: How can you choose just one? Let's go with Manny’s paella again - after all, the chef/owner named it after himself. 

Address: 4-6 Corey Street, West Roxbury

Chef/Owner: Manuel Sifnugel 

Cost: $$