Bar Spero

Set within the trendy Capitol Crossing development in the East End neighborhood, Bar Spero's soaring 20-ft ceilings and undulating glass-enclosed space could read cold, but here it's warm and sophisticated. The stylish space and accessible menu of shareable plates make for easy appeal. The cooking has good looks, as in the blue corn tostada spread with gribiche and topped with a layer of thinly sliced scallop, and a bit of a creative flair. The jacket-on russet potato is confited in butter, dusted with grated egg yolk, and served on a bed of crème fraîche with a flurry of chicken skin and rendered ham puts a standard baked potato to shame. Those not partaking in alcohol will appreciate a menu of house-made rose geranium soda or Japanese yuzu ginger ale.