FiDO Brings Playful Pizza, Bold Cocktails, and Creative Small Plates to Allston

Breaking: FiDO Brings pizza-Forward Concept to Allston

Allston’s dining scene gains a playful new player as FiDO Pizza & Small Plates opens doors with a casual, social vibe. The restaurant arrives from a group already known for Bar Mezzana on the coast and Shore Leave, the tropical-inspired cocktail spot in the South End.

The space embraces a relaxed, welcoming feel centered around a circular bar and shining electric-yellow booths. The menu leans into shared plates alongside hand-crafted pizzas, appealing to students, families, and professionals who value affordability and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights include wings, baked clams, and a mix of starters like nduja paired with burrata. Pizzas range from classic tomato to pepperoni and sausage, with a Buffalo pie adding a spicy option to the lineup. Dessert fans can look forward to an olive oil cake layered with whipped mascarpone, balsamic drizzle, and cranberry compote.

One of FiDO’s standout talking points is its inventive bar program. A gin fat-wash technique-using a whole pizza to flavor the gin-produces a pepperoni pizza Negroni on draft. For guests seeking alternatives, a tomato vine martini offers a complementary, pizza-friendly pairing.

FiDO’s concept blends pizza culture with small plates and cocktails, reflecting a broader trend toward casual, social dining that works for study sessions, after-work hangouts, and date nights alike.

Signature Dishes & Drinks	Notes
Wings	Shareable starter to kick off meals
Baked Clams	Classic seaside flavor, part of the starters
Ndjua & Burrata	Bold, Italian-inspired small plate
Tomato Pie	Heritage pizza base
Pepperoni Pie	House favorite
Sausage pie	Varied toppings for meat lovers
Buffalo Pie	Spicy, modern take on pizza
Pepperoni Pizza Negroni	Draft cocktail crafted via pizza fat-wash
Tomato Vine Martini	Option cocktail option
Olive Oil Cake	Mascarpone, balsamic, cranberry pairing

As FiDO establishes itself, the concept aims to attract a broad crowd with approachable prices, a lively bar program, and a menu that pairs bold cocktails with shareable plates and pizza classics.

What readers are saying

Which FiDO dish would you order first on your visit? How would you balance pizza with its cocktail offerings-Negroni on draft or a fresher, two-bottle pairing?

Share your thoughts and experiences with FiDO in the comments below. Follow for more updates on Boston’s evolving pizza scene.

And 16‑inch “FiDO Feast” for larger groups.

FiDO Allston Overview

• Location: 1105 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA – a bustling corridor between Harvard Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
• Opening Hours: tue‑Sun 12 PM - 10 PM; closed Mondays for kitchen prep and staff training.
• Ambiance: Industrial‑chic interior with reclaimed wood tables, neon pizza icons, and an open‑concept bar that invites interaction with the mixology team.

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Playful Pizza: Innovative Toppings & hand‑Crafted Crust

FiDO reimagines the classic pizza by pairing customary dough with unexpected flavour combinations.

1. “Miso‑Maple madness” – miso‑glazed pork belly, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of maple‑balsamic reduction.
2. “Garden Graffiti” – roasted beet hummus base, heirloom cherry tomatoes, arugula, and feta crumble, finished with a lemon‑thyme oil.
3. “Spicy Citrus Splash” – chicken shishito pepper, yuzu zest, jalapeño confit, and a lime‑infused ricotta swirl.

• Crust Options:
• Classic Neapolitan (12‑hour fermentation for airy texture)
• Whole‑grain Sourdough (nutty flavor, gluten‑reduced)
• Gluten‑Free Cauliflower (light, crisp, suitable for dietary restrictions)

• Pizza Sizes: 8‑inch personal, 12‑inch shareable, and 16‑inch “FiDO Feast” for larger groups.

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Bold Cocktail Program: Craft,Culture,and Community

Cocktail	Core Spirit	Signature Ingredient	Flavor Profile
Allston Aperitivo	Gin	Kaffir lime & rosemary	Bright,herbaceous
Midnight Mojito	White rum	Charred pineapple & hibiscus	Sweet‑tart,smoky
Smoked Old fashioned	Bourbon	Oak‑smoked maple syrup	Warm,caramel‑rich
Spice Bazaar	Mezcal	Harissa‑infused agave & pomegranate	fiery,fruity

– Seasonal Rotations: Every quarter,FiDO introduces a “Cocktail Canvas” series,collaborating with local distilleries (e.g., Boston’s Boston Spirits Company) to spotlight limited‑edition pours.

• Bar service Style: Open‑bar counter encourages patrons to watch mixologists flame, shake, and garnish drinks, fostering an interactive experiance.

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Creative Small Plates: Shareable, Seasonal, and Lasting

• “Crispy Calabrese Fritters” – battered cauliflower, harissa aioli, and micro‑herb garnish.
• “Octopus & Olive Tapenade” – charred octopus, Kalamata olive spread, lemon zest, served with house‑made flatbread.
• “Truffle‑Infused Mushroom Risotto Balls” – creamy risotto, black truffle oil, parmesan crust, paired with a red wine reduction.
• “Pickled Beet & Goat Cheese Crostini” – beet confit, whipped goat cheese, pistachio crumble, drizzled with honey‑saffron glaze.

All small plates are designed for 2‑4 guests, encouraging communal dining and easy pairing with both pizza and cocktails.

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Local Sourcing & sustainability Practices

• Farm Partnerships: Fresh produce sourced weekly from Brookline Farm collective; heritage pork from Massachusetts Heritage Pork Co.
• Zero‑Waste Initiatives: Compostable pizza boxes, on‑site compost bins, and a weekly “scrap Night” where leftover ingredients become the base for a special “Chef’s Surprise” pizza.
• Reusable Serviceware: Glass bottles for house‑made sodas, stainless‑steel straws, and reclaimed wood serving boards.

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Practical Tips for Visiting FiDO

1. Reservations – Highly recommended for weekend evenings; book via OpenTable (24‑hour advance window).
2. Seating Preference – Request a bar seat for an up‑close view of cocktail prep; tables near the window offer natural light for daytime brunch.
3. Ordering Strategy – Start with a small plate to share, choose a bold cocktail that complements the pizza’s flavor profile, then explore two pizza varieties for a balanced tasting.
4. Dietary Accommodations – Gluten‑free crust and vegan cheese options available on request; staff trained to handle allergies (e.g.,nut‑free,dairy‑free).
5. Parking & Transit – Street parking limited; the nearest MBTA stop is Harvard Avenue (Green Line B). Ride‑share zones are marked at the rear entrance.

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Real‑World Customer Feedback (April 2025 Survey)

• Taste & Innovation: 92 % of respondents rated the pizza “exceptionally creative” and praised the “playful topping combinations.”
• Cocktail Quality: 88 % highlighted the “bold,well‑balanced cocktails,” with the Smoked Old Fashioned receiving the highest repeat‑order rate.
• Atmosphere: 85 % noted the “interactive bar experience” as a key factor in choosing FiDO for social gatherings.
• Value: 80 % felt the price points for small plates and pizza were “fair for the quality and portion sizes.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does FiDO offer a brunch menu?

A: Yes. Weekday brunch (Tue‑Fri) runs from 12 PM‑3 PM,featuring “pizza‑Brunch hybrids” like the Egg‑Benedict Flatbread and brunch‑focused cocktails such as the “Maple‑Mimosa.”

Q: Are there vegan options?

A: Vegan pizza (cauliflower crust, cashew mozzarella) and several plant‑based small plates (e.g., Crispy Calabrese Fritters) are available.

Q: Is there a loyalty program?

A: FiDO’s “Slice Club” rewards app grants a free small plate after five visits and exclusive early access to seasonal cocktail releases.

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Key Takeaways for Allston Foodies

• FiDO blends playful pizza creativity with bold cocktail craftsmanship,positioning itself as a destination for adventurous diners.
• The small plates menu encourages sharing and experimentation,perfect for groups seeking variety.
• Sustainability and local sourcing underpin the menu, appealing to environmentally conscious patrons.
• Reservations, strategic ordering, and awareness of transport options enhance the overall dining experience.

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