A Rustic Gastropub with Standout Shareables

The rice balls at Ava’s Kitchen and Bar

Style

Gastropub specializing in craft beer and wood-fired pizza. It’s around a corner just off the Boulevard in downtown Kenilworth. The rustic-style dining room features industrial lighting, while floors, tables and booths are made with reclaimed wood.

The scoop

Attilio Guarino purchased the former Umberto’s Clam Bar location in 2017. After extensive renovations, he opened Ava’s Kitchen and Bar in 2018.

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The menu

Dishes here are meant for sharing. Start with a charcuterie and cheese plate, featuring lonza (cured pork loin), duck prosciutto, liver mousse, smoked beef tongue, housemade pickles and local cheeses from Bobolink Dairy in Milford. Standout shareables include ricotta gnocchi, chicken lollipops, wood-roasted brussels sprouts, poutine and stuffed peppers. Choose from 16 different pizzas (including two vegan options), such as a pesto with fried leeks or the John Salame with Gorgonzola, jalapeño and truffle honey. 

Heads up

Three different types of rice balls (above, cheese with rich tomato sauce) are each just $1.50 during Happy Hour, from 4–7 pm, Monday through Thursday.