Stunning Cocktail Bar & Lounge Pleases All the Senses with Ambiance, Cocktails, Food, Music & Views 

BOSTON (November 15, 2024): Make way for Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine, destined to become one of the chicest spots in the city. Cofounded by Basel Badawi and Marcelino, Marcelino’s will specialize in expertly crafted cocktails—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—and offer creative mezze-style small plates, plus dinner and dessert menus. Marcelino’s will open later this fall at 2 Northern Avenue, next to the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse, overlooking what many call “Boston’s Postcard view:”  the Boston Harbor Hotel rotunda as seen from across the water.

The new Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine  follows in the hugely successful footsteps of the award-winning Marcelino’s Boutique Bar in Providence, Rhode Island. The stated goal of Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine is to reset the bar for cocktails in the city of Boston–thanks to acclaimed Levantine/Mediterranean Chef Maroun Nohra and bar director/mixologist Refaat Ghostine.

The microscopic attention to detail that has gone into the beverage and food menus is reflected in the decor. Every inch, from floor to ceiling and in between, has been thoughtfully designed over the past three years with Marcelino and Basel adding finishing details as we speak. The result is breathtaking.

Cofounder Marcelino believes that ambiance is an intrinsic part of the dining experience, and spent countless hours ensuring every detail is perfect, from room temperature to sound levels. “I believe that designing a space is about evoking emotions and fostering communication with our guests through color palettes, coziness, and the overall vibe of the environment,” he says.

ABOUT THE BAR DIRECTOR

Refaat Ghostine has over a decade of A-list award-winning experience in the restaurant and hospitality space, spanning across the United States, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Refaat was part of the team that helped Central Station Boutique Bar in Beirut, Lebanon earn a spot on the prestigious World’s Best Bars List, ranking as high as no. 22 in 2016 and no. 27 as the Best Bar in Africa & Middle East in 2018. Refaat was also honored with the title of Diageo Lebanon World Class Bartender of the Year in 2015. He has been with Marcelino’s since 2020.

ABOUT THE BEVERAGE MENU (A TALE OF TWO DRINKS)

Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine focuses on meticulously made cocktails using the finest spirits available. All libations—including a selection of carefully curated non-alcoholic drinks—are made to order.

Marcelino’s Oregano Tomato Cocktail is a study in modern mixology. Composed of gin, white vermouth, fresh oregano essence, clarified tomato cordial, verjus, and salted white balsamic vinegar, this cocktail captures the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Lebanon. It sits elegantly between a martini and a gimlet, highlighting gin as a bright base complemented by the crispness of vermouth—an essential element reminiscent of classic cocktails.

It is the Levant in a glass. The star of the show being the oregano essence, which evokes the fragrant herbs that flourish in the region, offering a herbal depth that invites exploration. The clarified tomato cordial adds a unique umami richness, reminiscent of the sun-ripened tomatoes that are staples in Lebanese cuisine, while verjus introduces a refreshing acidity that brightens the palate.

To elevate the experience, a few dashes of salted white balsamic vinegar tie the flavors together, echoing the way traditional Middle Eastern cuisines often combine sweet, sour, and savory notes. The cocktail is garnished with a cracker topped with sun-dried tomato oil gel, sumac, and black salt—a nod to the vibrant mezze culture of Lebanon.

Enjoying the cracker first enhances the tasting experience, allowing the rich flavors to meld with the cocktail, creating a sensory journey that embodies the essence of Lebanese hospitality and the joy of sharing good food and drink.

Marcelino’s Watermelon/Rhubarb cocktail is similarly inspired and equally calculated. Featuring rhubarb-infused gin, Aperol, fresh watermelon, and a splash of lemon, the drink balances the vibrant flavors of ripe watermelon with a hint of tartness from the rhubarb, creating a delightful harmony that’s both sweet and tangy. Topping it off is a velvety savory feta cheese foam and a  sprinkle of dried oregano, which contributes an herbal note that adds  a touch of sophistication to this otherwise playful cocktail.

“This cocktail transports me back to my childhood, where the simple joy of watermelon and feta cheese was the ultimate snack, ” says Bar Director Ghostine. “This drink captures that nostalgia with a fruity, refreshing blend that evokes carefree moments. Each sip is a celebration of those cherished memories.”

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Maroun Nohra’s love for cooking was inspired by the aromas of traditional dishes in his grandmother’s kitchen in Lebanon. Drawing from his own culinary journey  in restaurants and hotels around the world—including Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates—Chef Nohra aims to blend traditional flavors with modern techniques to create an unforgettable dining experience. His passion for food continues to drive his ever-evolving craft.

ABOUT THE INAUGURAL MENU

Not only will Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine raise the bar when it comes to cocktails, it will set a new standard for Middle Eastern cuisine in Boston. The inaugural menu features Eastern Mediterranean-inspired mezze small plates including olive sourdough, za’atar pita toast, bone marrow & tartare, and za’atar bread fattoush salad. Main courses include decadent grilled lamb chops with Turkish ezme, yoghurt and cumin salt; tahini chicken schnitzel and a house baladi salad, and an 8 ounce Levantine steak, spicy chermoula and rosemary potato matchsticks, among others. Also on the menu are cumin lamb, celeriac, saffron baby squid and arak chicken kebab skewers. The food is designed to complement the extensive spirits menu as well as the carefully curated wine and beer menus.

ABOUT THE DESIGN & SPACE

The space is inspired by the Spanish and Arabic architecture of Andalusia. Rich colors, warm lighting and decadent decor elements create an atmosphere that is both inviting and luxurious. From its Turkish arch entranceway to its full length bar and plush seating in Mediterranean blue and burnt amber, Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine brings a refined level of service and elegance to one of the city’s most beautiful spots. The space is adorned with gorgeous chandeliers, mirrors and  incredible lighting. Guests are welcomed by two infinity mirrors that displace you in time. With its colors, aromas, flavors, music, and plush fabrics, Marcelino’s stimulates all five senses; sight, scent, taste, touch, and hearing.

ABOUT THE OWNERS

Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine is cofounded by Basel Badawi and Marcelino. Basel is a Boston-based cosmetic dentist with a passion for food and spirits and a love of nightlife. Marcelino is a restaurateur who dreamed of creating a restaurant that combines ambiance, service, quality, and value.. The duo created Marcelino’s Boutique Bar in Providence, RI in 2020. The high end lounge was an immediate success.

With the opening of Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine, Basel, a Damascus native, brings his dream of opening a world class bar to his adopted hometown.  “I have always believed that a great dining experience is about balance—music, lighting, ambiance, and, of course, great food,” Basel says. “This quest for balance is the underlying motivation at Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine.”

Marcelino looks forward to presenting Bostonians with an unforgettable dining experience across the board. He wanted to build a space people didn’t want to leave, where each detail sucked people in further, “A great dining experience is about connecting all the elements, says Mareclino. “From the ambiance and product quality to the service and overall value”.

Follow on Instagram @itsmarcelinosbos.