Epicure

In the mood for a night out in Canton, but can’t handle another meal wedged cheek-by-jowl with the bar crowd in one of the square’s overpopulated rowhouse spaces? Drive two blocks down Boston Street to Pearls. Recently opened in the new Canton Crossing center, Pearls offers a nicely designed, relaxed room with a sophisticated menu, compliments of chef Mike Broglio (formerly of The Brass Elephant). Sample dishes like salmon roulette, roasted chicken ballotine and a grilled pork chop served with cranberry-and-apple chutney and sweet potato gratin while watching the twinkling lights of boats approaching the harbor. Done up in a subdued color palette, the main dining room features an exhibition kitchen, beautiful abstract artwork on the walls and a sea of white, round pearl-like lights floating overhead in the coffered ceiling. There’s a separate bar area, where live jazz combos perform twice a week. Open seven days for lunch and dinner. (3301 Boston St., 410-276-8900)