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39 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com What is it that creates that magic something that elevates a good restaurant to become a favorite restaurant? Some say that it's the food. Some say that it's the location. Yet, nearly everyone I asked was unanimous on one must-have: a great atmosphere. A favorite restaurant gives us that special feeling when we walk in the door that makes us want to return again and again. In today's high stressed world, we all crave a retreat that gives us that relaxed, friendly vibe and says "Hey, welcome home." A place where you can chat with friends, watch the game and be social and relax, whether dining solo or with a group. When I ventured into the new Rinato Bistro in Hull, I heard people laughing and smiling. It smelled wonderful, and just felt extremely cozy. Many regulars were greeted at the door with a hug from the owner. Guests socialized with patrons at other tables and waved hello from the bar. I felt like I had walked into a modern day Cheers... only with great food! Rinato Bistro is located in Hull and occupies the former Bridgeman's Restaurant location right on Nantasket Beach. Owner Harold Paine purchased Bridgeman's two years ago and has spent much of that time listening to guests. Clearly, it was time well-spent, as Rinato Bistro (the name is Italian and translates as 'reborn') delivers on its promise for warm hospitality with great food, lots of choices and reasonable prices. One of the first things that diners will notice about Rinato Bistro is the newly remodeled downstairs, giving the restaurant a cozy, pub-like feel. Guests are invited to sit at beautiful custom hardwood tables, where they can select from intimate fireplace tables, chef's tables next to the open kitchen that reminds us of an Italian grotto or high top bar tables for a front row view of the game. The downstairs bar area has been expanded and now includes craft local beers on tap (including this area's favorite - Hingham's own, Entitled IPA), unique crafted cocktails (try the Peddock's Island!) and large high definition televisions, where you can join the owner's wife, Denise, as she cheers on her beloved Boston teams. Upstairs, Rinato Bistro offers the same amazing menu, yet treats guests to the quieter, traditional linen tablecloth treatment with spectacular ocean views. The upstairs dining room has its own bar and can easily accommodate up to 75 people, making it a great venue for private events, special occasions or that rare date night out. Paine and his wife are very excited about the changes and, in particular, the expanded menu. "There's so much more we offer our guests now," says Paine. "We feel like we struck the right balance between offering some lighter, more casual options such as sandwiches and flatbreads, as well as keeping many of our favorite fine dining mainstays." I have to agree. The hard part now is deciding what to eat! Homemade soups are made fresh daily, and several varieties of flatbreads and an imaginative array of appetizers are a great way to start. The Rinato burger is sure to be a 'Best Burger' winner, with its caramelized onion bacon jam and local (Milton) Prairie Breeze cheddar. A New Favorite Restaurant by Rob Kelley, photography by Susanne Malloy