Food & Drink

• Clam Chowder

  Legal Sea Foods

  Legal’s chowder is preceded by its reputation: The creamy, clam-filled soup has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981. Cape Cod–sourced clams and a healthy dose of herbs set apart this version of the New England classic—and thanks to the opening of Legal Harborside this spring, diners can now order the standby in classy new digs, while checking out the picturesque Waterfront views.

  270 Northern Ave., Boston » 617-477-2900 » legalseafoods.com

• Steak house

  Grill 23

  In judging a steak house, the sides, the beverage program and the beefless entrees all come into play. But really, what’s most important is a perfectly cooked slab of red meat. Here, it’s all sourced from boutique producer Brandt Beef, a family-owned, sustainability-minded operation that provides the serious cuts for Grill 23’s dry-aged rib eye, bone-in Delmonico and mammoth 24-ounce porterhouse. For a less dressed-up affair, go for a cocktail and an order of skirt steak frites at the bar.

  161 Berkeley St., Boston » 617-542-2255 » grill23.com

• Afternoon Tea

  Bristol Lounge

  Bostonians know a thing or two about throwing a tea party, but none so refined as the kind put on by the Bristol Lounge. Sink into the upholstered furniture, sip the brew of your choice (or, if you want the regal upgrade, a kir royale), and indulge in a tiered platter of dainty finger foods—scones with jam, lemon curd and Devonshire cream; crustless sandwiches filled with cucumber, chicken and egg salad—while taking in the view of the Public Garden.

  The Four Seasons Hotel » 200 Boylston St., Boston » 617-351-2037 » fourseasons.com/boston

• Bagels

  Rosenfeld Bagels

  The toughest trial for any bagel baker is the dreaded “visit from an opinionated New Yorker” test. But Rosenfeld continues to send them away happy (or at least quieter). The rings are so crisp on the outside and chewy within, you might even consider skipping the toaster. The rest of the tiny shop is stocked with all your go-to brunch components: a generous spread of schmears, smoked fish, and stacks of hot-from-the-oven challah in raisin, seeded, plain and whole wheat.

  1280 Centre St., Newton Centre » 617-527-8080 » facebook.com/RosenfeldsBagels

• Bakery

  Flour Bakery + Cafe

  It’s been about a year since Joanne Chang opened “F3” in Cambridge, and roughly 18 months since her first cookbook debuted. It appears her business and baking savvy is paying off handsomely. Not only are the lines as long as ever at all three Flour locations, but the sweets diva has signed on for another book deal. Her second tome, due out in spring 2013, will focus on the savory side of the biz, hopefully cluing fans into the secrets of her killer curry tuna salad and the tomato chutney in her roast lamb sandwich.

  1595 Washington St., Boston » 617-267-4300 » 12 Farnsworth St., South Boston » 617-338-4333 » 190 Mass. Ave., Cambridge » 617-225-2525 » flourbakery.com

• Bar Food

  Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake

  At most inexpensive watering holes on Boylston Street, beer pitchers and party music are partnered with bland platters of nachos, chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks. At the Rattlesnake, however, chef Brian Poe takes Tex-Mex standards and enlivens them with bold pops of flavor and unusual ingredients. There’s a tequila cream cheese that accompanies lime-zested tortilla chips, made-to-order spicy guacamole, and chipotle wings rubbed with smoked jalapeños ready to be dunked in poblano–blue cheese sauce. It’s booze-soaking fare that’s anything but generic.

  384 Boylston St., Boston » 617-859-7772 » rattlesnakebar.com

• Barbecue

  Formaggio Kitchen

  Not many people think of their local cheese shop when they’re jonesing for brisket, but Formaggio Kitchen has always been much more than a source for rare French bleus. Line up early on Saturdays for grill master Eric’s dry-rubbed pork ribs, gorgeously charred chicken quarters, huge Pearl hot dogs in hollowed-out baguettes, cumin-scented baked beans and the always-sells-out pulled-lamb sandwich on brioche.

  244 Huron Ave., Cambridge » 617-354-4750 » formaggiokitchen.com

• Bistro

  Gaslight Brasserie

  French bistro menus can lose their novelty after the umpteenth onion soup gratinée and steak frites. Gaslight, however, remains in vogue. From his South End kitchen, chef Chris Robins prepares the classics as well as more inspired plates: asparagus and goat cheese salad with wildflower honey, local clams roasted with pork sausage, and Tuesday night’s Sichuan take on roast duck with peppercorn sauce.

  560 Harrison Ave., Boston » 617-422-0224 » gaslight560.com
• 

  Bread

  Clear Flour Bread

  Black sesame sticks with herbed garlic are one of the cruel temptations just out of reach of the patrons queuing for entry into this diminutive storefront. Besides daily offerings like crusty baguettes and buckwheat-walnut loaves, check the weekly schedule to see what artisan bakers Christy Timon and Abe Faber have rising. Options include pumpernickel on Wednesdays, dense German vollkornbrot on Fridays and Saturdays, and soft pretzels (recommended warm with mustard butter) on Sundays.

  Photo credit: Alyssa Greenberg

  178 Thorndike St., Brookline » 617-739-0060 » clearflourbread.com

• Breakfast

  Mike’s City Diner

  The breakfast plates at this South End institution are, to put it mildly, hearty. Load up on hash and eggs, grits, ham carved off the bone, hot linguiça or, for the most daring, the Intensive Care: a three-egg, 10-ounce sirloin special. Fortu-nately, the food is so good it’s worth the caloric intake—and, well, Boston Medical Center is right around the corner.

  1714 Washington St., Boston » 617-267-9393 » mikescitydiner.com
• 

  Brunch

  Henrietta’s Table

  Celebrity foodie Anthony Bourdain calls brunch “a dumping ground for the odd bits left over from Friday and Saturday nights.” Chef Peter Davis would likely disagree. Belly up to his all-you-can-eat buffet for the most decadent spread in town: made-to-order omelets and waffles, a grilled-vegetable station, smoked fish, pâtés and terrines, carved meats-of-the-day and, best of all, a superb raw bar to go with your Bloody Mary.

  Photo Credit: Natasha Moustache

  The Charles Hotel » 1 Bennett St., Cambridge » 617-661-5005 » henriettastable.com

• Burger

  Craigie on Main

  You want the Craigie burger? It’s not easy to find. In fact, it’s not even listed on the menu anymore. After popularity skyrocketed last year, chef/owner Tony Maws couldn’t meet the demand due to the limited resources from prestigious small-scale supplier Hardwick Beef. (His recent James Beard Award doesn’t help matters, either.) But don’t fret. The carefully calibrated patty—which includes short rib, brisket, suet, bone marrow and dehydrated miso paste—is still available. You just have to ask. Don’t get complacent, though; Maws only makes about 20 per day, so go on the early side of dinner (or brunch) service.

  853 Main St., Cambridge » 617-497-5511 » craigieonmain.com

• Burrito

  Anna’s Taqueria

  Several factors come into play when crafting the ideal burrito. The flour tortilla must be warm, flexible and with the proper chew. Cheese must be evenly distributed and fully melted. The main protein must be steeped in flavor and fall-apart tender, and the wrap-job must be effective enough to hold the weight of a packed interior. Anna’s prowess in all of the above categories, plus reliable consis-tency, makes it the go-to spot for a foil-wrapped treat.

  1412 Beacon St., Brookline » 617-739-7300 » annastaqueria.com
• 

  Charcuterie

  Coppa

  We dare you to find a respectable menu in this town that doesn’t sport a charcuterie plate. And while we don’t mean to sound cynical (preserving meat not only makes good kitchen sense, it’s a delicious way for chefs to show off their pet projects), not every platter of country pâté and prosciutto is worth its salt. Chef Jamie Bissonnette’s offerings, however, are not to be missed: stunning red slivers of duck prosciutto, rich lardo and, of course, gorgeously gelatinous coppa di testa, to name a few.

  Photo credit: Dan Watkins

  253 Shawmut Ave., Boston » 617-391-0902 » coppaboston.com
• 

  Chinese

  Qingdao Garden

  Withdrawal from your favorite restaurant is bad, but when its return is unexpectedly pushed back—twice!—there’s reason for hysteria. We’d rather not reveal how many times we dialed Qingdao Garden’s number to check on the progress during their lengthy renovation. We’d just like to say how glad we are that they’re back, and better than ever. Reacquaint yourself with a bowl of boiled fish in fiery sauce, Peking eggplant and cult-favorite handmade dumplings.   

  Photo credit: Jared Charney

  2382 Mass. Ave., Cambridge » 617-492-7540 » qingdaogarden.com

• Chinese-American

  Bernard’s

  Chinese food die-hards can be dogmatic about authenticity, but we’d bet that anyone who loves Chongqing dry-fried chicken and chili oil–doused bamboo shoots also has a soft spot for the Americanized standards, if done well. We love this Chestnut Hill outpost for its delicious Sunday dim sum brunch (one of the few in the area), sautéed beef with Mandarin barbecue sauce and fresh, stir-fried pea pod stems.

  The Mall at Chestnut Hill » 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill » 617-969-3388

• Cocktail

  Clio

  With tools like a centrifuge, fire-in-a-can, a mini hibachi grill and a sugarcane extractor at his disposal, you’d think that Clio barman Todd Maul would be more comfortable working at a lab counter than behind the bar. He looks to the chefs in the Clio kitchen to help inspire his creative ice infusions and flavor combinations, ensuring that the drinks in his 32-page mammoth of a cocktail book are unlike anything else you’ll find around town.

  370A Comm. Ave., Boston » 617-536-7200 » cliorestaurant.com
• 

  Coffee Shop

  Voltage Coffee & Art

  You can’t help but be impressed with Lucy Valena’s business acumen. After earning a loan from Sam Adams’ “Brewing the American Dream” fund, she turned her itinerant coffee business into a brick-and-mortar shop in Kendall Square. There she serves inspired, high-class caffeine (homemade caramel–salt lattes, MEM teas) and snacks (strawberry scones, panini). And she gives back by offering wall space to up-and-coming artists to showcase their handiwork.

  Photo credit: Katie Noble

  295 Third St., Cambridge » 617-714-3974 » voltagecoffee.com

• Comfort Food

  Tupelo

  When it comes to mastering stick-to-your-ribs fare like Cajun gumbo, pan-fried catfish and Mississippi mud pie, the Inman Square restaurant stands out for its unfussy, authentic takes on Southern comfort. A glance at the spot’s pedigree—owned by local pie master Renee McLeod and cheffed by East Coast Grill alum and New Orleans native Rembs Layman—makes it easy to see why.

  1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge » 617-868-0004 » tupelo02139.com

• Cupcake

  Sweet

  When Courtney Forrester first opened her Back Bay cupcakerie, she sold five basic flavors. Three years later she’s got four storefronts, eight daily varieties, dozens of seasonal and specialty variations (e.g., ice cream cone cupcakes in waffle cones with lickable buttercream frosting), delivery service and a cookbook. Published last fall, The Sweet Little Book of Cupcakes gives away four seasons’ worth of Forrester’s secrets in a charming spiral-bound volume.

  49 Mass. Ave., Boston » 617-247-2253 » 225 Newbury St., Boston » 617-267-2253 » 11 School St., Boston » 617-227-2253 » Zero Brattle St., Cambridge » 617-547-2253 » sweetcupcakes.com

• Deli

  Michael’s Deli

  You know you’re in the right place when customers are talking about goings-on at the local synagogue, and when there’s a sandwich on the menu that pairs hot corned beef with salami and homemade chopped liver. Phone in your order ahead of time during the lunch rush, and as the signage says, don’t plan on lingering at a table. Do, however, order the killer pastrami that’s been imported, like the corned beef, from the Bronx.

  256 Harvard St., Brookline » 617-738-3354 » delitogo.com

• Dessert

  Market

  Pastry chef Christina Kaelberer’s exotic plays on familiar desserts have earned her a spot as one of the city’s must-watch rising stars. Confections like passion fruit soufflé with passion fruit caramel, crème fraîche cheesecake with kumquat marmalade, and a peanut- and popcorn-topped salted-caramel sundae provide whimsical conclusions to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s elegant menu of Asian-inflected French cuisine.

  W Hotel » 100 Stuart St., Boston » 617-310-6790 » marketbyjgboston.com

• Dim Sum

  Winsor Dim Sum Café

  We love the impulse-shopping feel of traditional dim sum, in which dumplings and rice noodles are carted past your table. But there’s something to be said for eating food that’s cooked to order, which makes the checklist setup here an appealing change. The dishes arrive piping hot—give those fried stuffed-eggplant slabs a minute to cool—and the menu offers extra treats like magnificent Shanghai pork buns.

  10 Tyler St., Boston » 617-338-1688

• Diner

  Victoria’s Diner

  Frequently, the gritty, divey vibes at your local diner indicate food that is equally gritty and divey. Victoria’s in Roxbury proves the stereotype wrong, with a massive menu for all three squares of the day—available 24 hours, Thursday to Sunday. Dishes like an awesomely retro patty melt slathered with creamy Asiago dressing flip all your diner preconceptions.

  1024 Mass. Ave., Roxbury » 617-442-5965 » victoriasdiner.com
• 

  Dinner with Live Music

  The Beehive

  It’s odd that a venue featuring some of the best live music in town offers food that’s even better—after one bite of the short rib–stuffed fontina grilled cheese on brioche, you’ll stop coming here for the jazz. And it’s impossible to get bored. You can watch a Hendrix cover band while chowing down on a platter of baby back ribs one night, and find yourself listening to Senegalese mbalax beats while dining on Moroccan couscous the next.

  Photo credit: Alyssa Greenberg

  541 Tremont St., Boston » 617-423-0069 » beehiveboston.com

• French

  Menton

  Everyone suspected that Barbara Lynch was a badass, and she provided definitive evidence by opening this super-pricey, prix-fixe destination in the middle of the Great Recession. On account of unforgettable dishes like luxurious butter soup and kataifi pastry–wrapped langoustine tails, it worked. The space is swanky yet subdued—the main splash of color comes from a bowl of lemons—which lets executive chef Colin Lynch’s elegant fare shine. This summer they’ll be upping the ante even more, with the addition of a monster 16-to-22-course tasting menu. As if Lynch has anything left to prove.

  354 Congress St., Boston » 617-737-0099 » mentonboston.com
• 

  Fries

  Saus

  Alarmed by the glaring lack of Belgian street food in this town, the young entrepreneurs behind this boîte set a plan in motion. Finally opening their doors four months ago, their cooked-to-order frites—not too thin, not too thick—are golden, with crisp crusts and fluffy centers. Order them in gooey, delicious poutine, or just sprouting from a waxed-paper cone with dipping sauces like truffle ketchup and spicy “samurai” mayo. But save room for a Liège waffle—the richest, most buttery version you can find in town.

  Photo credit: Dan Watkins

  33 Union St., Boston » 617-248-8835 » eatfrites.com

• Gourmet Food

  Wasik’s

  Steve Wasik was a cheese guy from the start. He swept the floors of a local cheese store as a teenager before rising to become the vice president of a nationwide company called Cheese Shop International. Then he narrowed his focus and purchased this quaint Wellesley storefront, stocking it with the finest fromages from across the world. When Wasik passed away suddenly last December, the Wellesley community turned out in droves to support his business. We couldn’t be more grateful that his family continues to offer spectacular cheeses, as well as chutneys, crackers, caviars, teas, honeys, chocolates—and, above all, unmatched hospitality.

  61 Central St., Wellesley » 781-237-0916 » wasiks.com

• Greek

  Aegean

  Simple, fresh flavors, served in generous portions and with a familial welcome: That’s the key to great Greek food. In addition to the expected mousaka and stuffed grape leaves, try the baked spring lamb or the grilled octopus. But the real draws here are the broiled options. Guests keep coming back for the marinated kabobs and souvlaki, ribs and chops, and calf’s liver topped with onions.

  257 Cochituate Road, Framingham » 508-879-8424 » 640 Arsenal St., Watertown » 617-923-7771 » aegeanrestaurants.com

• Hot Dog

  Trina’s Starlite Lounge

  Diners will always be able to find plain and chili-topped Kayem dogs at this beloved Somerville watering hole, but chef Suzi Maitland’s true creativity is displayed in the “dog of the day,” a fun play on the blue plate special. Favorites include cornmeal-battered, deep-fried pieces of “pop corn dogs,” cheese curd–and-gravy-topped “poutine dogs,” and the Monte Cristo Dog, nestled in a French toast bun.

  3 Beacon St., Somerville » 617-576-0006 » trinastarlitelounge.com

• Ice Cream

  Toscanini’s

  Everyone knows about the happy accident that transformed Gus Rancatore’s traditional caramel ice cream into something darker, bitter—and insanely addictive. The burnt caramel still tops sales at Rancatore’s Cambridge-based creamery, but you’d be remiss not to try his even more offbeat creations: salty saffron, goat cheese–brownie and beautifully restrained Earl Grey.

  899 Main St., Cambridge » 617-491-5877 » tosci.com

• Indian

  Tamarind Bay

  It took some willpower, but the few times we’ve branched out from Tamarind Bay’s beloved lalla musa dal and coconut-chile-sauced goan mirchi shrimp, we discovered that the menus at these sibling restaurants have astonishing depth. Don’t miss the dumplings (raw banana in Harvard Square and cauliflower in Brookline), Indo-Chinese garlic–black pepper lamb, and ginger-laced tomato soup.

  75 Winthrop St., Cambridge » 617-491-4552 » Tamarind Bay Coastal Indian Kitchen » 1665 Beacon St., Brookline » 617-277-1752 » tamarind-bay.com

• Italian

  Erbaluce

  The best Italian cuisine isn’t found in the North End, but hidden away in quaint Bay Village under the mastery of chef Charles Draghi. In his softly lit space, he churns out inventive Piedmontese fare like rack of wild boar, not to mention wonderful pastas. Those who want a more casual evening should head to the bar for stellar small plates and cocktails enhanced by inventive house infusions and crafted by Eastern Standard vet Nick Korn.

  69 Church St., Boston » 617-426-6969 » erbaluce-boston.com

• Italian-American

  Rino’s Place

  A few pieces of know-before-you-go advice. First: Call ahead and put your name on the wait list, or risk waiting three hours for a table (thanks for spilling the beans, Food Network). Second: In residential East Boston, street parking is a competitive sport. Be patient, but be aggressive. Third: Bring an appetite, since every entrée is big enough to share. Fall into a calorie coma on classics like homemade lobster ravioli, downy-soft baked gnocchi and tender veal Parm, or branch out with chef/owner Anthony DiCenso’s specials like limoncello shrimp.

  258 Saratoga St., East Boston » 617-567-7412 » rinosplace.com
• 

  Japanese

  Oishii

  Suburbanites have been hooked on Chef Ting Yen’s cooking since he opened his perch at the corner of Hammond Street and Route 9 more than a decade ago. Well-heeled fans followed him to his upscale South End outpost, where he defies the middlebrow reputation of makimono with prime components like white truffle, sturgeon caviar and glistening, fresh seafood. What really impressed us this year, though, was Yen rallying local chefs and hosting a benefit dinner to raise money for Japan’s earthquake disaster relief.

  Photo credit: Alyssa Greenberg
  

  1166 Washington St., Boston » 617-482-8868 » 612 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill » 617-277-7888 » oishiiboston.com

• Korean

  Korean Garden

  If you can keep from filling up on the incomparable spread of panchan—12 small plates of kimchi, pickled vegetables, piquant sausage and fish cakes—head straight for the barbecue section of the menu. There you’ll find staples like sweet-salty marinated short rib kalbi and tempting pork belly dishes like the house specialty, osam bulgogi, pairing fatty meat with squid and spicy sauce.

  122 Harvard Ave., Allston » 617-562-8989 » koreangardenboston.com

• Lobster Roll

  B&G Oysters

  Technically, there are two versions to choose from. One is the textbook example of an upscale New England lobster roll: luscious chunks of claw and tail meat, lightly coated with lemon juice, Hellmann’s and brunoise celery, packed into a grilled hot dog bun. The other, appropriately dubbed a BLT, sandwiches the same shucked meat between crusty slices of ciabatta with bacon, tomato and romaine. You can’t go wrong either way, and both come with fries, butter pickles and an excellent slaw. They make the perfect follow-up to an order of oysters.

  550 Tremont St., Boston » 617-423-0550 » bandgoysters.com

• Mediterranean

  Oleana

  Ten years after Ana Sortun opened the doors to her Cambridge dining room, her Eastern Mediterranean–inspired fare remains as fresh and boundary-pushing as ever. We still can’t get enough of charter menu stars like batter-fried mussels sharpened with hot peppers or unctuous tamarind-glazed short rib. But we also love sampling recent innovations like squid and sausage with nettles, and pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick’s melon “pop” with minty yogurt and rose petal jam.

  134 Hampshire St., Cambridge » 617-661-0505 » oleanarestaurant.com

• Mexican

  Temazcal Tequila Cantina

  The corners of Eastie and Somerville are usually the best bet for authentic Mexican flavors, but this flashy Waterfront stop is a revelation. Word on chef Todd Hall’s kitchen is out, so don’t expect be seated right away, but the high-octane margaritas (tequila is poured liberally) and warm chips with rojos and verdes salsas and porky refried bean dip will see you through the wait. Then scroll through the iPad menu for squash-blossom quesadillas (de flor de calabaza), lobster tamales and whole roast suckling pig, theatrically wheeled out and carved tableside (no pre-ordering necessary).

  250 Northern Ave., Boston » 617-439-3502 » temazcalcantina.com

• Middle Eastern

  Sofra

  Sofra made its mark as Oleana’s kid sister (see Mediterranean), peddling the restaurant’s mezze spreads in a more casual, wallet-friendly setting. Morning fare here is especially notable. Snag one of the drumlike tables and indulge in thick Greek yogurt with grano and seasonal jam, or a Turkish breakfast with feta cheese croquettes and a phyllo-crusted soft-boiled egg. It’s practically criminal, though, to walk out without having the poached egg dish called shakshuka.

  1 Belmont St., Cambridge » 617-661-3161 » sofrabakery.com

• Neighborhoods: Back Bay

  Mistral

  Glamorous diners come to this chic, Southern-accented restaurant for lively Provençal fare like black truffle aioli–topped beef carpaccio and roasted duck with wild mushroom risotto. At the stylish bar, don’t miss the superb burgers and the thin-crust pizzas, or swing by for Sunday brunch’s jumbo-lump-crab-and-chive omelets and warm puffed gougères.

  223 Columbus Ave., Boston » 617-867-9300 » mistralbistro.com

• Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill

  No. 9 Park

  Before the Barbara Lynch empire, she built her reputation at her fine-dining flagship, No. 9 Park. Thanks to its Boston Common views, outstanding wine and cheese programs and venerated prune-stuffed, foie gras butter–coated gnocchi, it continues to shine. If you’re not up for a gustatory blowout, try the bar for a plate of pasta and a craft cocktail.

  9 Park St., Boston » 617-742-9991 » no9park.com
• 

  Neighborhoods: Brookline

  Lineage

  It’s been a busy year for Jeremy Sewall (see Seafood), and he might have been excused for taking his eye off the kitchen at his Brookline dining room. No fear. Locals still come here for reliable fine dining with seasonal dishes like halibut tartare and chili-crusted bluefin tuna. Wife Lisa lends her expertise to the family business as pastry chef. The apricot frangipane tart with mascarpone sherbert is not to be missed.

  Photo credit: Dan Watkins

  242 Harvard St., Brookline » 617-232-0065 » lineagerestaurant.com

• Neighborhoods: Cambridge

  Craigie on Main

  The James Beard Award had been a long time coming. Perhaps more than any other chef in the city, Tony Maws has dazzled local and far-traveled foodies with the rare combination of stunning execution and bold—some might say ballsy—cuisine (e.g., Peking duck–style roasted pig’s head). We offer him our congratulations with a sense of hometown pride—and maybe just a little regret, as it will now be even harder to get a dinner reservation.

  853 Main St., Cambridge » 617-497-5511 » craigieonmain.com

• Neighborhoods: Charlestown

  Navy Yard Bistro

  For Charlestown residents, this neighborhood bistro is a no-brainer, with a lengthy wine list offering selections by the glass and half-bottle, and pleasing plates of buttermilk-fried oysters and steak frites. There’s also a patio that’s the perfect spot to savor draft brews like Radeberger and Whale’s Tale Pale Ale while enjoying the harborside breeze.

  Sixth St., Charlestown » 617-242-0036 » navyyardbistro.com

• Neighborhoods: Dorchester

  Ledge

  When sipping a drink on the sprawling patio, deep in a setting of leafy green, it’s easy to forget that you’re not on your suburban friend’s back porch. A massive rooftop garden means that in late summer, the herbs and tomatoes in your salad probably made a very short trip to your plate.

  2261 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester » 617-698-2261 » ledgeboston.com

• Neighborhoods: Downtown

  Troquet

  Troquet has been quietly amazing oenophiles for years with its staggering wine collection—which on occasion is offered at steep discounts. It also impresses Francophiles with its perfectly matched Gallic fare like seared scallops with morels and crème fraîche. After dinner, head downstairs to the patisserie for a sweet finale.

  140 Boylston St., Boston » 617-695-9463 » troquetboston.com

• Neighborhoods: East Boston

  Angela’s Café

  You always hear the joke about restaurants with food so good that they must have a grandmother-type in the kitchen, lovingly cooking dishes she learned to make back in the old country. Here, the legend is actually true. Angela Atenco Lopez moved to Boston from Mexico’s Puebla region and brought the cuisine with her. Tuck into her charming corner restaurant for cactus salad, pipian verde (her son and business partner’s favorite) and, hands down, the best guacamole in the city.

  131 Lexington St., East Boston » 617-567-4972 » angelascaferestaurant.com
• 

  Neighborhoods: Jamaica Plain

  Ten Tables

  First they expanded to the Cambridge location. Then came the bar addition to the original Centre Street digs. This year, Krista Kranyak scored a hat trick when she opened her third (seasonal-only) outpost in Provincetown. Is it our faulty math, or does this spunky young chef now play host to way more than 10 tables? What impresses us most is that, despite outgrowing her original concept, Kranyak’s farm-sourced food—from the rotating house sausage and charcuterie plates, to handmade pasta, to the signature chocolate terrine with Thai basil ice cream—is still as spectacular as ever.

  Photo credit: Sarah Kess

  597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain » 617-524-8810 » tentables.net

• Neighborhoods: Newton

  Biltmore Bar & Grille

  Selfishly, we wish the Biltmore were located in Boston (or at least closer off the Green Line), so that we could have braised-brisket tacos and crunchy fried chicken and waffles without having to trek deep to Newton Upper Falls. While the hearty entrées are superb, the genuine standouts are snackable options like mac fritters and “hog wings,” ready to be washed down with quality draft brews from the likes of Troeg’s, B.B.C. and Samuel Smith.

  1205 Chestnut St., Newton Upper Falls » 617-527-2550 » thebiltmoregrill.com

• Neighborhoods: Somerville

  Bergamot

  Three numbers to keep in mind: seven, three and 39. The deal: Arrive for dinner before 7 pm and take advantage of Keith Pooler’s three-course, $39 chef’s whim menu. (Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for daily updates.) Given the recent options—lobster pierogi with favas and carrot butter, blackback flounder dressed with hearts-of-palm vinaigrette, vichyssoise and tiny mousseron mushrooms, and “something strawberry”—we think Pooler’s whims are risks worth taking.

  118 Beacon St., Somerville » 617-576-7700 » bergamotrestaurant.com

• Neighborhoods: South Boston

  Franklin Southie

  Remember back when the Franklin Cafe was a neighborhood gem with inspired pub grub, killer cocktails and rare post-midnight food service? There are three of them now, not to mention the sister restaurants of Citizen Public House and Tasty Burger. But Southie residents would remind us that expansion doesn’t mean lower quality. Come here for Korean barbecue tacos, Dave DuBois’ hanger steak frites (with some of the tastiest fries in the city), and PBR spiked with a double dose of ginger and a squeeze of lemon.

  152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston » 617-269-1003 » franklincafe.com
• 

  Neighborhoods: South End

  Hamersley’s

  It’s impossible to find a roasted bird in this city to top chef Gordon Hamersley’s signature crispy, buttery, lemon and herbed chicken. A South End standout for more than two decades, the Tremont Street bistro continues to set the standard for rustic elegance. The perfect roasted fish, for example, or layered triangles of mushroom and ricotta lasagna served in the warm, inviting dining room are an unchanging delight.

  Photo credit: Emily Knudsen

   

  553 Tremont St., Boston » 617-423-2700 » hamersleysbistro.com

• Neighborhoods: West Roxbury

  Sofia Italian Steakhouse

  While modern Italian cuisine is definitely having its moment in the sun, sometimes it’s fun to go retro with a fat plate of chicken parmigiana or a bowl of rigatoni smothered with Bolognese. It’s this style of comfort fare—plus the reasonably priced mammoth steaks (a 20-ounce prime rib is $25)—that make this a perfect go-to for families.

  1430 VFW Pkwy., West Roxbury » 617-469-2600 » sofiaboston.com

• New Restaurant

  Bondir

  Those of us who followed Jason Bond from No. 9 Park to Beacon Hill Bistro knew he was destined for greatness. His new place, the gem of Area IV, exceeds our expectations. From his enthusiasm for local ingredients (raw-milk ice cream) to his ingenious use of foraged foods (Japanese knotweed), his stunning execution (the wintertime wagyu sauerbraten is a masterpiece) to his staff’s gracious hospitality (on cold nights, they warm your coats at the fireplace), we couldn’t be more thrilled that he ventured out on his own.

  279A Broadway, Cambridge » 617-661-0009 » bondircambridge.com

• Noodles

  Om

  When Ginger Park closed last year, devotees of chef Patricia Yeo’s spicy dan dan mien and stir-fried silver pin noodles feared that they’d never be able to taste their favorites again. Then Yeo resurfaced at Om, where her signatures found new life on the lunch menu alongside Hong Kong–style soy sauce noodles and shrimp pad thai. We’re now waiting with bated breath for the inevitable noodle nirvana Moksa, a Japanese street-food concept she’s opening with the Om team this fall in Central Square.

  92 Winthrop St., Cambridge » 617-576-2800 » omrestaurant.com

• North End

  Prezza

  Thanks to chef Anthony Caturano’s deft hand with fresh pastas, decadent small plates and massive wood-roasted meats, Prezza proves it’s possible to have an Italian meal in this part of town without resorting to garlic bread and ladles of red sauce. Visit on special occasions for a multicourse tasting, or just pop in for a bowl of gnocchi and a glass of wine at the bar.

  24 Fleet St., Boston » 617-227-1577 » prezza.com

• Outdoor Dining

  Dante

  You come here for the sfizi, particularly the cotechino sausage, which picks up hints of smoke as it cooks under a pile of almost-spent ashes. And you wouldn’t miss Dante’s mafalde done up sweet, sour and just a little bitter with raisins, capers, pine nuts and charred octopus. But the obvious draw to this upscale modern Italian restaurant? It’s one of the few riverside dining venues in the city—and on a sunny day, when that dirty water sparkles bright, it’s stunning.

  40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge » 617-497-4200 » restaurantdante.com

• Overlooked Gem

  MapRoom Café at the Boston Public Library

  Snack breaks are a bookworm’s best friend, which makes the BPL’s ground-floor cafeteria an invaluable refuge. Sneak away from the stacks to this high-ceilinged parlor for some house-made granola and sheep’s milk yogurt, corned beef on rye, or just a lemon square and a cup of Darjeeling—all priced to accommodate a scholar’s budget.

  700 Boylston St., Boston » 617-385-5660 » thecateredaffair.com

• People Watching

  Sonsie

  On a summer day on Newbury Street, stroll past the picture windows at Sonsie to get a crash course in designer sunglasses, as well as to spot the latest Jimmy Choos and the Chanel nail polish shade du jour. For years, well-to-do shoppers have posed on the barstools here, fueling up on excellent crispy pizzas, kobe burgers and flutes of bubbly. Sonsie remains a place to be seen.

  327 Newbury St., Boston » 617-351-2500 » sonsieboston.com

• Pizza

  Regina Pizzeria

  It’s all about the original North End location, where a brick oven bakes up signature pies enhanced with a proper drizzle of house-made garlic sauce. It’s tough to top the pairing of a bubbling, hot slice with a few slugs from a pitcher of Peroni, followed by a stroll down the lively North End sidewalks for a cannoli. Sometimes tradition is right.

  11 Thacher St., Boston » 617-227-0765 » pizzeriaregina.com

• Place to Go When Price Is No Object

  O Ya

  Since it opened in 2008, the tiny Leather District haven has been lightening wallets with mind-blowing bites of sushi and sashimi. As if menu standbys like watermelon pearl–topped Kumamoto oysters, foie gras kabayaki with balsamic-chocolate drizzle, and $189 wagyu steaks weren’t enough, the kitchen upped the ante this year with the introduction of a grand tasting, ringing in at a whopping $275 a head for 20 to 22 courses laced with ingredients like gold leaf, truffles and caviar.

   

  9 East St., Boston » 617-654-9900 » oyarestaurantboston.com

• Post-Fenway

  Eastern Standard

  The Cadillac of Boston brasseries is famously built around the reputation of its extra-long bar. Behind it, the dazzling mixologists will craft the most complex concoction in four minutes flat, while the raw bar and bistro fare on the menu are second to none. Beverage connoisseurs, foodies and college students alike pack the tables and receive scintillating service, even during the postgame rush.

  528 Comm. Ave., Boston » 617-532-9100 » easternstandardboston.com

• Post-Theater

  Teatro

  After a show, everyone needs a comfortable spot to opine on the director’s mad genius or the lead actor’s inspired imitation of a wooden block. At this Italian-leaning Theater District outpost of chef Jamie Mammano’s swanky restaurant catalog, you can cast stones while eating flawless truffled deviled eggs and sopressata pizzas. To inspire particularly witty criticism, order a few Mojito Italianos.

  177 Tremont St., Boston » 617-778-6841 » teatroboston.com

• Power Breakfast/Lunch

  Asana

  Tucked at the base of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Asana’s opulent dining room sports attractive servers wearing custom-designed obis and a menu of New England fare designed to satisfy without distracting from the purpose of your gathering: talking business. To that end, they also offer specials like a two-course prix-fixe lunch with coffee to go, ideal for getting you in to negotiate over carrot soup and seared cod, then back to the office, stat.

  776 Boylston St., Boston » 617-535-8888 » mandarinoriental.com/boston/dining/asana

• Pre-Fenway

  Fenway Park

  The last leg of the decade-long, $300 million face-lift to Fenway Park extended beyond the high-def flat-screens. Rather than braving the crowds on Lansdowne, take your seat early and enjoy the new on-site menu options: lobster rolls, Turkey Gobbler sandwiches (reportedly Mayor Menino’s favorite) and superior makimono, imported all the way from Basho.

  4 Yawkey Way, Boston » 877-733-7699 » redsox.com

• Pre-Theater

  Bina Osteria

  With the introduction of Dante alum Will Foden this year, the restaurant/retail concept has been making a serious effort to revamp its offerings. For those dining in a hurry, they’ve introduced a super-affordable menu of stuzzicare, or bar bites, which go beautifully with a well-mixed cocktail. If you do have time to linger before a show, don’t leave without ordering pastas like squid ink tagliatelle or cavatelli with rabbit ragù.

  581 Washington St., Boston » 617-956-0888 » binaboston.com

• Raw Bar

  Neptune Oyster

  It’s no easy feat to score a seat at the bar at Neptune, where the line goes out the door on a nightly basis. If you score a front-row view of the master shuckers, though, hold on to it until you’ve had your fill of fat, briny East Coast oysters and complex, flavorful West Coasters. And don’t be afraid to try them fried, as well. In the Neptunes on Piggyback, they’re served with crispy pork and golden-raisin confit.

  63 Salem St., Boston » 617-742-3474 » neptuneoyster.com

• Rising Star(s)

  The Journeyman team

  After getting into the habit of throwing extravagant, labor-intensive dinner parties, couple Diana Kudajarova and Tse Wei Lim decided to build their vision into an actual restaurant. The result is this bold (but tiny) first-time venture in which they serve three prix-fixe menus alongside quirky fare that changes weekly, based on diligent local sourcing. A wintry evening may bring pork cheek terrine with crab apples, while a late-spring night offers fried eggs with fermented ramps. Their gamble seems to have paid off, though we still think that the best from this team is yet to come.

  9 Sanborn Court, Somerville » 617-718-2333 » journeymanrestaurant.com
• 

  Romantic

  UpStairs on the Square

  It’s hard not to think of fairy tales when you sit in a room decked with gilded pale pink walls, a mirrored ceiling and plush maroon chairs. Chef Steven Brand makes sure his seasonal New England cuisine shows ample imagination to match. Share plates of pork loin with cherry-chipotle jam, or go all-out with the seven-course tasting menu, plus pairings from wine director extraordinaire Matt Reiser.

  Photo credit: Photo: Jared Charney; models: Brett and Roberta/Maggie Inc

  91 Winthrop St., Cambridge » 617-864-1933 » upstairsonthesquare.com
• 

  Salads

  Stephanie’s on Newbury

  Stephanie Sokolove has the market cornered when it comes to accommodating guests with generously portioned, sophisticated comfort fare like truffled mac ’n’ cheese, or an especially spectacular meatloaf. Salads get the same treatment—rich ingredients like roasted chicken with toasted almonds, beef tenderloin with rosemary potatoes or pecan-crusted goat cheese with toasted brioche ensure that they’re full, delicious meals, not mere dieting aids. They’re the salad hater’s salads.

  Photo credit: Dan Watkins

  190 Newbury St., Boston » 617-236-0990 » stephaniesonnewbury.com

• Sausage

  The Haven

  Under antler-chandeliers, JP hipsters pack Jason Waddleton’s super-cool Scottish restaurant to swig Belhaven over haggis with neeps and tatties. But more adventurous souls skip the tamer haggis in favor of house-made blood sausage. Jammed with rich, black paste instead of filler like oats or rice, it arrives on a bed of grilled asparagus, topped with a fried egg—an inspired combination of textures and tastes. Don’t miss the annual Sausage Fest and Ladies Night for the kitchen’s versions of Cumberland and hunter’s sausages.

  2 Perkins St., Jamaica Plain » 617-524-2836 » thehavenjp.com

• Seafood

  Island Creek Oyster Bar

  It’s not every year that Boston welcomes a stellar seafood restaurant. But when Skip Bennett and chef Jeremy Sewall partnered with restaurateur Garrett Harker to take over the old Great Bay space, they aimed higher than opening just another luxury raw bar. They created a grand stage for Bennett’s Duxbury-based aquaculture business—making this a true farm-to-table establishment that serves only the most immaculate mollusks. The crowds come in for family recipes like Bennett’s grilled and garlic-buttered razor clams and cousin Mark Sewall’s Maine-caught lobsters with fresh pasta ribbons.

  500 Comm. Ave., Boston » 617-532-5300 » islandcreekoysterbar.com
• 

  Sommelier

  Todd Lipman of Bistro du Midi

  Having perfected his trade during stints at restaurants like KO Prime and Bin 26 Enoteca, Lipman’s inspired wine list means that the bistro’s elegant Provençal fare is always enhanced, not overwhelmed, by the best accompaniment. The BU graduate has a taste for under-the-radar varietals, so you may venture past pinot. For summertime, he’s rolled out an impressive roster of rosés available by both the bottle and the glass.

  Photo credit: Heather McGrath 

  272 Boylston St., Boston » 617-426-7878 » bistrodumidi.com

• Southern

  Hungry Mother

  Hungry Mother already appeals to the pre-theater folks—eat before 6 pm and get discounted tickets to Kendall Square Cinema delivered to your table. More recently, the addition of bar bites has begun luring a later crowd. Not even popcorn-stuffed patrons can refuse the fried Anson Mills grits, East Carolina pulled-pork sandwiches and grilled sausages with pickled okra. But really, dinner is good here any time of the night, with or without a movie.

  233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge » 617-499-0090 » hungrymothercambridge.com

• Southern

  Hungry Mother

  The darling of Cambridge since its opening in 2008, this southern belle continues to capture the hearts of Yankees, clinching titles like this year’s Boston Globe Munch Madness championship. Reserve early for summertime specials like grilled local squid with pickled peppers and cornmeal-fried softshells with pea greens and watermelon. But note that seasonal hours mean the kitchen’s only cooking from Wednesday to Sunday.

  233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge » 617-499-0090 » hungrymothercambridge.com

• Spot for Celebrity Watching

  Strega on the Waterfront

  The original Strega on Hanover Street has long been wallpapered with snapshots of stars posing with larger-than-life restaurateur Nick Varano. His latest, more conspicuous Waterfront iteration ups the flash factor for celebs looking for pappardelle and a party. Case in point: After announcing his retirement, it’s where Shaquille O’Neal bid Boston adieu at a star-studded bash with girlfriend Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander.

  1 Marina Park Drive, Boston » 617-345-3992 » stregawaterfront.com

• Steak Tips

  Silvertone Bar & Grill

  There are many reasons to fall in love with Silvertone: cracker-crusted crocks of gooey mac ’n’ cheese, inexpensive, quality tipples and laid-back yet attentive service. But in the end, it’s all about the incomparable steak tips— covered in a signature sweet and savory marinade and piled in a generous heap beside a pillowy mound of garlic mashed potatoes and leafy greens.

  69 Bromfield St., Boston » 617-338-7887 » silvertonedowntown.com

• Suburban

  51 Lincoln

  At 51 Lincoln, a melon is not a summertime snack, but rather the “protein” in chef Jeff Fournier’s signature watermelon steak appetizer. The pink fruit gets a pan sear before a dressing of eggplant “chicharron,” cherry tomato confit, French feta and parsley. It’s this witty attitude toward fresh ingredients that makes the restaurant a welcome neighborhood spot for suburbanites, and worth a detour for city dwellers. It’s now open for lunch, too, so you can order the outstanding Cambodian Mahi Mahi Amok without having to wait for sundown.

  51 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands » 617-965-3100 » 51lincolnnewton.com

• Sushi

  Douzo

  Bargain sushi doesn’t have the cost-cutting appeal of, say, a soup-and-sandwich combo. Rather than play Russian roulette with raw seafood, hit this polished Back Bay option for schools of upmarket—but still affordable—makimono (try the Torch toro roll sharpened with jalapeño). There’s also an array of tempura and an impressive nigiri roster: pickled mackerel, escolar and giant clams, to name a few.

  131 Dartmouth St., Boston » 617-859-8886 » douzosushi.com

• Takeout/Delivery

  Bakers’ Best

  While cartons of greasy pork-fried rice have their place, there’s much less risk of bellyache with the chicken-papaya spring rolls, carrot-and-ginger bisque, and grilled eggplant roulade supplied by this Newton Highlands eat-in/takeout joint. There’s also a catering arm to the operation, making it an ideal source when looking to fake your way through a dinner party.

  27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands » 617-332-4588 » bakersbestcatering.com

• Tapas

  Toro

  It was hard enough to pick from the charred pimientos del Padron, the griddled gambas and the famous corn. With an ever-changing menu of options, the question arises of how to cram all those little plates onto one table. What to choose? Crispy pork terrine with charred ramps and kimchi aioli? Thai-style tripe-and-pork stew? Better bring extra company to this multifaceted favorite, where sharing plates is a practice too often honored in the breach.

  1704 Washington St., Boston » 617-536-4300 » toro-restaurant.com

• Thai

  Pho Basil

  The strip of Mass. Ave. running through the Symphony area can look somewhat barren of quality eats. Then you smell the fragrant curries, classic noodle dishes and house specialties like spicy tangerine pork and lemongrass-laced stir-fried beef here, and you realize you’ve stumbled on a gem. It’s also a great inexpensive detour from the pricier restaurants lining Newbury Street.

  177A Mass. Ave., Boston » 617-262-5377 » phobasil.com

• Vegetarian

  Clover Food Lab

  Recently, it’s been hard to walk through Harvard Square without stopping by Clover’s first brick-and-mortar outpost to grab a chickpea-fritter sandwich and house-made soda. The pita sandwiches, salads and drinks infused with real fruit and herbs make Clover trucks—now at Dewey Square and Government Center, in addition to Kendall Square—an inexpensive refueling post. Added bonus: The Harvard Square location pours draft beers from local craft breweries such as Pretty Things and Peak Organic. A perfect match for a batch of rosemary fries.

  7 Holyoke St., Cambridge » cloverfoodlab.com

• Vietnamese

  Pho Hoa

  Yes, Pho Hoa is a chain, but this is a good thing—more opportunities to come across their consistently great (and wonderfully inexpensive) roster of traditional Vietnamese pho. Beginners will want to order the tamer steak, brisket or meatball-filled noodle soups, but true connoisseurs know that the real goodness comes from the chewier, wobblier bits of tripe and tendon. And the broth! Just savor the broth.

  17 Beach St., Boston » 617-423-3934 » phohoa.com
• 

  Wine Bar

  The Butcher Shop

  Hanging sausages, creative charcuterie boards and the other five-star meats at Barbara Lynch’s South End protein temple might obscure the (arguably) main draw—wines sourced by BL Gruppo sommelier Cat Silirie. The menu features 100 bottles, many of which are available by the glass. There are also nightly specials, often inspired by the well-traveled wine pro’s adventures in Italy, France and Spain.

  Photo credit: Emily Knudsen

  552 Tremont St., Boston » 617-423-4800 » thebutchershopboston.com

• Wine Store

  The Wine Bottega

  Given its North End surroundings, it should be no surprise that this historic wine shop has an epic sel-ection of hard-to-find Italian wines. But under the direction of owner Kerri Platt, who took over in 2008, the shop focuses on selling small-production vinos from all around the world—meaning Burgundies, riojas and sakes get attention, too. Regular tastings provide the option to try before you buy.

  341 Hanover St., Boston » 617-227-6607 » thewinebottega.com

• Wings

  Buff’s Pub

  There are plenty of spots in the city with chicken good enough to justify dirtying a few napkins, but it’s worth the short trek to Newton for wings that would honor the finest bar menu in Buffalo. If you’re willing to combat the crowds on a game day, take the full plunge with an order of the mouth-scorching “xtra hot” wings. If in a milder mood, give honey hots or spicy teriyaki a try.

  317 Washington St., Newton » 617-332-9134 » buffspubofnewton.com

• Worst Trend

  Opposition to food trucks

  A couple years ago, we’d have been surprised if a Kennedy could win a food truck license in this town. Thankfully, the famine is over. As of last month, the Greenway, the SoWa Open Market and a few other parking spots have been jammed with street vendors like DosaMobile (from the folks behind Central Square’s Dosa Factory), Silk Road BBQ and Going Bananas (fresh fruit smoothies). Boston, you’re unfashionably late to the party—but better late than never.