Waterworks
This is the temple of clean, with every element of the bathroom represented, from stylish faucets to plush bathrobes and towels. The shop specializes in handcrafted pieces ranging from traditional to modern, and offers impressively accessible design consultation. For touchy-feely types, there are in-store displays that provide truly interactive shopping. We watched as one couple tumbled into an oversized whirlpool to test the size. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA waterworks.com.
Julie Michaud
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, do yourself a favor and let brow virtuoso Julie Michaud hold the tweezers. Her sense of shape and color are perfect on every brow, and her insistence on a clean line is nothing short of exacting. Don't come looking for a harsh, surprised expression; Michaud's watchwords are flattering, subtle, and pretty. With such attention to detail, the petite and affable artist doesn't just do natural: She is one. 297 Newbury St., Boston, MA prettyology.com.
Flat Breads Cafe
At this clean, bright restaurant across from Boston College they've spent six years perfecting roll-up combinations with ingredients such as their own homemade roasted red-and-green-tomato-cilantro salsas, Haas avocados, premium breast-meat chicken salad. Specials include Asian, Mexican, deli, barbecue, and even seafood roll-up combos. And the frequent-eater program gets you one free wrap for every 10 you buy. 11 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA .
Flat Top Johnny's
Fast Eddie Felson wouldn't have set foot in most of the upscale pool halls that have replaced the smoky hustler haunts of old. He might have made an exception for Flat Top Johnny's, though. Unlike the rest of its ilk, this Kendall Square hangout is one classy joint that's neither a meat market nor an amusement park. At once understated and regal, the place features clean red felt, good cheap beer, and regulars who actually know how to play a game of nine ball. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Crossing Main
This pristine boutique is a museum of must-haves—except that nothing stays on the shelves for long. The sharp-eyed staff lays out a tempting guild of accessories (clean-lined Prada bags, funky Tocca totes) and outfits—just try walking away from the beautifully cut button-up shirts from Rayure or the many printed shifts from Theory. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA crossingmain.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Dill tuna at Formaggio Kitchen is simply too good for school lunchboxes. A hint of fresh dill makes this the adult version of kiddie comfort food. With just enough mayo to make it spreadable, this tuna mixture has a clean taste and a real texture that makes others seem just damp (or soggy) dabs on wheat, embarrassments to the fish family. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Camp
Forget ball pits and bounce houses: Hidden behind a bookcase at the Burlington Mall’s Camp toy store are endless hands-on adventures for birthday groups. This summer’s theme is retro summer camp, with a “disco” cabin for dancing, a splatter art room, and slides. Keeping parents happy? The squeaky-clean environs and partnership with next-door neighbor Shake Shack. Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 1803, camp.com.
Verde Salon
Now celebrating its 10th year in Braintree, Verde proves some things just get better with time. The salon makes haircare clean and green with eco-friendly products and a zero-waste approach to business. Most important, though, the stylists here are magicians with foils, scissors, and extensions, conjuring luminous highlights and cuts with just the right amount of texture and edge. And with a recent announcement that it is moving into a new space, you can expect big things from Verde in its 11th year. 89 Hancock St., Ste. 103, Braintree, MA 02184, verdesalon.org.
Legal Harborside
Sun, saltwater, and seafood on Legal Harborside’s roof deck. / Photo by Christopher Churchill Or views, more like it: Nowhere else in Boston will you find three options for al fresco dining under one roof. All you need to do is pick your floor. Snag a coveted seat on the ground level’s harborside deck and tuck into fried clams while listening to the concert rocking at the nearby Pavilion; savor a splurge-worthy meal on the second floor’s secluded outdoor patio (complete with fireplace); or head all the way up to the third floor’s roof deck, where you can sip, snack, and savor views of the water and the city skyline rain or shine thanks to retractable glass walls. 270 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, legalseafoods.com.
Cantina La Mexicana
Bostonians who bemoan the city's dearth of real burritos have obviously never been to this Union Square standout. You won't find assembly line stations here, just hardworking cooks who steam flour tortillas then load them with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole (ask for extra), grilled veggies, and your choice of meat. Trust us, this burrito will change the mind of even a stubborn aficionado. 247 Washington St., Somerville, MA 2143, lataqueria.com.
Hi-Rise Bread Company
Baked right on the premises with organic whole wheat, rye, and corn flours, Hi-Rise bread does a body good. In addition to more than a dozen breads offered on the menu, different specialty breads take turns haring the spotlight as bread of the day, seven days a week. The cell-phone-free environment, which is strictly enforced, ensures a wondrous, relaxing visit. Ingredients necessary: a good book, a cup of java, and a slice of some cinnamon-raising bread. 208 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.
Simcha
Simcha is the Hebrew word for joy — and what joy we find in chef-owner Avi Shemtov’s Middle Eastern restaurant, ensconced in a tiny shopping plaza in Sharon. Inspired by the home cooking of his grandmother, who left Turkey for Israel in 1949, Shemtov puts his own unique spin on the cuisine of his ancestors: In his hands, couscous becomes arancini drizzled with smoked-egg aioli, and chickpea-flour fried chicken is served over a sweet-potato purée. The superb falafel, however, is a classic that requires no reimagining. 370 S. Main St., Sharon, MA 02067, simcharestaurant.com.
Feast & Fettle
After a few years of prepping three squares a day, it’s only natural to want to outsource the task of home cooking to someone, you know, outside the home. Thankfully, Rhode Island–based Feast & Fettle expanded its family-style meal delivery service to Greater Boston last year, and there’s something for everyone on the extensive menu. Bonus: The company has also been known to partner with local faves like Flour bakery and Blackbird Donuts for add-on treats. feastandfettle.com.
Polkadog
Polkadog pet treats. Baked fresh every day at the company’s Boston Fish Pier kitchen, the “Chicken Littles” bones — made with simple ingredients such as poultry, long-grain brown rice, and potato flour — are better quality than anything you’ll find at the grocery store. The brand’s dried cod skins and chickenstrip jerky are also guaranteed to say “top dog.” Multiple locations, polkadog.com.
SRV
<strong>Stick a fork in it:</strong> SRV's <em>tajarin</em> pasta luxed up with black truffle. In the sea of noteworthy Italian restaurants that have opened recently (Benedetto, Bar Mezzana, Mida), small-plates-focused SRV edges out the competition with its umami-rich one-bite cicchetti and bold pasta dishes made with house-milled flour, from garganelli with 'nduja-carrot sugo to strozzapreti with sausage and salsa verde. And thanks to the upgraded dessert program created by new pastry chef Meghan Thompson, the South End hot spot has only gotten better since it clinched this title last year. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, srvboston.com.