Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Coffee Connection
When Starbucks bought the Coffee Connection, corporate honchos assured area fans that the local favorite would continue to roast its own coffee. A year later, you can no longer get quality teas at Coffee Connection. It's still the best cup of coffee, but is it an endangered species? Buy those beans while you can.
Sweet Life Cafe
Ten bucks says if you were asked to imagine your ideal evening of outdoor island dining, you'd pick something with a water view. Oh, naive soul: On the Vineyard, the most delicious outdoor experience happens in Sweet Life's fragrant garden, where threads of tiny white lights illuminate a handful of white-tableclothed seatings. The food is similarly divine: Lively island fare such as sweet-and-spicy roasted scallops, savory halibut with curry onion rings (a must), and salmon with lemon salsa round out the experience. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, sweetlifemv.com.
Neptune Oyster
Neptune's menu is a smorgasbord of briny delights: locally harvested cherrystone clams, littlenecks, and shrimp cocktail. But the true draw here is the mighty oyster—more than a dozen varieties pulled from as near as the waters off Wellfleet and as far as Washington state. For those still coming up in the school of oyster-ology, the menu explains not just where the selections hail from, but how they'll taste going down. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
The Coach House
Brunch-goers are often faced with a choice of sweet versus salty. At the Coach House, they don't have to pick. The restaurant's Sunday brunch buffet has everything from fluffy French toast to chef Ryan Hardy's signature cheeses. The water views are stunning and the charming staff encourages you to try it all—not that you'll need any prodding. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA harbor-view.com.
Jake's Seafoods
When you've had it with ersatz seafood joints that underfeed and overcharge you, set your sights on a place that doesn't pretend to be anything but what it is: a bare-bones fish shack. Jake's spotlights freshness and variety in simple but classic preparations. There's plenty of atmosphere; just make sure to snag a table on the enclosed patio, where the specials are served over the waters they were fished from, and sunsets dapple the abutting bay. 50 George Washington Blvd., Hull, MA jakesseafoods.com.
Leonard Florence's
In a one-week period in September 1985, Florence then CEO of Towle Manufacturing, sold 43,600 shares of the East Boston silverware manufacturer at prices ranging from $8.37 to $9 a share. Two months later, the 54-year-old Florence was asked to resign. Last March the 296-year-old company filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. The company's stock is currently hovering around $3.50 a share.
Esprit du Vin
The owners here specialize in wines produced in small quantities (fewer than 10 cases). Bottles from all over the world line the shelves, designed to appeal to every budget and palate. Not only that, a quarter of the stock changes every month, so there's always something new to try. While you're at it, pick up some freshly baked breads and pastries, check out the mouth-watering selection of gourmet cheeses and pâtes, and make plans to attend one of the weekly tastings. 25 Central Ave., Milton, MA espritduvinusa.com.
Catch
It's not at the end of a pier, and there's no water view in sight. But all matters of geography aside, the landlocked Catch in Winchester does serve some of the North Shore's freshest fish. Chef-owner Chris Parsons prepares seasonal seafood in fine, simple dishes: His uncomplicated mussels are always irresistible and his signature pan-seared scallops with braised-short-rib ravioli are a rare treat. 34 Church St., Winchester, MA .
The Zulus
They called themselves Wild Kingdom until Mutual of Omaha told them to change their name or face a lawsuit. They tried the Gospel Birds, but Patty LaBelle's publishing company, the Gospel Birds, called and said that that name had been taken. Finally, they came up with the Zulus, and now, three years later, WFNX and WBCN are playing their frenzied, electric songs like "Never Again," "Too Much," and "Got It."
Ostra
Photograph by David Salafia This isn’t seafood for a day by the water—this is seafood for a celebration. Three-pound lobsters, Osetra caviar, and bottles of bubbly float around the dining room of chef-owner Jamie Mammano’s opulent new fish restaurant, where the prices are high and the quality of the fish—like the simply but smartly prepared salmon, sea bream, and yellowfin tuna—is even higher. The rich, chorizo-spiked paella, packed with all manner of sea creatures, is a must-order. One Charles St. S., Boston, MA 02116, ostraboston.com.
Mellie Hair Design
We love a salon with cushy sofas and lemon water, but those details mean nothing if the stylists aren't hair-care experts. Most Mellie employees have 10-plus years of experience — but more important, we left feeling fab after a stylist turned our awkward layers into a look we couldn't wait to debut. 376 Granite Ave., Milton, MA 2186, melliehairsalon.com.
Lester Harry's
Any parent will tell you his or her kid is the cutest. Now moms and dads can bolster their claims with a trip to Lester Harry's. This tot shop carries sweet accessories like teeny printed hats and satin boxers, embroidered organic-cotton quilts, and washable receiving blankets that are softer than a baby's skin. It really doesn't get much cuter than that. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA lesterharrys.com.
Essentia
See you later, Pottery Barn: Essentia is the perfect place to find a hostess, shower, or birthday gift. Accessories from this boutique have that handmade quality without smacking of hokey, homespun earnestness. Instead, the wares are stylish. On offer are one-of-a-kind pottery pieces from the UK, Europe, and local areas, an array of linens and cushions, and a smattering of handmade jewelry pieces and other fashion accessories, including handbags and silk-printed scarves from RISD. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA essentialifestyle.com.
Giorgio Armani Loro Piano Storm System
At these prices, don't call this garment a raincoat. It's a "storm system"—and it's designed to survive even Twister in style. Made of a line of speciality Italian cashmeres and wools that have been internally rubberized to make them water- and wind-proof, they're not only stylish, but will protect you through New England's fiercest weather. Even at $2,000 to $3,500, they're snapping them up on Newbury Street. Giorgio Armani, 22 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .