Shōjō
Photograph by Trevor Reid Mark O'Leary put ramen on the city's radar at O Ya and Guchi's Midnight Ramen. Now he makes a lunch-only shoyu variety at Shōjō, where he fills each bowl with two slow-simmered broths, a six-minute egg, char siu pork belly, and house-made noodles. 9A Tyler St., Boston, MA 02111, shojoboston.com.
Mei Mei
Photograph by Trevor Reid Mei Mei's handpleated classic pork dumplings, available at lunch, are crisp outside and properly juicy inside. In keeping with the Li siblings' quirky take on Chinese fare, you'll also find first-rate pierogi dumplings with cranberry-apple sauce and sour cream. 506 Park Dr., Boston, MA 02215, meimeistreetkitchen.com.
Anh Hong
This Dorchester destination offers up traditional home-style dishes for those daring to venture beyond bowls of pho or bánh mì. Hungry? Pair ca kho to (caramelized clay-pot fish) with an order of canh chua (sour soup) and a side of white rice, or spring for the seven-course beef, bò 7 món. 291 Adams St., Dorchester, MA 02122, .
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
The Institute of Contemporary Art
A gleaming temple of artistic achievement, the ICA is filled with modern masterpieces. And your wedding can be one of them. Between the harbor views and the large-scale works adorning the gallery’s walls, visual splendor abounds—as do options for using the space, which includes a waterfront plaza, a light-flooded lobby, and a roomy theater. 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, MA 02210, icaboston.org.
Bellacquer
Treating yourself to a mani/pedi at this recently opened salon is like taking a deep breath of fresh air: relaxing, satisfying, and totally necessary. The bright space strikes a balance between clinical and cushy, with skilled technicians ready to trim, shape, and polish your digits to perfection (and have fun with nail art, if you please). 1389 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, bellacquer.com.
Boston for the Dogs
This diverse team of animal aficionados—which includes a romance novelist, a Berklee graduate, and a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady—know how to make your pooch feel comfortable, be it on a neighborhood walk, a hike, or a quick potty break. They’ll even arrange playgroups with other dogs in a fenced-in area. MA bostonforthedogs.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
Take your pick: a Viet bowl from Whole Heart or chickpea socca from Forage. / Photo by Toan Trinh Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Vialé
With a wine list featuring nicely priced surprises (buonasera, falanghina!), and always-tasty plates of beef carpaccio and gnocchi Bolognese, this is exactly the kind of spot that makes you want to become a regular—and when you do, count on the cordial staff to remember your drink order. 502 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, vialecambridge.com.
North Square Oyster
Photo by Chloe Grinberg In a historical building steps from the Paul Revere House, Waypoint alum Pierce Boalt Juckett sates North Enders’ seafood cravings with platters of briny Eider Cove and Mookie Blues oysters, immaculate crudos, and—of course—buttery lobster rolls. 5 North Sq., Boston, MA 02113, northsquareoyster.com.
ShowPlace Icon Theatre
There’s no better way to watch the latest summer blockbuster than from the extreme comfort of a vibrating, reclining seat at this cinema, which luxes up your moviegoing experience with such extravagances as gourmet popcorn from the likes of Joanne Chang and Ken Oringer. 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, showplaceicon.com.
Roslindale Farmers’ Market
Photo by Chloe Grinberg This weekly farmers’ market doesn’t just peddle organic fruits and veggies—it fosters community, thanks to live music performances and activities for the kiddos. Fuel your search for microgreens, pasture-raised meats, and freshly picked apples with java from West Roxbury coffee roaster Recreo. Adams Park, Roslindale , MA 02131, roslindale.net/rvms-farmers.
Tile Showcase
Softly lit like paintings in a museum, the tile displays at this Design Center showroom beg to be explored. Come for myriad ceramic, glass, and stone options from the likes of Pratt & Larson, Island Stone, and Walker Zanger, and leave with dozens of ideas for your next reno. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 639, Boston, MA 02210, tileshowcase.com.
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Pizza Pie-er
Fresh mozzarella. Sun-dried tomatoes. Anchovies, chicken, pineapple, ham. Green olives, green peppers. Black olives, red peppers. Asparagus, zucchini, artichoke hearts. Prosciutto, spinach, walnuts...and, oh yeah—they've also got four kinds of crust and 11 sauces. Good luck. 182 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 2115, pizzapieer.com.