Encore Boston Harbor
Given the expansive gaming area, you’re not likely to see tons of kids at the Encore. But the resort offers pleasures well beyond slots and blackjack, from chef-driven restaurants to clubby lounges to couples’ massages at the spa. To really wow your SO, request the harbor-view suite — and be sure to add on the “bed and breakfast for two” package. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Boston Harbor Hotel
If you’re the type who doesn’t think it’s a getaway unless you’re gazing at the water, book a room at this luxe Rowes Wharf hotel. When you’re not soaking up the glorious harbor views from your room or suite, you can head down to the newly reimagined health club, scheduled to open mid-summer. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.
McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath
Why was this full-service firm worthy of an award this year? All you have to do is look at project “Full Throttle,” in which the team transformed a former shared family bathroom into an elegant parents only escape. A tired white tub became an oasis with deep-green chevron tiles, gold hardware, and a full glass wall. A drab vanity was upgraded with dark wood and a gleaming white countertop. Moody, elegant sconces replaced overhead lighting. If they can do that with the simplest of bathrooms, imagine what they could do to your space. 239 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880, mcguirekitchenbath.com.
Ligne Roset
courtesy photo Always dreamed of owning an Italian villa ora French pied-à-terre? Bringing a little Eurostyling to your stateside home may help scratch that itch. Long a paragon of sleek European design, today Ligne Roset’s Back Bay showroom is filled with ultra modern modular sofas, chic decorative touches like sculptural marble bookends, and dramatic abstractc handeliers from international designers such as Pierre Paulin, Evangelos Vasileiou, and Hiroshi Kawano. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, ligne-roset.com.
Catherine Truman Architects
To Catherine Truman and her team, every project is a new beginning. After all, each client has distinct preferences, and each site has its own history and attributes. With that outlook, it’s not surprising that the firm is adept at working on all manner of homes: complex historical renovations, LEED-certified new houses, sparkling city high rises, and everything in between. They particularly relish in designing all of the details — from the window trim to the kitchen cabinetry to the chimney cap — specifically for you. catherinetrumanarchitects.com.
S+H Construction
When it comes to upscale renovations, S + H Construction has been making its mark in the Greater Boston area for more than four decades. Clients appreciate the professionalism, personalized service, and cost efficiency that this residential construction firm brings to each project. But what they love even more is the craftsmanship: Whether dealing with an old home or a newer build, the company’s experienced staffers apply their in-depth knowledge and expertise to all of their work. shconstruction.com.
ZK Painting
Owner Zach Kenney strives for perfection, and it shows. His team is methodical in their preparation of each space, leading to flawlessly painted interior and exterior spaces every time. A big bonus is that Kenney’s company is master certified with Fine Paints of Europe, which means it can do high-gloss painting, a multistep process resulting in a spectacular sheen. This skill is hotly in demand, so get your name on Kenney’s list, pronto. zkpainting.com.
Sarma
Isn’t pan-Mediterranean mezze pretty much everywhere these days, you ask? Why, yes it is — but chef-owner Cassie Piuma’s free wheeling ethos produces something above and beyond that (see: her avocado muhummara and basturma bánh mì). You’ll understand the many award nods and accolades once you soak up Sarma’s lively yet chill vibe, listen to its erudite, earnest servers, and navigate your own euphoric jaunt across a dozen distinct culinary traditions. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, MA 02145, sarmarestaurant.com.
Suya Joint
Cecelia Lizotte, a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist, is busy expanding Suya Joint to Providence this year. But lucky for us, the bustling West African restaurant continues to wow crowds in Nubian Square, showcasing cuisine from Nigeria and the broader region. Start your meal with the namesake suya — spiced grilled beef skewers — but save room for a heaping portion of the Nigerian stew egusi, made from ground pumpkin seeds and spinach. 185 Dudley St., Boston, MA 02119, suyajoint.com.
Lehrhaus
Where else can you listen to Yiddish folklore with a soundtrack of live klezmer music while dining on mac-and-cheese kugel? This self-described “tavern and house of learning,” which grabbed national attention with its splashy 2023 opening, offers a unique blend of educational opportunities and excellent food. Order up dishes inspired by the Jewish diaspora, from herring tartine to chopped “not liver” made with eggplants and nuts, while surrounded by Jewish texts old and new — and don’t forget to pop in for a class. 425 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143, lehr.haus.
High Street Place
This atrium food hall in the Financial District makes a strong case for returning to the office — or, better yet, converting those underused buildings into more housing. But even if you don’t live or work downtown, it’s worth stopping by for one of the city’s best cocktail bars (Daiquiris & Daisies), craveable quick bites like Mike & Patty’s breakfast sandwiches, and globetrotting chef Tiffani Faison’s take on both lobster rolls and pepperoni pizza. 100 High St., Boston, MA 02110, highstreetplace.com.
Grill 23 & Bar
Himmel Hospitality Group president Chris Himmel has worked at Grill 23 since he was a kid. / Photograph by Ken Richardson. Chris Himmel’s earliest memories involve running around the dining room at Grill 23 & Bar, the stately Back Bay steakhouse that celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. The second-generation owner was five when the restaurant opened; 20 years later, he assumed control of the day-to-day operations, and nowadays is president of the entire Himmel Hospitality Group, which also includes Harvest, Bistro du Midi, and the Banks Fish House. Continue reading ... 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Boston Chops
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Thanks to a few hip newcomers, scrappy Downtown Crossing is having a moment. If you ask us, that’s even more reason to celebrate this luxe steakhouse, which remains a neighborhood favorite after six years. The restaurant is where businessfolk with expense accounts can summon Japanese Wagyu and trophy bottles of Burgundy while the rest of us enjoy modestly priced prime steak frites, melt-in-your-mouth popovers, and excellent cocktails. 52 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111, bostonchops.com.
Angela's Café
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Locals flock to both Eastie locations of this Mexican favorite for crowd-pleasers such as fresh, high-quality guacamole, ceviches, tacos, and burritos. But the best reasons to visit are the rare in-Boston flavors of Puebla, seen in the menu’s rajas poblanas (shredded peppers with sour cream and queso fresco), Adobo-marinated tacos arabes, and dishes sauced with ravishingly complex moles, pipiáns, and tingas. East Boston, angelascafeboston.com.
Prima
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Fresh breads and cheeses, jumbo steaks, and big-as-your-face chicken Parm have helped this City Square newcomer carve its own niche among the city’s abundant Italian steakhouses. The elegant design doesn’t hurt, especially the pink-and-red “Rose Room” in the back — book that Valentine’s Day reservation ASAP. 10 City Sq., Boston, MA 02129, primaboston.com.