New Deal Fish Market
You can't get any fresher than this Cambridge spot: On any given day, you'll spot employees hauling out huge whole fish and breaking them down as you look on. Vast and unrivaled elsewhere in the area, the seafood selection includes whole branzino, Spanish octopus, and fresh anchovies—not to mention everything you need to make your own maki and sashimi. 622 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, newdealfishmarket.com.
Pagu
The debut from chef Tracy Chang, cofounder of the pioneering pop-up Guchi's Midnight Ramen, is part izakaya, part pintxos bar, and fully the chef's "culinary diary." That means reverence paid to ramen, especially the original Guchi's version. Featuring house-made alkaline noodles, three rich broths, and a perfectly cooked six-minute egg, the luxurious bowl is even more satisfying in Chang's sleek permanent digs. 310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, gopagu.com.
Dig Inn
It's hard to remember lunch before Dig Inn—and judging by the perpetual crowds, we're not the only ones embracing the healthy fast-casual trend. From tricolor carrots with rosewater vinaigrette to cantaloupe and arugula with lime-leaf dressing, you'd be hard-pressed to choose a disappointing add-in for your grain bowl, salad, or noodle dish. Multiple locations. 557 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, diginn.com.
Montien Thai Restaurant
Stuck in a rice-noodle rut, or just maxed out on coconut-y curries? Refresh your Thai-food game at Montien, where the kitchen has dug deep into the cuisine for more than 30 years. Stick to the "authentic" menu for slabs of chewy-crisp pork, raw shrimp bathed in fiery lime juice, and whole fish deep-fried so expertly that you'll crave the skin like cracklings. 63 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, montienthaiboston.com.
Bondir
With a fragrant wood-burning fireplace, country-chic décor, and refreshingly casual vibes, dining at this Area 4 gem feels like sharing an intimate home-cooked meal—only with much, much better food. Chef Jason Bond's elegant six-course tasting menus—think roast duck with tare, and milk custard with green tea and honeycomb—give you plenty of time to linger with your beloved, especially when you splurge on wine pairings. 279A Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, bondircambridge.com.
Chilacates
For his tacos, tortas, and tostadas, owner Socrates Abreu fills house-made corn tortillas and telera bread with ingredients so fresh he didn't even bother to install a freezer in either of his two locations. An array of protein options—from tangy pineapple-marinated al pastor to chipotle-flecked chicken tinga—keep us, and seemingly all of J.P., digging in on the reg. 658 Centre St., Jamaica Plain; 224 Amory St., Jamaica Plain; 617-522-6000, chilacates.mx. 658 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, chilacates.mx.
Night Shift Brewing
What started as a hobby has grown into, among other developments, a buzzy brewery producing a diverse lineup of solid beers. This past year's addition of a second taproom has helped mitigate the crowds clamoring for an oft-rotating lineup of fruited sour weisses, neo-Euro styles, and balanced American hop bombs, like the World Beer Cup-bronzed Santilli IPA. 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett, MA 02149, nightshiftbrewing.com.
Waypoint
It takes bold, nuanced drinks to stand up to bold, nuanced food. And at Waypoint, bar manager Seth Freidus's complex cocktails are a pitch-perfect match for chef Michael Scelfo's lush, coastal cuisine. While the 18-bottle-deep absinthe program is the bar's signature, there's innovation throughout, from nori-infused tequila to the house-made Swedish punsch mixed with squid-ink mezcal in "The Kraken" cocktail. 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, waypointharvard.com.
The Table at Season to Taste
Become a regular here, and at some point you'll probably spot chef Carl Dooley leaning over the pass from his open kitchen to high-five his sous or a friend who just walked in. We'd plant a palm on his any day to praise the Table's seasonal, globe-trotting four-course prix-fixe menus, with a choice of two options—how about beef tartare amped up with Vietnamese flavors, or glazed hake emboldened with spiced almonds and chutney?—for each course. 2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, cambridgetable.com.
Sarma
Maybe it's the enticing dim-sum-style presentation of the specials that keeps us coming back. Or perhaps it's the bold Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavor combinations with a comfort-food spin: brisket shawarma with rhubarb hilbeh, pork-belly biscuits with jalapeձo-whipped feta. Put simply, four years after chef Cassie Piuma and her partner, Ana Sortun, debuted this vibrant small-plates spot, dining here is still a most exhilarating journey. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, MA 02145, sarmarestaurant.com.
Coreanos
When Alex Kim went into business with his parents last year—his mother is a former partner at Bibim—the millennial decided it was time to give Bostonians a taste of Los Angeles-style Korean-Mexican fare. So far, it's been a hit: The fritas, fries topped with piquant, house-fermented kimchi, cheese, and a runny, sunny egg, are a must-order, as are the tortillas filled with barbecued bulgogi or kalbi short rib. And classic options like tender, spicy tteokbokki still satisfy. 172 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, coreanosallston.com.
Ciao! Pizza & Pasta
Marvin Posada's Neapolitan-style pizzas are notable, and not just because he serves them in an eight-seat spot underneath the Tobin Bridge. The chef's chewy, blistered crusts and fresh toppings rival any pie shop in the city: Sweet piquillo peppers are an uncommon complement to chorizo, oregano, and fluffy house-made ricotta, while the garlic confit that blesses the soppressata should be added to everything. Formerly of Mistral and L'Andana, Posada and his business partner, Edson Coimbra, also have hospitality on lock. 59 Williams St., Chelsea, MA 02150, ciaopizzaandpasta.com.
Bloomingdale's
Outfitting your postmarital life is no small feat, so finding everything you need in one place and getting sage advice certainly helps. Bloomie's consultants deftly provide estimates and mix-and-match services to help you build a highly personalized wish list. Table setups let you see just how that Waterford looks with the Villeroy & Boch flatware, and if you decide you want the Baccarat instead, swaps are a cinch. 225 Boylston St., Newton, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Erik Howard (Will Charles Salon)
The finest hairstylist isn't always the best wedding hairstylist. Bridal coiffure requires someone with impeccable listening skills, loads of patience (for dealing with your, ahem, entourage), and a knack for creating breathtaking updos. That's where Erik Howard comes in. The Will Charles Salon co-owner knows big-day tresses should be durable enough to withstand iffy weather and the embraces of well-wishers — not to mention dance-floor revelry. 11 Newbury St. , Boston, MA 2116, willcharlessalon.com.
Vera Wang
A single designer is hardly right for every bride, but top-notch service, from first fitting to final alteration, is on every betrothed's wish list. This couture retailer stocks gowns that are dreamy, feminine, and exactly what we want for the big day. With more styles in-house than online and more-than-accomodating consultants, the hardest part will be choosing among satin, tulle, and silk. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, verawangboston.com.