South End Formaggio
We have a tendency to think of South End Formaggio as a great spot for fancy cheeses, unctuous olive oils, and other hard to find treasures. And it is. But there's plenty more here. The chewy, sesame seed-coated mini ficelle loaves lined with thinly sliced salami and slivers of sharp cheese are a treat you can eat with one hand while you drive home. That'll stop you from snacking on these fancy cheeses you're saving for your dinner guests. 268 Shawmt Ave., Boston, MA southendformaggio.com.
Mamma Maria
Valet parking and reservations? In the North End? Absolutely, at this house of refined and authentic Italian cooking tucked away in North Square. Better still, it's perfect for large parties, thanks to well-timed service and tables spaced just far enough apart to provide both privacy and a jolt of the room's energy. Add Rockwellian views of the neighborhood, the menu's mix of traditional and creative dishes, a diverse wine list, and you've got large-party dining nailed. 3 North Square, Boston, MA mammamaria.com.
Little Stevie's
Miss your adolescence? The Formica booths at Little Stevie's aren't just seats, they're time machines that sweep you right back to braces, babysitting money, and after-school specials. And the pizza's right there with you: pillowy, bubbly, and doughy edges with a paper-thin and oven-charred crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and a hot, dense layer of mozzarella. Say what you will about teen angst; pie this good makes it all seem worthwhile. 1114 Boylston St., Boston, MA littlestevespizzeria.com.
L.A. Burdick Chocolates
Want to experience a European café without the jet lag? Head to Burdick. The true test of chocoholism is actually finishing the iced hot chocolate—a deeply decadent concoction poured over ice, and crowned with a veil of whipped cream. If the craving persists, move on to the signature (and adorable) chocolate mice, filled with cinnamon, mocha, or orange. Or snag a spot at one of the café's tables by the window, and survey the march of humanity in Harvard Square as you linger over any of the 13 truffle varieties and slip into a Proustian peace. 52D Brattle St., Cambridge, MA burdickchocolate.com.
Hi-Rise Bread Co.
There's some damn fine bread in this town, but we're throwing down the gauntlet and calling it for Hi-Rise. Why? Shelf after shelf of simple but flawlessly executed loaves: chewy sourdough, rich stone-ground cornbread, sweet and yeasty brioches, and hearty raisin-pecan. Holidays bring special orders of exemplary stollen and challah. House baker Rene Becker is a self-proclaimed fanatic about ingredients and techniques, and it shows. He's the Leonardo da Vinci of carbohydrates. 208 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.
DeLux Café & Lounge
Walls covered in '50s album covers, an Elvis shrine offset by Christmas lights, a crowd as thick with tattoos as with suits, restrooms wallpapered with old Eloise and Spiderman clippings—DeLux is so funky and cozy, we'd come even if the food weren't terrific. But terrific it is: fat quesadillas stuffed with moist chicken and an abundance of veggies; a grilled-cheese sandwich with artichokes and tomatoes, that melts on your tongue; and a shrimp and crab tamale that evokes warm Latin vibes. 100 Chandler St., Boston, MA .
Café Vanille
Experienced sweet-tooths know exactly where to turn when sugar cravings hit. Vanille's pastry cases are chock full of tantalizing treats: cappuccino cheesecake, chocoholic bliss tart, Boston cream pie. Don't fret if you can't decide. Just sample the bakery's petit fours—bite-sized sensations that include the ethereal diva (chocolate and caramel mousse) and the encore-deserving opera (coffee buttercream cake). We dare you to resist becoming addicted to this Beacon Hill sweet spot. 70 Charles St., Boston, MA frenchmemories.com.
Terramia
The flagship of this mini-empire on Salem Street—they also run Antico Forno—Terramia is the single reason to make your way to the North End—and the Big Dig be damned. The street lights and ambient charm of the North End come in through the large windows of this elegant restaurant. Specials change daily, but on a recent visit, chefs Mario Nocera and Joseph Tinnirello prepared spectacular homemade porcini mushroom pappardelle and a beautiful grilled tuna finished with white beans and escarole. 98 Salem St., Boston, MA .
Tea Tray in the Sky
This little cafe offers a welcome respite from Starbucks culture, offering everything from your standard Assam to more exotic blends, from scented and flavored teas to herbal infusions. For summer, try the iced ginger-and-lemongrass tea with one of Tea Tray's sandwiches or desserts. Complimentary tea tastings Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
If you knew sushi like Ginza knows sushi—well, you'd never go anywhere else for sushi again. No other place offers such subtle and succulent yellowtail, melt-in-your-mouth tuna, tasty scorpion, and scrumptious salmon roe—and such a wise selection (with more than 50 choices, all of them off-the-boat fresh). Ginza's chefs craft such beautiful maki and nigiri combos it seems a pity to eat them. Rival chefs at top restaurants envy them for their access to the finest fresh fish in town. 16 Hudson St., Chinatown, Boston, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
When it comes to the steak-house experience, Grill 23 has it all—a cavernous men's clubby atmosphere, impeccable service, the kind of bar where one is apt to imbibe too many martinis, and, of course, great steaks. Non-carnivores need not despair: The grilled swordfish is superb and the kitchen turns out a terrific paella. Sommelier Alicia Towns expertly helps you navigate a first-rate wine list. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Party Favors
Whether you want a cake covered in flowers, ballerinas, or baseballs, this is the place. Not only does the cake taste great (especially the frosting), the decorators can reproduce any cockamamie theme your birthday boy or girl desires. We've gobbled a cake topped with an iceberg and a Sweet 16 cake with a saucy blonde Barbie waving from her little Deuce Coupe. There are traditional birthday cakes, too, domed in a trellis of flowers and ribbons—pretty, delicious, and appropriately decadent. 1356 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Kashmir
Kashmir is as authentic as Indian cuisine gets in this town, and with its elegant outdoor summer dining, it's a good place to get a feel for some of the tastiest ethnic cuisine in town. Try the chicken masala or the vegetarian appetizer platter—a variety of fried treats that are considered snack foods on the subcontinent. Entrees come in copper vessels atop tea-lights to keep them warm. You can request how spicy you want your food: mild for the wuss, and spicy for the brave. 279 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Rauxa
When it moved into Elephant Walk's old Union Square location, Rauxa had sizable shoes to fill—and lived up to the challenge. Step down into the stark cavern for a sampling of delicious wines (including cava), fresh bread, olives, and impeccable entrees. If you thought tapas and sangria were all Spain had to offer, this new Catalan-style restaurant will change your mind. 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA .
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Whether it's North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends, Texas sliced beef brisket, or Memphis dry-rubbed ribs, the key to Blue Ribbon's success is, like all great barbecue, slow cooking at low temperatures, in this case, over oak and hickory hardwood. Whichever style you prefer, it makes for incredibly tender 'cue with just the right smoky flavor. Good prices, great sides, but no real dining room. Sit on a stool by the counter, or take your bounty home. 905 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA .