Formaggio Kitchen
If we could be anything in the next life, we'd come back as a mouse so we could gnaw our way into this wondrously stinky store. Even on a human scale, Formaggio's stock of cheese is jaw-droppingly vast, with wheels of Belgian Gouda, logs of superfresh Vermont chevre, and blue-veined hunks of Spanish queso azul. The staff has tasted most of it, so ask for advice on what to buy—or even better, taste it yourself. They're glad to share. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
The Cottage
It's fitting that our pick for this posh 'burbhas a resort vibe: The original Cottage is in beachy La Jolla, California. Co-owner Laura Wolfe, who grew up here in town, does a nice job of translating SoCal cuisine for a New England audience. Don't miss the granola-crusted mahi-mahi and marinated steak tips. 15 Monument St., Concord, MA 1742, thecottage.com.
Gaslight
When we're feeling pinched, we direct our dollars to brasseries, where New England frugality meets Gallic joie de boeuf. And voila: a first-rate steak for one-third the price. At Gaslight, the excellent steak frites plate consists of pan-charred Brandt Farms bavette, crispy fries, and a boat of buttery béarnaise, and costs just $19.75. 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, gaslight560.com.
The Juice Bar
Island living might seem easy, but it sure ain't fair. Hear us out: Stroll past the Juice Bar and the aroma of homebaked waffle cones comes wafting out. Inside, the list of rotating flavors like cherry chocolate chunk and peanut butter cup proves irresistible; after just one taste, eating (and eating, and eating) ice cream becomes inevitable. Our bikinis are getting tighter just thinking about it. 12 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Belfry Inne & Bistro
Chef George Willette's menu of New England-with-a-twist fare is murder on decision-making. Should we start with Hudson Valley foie gras or Brie-cranberry spring rolls? Sea scallops with pineapple-raisin relish or curry-rubbed duck? Why, oh why, hadn't we brought friends? So we went the responsible route and ordered everything—plus the Thai-roasted cauliflower on the side. Five clean plates later, we were glad we left our pals behind. 8 Jarves St., Sandwich, MA 2563, belfryinn.com.
Rachel Klein, Om
Any chef who can transform a Harvard Square music store into a destination for cutting-edge cuisine is really cooking. (Forgive uswe had to write more than 300 of these things.) Oms Rachel F. Klein, who arrived this winter from New York via Providence, rejects the usual steak and salmon for fresh, inventive dishes that are both conventional and pleasing to the palate. Our favorite, if we have to pick just one: the Okinawa squashstuffed ravioli served with wood-grilled olives in a spicy Thai broth. 92 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA 2155, omrestaurant.com.
L'Espalier
Sometimes it feels as if romance has all but vanished. Luckily there's L'Espalier, where Frank McClelland's sumptuous cuisine is guaranteed to set hearts aflutter. Settle into a table at one of the bay windows of this charming townhouse, and unwind together as a parade of champagne, oysters (served with a sensuous dab of pink sorbet), and decadent chocolates comes and goes as if by magic through our stomachs. 30 Gloucester St., Boston, MA lespalier.com.
No. 9 Park
It should be called No. 1. Barbara Lynch's spot tops our list as the best in the city for inspired, seasonal cuisine like bacon-wrapped trout with pickled ramps, baby red potatoes, and Swiss chard. Feast on a nine-course chef's tasting menu in the softly lit dining room, or enjoy a light(er) plate of steak tartare (it comes with brioche and truffle aioli) at the bar. 9 Park St., Boston, MA no9park.com.
The Upper Crust
With toppings this terrific, it's hard to limit yourself to just one slice. The Slightly Pesto—white pizza splashed with pesto, garlic, and diced tomatoes—is our fave, but thin, chewy crusts beneath fresh ingredients such as seafood or Italian sausage, and local monikers like the MGH (spinach, broccoli, and feta), make any slice at the Upper Crust a cut above. 20 Charles St., Boston, MA theuppercrustpizzeria.com.
Mezé Estiatorio
It's rare that we actually enjoy waiting for our entrées to arrive. But at Mezé we could hang around all night, happily feasting on tasty mezethakia (small plates) like spanakopita, stuffed peppers, and souzoukakia (meatballs) and enjoying a stunning view of the Zakim Bridge. The menu features such classics as grilled sea bass, dressed simply with fresh oregano, lemon, and sea salt, and an earthy moussaka (lamb-and-eggplant casserole) that manages to be hearty, not heavy. 100 City Sq., Charlestown, MA .
Oleana
Boston has no shortage of outdoor dining options, but for our money, none is as transporting as the backyard terrace at Oleana. It's a fairyland of flora and fauna—swags of crawling green draped over wooden trellises, fruit trees burgeoning with ripe fruit, flowers of every variety waving in the summer breeze. That's more than most of us needed to set the scene for a relaxing meal—so when chef Ana Sortun tosses in her soothing and exotic Mediterranean menu, it's just glorious gravy. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA oleanarestaurant.com.
L'Andana
Everything about Italian specialist L'Andana (which this magazine named the Best New Restaurant of 2008) is so generously proportioned that it might seem excessive. That's fine by us, considering that Jamie Mammano of Mistral, Teatro, and Sorellina fame is the one laying on the flourishes. So, yes, we'll happily loll in the overstuffed banquettes; order up big bowls of dreamy homemade pastas or three-course Tuscan suppers with enormous, flawlessly grilled steaks; and raise our giant wine glasses to the joys of going overboard. 86 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 1803, .
Tomasso Trattoria
Owners Tom and Mary Prince are not only gracious hosts, they're also obsessive about their food: beautifully executed Italian fare that features light-as-air Neapolitan-style pizza crusts, hand-cut tagliatelle and pappardelle, and homemade sauces (we're talking 'roast-our-own-tomatoes' homemade). The Italian-heavy wine list and the servers' well-informed chatter make you feel—just for a minute—that you're closer to Firenze than Framingham. 154 Turnpike Rd., Southborough, MA 1772, tomassotrattoria.com.
Sofra Bakery and Cafe
Trailing orange blossom syrup and rose petal sugar, Ana Sortun's year-old bakery-café comes on like a Salome of sweets, beguiling the cupcake-and-cookie crowd with such Middle Eastern-inspired delicacies as Egyptian bread pudding and Syrian shortbread with rhubarb-rose jam. To pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick, our oversugared palates owe thanks for a much-needed dose of spice. 1 Belmont St., Cambridge, MA 2138, sofrabakery.com.
Gaslight
Among the numerous suitors vying for our affections in this category, it's the South End phenom Gaslight that's romanced us best. The booming brasserie gets the vintage Parisian accents exactly right, and serves up skillfully swizzled cocktails and well-executed bistro fare (classics like choucroute garni and onion soup gratiné, plus stunning fruits de mer platters) at a price guaranteed to bring out the bon vivant in any Bostonian. 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, gaslight560.com.