Best of Boston

Given the high caliber of the region’s diners (the Agawam in Rowley) and lunch counters (Newburyport’s Fowle’s), we’ll admit this fine-dining pick is an eye-opener. Chef-owner Peter Capalbo crafts upscale cuisine most nights at his New American bistro, but on Sundays he does breakfast—not brunch, he insists. Oh sure, after 11 there are bloody marys and mimosas, but the emphasis is right where it should be. Local eggs served Florentine style with hollandaise, as fluffy omelets, or scrambled to perfection. Hearty corned beef hash, topped with sunny-side-up eggs. Lacy-edged pancakes. Plus, the staff has a happy-to-be-here attitude that’s downright contagious.