Best of Boston

This neighborhood favorite may be the kind of place where passersby tap the window to greet friends and family inside, but it also draws diners from far beyond Newton Centre thanks to chefs David Punch and Lydia Reichert. Rich sweet-potato muhammara with pillowy grilled pita, and suckling pig confit with bright fennel purée and blood-orange marmalade share menu real estate with those duck, lamb, and pig boards that everyone’s always raving about. It’s also home to the most satisfying vegetarian entrée we’ve ever tried: spiced leek pancakes with local squash and crispy Brussels sprouts.