Best of Boston

A year-round locals’ favorite, Island Kitchen expanded in 2017, adding a patio bar and a counter serving house-made ice cream and doughnuts in varieties such as maple bacon and Mexican chocolate. But you may have to forgo the sweet stuff after feasting on chef-owner Patrick Ridge’s inspired breakfast and brunch fare: panko-crusted eggs Benedict, apple-bacon-blue-cheese omelets, turkey hash, and fine finnan haddie, preferably washed down by mimosas made with always-fresh-squeezed OJ.