Destination Dining

By Alexandra Hall | Boston Magazine |

ATRIA

Edgartown, MA
> Miles from Boston Common: 89
> Average meal price per ppersoneron: $
> Meal on a scale of 1 to 10: 7.0

Really, who cares if the likes of Sharon Stone and Bill Clinton have been rumored to sup at this, Martha’s Vineyard’s hottest dinner-meets-nightlife spot? Real folk like yourself will have just as momentous an outing, thanks to specialties like poached lobster with mascarpone gnocchi, washed down with an astutely recommended Jordan chardonnay — or the cioppino, crammed with plump oysters and cod. You’ll remember its straight-off-the-boat freshness for years. Or at least till tomorrow, as inspiration while out on your fishing excursion. 137 Main St., 508-627-5850, atriamv.com.

BLANTYRE

Lenox, MA
> Miles from Boston Common: 128
> Average meal price per person:  $$$
> Meal on a scale of 1 to 10: 8.0

Dinner at Blantyre is an undeniably fancy affair — jackets and ties required for men, meals ordered in the ornate main hall over cocktails — but not in a stuffy way. Rather, diners are treated like treasured guests in a good friend’s home — if said friend just happened to own a stunning Gilded Age mansion. The menu showcases elegant creations: Lobster arrives on a just-warm buckwheat blini beneath a silky cloud of crème fraîche; exquisite La Belle Farm foie gras comes pressed to perfection. Follow it all up by heading to the Music Room for coffee, dessert, and conversation. 16 Blantyre Rd., 413-637-3556, blantyre.com.

BLACK TRUMPET

Portsmouth, NH
> Miles from Boston Common: 58
> Average meal price per person: $
> Meal on a scale of 1 to 10: 6.5

Portsmouth is a jumble of lamppost-lined brick sidewalks set against compact and elegant historical buildings. One of them houses Black Trumpet, a humble but gracious boîte that shines with copper-topped tables and candlelight — and a menu of meticulously made specialties: smoky meatballs in bright-flavored Moroccan sauce (pictured above); duck breast with date-orange molasses; and a potato-leek potage fortified with ale and jacked up with black trumpet mushrooms, for which chef Evan Mallett forages in his own backyard. 29 Ceres St., 603-431-0887, blacktrumpetbistro.com.

FOUR COLUMNS INN

Newfane, VT
> Miles from Boston Common: 132
> Average meal price per person:  $
> Meal on a scale of 1 to 10: 8.0

It’s one thing to create the quintessential New England dining room, complete with a fire-filled hearth and tweaked versions of classic comfort food (grilled tenderloin with spicy green-peppercorn vinaigrette; seared duck breast outfitted with a sauce of sweetly sour cherry, crab apple, and ginger). But it’s quite another to keep the place feeling inventive for 25 years. Chef Greg Parks has done just that. This romantic getaway situated on a perfect village square in the Green Mountain foothills lures celebs and leaf-peepers alike with the promise of a memorable meal. 21 West St., 800-787-6633, fourcolumnsinn.com.

  • Jane

    Al Forno should not be on this list. When was the last time you ate there? Mediocre food, surly service, high prices.

  • Dick

    A message to Todd. Leave that minor league city in the dust where the most popular chef “KO” has his ass kissed for running a Tacos, Tapas and Steak House empire. Too funny.

  • jim

    i agree with jane with the additional note that they have always treated cwoc [customers without connections] as second class. don’t expect to be treated well if you can’t or won’t mention a “friend of a friend”. also,they are quite inflexible if you have even minor dietary restrictions or preferences. comments on other places seem on target.