The Holiday Shopping Guide

By Erin Byers Murray

Photos by Diana Levine

1. Sorellina
The serene setting and coddling service have a transporting effect. Stash your bags with the hostess and slip into a luxe banquette.
Good Food: Yellowtail crudo with vitamin C–heavy Meyer lemon boosts the immune system.
Stiff Drink: The Vesper martini. (One Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-412-4600)

2. Eastern Standard
Late in the afternoon, grab a booth or watch the hurried pace of Kenmore Square from the high-backed chairs in the lounge.
Good Food: Apple cider and fennel bring free radical–killing antioxidants to the mussels and frites.
Stiff Drink: The Au Provence. (528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-532-9100)

3. Hamersley’s Bistro
This corner boîte makes for an inviting rest stop after a day of slogging through the South End.
Good Food: Healthy fats and vitamin E in the pear, hazelnut, and endive salad ease shopping- (and alcohol-) induced hangovers.
Stiff Drink: The grapefruit gimlet. (553 Tremont St., Boston, 617-423-2700)

4. Bristol Lounge
With its roaring fireplace, deep chairs, and handsome décor, the Bristol exudes wealth. What better place to celebrate frivolous spending?
Good Food: The wild salmon is packed with omega-3s to soothe frazzled psyches.
Stiff Drink: The pomegranate–green tea martini. (200 Boylston St., Boston, 617-351-2037)

5. Harvest
Chef Mary Dumont’s fresh and local menu suits a dining room marked by cozy banquettes and soft, flattering lighting.
Good Food: The mild white Casco Bay cod is loaded with nerve-mending omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins.
Stiff Drink: The Mulling It Over. (44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255)

6. Indigo Bar and Grill
At this new low-key spot, cure buyer’s remorse with a wood-grilled, whole-wheat pizza or any of the barbecue dishes.
Good Food: The blood orange and ginger syrup drizzled over organic beets will settle any stomach knots.
Stiff Drink: The Dark ’n’ Stormy. (15 Walnut Rd., South Hamilton, 978-468-2400)

7. Sel de la Terre
The dim table lamps and white-washed walls of the new Natick outpost shut out the buzz of the mall beyond.
Good Food: The grilled chicken features folate-rich avocados and good-for-the-soul bacon.
Stiff Drink: The Nantucket Red martini. (Natick Collection, Natick, 508-650-1800)

8. Gargoyles on the Square
After an afternoon cruising around Davis, take a load off and enjoy picture-window views.
Good Food: An antioxidant-rich Concord grape demiglace on the Best Parts of Lamb extends your post-shop repose for hours.
Stiff Drink: The hot toddy. (219 Elm St., Somerville, 617-776-5300

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