Best of Boston

2007 Best Chowder, Clam

Great Bay

A pure, fine broth; a smoky backbone of bacon; and plump whole mollusks elevate this above the gluey sludge commonly doled out to tourists. No bells and whistles, just the essence of the sea.

Hotel Commonwealth, 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-532-5300, gbayrestaurant.com