True Bistro
There are many places to eat meatless meals in Boston these days, but only one place to enjoy a truly sophisticated, fine-dining experience with an entirely vegan menu. Dishes like the crispy oyster mushrooms in guajillo chili sauce with a horseradish-dill aioli will not only dazzle the vegan and vegan-curious in your crew — they’ll also win over the carnivores. 1153 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, truebistroboston.com.
Brant Point Grill
We firmly believe that enjoying oysters and clams on the half shell from this elaborate buffet at the White Elephant resort is the only good way to spend a Sunday on island. Decadent desserts (served in miniature sizes for plentiful sampling, natch) and a hefty quarter-pound-lobster-laden bloody mary keep even the busiest of gogetters anchored to their chair for hours to enjoy that one-of-a-kind view of sailboats bobbing on their moorings and ferries gliding in and out of the harbor. White Elephant Hotel, 50 Easton St., Nantucket, MA 02554, whiteelephantnantucket.com/dining/brant-point-grill.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
While it’s hard to unwind these days, this luxe resort is making it a little easier to get some much-needed R & R. Extra pre- cautions—including contactless golf-cart pickup, grocery-delivery service, and reduced capacity at pools and at Ocean Edge’s private beach—provide peace of mind, while new private experiences such as beach yoga and oyster tours make it easy to practice social distancing while giving the kiddos an unforgettable adven- ture. So go ahead, book that luxurious mansion suite. Boozy mudslides delivered straight to your beach chair await. 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, oceanedge.com.
The Nautilus
Four years in, the Nautilus still has the hottest tables in town—no surprise given the trifecta of talented folks behind it. Chef Liam Mackey combines local seafood with Asian and Latin flavors in inspired small plates such as tempura oyster tacos wrapped in nori, while wine director Stephen Bowler curates a deep, Wine Spectator–lauded list that includes rare reserve vinos by the glass. And Culinary Institute of America–trained bar manager Clinton Terry draws on his background to craft mouthwatering cocktails featuring herbs, spices, and foams. Come summer, only day-of reservations are accepted—hurry, phone lines open at 1 p.m. 12 Cambridge St., Nantucket, MA 02554, nautilusnantucket.com.
Oak Bar, Fairmont Copley Plaza
Raise a glass, if you will, to the ever-stunning Oak Bar. It's where sex appeal takes its post-prandial drink, where intimacy lounges in a long, cool black dress. It's where fascination sips a stiff Manhattan. There are mere mortals here, too, in everything from Levi's to tuxedos, huddled in conversation with one another, raiding the cigar-stocked humidor, slugging oysters from the raw bar, and soaking up the live jazz that oozes through the intricately detailed room. No matter who's filling it, the Oak Bar is simply one of the New World's most intoxicating Edwardian settings. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/dining/oak-long-bar-kitchen.
The Scarlet Oak Tavern
The dish is hot crab-and-cheese dip, and it goes a little something like this: chunks of tender, sweet blue crab tossed with heavy cream and supersharp cheddar, then wood-fired to a roof-of-mouth-scorching sizzle. After that, the menu at this guilty-pleasure oasis is your oyster. Or your goat cheese-slathered wild mushroom pizza. Or your flaky chicken potpie with a scrumptious baked side of three-cheese macaroni. The elegant setting is so picturesque you could have your wedding reception here—so long as you let out the dress first. 1217 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, scarlettoaktavern.com.
Frank
Soggy night? No problem: Award-winning chef Frank McClelland, formerly of the Back Bay landmark L’Espalier, has you covered — literally. Thanks to a protective overhang strung with twinkling lights, his Beverly restaurant’s charming patio is the perfect spot to enjoy striped bass and saffron-infused arancini al fresco even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. On balmy evenings, don’t miss the grilled oysters from the outdoor smoker. 112 Rantoul St., Beverly, MA 01915, farmtofrank.com.
New Deal Fish Market
If Cheers were a fish market, it might look like New Deal, a family-owned shop where the fishmongers know practically every customer's name (and are happy to offer tips on preparing their from-the-sea bounty). Here, the cases are stocked with the freshest (oftentimes local) fish and shellfish, whether it's sushi-grade tuna or celebratory oysters that you crave. 622 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, newdealfishmarket.com.
Hotel Commonwealth
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a string-lit terrace showcasing Green Monster vistas, Hotel Commonwealth’s new event space hits it out of the park. Part of the hotel’s recent $50 million makeover, the just-built wing is now the perfect spot for both Sox fans and culinary-minded couples to celebrate their love: The catering menu features dishes inspired by on-site hot spots Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar. 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA hotelcommonwealth.com.
Kaju Tofu House
Korean cuisine is about more than just barbecue. The signature dish at this tiny Allston joint is sundubu, a roiling crock of silken tofu stew that's enriched with a fresh egg and potent ingredients like briny oysters and funky kimchi. If you do happen to be in the mood for sizzling kalbi beef ribs, though, don't fret—they're on the menu, too. 58 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA kajutofuhouse.com.
Russell House Tavern
Just as good for a boisterous brunch as it is for an evening gabfest over Moscow Mules, Russell House Tavern is an ideal spot for every social objective. There are late-night $1 oysters, a patio, a choice of two bars, and a welcoming basement dining room. Plus, the staff is remarkably child-friendly, even to infants. Oh, and the food? Executive chef Michael Scelfo offers the diverse menu you'd expect, from a sloppy pork-loin sandwich to a silky foie gras-Laphroaig terrine. 14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 2138, russellhousecambridge.com.
Tupelo
Down-home, classic southern food is what pulls locals through Tupelo's doors, and the rustic charm and hospitality are what keep them at the table—downing andouille-and-okra-flecked gumbo and plates of fried oysters. Oh, and those folks wandering in after 9 p.m. looking for crispy grits and locally produced brews? Ain't no thang; this is one joint where that kind of behavior is encouraged. 1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, tupelo02139.com.
Oishii
Sushi restaurants these days often look like futuristic temples, and the newfangled rolls they serve are themselves elaborate works of architecture. So it may seem surprising that a cramped 13-seat spot with nightly hour-long waits continues to inspire such reverence. And then you taste the fish: buttery baby hamachi scattered with slivered jalapeño; a teacup full of creamy Kumamoto oyster sashimi; and, for timid eaters, stellar samples of standard tuna and salmon. 612 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, oishiiboston.com.
902 Main
With fish, there's nothing better than fresh-from-the-ocean, as chef Gilbert Pepin well knows. In season, locally caught seafood arrives daily at his South Yarmouth restaurant and gets turned into servings of chilled Cummaquid oysters, Chatham littlenecks, sautéed halibut, and lobster truffle risotto. To finish, there are wonderful ice creams, also very locally mad—out back in the kitchen. 902 Main St. (Rte. 28), South Yarmouth, MA 902main.com.