Pagu
The debut from chef Tracy Chang, cofounder of the pioneering pop-up Guchi's Midnight Ramen, is part izakaya, part pintxos bar, and fully the chef's "culinary diary." That means reverence paid to ramen, especially the original Guchi's version. Featuring house-made alkaline noodles, three rich broths, and a perfectly cooked six-minute egg, the luxurious bowl is even more satisfying in Chang's sleek permanent digs. 310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, gopagu.com.
Coreanos
When Alex Kim went into business with his parents last year—his mother is a former partner at Bibim—the millennial decided it was time to give Bostonians a taste of Los Angeles-style Korean-Mexican fare. So far, it's been a hit: The fritas, fries topped with piquant, house-fermented kimchi, cheese, and a runny, sunny egg, are a must-order, as are the tortillas filled with barbecued bulgogi or kalbi short rib. And classic options like tender, spicy tteokbokki still satisfy. 172 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, coreanosallston.com.
Ciao! Pizza & Pasta
Marvin Posada's Neapolitan-style pizzas are notable, and not just because he serves them in an eight-seat spot underneath the Tobin Bridge. The chef's chewy, blistered crusts and fresh toppings rival any pie shop in the city: Sweet piquillo peppers are an uncommon complement to chorizo, oregano, and fluffy house-made ricotta, while the garlic confit that blesses the soppressata should be added to everything. Formerly of Mistral and L'Andana, Posada and his business partner, Edson Coimbra, also have hospitality on lock. 59 Williams St., Chelsea, MA 02150, ciaopizzaandpasta.com.
AE Events
Planning a wedding is like putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle, and the six-person team at AE Events is skilled at making it all fit. Want a seven-course Tuscan feast with live jazz for 400? Done. A 50-person bonfire beach celebration? No problem! From contracts and vendor negotiations to creative extras (taco bar, anyone?), they're steadfast, organized allies. And if your budget is a ball and chain, they'll work with that, too. 546 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, aeevents.com.
Konditor Meister
Whether it's duplicating Pinterest printouts or dreaming up a wholly original confection, Konditor Meister (German for "master pastry chef") creates wedding-cake wonders. Its tiered masterpieces have delighted couples for three decades with 21 cake-filling combos, from orange-champagne mousse to apple-cinnamon chai. No rubberized icing for your guests, either: KM forgoes fondant in favor of creamier (but equally decorative) rolled white chocolate, keeping both design and flavor front and center. 32 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA 02184, konditormeister.com.
Erik Howard (Will Charles Salon)
The finest hairstylist isn't always the best wedding hairstylist. Bridal coiffure requires someone with impeccable listening skills, loads of patience (for dealing with your, ahem, entourage), and a knack for creating breathtaking updos. That's where Erik Howard comes in. The Will Charles Salon co-owner knows big-day tresses should be durable enough to withstand iffy weather and the embraces of well-wishers — not to mention dance-floor revelry. 11 Newbury St. , Boston, MA 2116, willcharlessalon.com.
Vows
Being a bride on a budget doesn't mean you can't have a gorgeous gown. At Vows, designer brands are seriously discounted, and the service, if not quite five-star, is all smiles and helpful advice. Search for styles online before elbowing aside other girls for Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Monique Lhuillier, and Yumi Katsura dresses marked down well below retail, and save your money for the honeymoon. 130 Galen St., Watertown, MA 2472, bridepower.com.
Rafanelli Events
You have a vision. Bryan Rafanelli can make it a reality. From save-the-dates to servers in period costume, Rafanelli's got it covered. So whether you want something exotic and over-the-top or a refined and elegant affair, here's one guarantee: Your special day will be remembered forever, as Team Rafanelli fades sweetly into the background and you take all the credit. 142 Berkeley St., Second Floor, Boston, MA rafanellievents.com.
Barneys New York
You wonder how some guys look so damn sharp all the time? We're betting it's the Barneys men's department. All the key pieces are in place here: suits, shirts, ties, and accents from heavy hitters like Etro, Zegna, and Isaia, plus a sales staff of dapper gents eager to lend a hand in putting it together. You'll emerge looking like your old self, only much, much sharper. Copley Place, Boston, MA barneys.com.
Tangierino
Morocco could teach us all a thing or two about romance. At Tangierino, groups gather at intimate booths shrouded by gauzy curtains, while couples sit side by side on plush benches—no awkward tables to lean across here. Start with a sweet, phyllo-wrapped chicken b'stila and rich lamb tagine, then finish with a trip to the next-door hookah bar. Unless, of course, you're ready to move your date somewhere more private. 83 Main St., Charlestown, MA tangierino.com.
Green Dragon Tavern
Picking Boston's best Irish pub is a little like picking the loveliest clover in County Kildare. Still, the Green Dragon manages to stand out from its many worthy rivals. Set on a cobblestone street by Faneuil Hall, this 350-year-old pub once played host to Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty, and now rallies a bustling after-work crowd that comes for well-poured pints of stout, excellent fish and chips, live entertainment seven nights a week, and one mean Boston cream pie. Slainte! 11 Marshall St., Boston, MA somerspubs.com.
The Nautilus
With Fernet flowing from the tap, this new hot spot attracts an industry crowd. But really, anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drink will enjoy bar manager Clinton Terry’s creative takes on classic cocktails and inventive concoctions featuring house-made syrups, tinctures, and bitters. You’d be hard-pressed to find a libation like his "Pickled Pepino"—mezcal, pickled jalapeños, cukes, and smoky salt—anywhere else on ACK. 12 Cambridge St., Nantucket, MA 2554, nautilisnantucket.com.
Lord Hobo
To the pubs with rows and rows of taps: Quantity alone doesn't cut it anymore. Lord Hobo, by contrast, has all the variety and thrills suds geeks crave. Even if the bartenders don't have Cantillon or Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (!) in house that day, they'll happily steer you through the oft-changing 40-strong draft list. 92 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 2139, lordhobo.com.
Eastern Standard
This Kenmore Square institution made its name catering to a wide range of diners—Sox fans, tourists, restaurant industry types, students, the list goes on—and treating them all as if they were the most important people in the room. How do they do it? By taking notes on every diner who comes through the door. Yes, it’s a bit Big Brother—esque, but this kind of close attention ensures that you enjoy your steak frites and whiskey smashes just as much as you did the last time. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Streetcar Wine & Beer
Streetcar might not be the biggest shop in Boston, but that actually works to your advantage: Owner Michael Dupuy selects every bottle from the finest, most conscientious producers, which translates to absolutely zero fluff on the shelves (there simply isn’t room for it). Choose from a diverse range of price points and varietals, most from great local importers like Mise, Oz Wine Company, and Adonna Imports, as well as an unprecedented range of sherries, vermouths, digestifs, and natural wines. 488 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, streetcarwines.com.