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.
Madhouse Café
Iced tahini lattes, Lebanese meat pies, sticky-sweet baklava, motorcycles…wait, what? Madhouse Café debuted in Roxbury in late 2022, connected to — and looking into, via a giant window — the acclaimed bike shop Madhouse Motors. (Got kids? They’ll be mesmerized, and you’ll have a chance to sip your espresso in peace.) Dripping with greenery and intricately patterned tables and pillows, the space is lovely, as is the staff, making this a destination whether or not you have a motorcycle that needs fixing. 24 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA 02119, madhousecafe.com.
Mida Newton
Does a plate of gnocchi change when it moves from the city to the ’burbs? In the case of Mida, the answer is definitely not. At his bigger Newton outpost, chef Douglass Williams churns out the same house-extruded bucatini all’amatriciana and springy focaccia as at the lauded South End original — with a notable addition: charry New Haven–style pizza pies perfect for treating the kids (and yourself) after a Little League game. 261 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460, midarestaurant.com.
Frank Vocals
You know you’ve made it when your song has soundtracked not one but two TV shows. The embodiment of modern-day R & B, Frank Vocals’s delicate, sexy croon can now be heard on an episode of the Starz series BMF, as well as Power Book II: Ghost. No surprise when you consider the lyrical vulnernability and pure romance of his 2020 EP Cure. frankvocals.com.
Camp
Forget ball pits and bounce houses: Hidden behind a bookcase at the Burlington Mall’s Camp toy store are endless hands-on adventures for birthday groups. This summer’s theme is retro summer camp, with a “disco” cabin for dancing, a splatter art room, and slides. Keeping parents happy? The squeaky-clean environs and partnership with next-door neighbor Shake Shack. Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 1803, camp.com.
Roxbury International Film Festival
Twenty-four years after its debut, this summer festival’s commitment to showcasing vibrant, dynamic films by, for, and about people of color remains as strong as ever. This year’s fest premiered its offerings in person and online, and handed out awards for categories including Narrative Film, Documentary Short, Audience Favorite, and more. And for those interested in making their directing debut, the fest has long offered abundant networking opportunities, as well as panels and workshops. Multiple Locations, Boston, MA 02111, roxfilmfest.com.
Cumar
Dramatic granite fireplaces. Soothing white-quartz vanities. Calacatta marble countertops. Whatever stone statement piece you envision for your home, you can rest assured that this Everett firm — which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year — not only carries the unique slab you need, but staffs the skilled craftspeople crucial to cutting and installing it correctly the first time. 69 Norman St., Everett, MA 02149, cumar.com.
Systems Design & Integration
Ever come across a new gadget so handy, you wonder how you ever made do without it? That’s how we feel each time we dig into the work of these Needham-based pros, who specialize in all the things that make life at home just a little bit easier: smartphone-controlled lighting and heating, audio distribution systems to fill your space with music, security cameras to make sure you always feel safe, and other essentials. 33 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494, sdiboston.com.
Hutker Architects
The difference between a regular old house and a stunning home? Careful, deliberate design — and Hutker Architects employs it in spades. The team has repeatedly demonstrated a knack for maximizing views with contemporary flair. Their most recent example involves a masterful illusion: A South Shore home reads like a single-story construction from the street, but opens to a two-story wall with glass panels that frames the salt marshes beyond it. Smart. hutkerarchitects.com.
Men's Den at Dr. Renee Moran Medical Aestheticse
Why should the ladies have all the fun? That’s the thinking, at least, behind this medspa’s new lower-level man cave, which offers relaxing and effective facials, expert body waxing, Brotox (ahem, Botox), and more tailored to the gents. And with unlimited cold brew and sparkling energy drinks on tap in the lounge area, it’s a place you might find yourself lingering long after your treatment is over. 97M Union St., Newton Centre, MA 02459, drmoranmedspa.com.
Dream Spa Medical
With all the focus on looking and feeling your best, it’s sometimes easy to forget what medspas are really offering: medical-grade aesthetic services. That’s why we love that this gorgeously appointed facility is led by a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, adding a level of expertise to the body-contouring procedures, injectables, and laser treatments that goes well beyond skin-deep. The results speak for themselves. Multiple locations, dreamspamedical.com.
Tasting Counter
Unsurprisingly, this 20-seat setup tucked inside a Somerville warehouse excels at the format for which it’s named. Chef Peter Ungár continually catches us off-guard with ingenious touches prepared inches away—think: pads of mackerel brined in fermented daikon broth and crowned with turnip kimchi and herbs from the restaurant’s living wall. Also unexpected: the recent launch of TC Market (a line of house-made condiments), not to mention news that an à la carte Counter will land at a local food hall this year. 14 Tyler St. , Somerville, MA tastingcounter.com.
Island Creek Oyster Bar
For Ethel’s Lobster Roll, named for his beloved grandmother, chef Jeremy Sewall sources delicate, ultra-fresh meat from his Maine fisherman cousin, then classes it up with a rosemary-imbued bun, crème fraîche, and the perfectly calibrated blend of celery salt and pickle. Your favorite seafood shack can’t compare. 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA islandcreekoysterbar.com.
Forty Winks
No matter what underpinnings your wedding attire calls for (or doesn’t), this Harvard Square favorite Forty Winks can provide. Need support but want to avoid panty lines? Grab high-waisted thongs from Chantelle, Commando, or Hanky Panky. Going backless? Try stick-on seamless cups from NuBra or a lacy Samantha Chang halter bodysuit. And as for after the wedding? We’ll let Else’s collection of sheers speak for itself. 56 JFK St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, shopfortywinks.com.
For Now
If you’re a budding small brand, how do you get your products into the public’s hands when you can’t afford Boston’s high rents? Connect with For Now, a shop that acts as a revolving showcase for indie labels, with about a dozen lines—from soaps to shoes—displayed at any given time. 68 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA itsfornow.com.