Coppa
Every time the kitchen changes hands at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer's tiny South End enoteca, we hold our breath. First it was Bissonnette handing over the reins to the talented Meghann Ward; this year marked Ward passing the torch to L'Espalier and Del Posto alum Michael Bergin. And yet somehow, the place never misses a beat. The classic pizzas are still smoky and rich (our new favorite is dotted with spicy globs of 'nduja sausage); the house pastas are still remarkably creative (see: parsley cavatelli with prosciutto-braised escargot); and the vegetable dishes remain some of the town's finest (Brussels sprouts smothered in robiola; roasted cauliflower bathed in bagna cauda). 253 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market
Shopping online is fine, but isn’t it more fun to know where your favorite new sweater actually came from? After a successful launch last year, the 2021 installation of this collaboration between WS Development and the website Black Owned Bos. returns to Seaport Common one Sunday a month through October 17, letting Bostonians discover art, skin-care lines, house plants, adult and children’s clothing, and more exclusively sold by local Black entrepreneurs. Ready, set, shop! bostonseaport.xyz.
The Sinclair
Sure, it lacks the grit of some of the area’s older music venues, but in return it has every touring indie band on its calendar, fantastic acoustics, and (gasp!) nice bathrooms. Plus, the attached restaurant’s patio is a solid spot to kick back with a craft cocktail and house-made pretzels while waiting for the show. Is the concert experience any less rock ’n’ roll if it’s this pleasant? In any case, we’re happy to partake. 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138, sinclaircambridge.com.
Seoul Soulongtang
Signature seollongtang beef soup is the heavenly house special that keeps this Allston eatery humming. The dish is presented with Dickensian austerity—chalk-white broth hiding slices of boiled brisket and slippery vermicelli—but once you season your bowl with the supplied sea salt, scallions, properly fermented banchan, and exceptionally good (tender, chewy, clumpy) steamed rice, it’s one of the most soul-satisfying meals around. As for the bulgogi and bibimbap? Things of beauty, both. 1245 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA seoulsoulongtang.com.
The Dan'l Webster Inn
Four-poster beds. High-speed Internet. Full-service spa. This Sandwich inn, a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere and modern creature comforts, has 'em all. If you can pry yourself from your room's private whirlpool and heated bathroom tiles, indulge in cranberry wraps, marine eyelifts, and PermaSound facials at the on-site spa. Feeling hungry? Stop in the fine-dining Conservatory for a meal of fresh seafood paired with award-winning wine. 149 Main St., Sandwich, MA danlwebsterinn.com.
Furnature
Four generations into making furniture, the Shapiro family discovered they could not only craft a gorgeous sofa, loveseat, chair, or bed to match a customer's specific vision, but also make it totally nontoxic. The company they founded on that principle, Furnature, draws upon organic and sustainable materials for its upholstery, which is good for the environment, and formaldehyde-free wood and finishes that won't emit unhealthy chemicals into the home—which is good for your environment. 86 Coolidge Ave., Watertown, MA 2472, .
Moody’s Delicatessen
At Moody’s, even the bologna sandwiches are on another level. That’s because owner Joshua Smith crafts everything in house—salumi and sausages, sure, but also the pickled peppers, pimiento cheese, and swipe of herb mayo on your Pullman loaf. And this year, the tireless chef is expanding his meaty empire with a state-of-the-art curing facility down the road, meaning his New England Charcuterie cold cuts will not only be more readily available in Boston—they’ll also be hitting the national stage. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Parla
Sure, this speakeasy-style gem is known for its knockout bar with house-made shrubs and riffs on classic cocktails (martini with lemongrass gin, anyone?). But don’t sleep on the creative Italian fare — rich seafood risotto, fresh burrata — best enjoyed with sleeves rolled up as you adventure through the “Dungeon Master” secret cocktail menu, rolling a 20-sided die to determine your boozy fate. 230 Hanover St., North End, MA 02113, parlaboston.com.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Bibliophiles flock here not only to explore literary treasures but also to be seen doing it. The highly Instagrammable four-level space boasts unique book selections and a lovely ambiance to linger in, but the best part just might be the tea service. Indulge in a delightful array of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweets accompanied by a pot of custom-blended tea or a flute of prosecco while flipping the pages of whatever you just picked up for your book club. 71 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, bhbooks.com.
Benedetto
Grape-juice stewardship is an art, not a science. But it’s empirically proven that a well-informed beverage team increases your odds of success. Sommelier Robert Taylor manages arguably the city’s loveliest Italian lineup—showcasing gorgeous bottles in the two-digit range and exhilarating nebbiolo depth—and GM Megan McKinnon is a seasoned vino vet herself. A deep bench helps: On a recent visit, a clued-in server whisked us away on an impromptu Friulano mini tour. Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138, benedettocambridge.com.
The Bancroft
At this shiny new steakhouse in Burlington's 3rd Ave development, presentation is paramount—and often over the top. (For proof, look no further than the 3,000-plus-bottle wine collection, displayed on a catwalk above a glass-paneled dining room.) James Beard-nominated chef Mario Capone's food is equally dramatic: Steaks come with flags labeling their doneness; a "fork-and-knife cauliflower roast" is served with a knife through the middle; and house-made and individually bottled cocktails are poured tableside. 15 Third Ave., Burlington, MA 01803, the-bancroft.com.
Everything But Water
In a region with four distinct seasons, it can be near impossible to find a retailer that stocks bathing suits year round. Rather than resign yourself to hit-or-miss online shopping for that midwinter trip to warmer climes, head west to Everything but Water. Looking for a retro-inspired one-piece? A specific shade of orange to match your new lipstick? This Natick store has it all, from designers like Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk, gorgeously displayed in January, July, and every month in between. Just add water, indeed. Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St. #1126, Natick, MA 01760, everythingbutwater.com.
SRV
After tag-teaming at culinary heavyweights like L’Office and Del Posto, chefs Kevin O’Donnell and Michael Lombardi have taken their talents to the South End, opening a stellar Venetian-style bacaro. The marble-topped bar is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of aglianico and a few bite-size cicchetti, but don’t miss the chefs’ fresh pasta—including an alluring garganelli with foraged mushrooms and shaved egg yolk—all made with Four Star Farms grain milled in-house. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, srvboston.com.
Tasting Counter
A visit to chef Peter Ungár’s culinary theater is transformative from start to finish. Take your seat, gaze upon the team of busy chefs, and let the show begin: an island of lobster custard and seaweed in a briny pool of uni broth; tangy sour-cream dumplings with crispy pancetta; and bite-size chocolate ganache cake with preserved strawberries, all personally plated with just enough time between courses. Who could have guessed such luxury lurked behind Aeronaut Brewing? 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, tastingcounter.com.
Harbor View Hotel
After dropping off your bags in one of this waterfront hotel’s plush rooms or suites, each decked out in teals and taupes, order a cocktail at the in-house bar Henry’s (the Thyme After Thyme is finished with local sea salt) and take it out to the wraparound porch. Sip and savor sweeping views of Chappaquiddick and Edgartown lighthouse. Repeat. You are now officially on vacation. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, harbor-view.com.