Pomodoro
Although bookended by Giacomo's and the Daily Catch, both teeming with out-of-towners, Pomodoro remains curiously tourist-resistant. That's a good thing: more antipasto for us! The entrées, like the veal scaloppine with sweet onion-balsamic sauce, are better quality than those found throughout the rest of the North End, and are priced at $24 or less. With just nine teensy tables and an economical wine list, Pomodoro's perfect for a no-frills, no-fuss night out. 319 Hanover St., Boston, MA 2113, .
Clementine
This sweet shop is positively bursting with eclectic clothing and accessories from designers you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the area—Gary Graham frocks, Goldsign jeans, N.D.C. boots. Whether you're seeking a special-occasion stunner or a casual weekend getup, the inspired styles and personalized service here ensure you'll be the belle of the ball (or the soccer field). 445 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA ourclementine.com.
French Memories
As if life on picturesque Duxbury Harbor wasn't sweet enough, French Memories steps in with a cadre of top-notch carbs to up the ante. On hand are tiny petits fours and crunchy baguettes that would hold their own anywhere along the Seine. But the standouts are the truly irresistible almond croissants. Their crispy, buttery layers and dense, nutty filling condense into one cakelike bite. 459 Washington St., Duxbury, MA frenchmemories.com.
Sayle's Seafood
More of a fish market than a dining destination, this Nantucket favorite deep-fries clams to crispy perfection. The crunch of the outer coating is followed by a burst of sweet and briny bivalve—the stuff of summer dreams. Sayle's also offers lobster rolls, whole lobsters to go, and superfresh raw catch for you to cook at home (although you might struggle to match the savory flavors of Sayle's). 99 Washington St. Ext., Nantucket, MA saylesseafood.com.
Farfar's Danish Ice Cream Shop
The real ice-cream aficionado's conundrum: Once you've gone Danish, you'll never go back. If that Danish is Farfar's, however, you'll go back repeatedly. This isn't your over-the-top carnival of crazed flavor and obnoxious and undiscriminating mix-ins. Farfar's is about amazing, rich texture and simple but intense fresh flavors. The cinnamon is a coup de cremerie. The peanut butter reaches deep into the nut's truest flavor. And the sweet cream tastes like innocence itself. 272 Saint Georges St., Duxbury, MA farfarsicecream.com.
Grettacole
Push through the glass and wood storefront, past the bright pots of Trish McEvoy cosmetics and rows of neatly packaged Molton Brown potions (you can hit all of the above on your way out), and head straight for the heart of this operation: the spa. The intimate setting in back serves as the stage for some world-class pampering—whether it's a custom-designed massage at the hard-working hands of Amy Nicalek or a soul-saving pedicure. The entire staff works at the expert level. Better yet, they're downright sweet. 300 Boylston St. (Rte. 9), Atrium Mall, Chestnut Hill, MA grettacole.com.
Periwinkles
Glowing candles and a well-scrubbed interior may keep it more refined than your average fish shack, but Periwinkles' sea fare is straight-off-the-boat fresh. The crabmeat pie is a sweet and thick bit of retro revelry; the fresh lobster pizza on sourdough crust is tangy, filling, and scrumptious. Sitting on the deck perched over the Essex River at sunset, with an Ipswich Ale and a plate of grilled swordfish, provides an experience with which few places on earth can compete. 74 Main St., Essex, MA periwinklesrestaurant.com.
Iggy's
In a messy taste test of buns from eight area bakeries, the addictive swirled pastry from Iggy’s—made from buttery, pecan-studded croissant dough and topped with semi caramelized wildflower honey—reigned supreme. Can’t make the trek to the bread company’s store near Fresh Pond? Fret not: The sweet treats are also sold at Bloc 11, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Darwin’s Ltd., and other spots around town. 130 Fawcett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, iggysbread.com.
North Shore Dog
Parting with a furry friend pre-vacation is such sweet sorrow. But book your pup a stay at this 7,000-plus-square-foot boarding-and-daycare facility, and you can rest assured that he’ll sleep tight after romping for hours in one of four supervised, climate-controlled rooms where dogs, from teacup Chihuahuas to mastiffs, are grouped by play style and size. Walks and Blue Buffalo food are available at no extra charge, and Web cams allow globe-trotting owners to keep tabs on their pets throughout the day. 139 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 1923, nsdog.com.
Ceia Kitchen + Bar
Rye crêpes with ricotta, smoked salmon, and fiddleheads. House-made linguiça with eggs. Portuguese sweet-bread French toast with strawberries and streusel. This Newburyport hot spot turns out pumped-up versions of brunch favorites with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients (which makes sense, considering chef Patrick Soucy is an organic farmer himself). When the weather’s fine, kick back on the patio for prime Sunday-morning people-watching. 38 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, ceiakitchenbar.com.
Aka Bistro
It is, oddly, a twofer: half French bistro, half sashimi bar. But excusez-nous for skipping the ratatouille and heading right for the raw fish. Chef and co-owner Chris Chung, who's responsible for the Japanese dishes, composes some of the prettiest plates around. Case in point: a lightly sweet hamachi sashimi dressed with ginger vinaigrette, yuzu pineapple, and sea grape. 145 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln, MA 1773, akabistrolincoln.com.
Abbicci
At first, we were hopelessly distracted by the eye candy, as Abbicci's exotic-looking French and Peruvian servers floated by sensuously to a soft instrumental soundtrack. Once the food arrived, though, our gazes were fully focused on the Mediterranean-inspired plates before us: scallion-and-pistachio-stuffed Peppadews, scotch-glazed squad, and pan-seared pork loin with sweet and sour pepperonata. Owner Marietta Bombardieri fiercely edits her wine list to match her menu. As for other types of matchmaking, you're on your own. 43 Main St. (Rte. 6A), Yarmouth Port, MA abbicci.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Texas smoke versus Memphis rub, vinegar tang versus peppery heat—barbecue debates will likely rage until kingdom come (and straight on into the sweet hereafter). This year our returning champion silenced at least one point of contention—which of its two outlets is better—by debuting a central, honking-big smoker (reportedly New England's largest) that turns out uniformly succulent sliced brisket, pulled pork, and an array of other regional specialties for both Blue Ribbon locations, as well as its booming catering business. 1375 Washington St., West Newton, MA blueribbonbbq.com.
Pigalle
Always up for a challenge, chef Marc Orfaly is taking on the notion that bar food has to be cheap and greasy with a Malaysian-themed menu culled from his recent trip to the Far East. Pigalle's bar seats just six, but the small plates of duck fried rice, baby-back ribs with sweet and sour kumquats, and shrimp shumai with ponzu dipping sauce make the fight for a spot one worth waging. 75 Charles St. S., Boston, MA pigalleboston.com.
Gustazo
If there’s anything more refreshing than a guava mojito at noon on a Sunday, we certainly haven’t tried it. The weekend brunch at this breezy Havana-by-way-of-Waltham favorite is a party everyone is invited to, a place where people linger over cocktails and Cuban coffee all afternoon. It’s not just the drinks that make a midday meal here stand out, though; it’s the extensive menu of sweet and savory treats, from the smoky Cuban-style shrimp and grits to the indulgent dulce de leche crêpes. 240 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, gustazo-cubancafe.com.