Sage
Some nights just call for a simple dinner served in a cozy dining room where the service is relaxed and the food is just like mama used to make. That's the essence of an evening at Sage, chef (and North End native) Anthony Susi's American-Italian bistro. No matter that the wait for one of the eight tables is often long: Susi's handmade gnocchi and pastas are heaven-sent, with melt-in-your-mouth textures and impeccable use of fresh seasonal ingredients. 69 Prince St., Boston, MA .
Washington Square Tavern
Here's a tavern in the truest—and best—sense of the world: a homey magnet for folks from many walks of life, with good comfort food and plenty of drink. The Washington Square hits all the right marks on all the scales: high on quality and atmosphere, but low on pretense. Hang at the long wooden bar or the communal tables to chat with everyone from pierced college kids to nuclear families, or slide into one of the dark corner booths with your better half for a dinner for two. 714 Washington St., Washington Square, Brookline, MA washingtonsquaretavern.com.
Anna's Taqueria
Henry Ford may have invented the assembly line, but Anna's Taqueria has perfected it. The queue at any of its four locations is usually out the door but moves quickly, thanks to the deft hands of the burrito-istas who slap down cheese, guac, hot sauce, and tasty meat faster than Speedy Gonzales. Don't think quality suffers with velocity, however: The lemony grilled chicken, the spicy carnitas, and the juicy grilled vegetables are as delicioso as the assembly is rápido. 1412 Beacon St., Brookline, MA annastaqueria.com.
South End Formaggio
We have a tendency to think of South End Formaggio as a great spot for fancy cheeses, unctuous olive oils, and other hard to find treasures. And it is. But there's plenty more here. The chewy, sesame seed-coated mini ficelle loaves lined with thinly sliced salami and slivers of sharp cheese are a treat you can eat with one hand while you drive home. That'll stop you from snacking on these fancy cheeses you're saving for your dinner guests. 268 Shawmt Ave., Boston, MA southendformaggio.com.
Little Stevie's
Miss your adolescence? The Formica booths at Little Stevie's aren't just seats, they're time machines that sweep you right back to braces, babysitting money, and after-school specials. And the pizza's right there with you: pillowy, bubbly, and doughy edges with a paper-thin and oven-charred crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and a hot, dense layer of mozzarella. Say what you will about teen angst; pie this good makes it all seem worthwhile. 1114 Boylston St., Boston, MA littlestevespizzeria.com.
Hi-Rise Bread Co.
There's some damn fine bread in this town, but we're throwing down the gauntlet and calling it for Hi-Rise. Why? Shelf after shelf of simple but flawlessly executed loaves: chewy sourdough, rich stone-ground cornbread, sweet and yeasty brioches, and hearty raisin-pecan. Holidays bring special orders of exemplary stollen and challah. House baker Rene Becker is a self-proclaimed fanatic about ingredients and techniques, and it shows. He's the Leonardo da Vinci of carbohydrates. 208 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.
Café Vanille
Experienced sweet-tooths know exactly where to turn when sugar cravings hit. Vanille's pastry cases are chock full of tantalizing treats: cappuccino cheesecake, chocoholic bliss tart, Boston cream pie. Don't fret if you can't decide. Just sample the bakery's petit fours—bite-sized sensations that include the ethereal diva (chocolate and caramel mousse) and the encore-deserving opera (coffee buttercream cake). We dare you to resist becoming addicted to this Beacon Hill sweet spot. 70 Charles St., Boston, MA frenchmemories.com.
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
If you knew sushi like Ginza knows sushi—well, you'd never go anywhere else for sushi again. No other place offers such subtle and succulent yellowtail, melt-in-your-mouth tuna, tasty scorpion, and scrumptious salmon roe—and such a wise selection (with more than 50 choices, all of them off-the-boat fresh). Ginza's chefs craft such beautiful maki and nigiri combos it seems a pity to eat them. Rival chefs at top restaurants envy them for their access to the finest fresh fish in town. 16 Hudson St., Chinatown, Boston, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
When it comes to the steak-house experience, Grill 23 has it all—a cavernous men's clubby atmosphere, impeccable service, the kind of bar where one is apt to imbibe too many martinis, and, of course, great steaks. Non-carnivores need not despair: The grilled swordfish is superb and the kitchen turns out a terrific paella. Sommelier Alicia Towns expertly helps you navigate a first-rate wine list. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Rauxa
When it moved into Elephant Walk's old Union Square location, Rauxa had sizable shoes to fill—and lived up to the challenge. Step down into the stark cavern for a sampling of delicious wines (including cava), fresh bread, olives, and impeccable entrees. If you thought tapas and sangria were all Spain had to offer, this new Catalan-style restaurant will change your mind. 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA .
Armani Cafe
Kill two birds with one stone: Armani Cafe —at the Prime Viewing Central between Fairfield and Exeter — is not only the best place to see other people, it's the best place to be seen in all your sartorial splendor. Required accouterments: cell phone, beeper, head-to-toe black Eurowear, and the Beemer double-parked nearby so all can see you coming and going. The pricey, trendy, yet tasty fare satiates cravings while you watch the creatures of Newbury stroll by. 214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Inaho
Sushi aficionados know they've stumbled onto authenticity when there's a certain something missing. Namely, silverware. There's not a fork in sight at Inaho, where owners Yuji and Alda Watanabe have created a minimalist paradise in the land of fish and chips. The long sushi bar sends out tender, just-plucked yellowtail, ahi, salmon, and eel nigiri and sashimi, and tasty maki like the Red Dragon (tuna, avocado, spicy house mayonnaise, and more tuna) and the Naruto roll (fluke, tuna, and salmon roe). 157 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 2675, .
Eastern Standard
At this spacious, boisterous Kenmore Square brasserie, groups can reserve a round table, slide into a cushy leather booth, or pull together a few tall tables at the bar to enjoy a casual feast. Brisk service, a well-stocked raw bar, and a varied menu filled with small plates that range from salt cod fritters to fried calamari makes for easy sharing—whether you're with simpatico diners or fussy friends who don't share your enlightened palate. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Casa Romero
Not many restaurants are willing to dedicate a chunk of valuable real estate for the few weeks that merit outdoor dining. But chef-owner Leo Romero's mission is to let guests experience the joys of una noche Mexicana, and his colorful patio, lit with twinkling candles, does just that. Try the utterly un-Tex-Mex enchiladas verdes and cool house margarita—then enjoy a memorable evening under what might as well be the starry skies of Veracruz. 30 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 2115, casaromero.com.
Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium
It takes a brave soul to sample lobster ice cream, and an even braver one to put it on a menu. But Ben & Bill's is that bold and, after years in the shadow of that other island sweet shop, has emerged as the Vineyard's frosty frontrunner. The servings of handmade ice cream (ginger, pumpkin pie) and gelato (tiramisu, chocolate mandarin) are enormous, but if your sugar cravings still aren't sated, you can bag some candy and truffles to go. 20A Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, benandbills.com.