Mike's Pastry
You can spot Mike’s signature string-wrapped cannoli boxes in the hands of practically every tourist, and that’s exactly why some of our crabbier natives don’t give the place its rightful due. Honestly, though, the cannolis deserve all of the attention they get, with a crackly-crunchy shell overstuffed with dense, sweet-and-cheesy ricotta. Just one bite reminds us why out-of-towners — and yes, plenty of locals, too — will always line up for them on Hanover Street. Multiple locations, mikespastry.com.
Oona’s
If you lack the patience to sift through piles and paw through racks to find vintage gems, head to this Harvard Square institution, where staffers have done the treasure-hunting for you. Waiting to meet your closet: sweet Twiggy-era shift dresses, a sequined Valentino jacket, and baubles to satisfy every taste, all at not-that-outrageous prices. Guys can get in on the fun, too, with Hawaiian-print shirts, striped ties, and denim jackets. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, oonasboston.com.
Turner's Seafood
Don't let the corporate, almost chainlike interior keep you away: This spot's the real deal. Slurp fresh, cold oysters at the rowdy raw bar, or sit down at a table and dip into Turner's expansive menu. The fried platters come out heaping and hot, and the lobster rolls—the true measure of any seafood shack—come stuffed with sweet claw-meat chunks and only the lightest swipe of mayo. 506 Main St., Melrose, MA 2176, turners-seafood.com.
Newburyport Farmers' Market
Given its northerly location, Newburyport has an edge over other area markets: It's able to draw in vendors from southern New Hampshire. But it's the sheer magnitude of the selection—which ranges from standard-issue fruits and veggies to raw honey, locally caught fish and shellfish, and sustainably raised goat meat, not to mention prepared goodies like sweet and savory tarts from Puff—that draws crowds. Sundays May through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tannery, Newburyport, MA 1950, thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org.
Boarding House
Like sitting on a South End patio, you'll see everyone during weekend brunch here. People-watching aside, the covered, fenced-in Federal Street terrace is also a cool and shady spot to take in Seth and Angela Raynor's outstanding service and locally sourced fare. Go sweet on pillowy house-made brioche doughnuts and soufflé pancakes, or ease into the day with a savory grilled pizzetta topped with fontina, arugula, and prosciutto. Whichever way you go, the BoHo's classic bloody mary is a must. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA 2554, boardinghousenantucket.com.
B&G Oysters
If hyperfresh seafood is the sole requirement, Legal and McCormick can deliver the same still-quivering quality for a few clams less. It takes a hypertalented chef like B&G's Barbara Lynch, however, to gussy it up with refined flavors and textures that accentuate without stealing the show. That intense focus on pristine ingredients is evident throughout the small, cleanly constructed menu. The cult-spawning lobster BLT is a study in restraint, and a sauteed halibut rings sweet above grassy artichoke, tangy tomato, and briny black-olive consomme. 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA bandgoysters.com.
Brown Sugar Café
Serving huge portions of flavorful curries and other Thai specialties at affordable prices, Brown Sugar is a perfect match for the tastes and budgets of the undergrads, musicians, and medical students who live in this neighborhood. In addition to less fiery offerings like "Siamese Twins" (shrimp and chicken in a sweet-and-sour sauce), there are such authentic dishes as laarb gai (minced chicken in a spicy lime sauce). Service is prompt but friendly, and the free parking—limited, but a rarity in these parts—means outsiders can enjoy one of the city's best pad thais, too. 129 Jersey St., Boston, MA brownsugarcafe.com.
Gabriel Frasca, Spire
After years of working with some of this city's best (Gordon Hamersley, Michael Schlow, Seth Woods), it's Frasca's turn to soar at Spire, the restaurant at the Nine Zero hotel. And soar he does, with entrées like his fresh pea soup, an earthy ode to summer with a tinge of sautéed pea shoots for brightness and a sweet, nutty crab dumpling for contrast. We hope more young chefs will follow Frasca's lead. 90 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Neptune Oyster
Order it hot with butter, or cold with mayo. Either way, sizable chunks of lobster will overflow the warm brioche roll, leaving you to dig in with a fork before attempting to pick up any stragglers with your hands. Do not be distracted by the delicious, massive pile of accompanying fries; the sweet claw and tail meat is why you came—and why you waited an hour for a seat at this tiny gem. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Ideal Manhattan, Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar
Like an antique wing chair done up in a sharp new print, Citizen's spin on the Manhattan hews to tradition while freshening things up. The cocktail starts with the classic recipe (Maker's Mark, sweet vermouth, Angostura), then amps it up with a touch of the unconventional (St. Germain, grapefruit bitters). The final effect? True to the original cocktail's spirit, but tastier. 1310 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, .
Finale
Finale has the whoopie down to a sweet science: Two palm-size triple-chocolate cookies sandwich a white-chocolate cream-cheese filling. The local dessert chain, which also bakes bite-size whoopies, has late-night hours and multiple locations, letting you take care of those cake-and-cream cravings at (almost) any time. 1 Columbus Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, finaledesserts.com.
Trudie's Treats-Homemade Treasures
If it's possible for a Scandinavian apple pie to be better than an American one, Trudie's Swedish apple pie takes the cake. The secret: sweet, juicy apples, nuts to keep it crunchy, and a crust made with real butter. You can find Trudie's pie (and an assortment of other baked goods) at Arena Farms in Concord, Mahoney's in Winchester, and a number of other area farmstands.
Marina Kan, Bella Sante
We used to prefer our pedicures short and sweet. But after just one Bella Foot Facial with Marina Kan, we've grown more than happy to linger. What's not to love about dozing for 80 minutes in a plush armchair while your tired pups are exfoliated, massaged, masked, and moisturized? Kan's all-business approach spares you the chitchat, and her palette of scrubs and creams looks almost good enough to eat. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, bellasante.com.
Erikson's Dairy
All of the ice creams at Erikson's—a fourth-generation outfit that's been around for 63 years—are unbelievably rich and thick, and thankfully not too sweet. It may be less well-known than Kimball's in nearby Carlisle, but nothing beats a scoop of Erikson's peppermint-stick ice cream (with red and green candies) on a warm summer day. Seasonal special flavors include chocolate Girl Scout mint cookie and fresh peach. 12 Great Road (Route 117), Maynard, MA .
White Mountain Creamery
On the basis of its sweet banana ice cream alone, White Mountain Creamery is a winner. Made by the brothers Ramos (Glen's been churning it out for 15 years; Craig joined in two years ago), the ice cream is the perfect richness and density, an packed with flavor. Everything is made in the Wellesley storefront (the identically named shop in Chestnut Hill is unrelated), including the unbelievable frozen yogurt. If there ever was an excuse for "destination ice creaming," here it is. 552 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA wmcicecream.com.