Stone Soup Caf
It's barely noon and hungry lunchers slurping down soups already fill this bright and homey Ipswich café. Whether it's curried butternut squash, spicy black bean, or ripe tomato that strikes your fancy, every one is made from farm-fresh ingredients—and it shows. If you're particularly hungry, pair your bowl with a veggie-stuffed wrap or seared scallops over pasta, or just go with a second helping of that creamy lobster bisque. Zero Central St., Ipswich, MA 1938, .
Blue Ginger
You'd think that after eight years, a fusion joint like Blue Ginger might be a tired concept; after all, who doesn't offer garlic-black pepper lobster these days? But Ming Tsai is a disciplined kitchen maestro: He knows not to mess with the classics (like that aforementioned oft-imitated lobster) and how, and when, to create new ones (such as sweet Hawaiian-style tuna ;poke atop a crispy rice cake) that keep his menu fresh—and little old Wellesley a gastronomic destination. 583 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482-6411, ming.com/blueginger.
Franklin Café
It's trendy, it's tasty, it's open till 1:30 a.m. What's not to like? Well, there is the wait to be seated—which can be up to 90 minutes. But the bustling bar, with its blood orange martinis, is one of the big draws. And the food is worth hanging around for: The seasonal menu showcases such contemporary American cuisine as slow-roasted spiced chicken and turkey meatloaf—all for under $20. 278 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA franklincafe.com.
Gargoyles on the Square
Ten years ago, skeptics wondered whether an upscale American bistro like Gargoyles could succeed in Davis Square. Judging from the crowds of patrons, the answer is yes. For more-affordable eats, though, bypass the dining room, grab a seat (if you can find one) at the bar, and indulge in options like the tuna tartare with avocado purée, a top-notch burger with perfectly seasoned fries, or the creative pizza of the day. 219 Elm St., Somerville, MA .
Jasper White's Summer Shack
Fasten your plastic bib, roll up your sleeves, and park your party at one of the long picnic tables inside Jasper White's Cambridge clam shack, where the meal itself is the evening's entertainment. Dunking steamed clams into warm butter, cracking lobster claws, and nibbling on ears of corn are all good fun. With a daily selection of seafood—and balloons for the kids—the warehouse-sized restaurant will please every age. Oh, and there's no need for reservations: Priority is given to parties of eight or more. 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge, MA summershackrestaurant.com.
No Name Restaurant
The décor is worn; the waiters, crusty. The low-priced seafood, on the other hand, couldn't be fresher, and the kitchen knows what to do with it, displaying considerable finesse with battered fried clams, seared scallops, and buttery chowder made with leftovers from the catches of the day. While some people may be put off by the No Name's unfussy shtick—the restaurant famously serves water by the pitcher in tiny paper cups—regulars know it's part of what amounts to one of the tastiest bargains in Boston. 15 1/2 Fish Pier, Boston, MA nonamerestaurant.com.
Toro
Even diners who prefer their atmospheres serene are willing to brave the frenetic crowd here for one reason: the food. Simple tapas like tortilla espanola shine; the wine-braised short ribs are so rich they could almost double as dessert; and the house specialty, maiz asado (grilled corn with aioli, lime, and aged cheese) has made an addict out of many. Come in early if you're after a seat, as this place packs 'em in like sardines nearly every night. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, toro-restaurant.com.
Flat Patties
For those of us who've longbelieved that a burger's quality is directly proportional to its heft, it defies logic that one of the beefiest, juiciest, tastiest (and cheapest) burgers in town is, in fact, flat as a pancake. Well seasoned and slathered in a sweet mayonnaise sauce, Flat Patties' freshly ground patties are tender and packed with flavor. The nicest part? The quarter-pounder rings in at just $3.95. 33 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, flatpatties.com.
Warren Tavern
No self-respecting Townie goes to this older-than-God tavern for the food. You go for the beer, the too-loud music, and the chance to see your cousin, your neighbor, your accountant, and your handyman getting a little sloppy over a fifth round of Sam Adams—sometimes all at the same table. Have a couple of cold ones, and the fish and chips will seem like four-star cuisine. 2 Pleasant Street, Charlestown, MA 2129, .
L'Andana
Everything about Italian specialist L'Andana (which this magazine named the Best New Restaurant of 2008) is so generously proportioned that it might seem excessive. That's fine by us, considering that Jamie Mammano of Mistral, Teatro, and Sorellina fame is the one laying on the flourishes. So, yes, we'll happily loll in the overstuffed banquettes; order up big bowls of dreamy homemade pastas or three-course Tuscan suppers with enormous, flawlessly grilled steaks; and raise our giant wine glasses to the joys of going overboard. 86 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA 1803, .
Eastern Standard
This brasserie's knack for maintaining civility amid Kenmore Square's chaos is but one reason to worship Sunday brunches here. The others are the creme brulée French toast, the tomato and basil quiche, and the bloody marys made with vegetable-infused vodka (take that, V8!). The swank-looking digs may scare off the budget-fretful, but that'd be a shame. At $15 or less per brunch entree, Eastern Standard gives better (and tastier) bang for the morning buck than most. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Pho Pasteur
As much as we like to see some dynasties fall, this one shows no signs of abdicating— nor should it. Even amid a healthy crop of Viet-upstarts in Allston, Pasteur still prepares tastier spring rolls than those spring chickens. We especially love the dipping sauces and the ginger chicken. The Harvard Square location comes through with particular elegance. 5 Dunster St., Cambridge, MA .
Marcuccio's
Boldly layered flavors, as in charred calamari with black olive puree and red pepper jus, and imaginative twists on staples, as in fusilli in a parmesan broth with walnuts and sundried tomatoes, make this copper-kitchened restaurant one of the brightest sports in the North End. Charles Draghi and his staff love to cook so much that, for diners who repeatedly order the six-course chef's choice menu (with accompanying wines), they'll even ad lib an occasional dish. 125 Salem St., Boston, MA .
Back Bay Brewing Company
No matter how much they tinker with the menu, the food never gets beyond adequate, not to mention over-priced. But Tod Mott still brews the best damn small-batch beers. His India Pale Ale, bitter ale and seasonal brown ale are all excellent renditions of classic styles, and his lager is one of the better light beers to be found locally. His seasonal offerings— stouts, Belgian triple, mai blocks— are generally superb. 755 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Angelo's
There was so much dissension on the staff over this one that our only solution was to choose a fabulous little place fifty miles away. It has no checkered tablecloths (no noncheckered tablecloths either), no murals or Muzak. What it does have is excellent food—baked veal chops, homemade escarole soup, gnocchi, and various daily specials—at prices that belong at a cafe in the foothills of the Apennines. 141 Atwells Ave., Providence, RI .