Papillon of Coolidge Corner
A cake so creamy and cheesy, it makes Baby Watson's seem measly; seductively marbled with sweet chocolate. 1353b St., Brookline, MA .
Locke-Ober's Restaurant
A collage of crisp lettuce, slices of sweet ham and generous chunks of turkey concocted by a Michelangelo among salad makers. 3 Winter Place, MA .
Chef Lee's Famous Soul Food
From collard greens to pig's feet to fried chicken to sweet-potato pie, Chef Lee's offers a full menu of homey cooking. they cater, too. 1140 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA .
Yogplait
From Canada, where the cows haven't been bombarded by fallout yet. Smooth, sweet, delicious, this is the best for dessert. For breakfast, try Sundance.
The Classico, at Marcella's
Provolone, prosciutto, capicolla, and sweet-and-sour red peppers stacked high and bathed in extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Big enough for two. 1808 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Addo Novo
It's easy to get swept up in interior trends, but when you're looking for edge (that won't later cut you), Addo Novo offers the midcentury's greatest hits, along with contemporary interpretations. What's so brilliant about the Barcelona couch or the George Nelson Bubble Lamp, you ask? These thoughtfully designed pieces are perfectly scaled for Boston's smaller, European-style living spaces. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA addonovo.com.
The Chocolate Truffle
With truffles like these, we constantly wonder, Perhaps being a chocoholic isn't so bad after all. Woburn never tasted so sweet. 200 West Cummings Park, Washington St., Woburn, MA .
Masa
Known for creative southwestern cuisine, Masa rockets into the O-ring stratosphere with its sweet-battered, plump Vidalia onion slices dusted with dried chilies. 264 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, matsuboston.com.
Ten Tables
The 10 menu items at this petite boite, including meats and homemade pastas, list for $21 or less, and the vibe is as sweet as it gets. Your date—and your accountant—will be impressed. 597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA tentables.net.
Nashoba Brook Bakery
Bakers here understand that great bread rises from all-natural ingredients. The seven-grain loaf is moist, earthy, and studded with dates, and the baguettes are so light and sweet, it's almost a shame to top them with anything. 288 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 2116, slowrise.com.
Oleana
The theatrics alone make this starter ($9), accented with peaches and sweet peppers, a winner: A waiter pours the anise-flavored liquor over the salty cheese, then lights the dish on fire. The light show is impressive; the taste, even better. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 2139, oleanarestaurant.com.
Teuscher
Champagne truffles? Assorted pralines? Emphatically, yes! These bon-bons are mindnumbingly sweet and decadent beyond belief. Unfortunately the prices can be prohibitive—8 ounces for $27—but sometimes you just gotta have it. 230 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
A&A Fisheries
It ain't fancy, but the fish is fresh, sweet and tender; the platter—clams, scallops, fish, and shrimp—is a bargain at $10.75. In the dead of winter, it's the closest thing to a clam shack this side of Key West. 81 L Street, Boston, MA .
Sandwich Fair
The world's best cider—a sweet golden brew—may be quaffed on Columbus Day at the Sandwich Fair, in Sandwich, N.H. During the rest of the year, Lawson Farm in Lincoln dispenses an excellent substitute. Sandwich, NH
Vee Vee
Carnivores will love the spice-rubbed sirloin with broccolini and chimichurri; vegans will appreciate the gorditas with chipotle-tomatillo roasted sweet potato; and those on a liquid diet will linger over the tightly curated list of artisanal wines and craft beers. 763 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, veeveejp.com.