Sophia's Grotto
In a mere four years this precocious trattoria has grown up into an authentic Old World beauty, its cloistered brick courtyard now mature with ornamental trees and grasses and a massive climbing hydrangea. Prices, though, have barely changed at all, with big bowls of pastas and other Italian standbys averaging about $15. With the patio's bee lights twinkling overhead and a glass of sweetly chilled Grechetto in hand, you'll find Roman holidays don't come any cheaper than this. 22 Birch St., Roslindale, MA 2131, sophiasgrotto.com.
Deluxe Town Diner
Fanatical loyalty to one's local diner isn't based on food alone: It's the atmosphere, stupid. At the Deluxe, which cooks up solid fare with a twist (e.g., sweet-potato pancakes), we're completely won over by the charming bedlam of the place, with its clattering plates, sizzling grills, bustling waitstaff, and din of dozens of conversations at once. It's no surprise that come the weekend, the lines stretch halfway back to Cambridge. 627 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 2472, .
Blue Shirt Cafe
You feel healthier just reading the menu at this colorful Davis Square corner spot, which boasts healing elixirs like Cold Fighter and Bee Strong, squeezed-to-order fruit and veggie juices, and sorbet and frozen-yogurt blended treats that are neither ice-clogged nor syrupy-sweet. A frothy 'remedy' of wheatgrass, mint, pineapple, and pear leaves a lingering sense of refreshment and revival, while fruitier options such as the Hawaiian Song smoothie can help take the heat out of the sultriest of summer days. 424 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 2144, .
Perfect Tan
We're not thrilled about standing in a disposable thong in front of a stranger, but we'll do it for Perfect Tan. In fact, the incredibly sweet spray-tan technicians make the experience about as pleasant as can be. As for the tan itself, it's hands down the most even, natural-looking bronzing we've encountered, reliably delivering up to a week of full-on beach-goddess glow. 1030 Commonwealth Ave. #2, Boston, MA 2215, perfectan.com.
Janie and Jack
Ah, sweet infants: immaculately adorable one minute, covered in spit-up the next. The best baby collections accommodate both extremes, though none with quite as much versatility as Janie and Jack. Made of the softest cottons, velours, and wools, these garments evoke the preciousness and high quality of European layette lines, but have a roll-with-it American attitude that won't wilt at that first spot of drool. Atrium Mall, Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, .
Dennis Pines Golf Course
Seven thousand yards of championship golfing, nestled in 170 acres of sweet-smelling pine forest: The 72-par Dennis Pines is a course to be reckoned with. With water at four of the holes, enough trees to test anyone's accuracy, and the notorious par-5 twelfth, the course is arguably the toughest—and certainly one of the most beautiful—on Cape Cod. Amenities are plentiful, including an expansive driving range and practice green, a nice little lounge, and a well-stocked pro shop. Rte. 134, East Dennis, MA dennisgolf.com.
Hollywood Express
Attention. Compassion. Unparalleled Service. No, it's not a bank—it's a video store. Actually, it's a chain of them, staffed by some of the most highly regarded film fanatics in town. They can answer all your dumb movie questions like, "Do you have the one with the girl, and what's-his-name, and they get marooned in the Pacific...?" The deals are sweet too—five tapes for $10 every night (no new releases), and two-for-one on Tuesdays. Only happy endings here! 14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA hollywoodexpressvideo.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.
Emma's Pizza
Perhaps it's a misnomer to call it gourmet. After all, what's more traditionally Italian than a thin, crispy crust; fresh herbs and vegetables; smoky sausage; and fine cheeses? Then again, pizzerias in Rome aren't likely to plunk goat cheese or their barbecued chicken on pizza, not to mention dried cranberries, walnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, or Gorgonzola. If you're lucky, you'll grab one of Emma's five counter seats. If you're smart, you'll call ahead for takeout. 370 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Persy's Place
Bring your reading glasses and a couple of hours to spare: The Persy's brunch menu lays out more than 100 possible orders, ranging from the expected (three eggs any style) to the bizarre (haddock poached in milk). You may need a few cups of joe just to power through the list of choices, but once you do, the payoff is sweet—especially if you decide to go for the yummy French toast made with fresh-baked bread, creamy crab Benedict, or above-par banana-walnut crepes. 52 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Mashpee, MA 2649, .
Carmen
Of all the romantic spots in the always romantic North End, tiny Carmen is the top pick for getting into the mood without breaking the bank. The close quarters (the room seats just 25), plush banquettes dotted with throw pillows, and glass votives create an intimate venue for nibbling on small plates from the wine bar and classic pasta dishes. Carmen doesn't serve dessert, but smitten couples will agree that the experience is sweet enough just as it is. 33 North Sq., Boston, MA 2113, .
Savour Kitchen
With all due respect to greasy spoons, we prefer the healthier breakfast fare at Savour Kitchen. Chef-owner Matthew Morello changes the menu daily—really, every single day—depending on what's at local markets. Then he whips up frittatas laden with goodies such as tomato, mozzarella, and basil, asparagus and goat cheese, or Black Forest ham and Brie. Those who like to greet the morning with something sweet can choose from fresh-baked scones and muffins, starting at 7 a.m. 63 Park St., Andover, MA 1810, .
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.
Bread & Butter Baking Co.
The golden glow, faintly sweet aroma, and heavenly texture of the freshly baked loaves at this cute shop in a still-grungy stretch of J.P. could make even the most ardent Atkins disciples recognize the folly of their ways. Along with staples such as multi-grain and white breads and crusty baguettes, Bread & Butter features daily specials—the cinnamon swirl offered on the weekends is especially tasty—and a selection of pastries including a twice baked croissant, stuffed with almond paste and dusted with sugar, that will put you back on carbs for good. 3346 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Hangar B Eatery
At most municipal airports, you'd be hard-pressed to find a soda machine, let alone a full-service restaurant. Defying all logic, however, this sweet little spot—located right off the runway in Chatham—serves up scratch-made specialties like beet, potato, and bacon hash and buttermilk-potato doughnuts with strawberry-balsamic vinegar jam. It's the kind of late-morning meal that'll leave you flying high. 240 George Ryder Road, Chatham, MA 2633, hangarbcapecod.com.