Best of Boston

2010 Best Back Bay Restaurant, Neighborhood

Trident Cafe

For all its beauty and history, the Back Bay struggles to maintain a true neighborhood feel. Its commercial district caters to tourists and students; on weekends, Newbury Street seems a bit too much like an outdoor mall. Amid the clamor of shoppers and too-noisy, expensive sidewalk cafés, the Trident is a low-key, affordable oasis. Here, diners can tuck into the signature stuffed French toast (served all day) or savory items like homemade squash ravioli and a mom-approved meatloaf, and enjoy it in relative peace.

338 Newbury St., Boston, 617-267-8688, tridentbookscafe.com