January 24, 2006

Ivy Restaurant Boston

A happening but laid-back Italian restaurant filled with sleek tables and red leather seating that provide a backdrop to friendly service and flavorful plates of gorgonzola-and-truffle mac ’n’ cheese, rich risottos, and hearty pastas. Cava, the downstairs cocktail lounge, stays open late.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Classic Cocktails, Comes to You

August 11, 2008

Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro Boston

  Beacon Hill, Food & Drink, Breakfast, Hotel Bar

October 11, 2007

Panzano Boston

You’ll have to travel to the suburbs to get to the trattoria, but consider that it’s a far shorter journey than going to Italy. Its Tuscan-inspired cuisine (think antipasti of deep-fried mushroom risotto or marinated olives and mains of handmade pasta), rustic decor, and extensive Italian wine list are enough to take you away.

  Southborough, Food & Drink, Boozehound, Lunch Spot

September 27, 2007

Bambara Boston

Everything’s contemporary, from the earth-tone decor and open kitchen to the menu of fancified American classics, like a wedge salad, fried chicken, and warm lobster sliders. In the warmer months, take advantage of outdoor dining or just grab a cocktail at the expansive bar.

  East Cambridge, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Breakfast

December 15, 2006

Garden at The Cellar Boston

The scent of fresh rosemary, an open kitchen, a cozy bar, and a handful of gleaming tabletops greet you. If you’re feeling peckish, try a sampling of marinated cheeses, autumn-spiced meatballs, or crunchy flatbread pizza. Satisfy bigger appetites with entrees of steak frites and free-range chicken with bacon-braised pea greens. 

  Central Square, Food & Drink, Charcuterie, Cozy

November 16, 2006

Redbones Boston

Chow down on well-priced Southern-style BBQ. Ribs are cooked in different styles — choose from Texas, Memphis, or St. Louis — and come with all the fixins like coleslaw, smoky baked beans, okra, and corn bread. Wash it down with some frozen margs or one of the 28 beers on tap.

  Allston-Brighton, Food & Drink, Boozehound, Brunch

August 17, 2006

Shanti Boston

Get a taste of classic India with all your favorite dishes, like chewy garlic naan, tikka masala, creamy raita, and crispy meat samosas.

  Columbia Point, Food & Drink, Lunch Spot, Takeout

April 25, 2006

Dante Boston

Dante de Magistris’s eponymous resto with Med-minded decor (leather chairs, cool colors, private balconies, a sprawling outdoor patio) and food (Sicilian roasted chicken, gnocchi with mushroom ragu, slow-roasted cod). Breakfast means polenta pancakes with malted vanilla gelato.

  Cambridge, Food & Drink, Brunch, Celebrity Chef