From vegan restaurants to hair salons and everything in between, here are our recommendations from 2021 in Boston.
Best Bakery
Café Madeleine
Under the tutelage of world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, pastry chef Frederic Robert opened Café Madeline. Located in the South End, this little piece of Paris serves the most divine macarons, éclairs and madeleines, made from scratch every day. The croissants are also delectable, with flavors like feta and swiss chard, raspberry almond and poppy seed twist. 517 Columbus Ave., Boston, 857.239.8052, facebook.com/cafemadeleinesouthend/
Best Brunch
Cafe Beatrice
Located in Cambridge Crossing, Cafe Beatrice is the brainchild of Puritain & Co. Chef Will Gilson. The indoor-outdoor cafe welcomes customers to enjoy luscious brunch bites from sweet pastries like salted hazelnut sticky buns to savory items, such as the smoked salmon everything danish, egg sandwiches on a brioche roll or breakfast tacos with veggie eggs, avocado and green chili on flour tortillas. 100 N. First St., Cambridge, 617.945.1349, thelexingtoncx.com
Best Coffee Shop
3 Little Figs
Founder Katie Rooney left behind a career in broadcasting in late 2009 and turned to her family’s passion for food to start 3 Little Figs. Located in Somerville's Spring Hill area, this cafe serves of wide-array of options including espressos, pour-over coffee, macchiatos, lattes, French press, cold brew, and a selection of baked goods, teas and sandwiches. For those looking for more of a health kick, try 3 Little Figs sibling spot, Health Club, stationed next door for a chia pitaya bowl or avocado shake. 278 Highland Ave., 617.623.3447, 3littlefigs.com
Best Date Spot
Strega Italiano Seaport
Enjoy oceanfront views of the Boston Harbor at this classic Italian Seaport spot.The menu is comprised of recipes handed down from past generations, with notable items including a prosciutto-wrapped, bone-in veal chop stuffed with fontina cheese, cipollini onions and maiitake mushrooms topped with a madeira demi-glaze, as well as spaghetti with Maine lobster, morel mushrooms and summer corn in a pesto sauce. 1 Marina Park Dr., 617.345.3992, stregaitaliano.com
Best Golf Course
Granite Links
Just 20 minutes from downtown, the Granite Links Golf Club offers stunning views of the city skyline. Granite also offers high-end amenities, including a driving range and a patio bar, most of which are available to both public guests and members. The course was built on top of previously-mined quarries and features some granite outcroppings and water hazards to keep you on your feet throughout the game. 100 Quarry Hills Dr., granitelinks.com
Best Hair Salon
Salon Evan Michele
In 2011, stylists Michelle Lee and Eva Mustafai joined forces to open Salon Eva Michelle. Overlooking Newbury Street in a stripped down, artistic space, this salon delivers high-quality, cutting-edge services. Michelle and Eva’s continued dedication to their staff’s education in the latest industry trends and products, while understanding every client's needs, makes their salon one of the best in Boston. Try the Inca Glow smoothing treatment or blowout for a natural and organic way to gain enviously silky hair. 37 Newbury St., 617.262.8118, salonevamichelle.com
Best Ice Cream
Tipping Cow
With impeccable ice cream flavors that are 100% peanut, tree-nut and sesame-free, this location aims to provide its customers with homemade, gourmet ice cream—without limitation. Located in Somerville, Tipping Cow was founded upon the idea of creativity, featuring the most outrageous flavors from fig and goat cheese to blueberry ginger. Of course, the classics are available, as well, but the shop sports creative flavors with the change of each season, such as this summer’s banana pudding and peach cobbler. Also, keep an eye out for Tipping Cow’s new Brighton location coming this summer! 415 Medford St., Somerville, MA, 617.718.0558, tippingcowicecream.com
Best Italian Restaurant
Sorrelina
Located in the heart of Boston’s Copley Square, chef and owner Jamie Mammano’s sophisticated dining destination is known for its modern interpretation of Italian classic cuisine. Along with delving into the restaurant’s renowned wine list, try the gnocchi served with Maine lobster and Vermont butter before forking into the filet mignon. 1 Huntington Ave., 617.412.4600, sorellinaboston.com/
Best Outdoor Dining
Pier 6
Enjoy the beauty of Boston’s skyline from Pier 6’s waterfront deck. At lunch, the local ingredient-sourcing eatery is serving up classic seafood like New England lobster rolls, tuna poke bowls and Atlantic salmon. For those with a smaller appetite, we recommend the steamed mussels or crab cake with chipotle aioli. 18th St., Charlestown, 617.337.0054, pier6boston.com
Best Vegan Restaurant
Zhu Vegan Kitchen
Head to Zhu Vegan Kitchen for fully vegan Japanese, Asain and American-Asain cuisine. Lunch and dinner are served at two different Boston locations. Try all of their classics including udon noodle soup, pad-thai and vegetable fried rice. Main courses consist of general tso’s soy protein, sweet and sour soy protein, eggplant string beans and sesame tofu. Zhu Vegan Kitchen is also known for their homemade iced drinks. Fresh mango green tea sounds like a perfect pair for your veggie-based meal. 166 Massachusetts Ave., 781.646.7600, zhuvegankitchen.com
Best Weekend Getaway
Boston Harbor Hotel
Take advantage of Boston Harbor Hotel’s luxury amenities, including the Rowes Wharf Health Club and the Rowes Wharf Bar. Make a reservation at their Health Club to try out a Peloton bike, or swim in the 60-foot lap pool. After freshening up in a stunning waterfront suite, grab bites and sips at the bar, which houses an extensive selection of scotches and savory plates from internationally-renowned chef Daniel Bruce. 70 Rowes Wharf, 617.439.7000, bhh.com
Photography by: Moritz Knoringer/Unsplash
