A South End standby, this upscale French bistro has won quite a few awards. Perfect for a cool day, glass of red wine and scrumptious food. I'm partial to the duck breast or steak frites!

B&G is one of my go-to's for friends visiting Boston for the first time. Tucked away in the gorgeous South End, this cozy place with friendly staff turns out awesome seafood. The lobster roll is a delicious standby, and I always enjoy the halibut and spaetzle if they have. Plus the french fries and chocolate mouse - yum!

Perfect for lunch. This authentic Mexican restaurant serves street tacos the way they should be - a small shell, a bit of meat and a dab of sauce. The guacamole is perfectly made too.

Cozy Greek in the South End. A local's hang-out, especially in the summer outdoors. Definitely order the oktapodi (grilled octopus) and kolokithakia (zucchini chips - they're massive & addictive). The grilled lamb chops are also awesome, as well as the uvetsi (braised beef short rib).

Some of the best pizza in Boston. Go classic or choose from their creative combinations (which change regularly). The arugula salad is a perfect light complement. I've also heard their ice cream is amazing, but have always been too full to try it!

Cute, casual French newcomer to the South End. Easy to sit at the bar and share a few dishes with friends. For lunch, I prefer dining al fresco and their tartines (especially the mushroom one), for dinner I go straight for beef bourguinon, brussels sprouts and herbed french fries!

Ready for Asian? Definitely go to Myers & Chang. Husband /wife team Christopher Myers / Joanne Chang (also Flour Bakery) has created a unique place in Boston. The menu blends Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes with the perfect blend of spices and heat. Don't forget to order the hakka eggplant or the pork belly buns!

A little out of the way, but consistently great Italian fare. My go-to meal is a delicious crudo and then orecchiette with sausage, fennel and radicchio. Although in cooler months the chicken under a brick is also wonderful!

Perfectly cooked seafood plus oysters straight from the source. The owners are related to Island Creek Oysters, and Row 34 is the 34th row in their oyster bed in Duxbury where they experimented with raising the oysters in a different way. It's always crowded so make a rezzie or grab a glass of wine and hope for a spot at the bar.

Think cool night, warm hearty pasta and Sportello is your spot. The pasta is hand-made in-house everyday. The strozzapreti with braised rabbit is a particular favorite and one of Chef Barbara Lynch's signature dishes here. During the week, stop by Drink for a cocktail if it's busy.

Normally I wouldn't recommend a chain for seafood, but Legal's is an exception. An institution around Boston with multiple locations (each has a slightly different name based on its neighborhood), Legal's is solid for good seafood and made to handle crowds. Legal's Harborside is especially nice in the summer with its varying flowers, open windows / roofdeck and views of both the water and the airport traffic.

Not really for the tourist given its location in Dry Dock. But awesome Mediterranean if you work in the area or for lunch / dinner. The menu changes seasonally so hard to suggest a dish.

For me, it's only at the bar or on the patio. The dining room is a bit stuffy for me. But the food is delicious and the bartenders friendly. Whether you're ordering a gin martini, glass of wine or PBR, they're happy to help! Oh, and their foie gras is always divine.

Fun, different, tiny. They import tinned seafood, so if that's your thing, you'll love it. Portions are big, but food is good and it's a nice change from other places.

The chef here came from Neptune Oyster, and created a wonderful seafood oriented menu. Everything is delicious, although I think it's a little expensive so don't go frequently.

A Portland Maine extension turned fast casual. Eventide still feels nice, yet gives you a chance for a quick, yummy seafood oriented meal.

Part farmers market, part food hall. It's easy to stop by when exploring the sites downtown. If the morning, stop by George Howell coffee...in the afternoon Crescent Ridge creamery. That might just be the best ice cream you've ever had.

Nestled in the North End, Mare is a special treat for me. It's amazing seafood and I've always had great meals here. In the shoulder seasons it's fun to sit on the back patio with friends circled around the big outdoor firepits (gas of course).

Be prepared for a wait. This tucked away gem made the news years ago so there are lines out the door. Try for an off-time, or put your name down and then wander the streets of the North End. The vitello tonnato, lobster roll and burger are always delicious...and the fries addictive. But really you can't go wrong with anything here.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston, chef Michael Scelfo does an amazing job. There's a long bar, so you can hope for a spot there, otherwise definitely make reservations in advance. American style focusing on trusted farmers with fun combinations and flavor forward food. It's not just roasted carrots, there's a bit of honey, torched reggiano custard and burnt onion jam : ) The ubiquitous kale salad has been a staple for years, along with the secret burger that regularly sells out.

Chef Will Gilson continues to surprise and delight in this modern New England American restaurant. If you're a cooking fanatic, grab the back bar if you can to watch them make the salads and desserts and have an eye into the kitchen. They source from local small farms. The chef has a way with meats so I tend to go for a pork chop, although everything has been delicious. It's also great for Sunday brunch. If you need a cocktail before or after, check out Trina's Starlite Lounge just down the street.

Cosy indoors and AMAZING garden seating in the summer. Ana Sortun has delighted locals with her Turkish / Middle Eastern cooking for years. She uses vivid flavors & aromatic spices, blending cinnamon, sumac, tahini, baharat and more. The result is heaven. Ottolenghi, watch out!

Sister restaurant to Oleana, Ana Sortun partners with Cassie Pluma to create modern Middle Eastern mezze in a casual environment.

Serving Stumptown coffee, Thinking Cup is a great place to start your day. The espresso drinks are made perfect, snacks are great and sandwiches good too. The zucchini bread and roasted chicken sandwich are my favs.

A delicious, local brand for coffee. Their primary spots are here, attached to the Godfrey hotel and in the Boston Public Market. George Howell was a pioneer in coffee in the 1970s, especially from Boston. When he moved back from Berkeley CA he was dismayed at the coffee scene, so created Coffee Connection. 20 years later he sold it to Starbucks and then traveled the world to explore coffee. Now he's back, with amazing, small batch craft roasted coffee.

Back Bay store of a European style coffee chain that launched in Boston. Great coffee and pastries, plus a very cool design aesthetic. With reclaimed wood & comfy chairs - each space is uniquely created to feel like it could practically be part of your home. They've expanded significantly so have almost 30 locations in Boston.

For the coffee lovers...a list of local places to try.

A beautiful French bakery nestled in the South End. Excellent for croissants, macaroons and madelines! Close your eyes and you'll feel like you're in Paris. 😀

Flour exists in a couple places - Back Bay, South End, Kendall Square. Known originally for their sticky buns (yum!) they make excellent cookies and pastries, along with salads and sandwiches. Started by Chef Joanne Chang after a brief stint in consulting, she's an inspiration to the rest of us. I especially love her IG series during COVID where you can learn to bake with her.

Best juice in town. Fresh squeezed, nothing frozen. In fact your juice is room temp...unless you grab one from the fridge. There's almost always a line. I love their nut milk cacao combos too.

Great sit-down but not fancy spot for breakfast. There's also a location in Back Bay near the train station.

A must-try bakery / lunch spot. Early morning, a cappuccino (Stumptown) and walnut sour cream coffee cake or Kouign-Amann is a great way to start the day. Otherwise, I skip the pastries (although many love them) and go straight to her delicious savory dishes. I love the warmth of the Israeli spices woven into the dishes, whether the various shashuka, crunchy halloumi salad, fattoush salad, or lamb sandwich. Think za'atar, cumin, labneh, and more.

Tiny bakery tucked down an alley in the North End...where all the locals buy their bread. Stop by early or they may sell out!

No menus, just tell the bartender what you're in the mood for and he'll craft something for your delight. Work crowd during the week, younger crowd on the weekend.

An institution...and a right of passage for young Bostonians. Best to stick with beer or easy cocktails here. If you want something complex or fancy, walk across the street to Drink.

Mixologist's heaven. Visit here before dinner at Island Creek Oyster Bar.

Almost hidden away near Inmam Square, look for the Miller High Life sign to find Trina's. Yet inside you'll find stellar bartenders with creative craft cocktails. A perfect way to start or end the evening. My plan is typically to start here, then hit up Puritan & Co...and potentially return later.

A must see museum for the building and the works inside. It contains one of the largest Egyptian collections in the world. If you need a break while exploring, there's a range of options - I especially enjoy the New American Cafe given the beauty of the Shapiro courtyard.

I could sit in the courtyard for hours, just imaging myself in Italy! I usually plan my visits here to also include lunch at Café G. Don't forget to venture to the 2nd floor to see the empty frames from the massive unsolved art heist of 1990 when artworks from Rembrandt, Vermeer and more disappeared!

Located in a beautiful space right on the water in the Seaport and housing wonderful visual arts exhibits.

Want live music in a historical venue? Venture to Wally's any night of the year.

If you're a classical music lover, then you definitely know the Boston Pops. Whether in the gorgeous symphony hall or summertime on the Esplanade, it's a wonderful treat.

My favorite place to run in Boston. Whether 1 mile or 10 miles, you can loop along the river.

Admire the unusual mixture of trees and flowers, and don't forget to say hello to the ducklings! And if you're there near a holiday, check out their fashionable attire.

Whether Red Sox fan or not, Fenway it is a baseball institution and worth a game or tour. Also, Eventide is nearby for pre/post game oysters!