This blog may not be of much interest to those of you who don't live anywhere in the vicinity of eastern Massachusetts, but if you ever have the opportunity to visit the greater Boston area, you should make a point to check out a few of my local favorites!!
Type of cuisine: Italian
Our favorite dishes: fried ravioli, ravioli di aragosta, chicken carciofi, tiramisu the size of your head, lots of daily specials
What makes it special: We love the personal attention of our favorite server, Hans (who not only shows you photos of the daily special, but makes homemade limoncello for featured cocktails on a regular basis), as well as visits from Rick, the manager, but the whole experience makes you feel like a local. The food is delicious and homey, and there's always enough to bring a little bit home.
What else do I need to know?: They have a lovely outdoor dining area, and it's a great place for lunch.
Bottom line: Delicious comfort food at incredibly reasonable prices.
Lucia's Tavola (Ayer)
Type of cuisine: Steak, pasta, seafood
Our favorite dishes: Bolognese, risotto di mare, "Aunt Fil's 'World Famous' Lentil Soup"
What makes it special: Delicious food, amazing steaks, lovely ambiance, fabulous bartenders
What else do I need to know?: There's a charming outdoor eating area in the brick-lined alley behind the restaurant, with heaters when needed; if you're lucky, someone will have a birthday and one of the waiters will start singing to the honoree in Italian
Bottom line: Elegant, terrific specials, high-end food at "suburb" prices, a marvelous wine list
Eddie V's (Burlington)
Our favorite dishes: the crab fried rice (OMG THE CRAB FRIED RICE), a marvelous wine list, the smoked Old Fashioned (seriously, order one even if you don't usually drink Old Fashioneds), whatever the steak special is, filet mignon with the parmesan and horseradish crust, lobster bisque
What makes it special: Excellent, fantastically fresh (and perfectly cooked) steak and seafood, high-end food at non-Boston prices, a wonderful jazz combo playing in the bar most nights, a gorgeous chandelier
What else do I need to know: Stop and make a request from the band; they're amazing and they'd love to play for you
Bottom line: Elegant dining without being pretentious
Capital Grille (Burlington and Chestnut Hill)
Type of cuisine: High-end steak and seafood
Our favorite dishes: lobster bisque, filet mignon, tomahawk veal chop, lobster mac & cheese
What makes it special: the best steak outside of Boston, an absolutely amazing wine list, truly top-notch service
What else do I need to know: Oscar-style steak is the way to go; ask to speak to the sommelier for a truly wonderful wine recommendation (and a fascinating conversation)
Bottom line: By far the most high-end service on this list
Type of cuisine: Italian, seafood
Our favorite dishes: fried ravioli, the BREAD!, lasagna, the Italian Trios
What makes it special: family run (RIP, Lou Nocera), comfort food, really fast service, delicious Italian classics
What else do I need to know: the waitstaff is all locals so chat with them
Bottom line: Homey, comfort food, fast service, family-oriented, and always enough to bring home leftovers
Type of cuisine: American pub food
Our favorite dishes: Southwest chicken salad, Bolognese, burgers, lobster mac & cheese
What makes it special: casual and low-key atmosphere but excellent food
What else do I need to know: the steak add-ons (crab-stuffed shrimp duo, caramelized onions, mushroom rosemary demi glace, and aged bleu cheese sauce) are heavenly
Bottom line: The food isn't fussy, it's just fresh, delicious, and perfectly prepared
Charcoal Guido's (Waltham)
Type of cuisine: casual Italian, pizza
Our favorite dishes: Arrosticini, arroncini, lamb chops, pizza, all the desserts
What makes it special: casual, family-owned, delicious classic Italian food
What else do I need to know: it's a little crowded and noisy, but the food is well worth it and the waitstaff is accommodating - and fun!
Bottom line: Classic Italian food, amazing pizza, great prices
Beijing Tokyo (Acton)
Type of cuisine: Chinese, Japanese
Our favorite dishes: sushi, beef with broccoli, orange chicken, Peking ravioli
What makes it special: fresh, well-prepared Asian-American cuisine, wonderful sushi, great for take-out or eat-in
What else do I need to know: The food is beautiful as well as delicious
Bottom line: For high-quality Asian-American fare (Chinese standards and elegant sushi), this is the place to go
Not Your Average Joe's (Acton, Waltham)
Type of cuisine: Standard American
Our favorite dishes: cheese steak rolls, BBQ meatloaf, mustard chicken, burgers, sweet potato fries
What makes it special: it's a chain, but it's a reliable chain that makes fresh, predictable, but delicious dishes
What else do I need to know: All the locations have interesting decor and relatively speedy service
Bottom line: As chain restaurants go, this is one of the better-quality chains
As Good As It Gets (Acton, Wilmington, Norwood)
Type of cuisine: Standard breakfast and lunch fare; think high-end diner
Our favorite dishes: French toast (especially with real maple syrup), paninis, home fries
What makes it special: it's what IHOP ought to be: delicious, hearty, good-quality breakfasts and lunch sandwiches
What else do I need to know: The coffee and the hot chocolate are both excellent; the menu is surprisingly varied if you want heartier fare (steak tips, baked haddock, interesting salads and subs, etc.).
Bottom line: A local gem and an excellent place to take guests when you want a hearty breakfast you don't have to cook yourself
TC Lando's (Acton, Clinton, Hudson, Leominster)
Type of cuisine: Pizza, subs, salads, burritos
Our favorite dishes: Chicken parmesan sub, steak subs, fajita wrap
What makes it special: Delicious (and HUGE) subs, quick service; great place for an order-ahead, grab-and-go lunch
What else do I need to know: It's the hit of the high school set, so don't try to grab lunch when school's in session or you'll have to wait a while
Bottom line: Best place in town for a fresh, high-quality sub made fast
Honorable Mentions (Worth Checking Out)
Rapscallion Table & Tap (Acton, Concord, Spencer, Sturbridge)
Frolic and Detour (Acton)
Atlantic Sea Grill (Acton)
New London Style Pizza (Acton)
Tempo (Waltham)
City Streets (Waltham)
The Federal (Waltham)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Waltham, Boston, Somerville)
John Brewer's Tavern (Waltham, Malden)
Grassfields (Waltham, Andover)
