Who: Barry Finegold
Job: State Senator
His Pick: Wichit
Location: Lawrence

“[Wichit is] a hip, cool sandwich spot in Lawrence, but when you walk in, you would think you were on Newbury Street in Boston. The So Cal and Newbury are healthy and organic sandwiches that taste so good, you don’t think they are healthy….and the sweet potato fries melt in your mouth.”

Al Fresco

If the water views aren’t striking enough, then the ambience on the deck at THE BLACK COW tap & grill, located on Newburyport Harbor, is sure to amaze you. Kick back and enjoy a complete meal, or simply savor a cocktail while sitting beneath the rows of lights that gently illuminate the whole porch. It’ll feel like you’re sitting—or sipping—with the stars. 54 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-499-8811, blackcowrestaurants.com

Readers’ Choice: Michael’s Harborside, 1 Tournament Wharf, Newburyport, 978-462-7785, michaelsharborside.com

Bakery, Bread

From Focaccia to Semolina Levain, ANNAROSA’S BAKERY in Salisbury churns out the North Shore’s best variety of European breads. Plus, bakers offer patrons a baking schedule to ensure that they don’t miss their favorite products, and they share proper storage techniques for each kind of bread to ensure maximum freshness.174 Elm St., Salisbury, 978-499-8839, annarosas.com

Readers’ Choice: A&J King Artisan Bakers, 48 Central Street, Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com

Bakery, Sweets

When we need pastries, cakes, and other sweets, we head to FREDERICK’S PASTRIES in North Andover. Patrons travel from all over to sample the shop’s array of goodies; its fresh ingredients and knack for aesthetics make every item an edible piece of art.  119 Main St., North Andover, 978-208-7806, pastry.net

READERS’ CHOICE: Frederick’s Pastries, North Andover

BBQ

Since opening in 2005, SMOKIN’ JIM’S BAR-B-Q in Gloucester has become the hot spot for all things smoky. We suggest stopping by on Saturdays from five to nine for Steak Night, when Jim, the mastermind behind the recipes and techniques, cooks New York Strip steaks just the way you want them.  121 East Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-1055

READERS’ CHOICE: The American BBQ, 5 Railroad Ave., Rowley, 978-948-2626, tabbq.com

Beer Menu

The up-beat atmosphere is what makes GULU-GULU CAFÉ in Salem a fan favorite, but its extensive beer menu is what sets the eatery apart. On tap or in the bottle, Gulu-Gulu’s selections range from Brooklyn to Belgium. Just as impressive is the servers’ knowledge: ask about any of the beers and they’ll rattle off a full and detailed description. 247 Essex St., Salem, 978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com

READERS’ CHOICE: The Grill Next Door, 653 Broadway, Haverhill, 978-241-7337, thegrillnextdoor.net

Breakfast

Walk into the DEPOT DINER in Beverly and you’re immediately greeted with the smells of maple bacon, homemade pancakes, and hot coffee. Especially hungry? Try the Two Eggs Combo: two eggs any style, two slices of French toast or pancakes, and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage. Oh, and save room for the side of savory home fries. 23 Enon St., Beverly, 978-922-6200, depot-diner.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Red’s Sandwich Shop, 15 Central St., Salem, 978-745-3527, redssandwichshop.com

Brunch

Nothing says Sunday like late-morning brunch and a crisp cocktail, and nobody does it better than 5 CORNERS KITCHEN in Marblehead. The brunch menu includes everything from a Croque Madame to crepes, and every item is crafted in-house and made from scratch. 2 School St., Marblehead, 781-631-5550, 5cornerskitchen.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Café Verde, 275 Essex St., Lawrence, 978-965-4145, mycafeverde.com

Burger

There’s a reason THE GROG made our Top 10 Best Burger list last issue. Holding its own for the past 40 years, the Newburyport spot crafts some of the best burger creations. The must-try: The Grog Burger, topped with Wisconsin bleu cheese and garlic-parsley sautéed mushrooms. It’ll melt in your mouth. 13 Middle St., Newburyport, 978-465-8008, thegrog.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Ceia, 25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8112, ceia-newburyport.com

Butcher Shop

BUTCHER BOY in North Andover is the one-stop shop for your every meat and poultry need. Whether you plan to do the cooking yourself or prefer to have something prepared, the guys behind the counter will offer on-the-money insight to make your feast a success. 1077 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-688-1511, butcherboymarket.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Butcher Boy, North Andover

Cakes

From party cakes to wedding creations, EAT CAKE! in Newburyport offers countless combinations for your most important occasions. Hilary Larson caters to clients’ needs through consultations, and with 20 different frostings, who wouldn’t want to sit down for a tasting? Just looking for a little something to sate your sweet tooth? Larson also makes incredible cupcakes. 9 Prince Place, Newburyport, 978-465-6057, eatcakeonline.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Cakes By Erin, 59 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, 978-469-9136, cakesbyerin.com

Chinese

Driving along Route 1 in Saugus, it’s impossible to miss the extravagant structure that houses KOWLOON. Fortunately, the menu is just as dazzling. The family-run restaurant offers traditional dishes with its own unique twists, and huge portions are sure to feed your whole family—or yield leftovers for later. 948 Broadway, Saugus,  781-233-0077

READERS’ CHOICE: China Blossom, 946 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-682-2242, chinablossom.com

Clam Chowder

With all of the seafood places to pick from on the North Shore, we had to do some serious investigating to find the best “chowda.” Hands down, ESSEX SEAFOOD has the best. The Essex eatery’s version has chunks of clams and potatoes, just enough salt and pepper, and a savory, creamy broth. One bowl just might not be enough. 143 Eastern Ave., Essex, 978-768-7233, essexseafood.com

READERS’ CHOICE: The Landing, 81 Front St., Marblehead, 781-639-1266, thelandingrestaurant.com

Clams, Fried

As if there were any question, J.T. Farnham’s in Essex is top dog when it comes to fried clams. Farnham’s clams don’t require much in the way of seasoning; instead, their fresh and tender texture stand on their own. The clams are made to order, and you can’t go wrong with a large portion for sharing, or, if no one’s looking, yourself. 88 Eastern Ave., Essex, 978-768-6643

READERS’ CHOICE: Bob’s Famous Fried Clams, 429 Highland Ave., Salem, 978-744-9375, bobsfamousfriedclams.com

Cocktail

The bar at G KITCHEN & BAR in Swampscott is fairly small—call it intimate—with plush red chairs and flattering lighting. Have a chat with the bartender about your favorite spirits and flavor preferences—sweet, dry, or somewhere in between—and he’ll come up with something unique yet likely to please. All mixers are house made, the fruit is freshly squeezed, and the liquor is top shelf. Try the Corpse Reviver or a French 57 with the G Happy Meal appetizer (crispy shrimp, tuna tartar, and a spring roll). 265 Humphrey St., Swampscott, 781-596-2228, grestaurant.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Terra Luna, 225 Essex St., Lawrence, 978-747-7989

Coffee Shop

On Beverly’s buzzing Cabot Street, ATOMIC CAFÉ is the perfect place to grab a coffee to go, or to sip a cappuccino while finalizing that report. And as part of the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade organization, Atomic ensures that every cup of Joe you buy is brewed to perfection, all the while helping the environment. Plus, its fresh, tasty food items are perfect complements to your caffeine fix. 265 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0042, atomicafe.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Café Verde, 275 Essex St., Lawrence, 978-965-4145, mycafeverde.com

Dessert

Even though the wood grill is the heart of the restaurant, dessert is not to be overlooked at L’ANDANA in Burlington. Seasonal ingredients are carefully selected and crafted to make the perfect ending to your dinner. Try the crème brûlée; the vanilla bean custard with raspberries and ginger crisp is nothing less than perfection. 86 Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-270-0100, landanagrill.com

READERS’ CHOICE: 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar, 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, sixty2onwharf.com

Family

Extravagant colors, an up-beat atmosphere, and kid-friendly entrees make ACAPULCO’S in Beverly an ideal family eatery (not to mention, tart margaritas are a treat for Mom and Dad). Plus, at the restaurant, which is set in the Cummings Center, a mariachi band provides the perfect soundtrack for you and the fam as you dance around in your sombreros. 900 Cummings Center, Beverly, 978-232-0100, acapulcos.net

READERS’ CHOICE: Top Dog, 2 Doyles Cove Rd. Bearskin Neck, Rockport, 978-546-0006, topdogrockport.com

Farm

Since opening in 1928, MARINI FARM in Ipswich, which has been helmed by three generations of Marinis, has been busy producing some of the freshest items—everything from sweet corn to strawberries and shell beans—for locals and visitors alike. Priding themselves on catering to customers’ needs, the Marini family epitomizes the philosophy of bringing quality products from their home to yours.259 Linebrook Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-0430, marinifarm.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Ave., Amesbury, 978-388-5525, ciderhill.com

Farmer’s Market

With more than 15 attending farms and five specialty tents set up, the MARBLEHEAD FARMERS’ MARKET is one of the largest on the North Shore. In addition to growing awareness of its farmers’ products, the market aims to educate residents about improving their nutritional intake. Live entertainment and exhibits by local groups have made this market a much-loved tradition on the North Shore. 217 Pleasant St., Marblehead, marbleheadfm.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Salem Farmers’ Market, Derby Sq. on Front Street, Salem, salemfarmersmarket.org

Fish Store

If there’s one thing the STEVE CONNOLLY seafood company in Gloucester knows best, it’s fish. From local species to shellfish and crustaceans, Connolly has made it a mission to serve top-quality catches without exception. Be sure to ask questions if you have them; Connolly employees are like walking, talking seafood encyclopedias. 431 Main St., Glouester, 978- 283-4443, steveconnollyseafood.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Hometown Seafoods, 28 Chestnut St., Andover, 978-475-7426, hometownseafoods.com

General Excellence

With its range of fresh and fantastic food, top-of-the-line service, and enjoyable atmosphere, 9 ELM AMERICAN BISTRO in Danvers has it all when it comes to dining out. Whether sitting at the bar enjoying a glass of wine and some sautéed mussels or hosting a birthday gathering, the overall experience of this versatile restaurant is somehow always what you’re looking for. 9 Elm St., Danvers, 978-774-9436, 9elm.com

READERS’ CHOICE: 9 Elm American Bistro, Danvers

Gourmet Market

In terms of quantity, Newburyport’s JOPPA FINE FOODS offers the variety of your everyday grocery store, but when it comes to quality, there’s no comparing. With more than 100 types of cheeses, plus little indulgences like Ligurian pesto and French marshmallows, it’s all too easy to overload your cart here before you even get to your grocery list. 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-462-4662, joppafinefoods.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Joppa Fine Foods, Newburyport

Greek

When you enter ITHAKI restaurant in Ipswich, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered the dining room of a warm and welcoming Greek family. That’s because, well, you kind of have. Owner Petros Markopoulos and his staff dream up the zestiest Mediterranean dishes, which are available in a variety of sizes to satisfy any level of hunger. 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Ithaki, Ipswich

Ice Cream

There’s nothing better than creamy, homemade ice cream on a sweltering summer day, and WHITE FARMS in Ipswich has it down to a science. With 60-plus flavors to choose from, picking one might seem overwhelming. Luckily, “The place with the cow on the roof” is open seven days a week, plenty of time to come back for more. 326 High St., Ipswich, 978-356-2633, whitefarms-icecream.com

READERS’ CHOICE: White Farms, Ipswich

Indian

From the ever-favorite Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Korma to more exotic options, JEWEL IN THE CROWN in Newburyport offers authentic Indian food that will delightfully overtake your senses. Plus, when dining on silver plates and out of copper bowls, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled over seas to India itself. Order anything to your liking—hot, medium, or mild—and be sure to  sample some unique Indian beers from the bar. 23 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, 978-463-0956, newburyportjewel.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Passage to India, 157 Washington St., Salem, 978-832-2200, passagetoindiasalem.com

Italian

Offering a little taste of Italy—Tuscany, to be exact—right here at home, CHIANTI in Beverly might easily be mistaken for the real deal. From its host who speaks a hybrid of English and Italian to its handmade pasta and rich, perfectly textured desserts, this charming ristorante does Italian right. To boot, regular jazz offerings make this one of Beverly’s prime social spots. Now that’s amore. 285 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-921-2233, chiantibeverly.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Joseph’s Trattoria, 145 Oxford Ave., Haverhill, 978-374-8288, josephstrattoria.com

Lobster

If you’re looking for the ultimate New England lobster experience, WOODMAN’S in Essex is where you want to be. Guests order in line and pick up at the window, and the succulent crustaceans come in multiple sizes and pre-cracked. Add a little butter and a squirt of lemon and you’ll find yourself wondering how soon you can be back. 121 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6451, woodmans.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Lobster Shanty, 25 Front St., Salem, 978-745-5449, lobstershantysalem.com

Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are a New England staple, and nobody does them quite like the SEAPORT GRILLE in Gloucester. The restaurant’s menu is packed with salads, sandwiches, soups, and plenty more, but here, the lobster roll consistently steals the spotlight. Seaport Grille chefs make their version with juicy bites of fresh lobster, mixed with mayonnaise and celery. The light and flavorful mix is served on a freshly baked Virgilio roll, making the sandwich equal parts sweet, savory, soft, and chewy. 6 Rowe Sq., Gloucester, 978-282-9799, cruiseportgloucester.com/seaportgrille

READERS’ CHOICE: Hooked Seafood & Grill, 114 Pleasant St., Marblehead, 781-631-8200, hookedmarblehead.com

Mexican

If you’re craving authentic Mexican, throw on your sombrero, scream “tequila!” and head to MEXICO LINDO in Melrose. We could make a meal out of  the famed chips and salsa alone, but if you’re looking for a more substantial plate, try the Mole California or one of several burrito combos. With its vibrant atmosphere and gourmet margaritas, this Mexican hot spot turns any average night into a fiesta. 449 Main St., Melrose, 781-662-4056

READERS’ CHOICE: Agave Mexican Bistro, 50 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-0428, agavemexicanbistro.com

New Restaurant

What won us over at THE MARKET RESTAURANT in Annisquam wasn’t only the impeccable service or coastal ambiance, but the consistency of quality and freshness of ingredients and the way chefs/owners Nico Monday and Amelia O’Reilly let those simple qualities speak for themselves. Each day brings a new menu, but a few regular favorites are frequently on offer. Go soon, as season for The Market ends in October. 33 River Rd., Gloucester, 978-282-0700, themarketrestaurant.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Ceia, 25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8112, ceia-newburyport.com

Pizza

FLATBREAD COMPANY might have multiple locations in New England—and some as far reaching as British Columbia and Hawaii—but the restaurant’s original location in Amesbury is our pick for the best pizza. The restaurant’s thin-crust pies are wood-fired and come topped with an array of fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses. No matter the toppings you choose, the pizza’s crispy crust and slightly sweet sauce serve as the perfect base to build on. 5 Market Sq., Amesbury, 978-834-9800, flatbreadcompany.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Fran and Diane’s Kitchen, 333 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-745-YUMM (9866), frananddianeskitchen.com

Pub Food

If your definition of pub food includes greasy, fried finger foods and little else, then you haven’t been to HALE STREET TAVERN, Sushi & Oyster Bar in Beverly Farms. Forget the batter-dipped disasters and overly oily onion rings. Hale Street’s gourmet menu includes Vermont Cheddar Artichoke Spinach Dip and Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp, and those are just for starters. After noshing on entrees like Lobster Knuckle Risotto and Hale Street’s own take on shepherd’s pie, you’ll forget all those other so-called gastropubs—and their deep fryers, too. 717 Hale St., Beverly, 978-922-9232, hale-street.com

READERS’ CHOICE: The Landing, 7 Central St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-526-7494, thelandingat7central.com

Raw Bar

With an empire built on its reputation for having the freshest seafood there is, it came as no surprise that LEGAL SEA FOODS at the North Shore Mall in Peabody got our pick for the best raw bar around. With five types of oysters, two kinds of clams, and other items ranging from smoked salmon to shrimp cocktail to pick from, you likely won’t even want to look at Legal’s regular menu. Our pick: the light-as-air tuna sashimi.  210 Andover St., Peabody, 978-532-4500, legalseafoods.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Finz Seafood and Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8485, hipfinz.com

Romantic

With its cozy atmosphere, distinctive wines, and consistently delicious menu items, CYGNET in Beverly has all the makings of a memorable dining experience with your special someone. Cygnet’s CIA-trained chef, Brian Girard, will have you and your date enamored of his eclectic menu, which features favorites like grilled yellowfin tuna steak with red wine sauce and foie gras butter, and New York strip steak with gorgonzola polenta and green peppercorn sauce. 24 West St., Beverly, 978-922-9221, cygnetrestaurant.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Yella Grille, 16 Post Office Ave., Andover, 978-749-0011, yellagrille.com

Sandwiches

Cleverly naming each of its items for parts of  its hometown, Beverly, TASTEBUDS gourmet on Hale Street constructs gourmet sandwiches and offers unique twists on usual favorites, such as chicken salad, roast beef, and ham and cheese. Or, create your own and watch as it’s assembled with ingredients that are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. 151 Hale St., Beverly, 978-922-0151, tastebudsgourmetfoods.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Wichit, 15 Union St., Lawrence, 978-794-0199, wichitsandwich.com

Seafood

Located in the heart of America’s original seaport, it’s not surprising that THE RUDDER in Gloucester offers what’s among the freshest and most pure seafood on the North Shore. Whether you opt for the seafood risotto, the Mediterranean calamari, or the monkish, the Rudder offers traditional and inventive cuisine that will surely please any seafood enthusiast. 73 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester, 978-283-7967, rudderrestaurant.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Hooked Seafood & Grill, 114 Pleasant St., Marblehead, 781-631-8200, hookedmarblehead.com

Steak

PELLANA PRIME STEAKHOUSE in Peabody serves only the finest prime-grade steaks and chops, simply and artfully prepared to express their best and most genuine flavor. To complement your dinner choice, an extensive wine list offers more than 300 varietals of wine collected from across the globe. 9 Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-531-4800, pellanasteakhouse.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Pelana Prime Steakhouse, Peabody

Sushi

We found the freshest sushi at LATITUDE 43 Restaurant & Bar in Gloucester—the fish is purchased from fishermen right here in town. That freshness, coupled with Lat 43 sushi chefs’ knack for creating flavorful combinations—crispy tempura tuna and wasabi goat cheese, for example—and artful presentations makes this waterfront eatery a mustn’t-miss when sushi’s what you want. Plus, on Wednesday nights, $25 buys you all the sushi you can eat. 25 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-281-0223, latfortythree.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Okea, 335 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-607-0060, okeagrill.com

Tapas

For assorted and delicious Tapas dishes, 62 RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR in Salem offers a selection of imaginative small plates that are perfect for sharing with friends. Perfectly sized and reasonably priced, these small plates are easy to sample en masse. The deep-fried chickpea fritters with date compote can’t be beat. 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, sixty2onwharf.com

READERS’ CHOICE: Victoria Station, 86 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-3400, victoriastationsalem.com

Thai

In Beverly, SIAM DELIGHT is a small but impressive restaurant that serves a range of traditional and unique creations, all brimming with the aromas of exotic Thai spices. Choose from traditional favorites, like Pad Thai dishes or Spicy Salmon Choo Chee, or smaller bites like crispy vegetarian spring rolls. All are sure to fulfill your Thai craving, be it for something sweet, savory, or spicy (if you choose). 128 Cabot Street, Beverly, 978-922-8514, siamdelight.com

Readers’ Choice: Sawasdee, 49A Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-8424, sawasdeedanvers.com

Vegetarian

Specializing in enzyme-rich raw foods, RAWBERT’S ORGANIC GARDEN in Beverly offers gluten-free and vegan-style soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. But forget the age-old vegetarian-food stereotypes—despite being healthful, the food here actually tastes really good. So stop by for indoor and outdoor dining or grab a meal to go. Either way, your palate, and your body, will thank you for it.  294 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com

Readers’ Choice: Revitalive Café, 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-462-0639, revitalivecafe.com

Wine List

The first restaurant in the Bay State to have a Napa Technology Wine Station, BRASSERIE 28 in Andover prides itself on exceptional wine, as well as technology. Its extensive wine list inspires patrons to try wines outside their comfort zone, and sizes range from three to 25.5 ounces, allowing for tastings or total indulgence.  2 Elm Sq., Andover, 978-470-2228, brasserie28.com

Readers’ Choice: Ceia, 25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8112, ceia-newburyport.com