WHO: Tom Bergeron“This is easy: The best burger is at Skip’s in Merrimac. Every June, after wrapping up my Hollywood life for another season, I can’t wait to get back to New England and rendezvous with family at Skip’s. Their cheeseburger special, with those distinctive curly fries, has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. It’s like getting a mouthful of memories.”
The bar at Burtons Grill is something to toast in and of itself. The modern, urban ambiance of Burtons’ bar and lounge area is perfect for sipping martinis with coworkers after a long week or simply sharing appetizers and wine with friends. And with locations in North Andover and Peabody, this stylish hangout is always within easy reach. Burtons Grill, 218 Andover St., Peabody, 978-977-0600 – 145 Turnpike St., North Andover, 978-688-5600, burtonsgrill.com
Readers’ Choice: The Blue Ox, Lynn. The Blue Ox, 191 Oxford St., Lynn, 781-780-5722, theblueoxlynn.com
When it comes to waterfront dining, Michael’s Harborside in downtown Newburyport is a summertime must. Michael’s two outdoor decks and new Tiki Deck are ideal for dining alfresco and catching a cool seaside breeze. Fresh-from-the-ocean menu favorites like the Crispy Rhode Island Calamari, the Signature Lump Crab Cake, and Michael’s famous lobster roll have been featured on TV Diner. Michael’s Harborside, 1 Tournament Wharf, Newburyport, 978-462-7785, michaelsharborside.com
Readers’ Choice: Victoria Station, Salem. Victoria Station, 86 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-3400, victoriastationsalem.com
Andy and Jackie King opened A & J King Artisan Bakers based on their mutual love for bread baking. Today, handcrafted, hot-from-the-oven breads are still the Salem bakery’s specialty. The Kings pride themselves on using local ingredients, and thanks to their fresh fruit from Brooksby Farm, milk from Richardson Farms, and coffee beans from Maine, you can taste the best of New England right in their store. A & J King Artisan Bakers, 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com
Readers’ Choice: A&J King Artisan Bakers, Salem
For years, locals have flocked to this nondescript roadside spot for a tank of gas and a bite to eat. But what really sets Willow Rest apart from the Gloucester dining scene is its homestyle brick-oven focaccia. Just one slice of the crisp, thin-crust dough topped with herbs and fresh ingredients is a bite of pizza heaven. Willow Rest, 1 Holly St., Gloucester, 978-283-2417,
willowrest.com
Readers’ Choice: Engine House Pizza, Salem. Engine House Pizza, 71 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-745-1744, enginehouserestaurant.com
With only a few months under its belt, Ohana in Gloucester is off to an impressive start. Ohana (which means “family” in Hawaiian) adds Hawaiian twists to American cuisine, and dishes are as beautiful as they are mouth-watering. With options from sashimi to ribeye, there’s something for everyone. Ohana, 151 Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-3200, ohanacapeann.com
Reader’s Choice: Enzo Restaurant & Bar, Newburyport. Enzo Restaurant & Bar, 50 Water St., #304, Newburyport, 978-462-1801, enzo-restaurant.com
To provide perfect complements to its gourmet appetizers and entrees, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem stocks an impeccably edited selection of wines. We don’t think wine has to be expensive to be good (though the pricey ones usually are), and accordingly, 62 offers a little something for everyone—from conservative to decadent—to suit just about any palate and price point. With options including California Chardonnay, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Argentinian Torrontes, and Tuscan Chianti Classico (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg) to choose from, 62 redefines what it means to wine and dine. 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, 62restaurant.com
Readers’ Choice: The Blue Ox, Lynn. The Blue Ox, 191 Oxford St., Lynn, 781-780-5722, theblueoxlynn.com
From the first bite of your burrito to the last sip of your margarita, Newburyport’s Agave Mexican Bistro offers a truly authentic Mexican experience. Order staples like chimichangas, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas (we love the slightly sweet mole sauce), and don’t leave without tasting a few tequilas—there are more than 70 to choose from. Agave Mexican Bistro, 50 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-0428, agavedos.com
Readers’ Choice: Cielito Lindo, Beverly. Cielito Lindo, 150 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-4657, cielitolindogrill.com
Whether out of preference or necessity, eating vegan and vegetarian can be tricky enough—and then there are increasingly common dairy, gluten, and soy allergies to deal with. Often, even the purest-seeming foods can be packed with hidden, off-limits ingredients. That’s why we love Revitalive Café in Newburyport, whose menu comprises dishes, desserts, and sides that are vegan and free of gluten, dairy, and soy. Not only are the café’s creations unexpectedly awesome on the palate (we fell equally in love with a quinoa-based Mexi-Bowl and a Revita-Wrap), but they’re totally worry-free, too. Revitalive Café, 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-462-0639, revitalivecafe.com
Readers’ Choice: Rawbert’s Organic Café, Beverly. Rawbert’s Organic Café, 294 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com
Over 10 years ago, Bangkok native Bryant Hirikul brought a taste of his homeland’s cuisine to Beverly when he opened Siam Delight. Today, the restaurant is still a huge hit. The chefs at Siam Delight cook classic Thai dishes—from sweet Pad Thai to spicy curries—that are sure to titillate your tastebuds. Siam Delight, 128 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-8514, siamdelight.com
Readers’ Choice: Sawasdee, Danvers. Sawasdee, 49A Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-8424, sawasdeedanvers.com
For the best tapas in town, Gloucester’s Alchemy Cafe and Bistro can’t be beat. The cozy, romantic bistro offers exquisite dining at affordable prices. Try a small plate for yourself or split a sampler plate with a friend. Our fave, the antipasto platter, comes with olive tapenade, grilled vegetables, seasonal fruit, assorted cheeses, arugula and tomato salad, and warm chips. It’s sure to whet your appetite for more. Alchemy Cafe and Bistro, 3 Duncan St., Gloucester, 978-281-3997, alchemybistro.com
Readers’ Choice: Victoria Station, Salem. Victoria Station, 86 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-3400, victoriastationsalem.com
There’s a reason that Latitude 43 Restaurant and Bar in Gloucester is back for the second year in a row as the top pick for the best sushi on the North Shore: It’s the freshest and best we’ve found. For a well-rounded sampler of the restaurant’s standout sushi, opt for the Lat 43 Sushi Boat—a feast of California rolls, spicy salmon press box sushi, nigiri, and sashimi. Throughout the sushi menu, unique touches— think mango, microgreens, and wasabi goat cheese—put welcome spins on tried-and-true favorites (but there are plenty of those, too). Latitude 43 Restaurant and Bar, 25 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-281-0223, latfortythree.com
Readers’ Choice: Okea grill & sushi, Salem. Okea Grill & Sushi, 335 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-607-0060, okeagrill.com
Over time, some products become so loved for their quality and consistency that consumers will pass up all competition without a second thought. Such is the case for Pellana Prime Steakhouse in Peabody, an institution on the North Shore when it comes to steak. Whether you prefer Prime New York sirloin, filet mignon, porterhouse, or ribeye, Pellana patrons can always expect expertly prepared cuts of meat that don’t require heavy sauces or extra garnishes to get by— they’re simply spectacular on their own. (Note, however, that Pellana’s side dishes happen to be awesome, too.) Pellana Prime Steakhouse, 9 Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com
Readers’ Choice: Pellana Prime Steakhouse, Peabody. Pellana Prime Steakhouse, 9 Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com
Fresh-from-the-ocean fish, crustaceans, and shellfish are star sellers at David’s Fish Market & Lobster Pound in Salisbury, but prepare to compete with other patrons craning to see what’s come in. Buy here and be like the pros—David’s also supplies a number of the North Shore’s top eateries. David’s Fish Market & Lobster Pound, 54 Bridge Rd., Salisbury, 978-462-2504, davidsfishmarket.com
Readers’ Choice: Rowand Fisheries, Beverly. Rowand Fisheries, 2 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-927-1871, rowandseafood.com
Though not octane posh, The Causeway in Gloucester is the place to be if divine seafood is your goal. Favorites like fried calamari, steamed mussels, and clam chowder are served alongside some dishes with interesting twists, like baked coconut-rum haddock. Crowds here are nothing out of the norm, but once seated, you’ll agree your meal was worth the wait. The Causeway Restaurant, 78 Essex Ave, Gloucester, 978-281-5256
Readers’ Choice: Finz Seafood & Grill, Sale. Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8487, hipfinz.com
We know, we know. A bagel does not a traditional sandwich make. But one visit to Bagel World (locations in Peabody, Salem, and Reading) and you’ll forget about those staid sandwiches of the sliced-bread variety. In addition to the shop’s freshly baked, pillow-soft bagels (they have just the right amount of bite), Bagel World offers a variety of heavenly mixed salads and spreads. First time here? Try one of the house specialties, like the roast beef or smoked turkey with lettuce, tomato, and Havarti cheese. It’s a traditional sandwich with a “hole” new twist. Bagel World, 10 Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-532-7151 – 203 Canal St., Salem, 978-741-5225 – 323 Main St., Reading, 781-942-2442, bagelworld.net
Readers’ Choice: The Hungry Whale, Salem. The Hungry Whale, 72 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-6659
Oysters, oysters, oysters. That’s what makes Finz Restaurant & Grill great (and let’s not forget the seaport view). With a raw bar to beat the band, Finz serves the finest and freshest local oysters, clams, lobster, crab, and shrimp—simple and delicious, no frills or fancy garnishes needed. Enough said. Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8487, hipfinz.com
Readers’ Choice: Finz Seafood & Grill, Salem. Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8487, hipfinz.com
If you’re craving some bona fide pub grub, Minglewood Tavern at Latitude 43 in Gloucester is where you should head for the happiest of hours. Order a house starter from the menu, like the infamous nacho pile, Parmesan-truffle fries, or Brian’s chili con carne. Hearth-oven pizzas are also all the rage, and with six different varieties, you’ll definitely want more than one slice of each. Minglewood Tavern at Latitude 43, 25 Rogers St., Gloucester, 978-281-0223, minglewoodtavern.com
Readers’ Choice: Victoria Station, Salem. Victoria Station, 86 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-3400, victoriastationsalem.com
Petros Markopoulos and his chefs at Ithaki in Ipswich wrote the book on modern Mediterranean. Greek classics include avgolemono (egg-lemon) soup and crisp falafel, which share space on the jaw-dropping menu with delights like tender, seared Cape Ann haddock, creamy mushroom risotto, and chocolate mousse with hot almond praline crepes. Opa! Ithaki Restaurant, 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com
Readers’ Choice: Yella Grille, Andover. Yella Grille, 16 Post Office Ave., Andover, 978-749-0011, yellagrille.com
When it comes to lobster rolls, there tends to be two camps: those who love theirs with mayo, and those who prefer them without. We dare say the version served at the Seaport Grille at Gloucester’s Cruiseport just might unite parties on both sides of the aisle. Seaport Grill’s lobster salad is indeed tossed with a little mayo, but the condiment far from overpowers the meat. Rather, it binds together all those juicy, tender chunks of lobster and crunchy bits of celery. The whole savory mix is piled in heaping spoonfuls onto a freshly baked Virgilio roll, making for what we say is the best lobster roll around. Seaport Grille, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester, 978-282-9799, cruiseportgloucester.com/seaportgrille
Readers’ Choice: The Hungry Whale, Salem. The Hungry Whale, 72 Wharf St., Salem, 978-745-6659
Fresh lobster at Woodman’s of Essex is, hands down, the best of the delicacy. No accompaniment is necessary, though their hot-boiled, market-priced champs do come with drawn butter. Experience the ultimate taste of the sea in every meaty, buttery bite. Woodman’s of Essex, 121 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6057, woodmans.com
Readers’ Choice: Woodman’s of Essex, Essex
From pasta and meat entrees to paninis and pizzas, La Trattoria & Pizzeria of the west end in Gloucester will make you think you’ve somehow arrived in Italy. The family-run ristorante’s menu is filled with delicious, home-cooked, Sicilian-style dishes. Come hungry, because the portions are huge. Molto bene! La Trattoria & Pizzeria, 64 Main St., Gloucester, 978-281-0790,
latrattoriaandpizzeria.com
Readers’ Choice: Joseph’s Trattoria, Haverhill. Joseph’s Trattoria, 145 Oxford Ave., Haverhill, 978-374-8288, josephstrattoria.com
Anmol India in Beverly offers the best in authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant dishes up India’s traditionally fragrant, flavorful cuisine in a cozy, low-lit lounge complete with a full-service bar. If you’re new to Indian food, try a specialty dish, like vegetarian Shahi Paneer Korma—homemade cottage cheese sautéed with fresh ginger and garlic and cooked in a tomato-based cream sauce. If you possess a more adventurous palate, try the Lamb Madras, with pieces of premium lamb cooked in a hot curry sauce. Anmol India Restaurant, 258 Rantoul St., Beverly, 978-232-9009, anmolindia.com
Readers’ Choice: Passage to India, Salem. Passage to India, 157 Washington St., Salem, 978-832-2200, passagetoindiasalem.com
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and nobody does it better than the Depot Diner in Beverly. Patrons can choose from one of 22 omelets or conjure up their own creation by mixing and matching veggies and meats. Other menu items include fluffy pancakes and waffles, and don’t forget the Texas-style French toast. If you’re not an early riser, don’t worry—you can get breakfast here all day. Depot Diner, 23 Enon St., Beverly, 978-922-6200, depot-diner.com
Readers’ Choice: Mad Martha’s, Plum Island. Mad Martha’s, 51 Northern Blvd., Plum Island, 978-462-7707, madmarthasislandcafe.com
In addition to the authentic café character—with its avant-garde artwork, lounge-around furniture, and patrons buried in books or absorbed by screens—the Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem is host to so many beers it would take a year to try them all. Offering artisan microbrews, phenomenal flights, and hard-to-find-elsewhere drafts and bottles, Gulu-Gulu is a top-of-the-line choice for this beloved beverage. Gulu-Gulu Café, 247 Essex St., Salem, 978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com
Readers’ Choice: Ale House, Amesbury. Ale House, 33 Main St., Amesbury, 978-388-1950, amesburyalehouse.com
True Southern wood-smoked BBQ can be hard to find north of the Mason-Dixon Line, making The American BBQ in Rowley a rare treat for New England barbecue buffs. Stop in on a Thursday night to try their 16-ounce prime rib, which is served with two sides and corn bread—all for under $20. Can’t make it to Rowley? No problem: head to the Beverly location instead. The American BBQ, 5 Railroad Ave., Rowley, 978-948-2626 – 950 Cummings Center, Beverly, 978-921-1212, tabbq.com
Readers’ Choice: The American BBQ, Rowley
For a countryside getaway, the family-run Smolak Farms in North Andover offers fun for everyone. Hop on a tractor-drawn wagon for a hayride around the scenic farmlands, pick some fruit from one of the farm’s many seasonal crops, or stop by for a scoop from Treadwell’s ice cream stand in the summertime. Smolak’s famous cider donuts alone are well worth the visit. Smolak Farms, 315 South Bradford St., North Andover, 978-682-6332, smolakfarms.com
Readers’ Choice: Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury. Cider Hill Farm, 45 Fern Ave., Amesbury, 978-388-5525, ciderhill.com
At 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, it’s not about the quantity, but rather the quality of desserts on the menu. Located on Wharf Street in Salem, 62 serves up some of the most uniquely delectable desserts, such as Torta al Caprino, warm toffee pudding, and chocolate terrine with hazelnut gelato and candied espresso beans. It’s the perfect ending to what will be an already fantastic meal. 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, 62restaurant.com
Readers’ Choice: 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Salem
Although the Cupcake Café & Bakery in Beverly might not be a household name, trust us when we tell you it is something to write home about. You won’t find any puny-sized cupcakes here; instead you will sink your teeth into large, fresh, flavorful treats that are almost too good to be true. With over 60 varieties, you’re all but guaranteed that there will be a pleasant assortment when you walk in. Make sure to get there early, though, because these cakes go fast. We love the Lemon Chiffon and Boston Cream Pie varieties. Cupcake Café & Bakery, 297 Rantoul St., Beverly, 978-922-9720
Readers’ Choice: Cakes by Erin, Haverhill. Cakes by Erin, 58 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, 978-469-9136, cakesbyerin.com
If you want to feel like a kid in a candy shop all over again, stop by Prides Crossing Confections along Route 127 just north of Beverly. Chocolatier Chris Flynn has been crafting his handmade candies there for years. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the shop’s wide array of con-fectionery creations, from nutty turtle clusters to homemade jellies—not to mention seven flavors of fudge. Prides Crossing Confections, 590 Hale St., Prides Crossing, 978-927-2185, pridescrossingconfections.com
Readers’ Choice: Harbor Sweets, Salem. Harbor Sweets, 85 Leavitt St., Salem, 978-745-7648, harborsweets.com
Whether it’s a liquid jolt to get your day off and running or an afternoon pick-me-up on the go that you need, head to Jaho Coffee & Tea in Salem. Brewing since 2005, this cozy shop offers a wide assortment of coffees and teas, which is why it has become a local favorite for residents and visitors. Jaho Coffee & Tea, 197 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-4300, jaho.com
Readers’ Choice: Bohemian Coffee House, Melrose. Bohemian Coffee House, 132 W. Emerson St., Melrose, 781-979-0005, bohemiancoffee.com
Chock-full of chunky potatoes and tender bits of clam, the clam chowder at Woodman’s of Essex sets the bar for the iconic New England dish. We like our chowder a touch on the soupier side (lest it give us the sense we’re digging into a dish full of gravy), and Woodman’s strikes that perfect textural balance between brothy and downright dense. This savory dish will warm your heart and soul. Woodman’s of Essex, 121 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6057, woodmans.com
Readers’ Choice: Finz Seafood & Grill, Salem. Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8485, hipfinz.com
Thanks to the grease-soaked, heat lamp-singed versions served in food courts and airports, Chinese food has long suffered somewhat of a bad rap. Happily, Royal Garden debunks every last bad stereotype ever cast upon Chinese cuisine. So what is the Peabody eatery’s secret to success? Simplicity. Says one happy patron, “Royal Garden serves great, fresh food, with excellent ingredients and generous portions—and at a good price.” Consider Royal Garden your good fortune. Royal Garden, 126 Newbury St., Peabody, 978-535-8300
Readers’ Choice: China Blossom, North Andover. China Blossom, 946 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-682-2242, chinablossom.com
Whether you’re a fan of crazy creations or prefer the more traditional route, Eat Cake! in Newburyport covers all the bases. Owner Hilary Larson has perfected classic chocolate and vanilla options, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing here beyond the basics. Eat Cake! also offers one-of-a-kind creations for clients of all ages. If you’re feeling creative, mix and match over a dozen cake, frosting, and filling options to create your ultimate cake. Eat Cake!, 9 Prince Place, Newburyport, 978-465-6057, eatcakeonline.com
Readers’ Choice: Cakes by Erin, Haverhill. Cakes by Erin, 58 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, 978-469-9136, cakesbyerin.com
From a backyard barbecue to a pig roast to a simple craving for pork chops, the experts at North Andover’s Butcher Boy will make sure you have the most appropriate high-quality meat. The store is known for its 60-foot-long meat counter, inside of which patrons can ogle beautiful cuts of poultry, beef, lamb, veal, and pork. Butcher Boy also carries an impressive assortment of oven-ready and marinated meats, making weeknight dinners a cinch. A nice bonus: Butcher Boy’s homemade sausages and fresh-ground beef are prepared in-house, so you know it’s still farm fresh. Butcher Boy, 1077 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-688-1511, butcherboymarket.com
Readers’ Choice: Bucciarelli’s Butcher Shop, Salisbury. Bucciarelli’s Butcher Shop, 147 Bridge Rd., Salisbury, 978-518-3131, bucciarellis.com
Burgers should only be served one way—hot off the grill and without a bunch of bells and whistles—and The Grog in Newburyport does it better than anyone. Don’t leave this beloved and eclectically charming restaurant-bar without trying its now-famous creation, The Grog Burger, made with mouthwatering grilled Angus sirloin. The Grog, 13 Middle St., Newburyport, 978-465-8008, thegrog.com
Readers’ Choice: Ceia Kitchen & Bar, Newburyport. Ceia Kitchen & Bar, 25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8112, ceia-newburyport.com
If Essex is known for one thing, it’s fried clams. So, we weren’t surprised when we found out that Periwinkles of Essex serves up the very best in golden-fried clams. From its menu of fresh-from-the-sea entrees, it’s Periwinkles’ fried clams that make a trip here one you’ll remember forever. Periwinkles, 74 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6320, periwinklesrestaurant.com
Readers’ Choice: The Clam Box, Ipswich. The Clam Box, 246 High St., Ipswich, 978-356-9707, ipswichma.com/clambox
At Masa Southwest Bar and Grill in Woburn, weekend brunch is served with a Southwestern kick, right down to the Bloody Marys, which are garnished with pickled jalapeños rather than traditional olives. Huevos rancheros, Jalisco chocolate chip pancakes, and Santa Fe-style Eggs Benedict are just a few of the finds that’ll have your tongue wagging. Masa Southwest Bar and Grill, 350 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, 781-938-8886, masarestaurant.com
Readers’ Choice: Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem. Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com/dining
From fresh fruits and veggies to hot-out-of-the-oven breads and pies, Farmer Brown’s Farm Stand in Middleton does it all. The daily selection of homemade soups—including chili, chicken soup with orzo, Italian wedding soup, and tasty homemade clam chowder—has always been a local favorite. Besides being a one-stop stand for groceries, you can pick up a hanging basket of flowering plants to brighten your porch in the summertime. Farmer Brown’s Farm Stand, 210 Maple St., Middleton, 978-774-7110, farmerbrownsfarmstand.com
Readers’ Choice: Newburyport Farmers’ Market, Newburyport. Newburyport Farmers’ Market, 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-457-6644, thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org
For on-the-go gourmet food, Shubie’s market of Marblehead showcases the absolute best. The shop’s day-to-day selection of dishes is made with wholesome and natural ingredients. Wine connoisseurs will love its wall-to-wall selection of top-name bottles. Shubie’s Marketplace, 16 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, 781-631-0149, shubies.com
Readers’ Choice: Joppa Fine Foods, Newburyport. Joppa Fine Foods, 50 Water St. #305, Newburyport, 978-462-4662, joppafinefoods.com
We can’t decide what we love most about dining at Ithaki in Ipswich: the impeccable food or the warm, welcoming staff. In the end, it’s chef/owner Petros Markopoulos’s kitchen skills that keep us coming back. Ithaki’s menu is rife with the bold, brilliant flavors of the Mediterranean, which come in the form of entrees made with everything from lamb skewers to sea scallops and seasonal fresh fish. Whichever way you go, start with a sampler of Markopoulos’s bread spread appetizers; they’ll make you go weak in the knees. Ithaki Restaurant, 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com
Readers’ Choice: Café Polonia, Salem. Café Polonia, 118 Washington St., Salem, 978-745-0045, cafepolonia.com
When it comes to making the best ice cream, Cherry Farm Creamery has the inside scoop. The Danvers favorite offers more than 30 flavors, including the classics (strawberry, cherry vanilla), and more novel kinds (Moo Tracks, Purple Cow). If, for some inexplicable reason, you don’t like traditional ice cream, you can opt for a fluffy, fruity sherbet instead.
Readers’ Choice: Bensons Homemade Ice Cream, Boxford
In addition to making patrons’ mouths water with a shop full of sweet baked treats, Andyman Dessert & Baking Company in Amesbury offers gift baskets and party platters. Want to be the center of attention at your next party? Bring Andyman’s Italian Pastry Tray, which serves up to a dozen people and consists of assorted handcrafted mini Italian pastries, including éclairs and cannolis. Andyman Dessert & Baking Company, 40 Hillside Ave., Amesbury, 978-388-4008, andyman.com
Readers’ Choice: Cakes for Occasions, Danvers. Cakes for Occasions, 57 Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-4545, cakes4occasions.com
Follow Us!