American

Those searching for a model of a modern New England restaurant should look no further than The Fireplace (1634 Beacon St., Brookline, 617/975-1900, 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Tues.–Sat.; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sun.; closed Mon., www.fireplacerest.com, $22–33), home to sublime dishes with fresh, local ingredients: maple-glazed pork ribs with green-apple slaw, for example. The restaurant itself is refined but comfy, full of linen-covered tables and (of course) a fireplace.

Kosher

Imagine your favorite Jewish deli. Now picture it with a pop-art makeover. That’s Zaftigs (335 Harvard St., Brookline, 617/975-0775, 8 a.m.–10 p.m., www.zaftigs.com, $8–17), a longtime favorite for its killer potato pancakes, overstuffed corned-beef sandwiches, and rich kugel.

Thai

There’s above-average Thai food to be found at
Khao Sarn (250 Harvard St., Brookline, 617/566-7200, 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, $11–21), starting with standards like pad thai and culminating with specials like sautéed lobster with mango. The attractive, streamlined dining room is blessed with Thai textiles on the walls, and a friendly staff happy to answer any questions about the menu.

Sushi

First-rate sushi can be tough to find in Boston, so it’s often in droves that locals head to Fugakyu (1280 Beacon St., Brookline, 617/734-1268, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 a.m. Mon.–Sat.; noon–1:30 a.m. Sun., www.fugakyu.net, $19–54). Beyond the long lines, though, await platters of extremely fresh, high- quality raw fish artfully arranged to impressive effect. (There’s high-quality cooked Japanese food as well.) The two-floored room, with its blonde wood and running fountains, is equally appealing.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition