Dolce Vita, in Boston's historic North End neighborhood, serves up more than hearty Italian food and wine. Its gregarious owner, Franco Gaceffa, is known for personally serenading his guests, belting out traditional Italian songs and encouraging all diners to join in. The restaurant also plays Italian opera songs and occasionally has a live band.
Dolce Vita Ristorante
221 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
617-720-0422
dolcevitaristorante.com
The trip to brunch-and-breakfast hotspot Scup's in the Harbor is an adventure in itself. To get to the restaurant's East Boston location, you'll need to talk to the guard at the nearby shipyard gatehouse, or take the City Water Taxi from the Aquarium or Long Wharf to the harbor across the way. Housed in an old industrial building with a spectacular view of the Boston Harbor, Scup's offers a menu that changes every day. Specials are announced on a chalkboard; perennial favorites include the empanadas, the hot sandwiches and a rotation of baked goods. Scup's is open for breakfast and lunch only, as well as weekend brunch.
Scup's in the Harbor
Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina
256 Marginal St., Building 16
East Boston, MA 02128
617-569-7287
scupsintheharbor.com
Shabu Shabu restaurants abound in and around Boston. At these restaurants, diners cook their own food Japanese hot-pot style. But Kaze Shabu Shabu in the heart of Chinatown serves up some of the spiciest, most flavorful broths for the food to cook in, according to the official Boston Not-for-Tourists guide. Shabu shabu always makes for an entertaining dining experience for groups as everyone cooks their food together.
Kaze Shabu Shabu
1 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02111
617-338-8283
kazeshabushabu.com
