From the first bite of crispy salty homemade chips to the last sip of a perfectly made classic margarita, the food and drinks at this family-run Nonantum taqueria hit the spot. Chef and owner Avelina Saavedra grew up in Michoacán, Mexico, where she learned to cook at her father’s taqueria. Pátzcuaro’s menu predominantly includes food that reflects Saavedra’s hometown like tacos, flautas, tostadas, and tortas.

Don’t overlook this unassuming, casual Boston sports bar. Since 1976 Buff’s Pub has served award-winning sauce-drenched chicken wings, available in varying heat levels from mild barbecue to sweet-and-spicy honey hot to mouth-scorching “xtra-hot” buffalo. Bring your family and sit at an outdoor picnic table or grab a cold beer and watch a game at the bar. Just be sure to come early because this place is consistently packed.

Family-run Che! Empanada serves more than a dozen types of flavorful baked Argentine empanadas. Beef clásico and spicy chicken are customer favorites, though Che! offers several vegetarian options as well. A few of these well-stuffed pockets make a perfect lunch, dinner, or midday snack. Enjoy them warmed up with a side of housemade regular or spicy chimichurri. Check out their sibling location in Worcester.

Da LaPosta’s dining room is bustling, noisy, and inviting. Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza is the star of the show here. No surprise, since chef and owner Mario LaPosta spent years learning to make pizza in Rome and Campania. The rest of the menu is delicious, too, like the eggplant parmigiana and spaghetti alla carbonara. We suggest ordering a bit too much to ensure leftovers the next day.

Jinny’s Pizzeria comes from the team that created other beloved Newton Centre spots Sycamore (also on this list) and Little Big Diner. The 12-inch wood-fired pizzas are Neapolitan in style, though the ingredients are local and largely seasonal, like spring pizza made with English peas, ramps, basil, smoked mozzarella, and pecorino. Enjoy the soft, chewy crust with moderate charring. Alongside your pizza, be sure to try the farro salad and other small bites. Limited indoor and outdoor seating is available, though they travel well for takeout, too.

At Salt, Brazilian-born, French-trained chef-owner Thiago Silva offers a range of classic laminated pastries, hand-painted Valrhona chocolate bonbons, and delicate fruit tarts. Silva also pulls from his Brazilian roots with snacks like pan de quijo, or small Brazilian cheese rolls. Don’t miss the decadent Rocher eclair, homemade focaccia, and thick, ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies. Salt has limited indoor banquette seating and additional outdoor tables.

Chefs and owners Kate and Trevor Smith have extensive fine-dining backgrounds in kitchens like Le Bernardin and Gramercy Tavern, respectively, so it’s no surprise their seasonal, locally sourced small plates are well-executed. The wood-covered walls and casual atmosphere feel more like a neighborhood pub than a fine dining establishment. Hospitality at Thistle & Leek is expressed in warm greetings and servers that go above and beyond to make diners feel welcome.

This high-end American Japanese sushi bar landed on Route 9 in Chestnut Hill just this March. Chef Kegan Stritchko, formerly of Uni and Fat Baby Sushi, serves a modern Edomae-style sushi menu highlighting fresh, high-quality seafood from local suppliers. Order a la carte sushi, hand rolls, or robatayaki, traditional Japanese charcoal-grilled meat and vegetables. Enjoy this restaurant’s high ceilings, gorgeous woodwork, and bold wallpaper when dining in since XOXO doesn’t offer takeout.