BEACON HILL. Stained wood, comfortable booths, tiles and a floor-plan that leaves the dining room and the bar open to one another ­ these are now the trademarks of 75 Chestnut, which has reinvented itself as a true American bistro. The mood here is sophisticated yet friendly, making 75 Chestnut the perfect place to meet with friends for a glass of wine or, perhaps, a specialty martini. If it's food you're after, their distinctive take on comfort fare, from fish & chips to pork tenderloin with creamy polenta, is certain to please.

BACK BAY. A beloved part of the Boston scene since the late 1970s, Atlantic Fish sports an updated atmosphere these days ­ in other words, the original's galley look was traded in for a more polished scene of stained wood, pendant lights, coffered ceiling and crisp white linens. The menu, though hasn't changed all that much over the years (Hey, why mess with a good thing!), and Atlantic's kitchen continues to serve up timeless raw bar classics like shrimp cocktail, iced Littleneck clams and Blue Point oysters. Patio dining is available.

SOUTH END. A sleek, stylish raw bar? Thanks to owner Barbara Lynch (of No. 9 Park fame), that's just what B&G is. The sub-level space is subtly (that is, unpretentiously) contemporary, featuring blue and gray tiles, stainless steel elements, and an open kitchen. The raw bar eats are fronted by fresh local oysters, clams, scallops and shrimp. Meanwhile, creative main courses like bacon-wrapped cod, wild striped bass with squid puttanesca, and Italian fish stew are themselves superbly done. Patio dining is available during the warm seasons.

NORTH END. With a logo of a squid painted on the front window, this restaurant makes no bones about their specialty--seafood! You'll love the calamari, their specialty. It's prepared Sicilian-style, and it's served over pasta, stuffed, or as a part of a salad. Black pasta puttanesca and clam linguine are among the other popular dishes. The decor is quite basic so don't come expecting to find a lot of charm or ambiance in the air!

CAMBRIDGE. East Coast Grill specializes in practically any kind of seafood imaginable. Main courses include cornmeal-crusted scallops, barbequed-pork ribs, and grilled spice-crusted Atlantic salmon. You'll also find an impressive raw bar over flowing with oysters, shrimp and crab claws. Meanwhile, the menu for Sunday brunch is also full of fantastic options, including corn bread-crusted French toast, smoked duck-stuffed tortilla rellenas, and Littleneck clams. Their legendary make-your-own-Bloody Mary bar alone is reason enough to reserve a table!