Our ultimate guide to Boston’s best food, drinks, and fun things to do

Boston isn’t known as a bagel city, but maybe that reputation should change. We know because we ate a lot of bagels in our quest to bring you our list of the most exceptional places to eat and drink. From the best places to watch the World Cup to, for the first time, Cape Cod restaurants, these spots on our third annual Best of the Best list are sure bets to please. 

More new categories and a few return favorites:

• The 11 top farmers and specialty markets

• When you’re feeling fancy, these 13 fine dining restaurants are worth worth the splurge

• 18 neighborhood restaurants we can’t live without

• Boston loves to read: These are the 12 best bookstores

• Explore the entire special issue at globe.com/best 

PERSPECTIVE

Despite how you feel about Trump spite-taxing elite schools, you might be missing the bigger issue

Harvard University is, by any reasonable standard, very rich, writes Brian Rosenberg, a visiting professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Amazon, however, is much richer. Why compare the two? Look no further than the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

CONNECTIONS

Life is short. It goes fast.

Seventeen and a half years after Buffy, a Yorkie-poodle puppy, showed up at his door, writer Benjamin P. Nimphie is reflecting on his final goodbye to the excitable little ball of energy. 

LOVE LETTERS

Cards on the table 
“I value my peace, but still want to date,” a writer says. Meredith explores the dating possibilities.

Submit your relationship questions. And check out the Love Letters podcast here.

DINNER WITH CUPID

“She handed me beautiful peonies.” Will love bloom between this gardener and bartender?

Go on an in-person or virtual blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application.

Thanks for reading. You can see this week's Globe Magazine online, and reach us at magazine@globe.com with your feedback.