Now on Resy: Birds of Paradise, Thaiger Den, The Blue Ox, and More Local Favorites

A travel-themed cocktail lounge from master mixologist Ran Duan (of Brookline’s Blossom Bar)? Sign us up. With a cocktail menu that transports you from one city to another (think the Rio to Tokyo cocktail, a take on the piña colada with Brazil’s national spirit, Cachaça, and Japanese flavors) and expert bartenders, Birds of Paradise is one stylish space that evokes the golden age of travel.

You can trust the team behind Crying Thaiger to infuse centuries-old Thai recipes with modern flair. Expect dishes like tom kha mushroom chowder and massaman beef curry pot pie, served up alongside classic cocktails infused with Thai flavors.

You can’t go wrong at this reliable standby in Lynn, where the room is cozy and the menu is full of favorites. Expect everything from fish tacos and rigatoni Bolognese to crispy fried chicken, alongside a globe-spanning wine list that boasts friendly prices. Don’t miss the award-winning “Sin” burger with applewood-smoked bacon, truffle aïoli, and Swiss cheese.

Because Craft might just be the perfect neighborhood gastropub. It’s a warm and friendly space offering a wealth of craft beers, with a food menu that hits all types of cravings from burgers and pizzas to birria tacos and fried calamari. Don’t miss the Cubano pizza with pork belly, ham, pickles, and a drizzle of mustard.

This South Shore tribute to everyone’s favorite bivalve displays an impressive array of oysters (definitely try the Scituate Sailors) alongside plenty of other seafood dishes. Favorites include the fish and chips and lobster rolls, but you’d be remiss to skip brunch, where chicken and waffles, stuffed French toast, and pitchers of bloody Marys are every bit as good.

Housed in the Back Bay Four Seasons, Zuma is the type of place to see and be seen while enjoying izakaya-inspired fare. The sushi is a real draw, but don’t overlook the grilled meat and seafood skewers, and Zuma signatures like roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter.

Because some of Boston’s best tacos can be found at this Allston gem. And the carnitas tacos at Lone Star are worth the trek alone (if you don’t live close by), but you won’t want to miss Tex-Mex classics like Frito pie and “Texas cook-off” style chili (no beans), alongside an impeccable lineup of Mexican street foods. Wash it all down with their signature “Lone Star Happy Meal” — a shot of blanco tequila, a sangrita sidecar, and a can of Mexican lager. 

When Manita Bunnagitkarn moved her extremely popular Watertown Thai restaurant across the street a few years back (she also owns Kala Thai Cookery in Boston proper), it got bigger and better than ever. Go deep on specialties like shrimp donuts, tom yum soup, and Panang curry, and truly, save room for dessert as you can’t possibly miss her much-celebrated housemade ice creams.

At this handsome Stoughton osteria, seafood is always a good idea. Don’t miss any of the pizzas, the Caesar salad, and a definitive Bolognese for that matter.

When the group behind Japan’s leading sushi conveyor belt and izakaya chains opens a place in Back Bay, you pay close attention. And Sakabayashi delights with its modern izakaya fare (mack — as in mackerel — n’ cheese bruschetta, anyone?), first-rate sashimi and nigiri, rolls, and more.

Because what is now a nationwide chain first saw light in this Newton restaurant space in 2015. Kevin Duong and Nick Wu opened Shaking Crab to satisfy their craving for Cajun-spiced crab boils, and the dining public obviously liked the idea. Alaskan king crab is the star, but the seafood choices go on forever, and the fried options are as good as the boiled ones. 

Check out their Foxborough location, too.

Here’s one you’ll definitely want to try — a handsome Back Bay extension of Harvard Square’s always-busy ramen, sushi, and Japanese bar-food Bosso, on the site of the former Double Zero vegan pizzeria. There’s ramen here, too, but the selection of sushi, sashimi, and other raw-bar fare takes the spotlight.

Narumon Jenkitcharoenchai’s Sweet Rice is a Thai standard in Charlestown, but at this urban-rustic Brookline spin-off, the ample Thai menu takes second place to a wealth of sushi, ramen, and grilled izakaya fare. Don’t miss the signature maguro roll, combining spicy tuna, tuna belly, caviar, truffle, cucumber, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. 

Chef Mario LaPosta knows just what you like: real Italian appetizers (the housemade ricotta with orange honey wins raves), Neapolitan-style pizzas with a variety of toppings both classic and original (plus the next-level cheese-filled focaccia di Recco), a few perfect pastas, craft beers on tap, and well-chosen wines from southern Italy and beyond.  

Oysters, updated pub fare, and signature salads (the “Messy Cobb” is topped with a fried egg); unusual wines from Croatia and other coasts; vibrant cocktails … These are some of the many reasons to find your way to this beautifully illuminated restaurant in Harvard Square, sister to the popular Grendel’s Den. 

Beware: There’s no sign outside, so you’ll have to choose the right blue door. Once in, you’ll step into one of the best cocktail spots in New England, known for its genial vibe, its curving copper bar, its sound system playing vinyl records, and of course its exquisite cocktails (try the DTO or four daiquiri shots to get the fun started) and delicious small plates.