Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/395149
lamb and Kasseri cheese in phyllo, and spinach and ricotta ravioli sing with flavor. A very lengthy and eclectic wine list assembled by Wine Director Harry Zarkades, an acoustic music series, and an enchanting décor make The Grapevine a stellar choice for fine dining. • 26 Congress Street, Salem, 01970, (978) 745- 9335, grapevinesalem.com. $$$ MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN AGAVE MEXICAN BISTRO Where to begin, what to order, which margarita to try first, which to try after that—these are the challenges faced by Agave diners. There's just so much! The solution: Go often! A good start: The ceviche, nachos, and the best-damn-guacamole-in- town. There are over 70 different margaritas, so giving careful consideration to the cocktail menu is a must. Entrées are awesome—period; there's no going wrong. Authentic Mexican with an upscale Newburyport twist is what awaits hungry goers (and make sure to go hungry, 'cuz there's a whole world of food awaiting). • 50 State Street, Newburyport, 01950, (978) 499-0428, agavedos.com. $$ BESITO There's a fantastic new Mexican restaurant in town! Though located in the Burlington Mall, there is nothing about Besito to suggest anything other than an authentic hacienda experience. Replete with artifacts from Mexico, tableside guacamole preparation, and more than 75 tequilas on offer—Besito earns its accolades, thanks in great part to executive chef Carlos Arellano. • 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 01803, (781) 272-9900, besitomexican.com. $$$ MASA SOUTHWEST BAR & GRILL Tasteful, cosmopolitan, and bewitching are words that describe Masa. "Eye candy" abounds, and the décor details can't possibly be taken in with one visit. The menu showcases dishes like the Pan Seared Sea Bass with Smoked Pineapple Salsa, Roasted Salmon with Chipotle and Horseradish Crust, and Pan Roast- ed Zucchini Steaks with Sweet Potato Crisps (as well as a hearty list of unaged, rested, and aged tequilas), which make Masa a delightful place to experience Southwest culinary complexities. • 350 Cambridge Road, Woburn, 01801, (781) 938-8886, masarestaurant.com. $$$ TAQUERIA LA VICTORIA Bevery residents were sad to see Cielito Lindo go, but Alex Barrientos, has another neighborhood gem with his taqueria on Wallis Street. Its festive, bistro-style interior is made warm with terracotta floor tiles, exposed-brick walls, rich wood trim, and large windows. Barrientos' burritos, tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and Mexican-spiced meats and veggies make it a great spot to either perch for an on-site bite or grab a bag to go. Yep, the place practically hums with the promise of becoming a local hot spot. • 6 Wallis Street, Beverly, 01915, (978) 969-2228, victoriataqueria.com. $$ SEAFOOD FINZ SEAFOOD & GRILL Oysters on the half shell and a chilled glass of white on Salem's waterfront? Sublime. Surrounded by harbor views and full of fine tastes, Finz is one of the North Shore's most acclaimed dining establishments. Its floor- to-ceiling glass wall, copper-topped bar, and custom-built raw bar make its interior something singular. The regionally harvested YOU CAN'T "WOW" THEM I F T H E Y D O N ' T K N O W Y O U E X I S T. C O N TA C T U S AT S A L E S @ N S H O R E M AG .CO M O R C A L L 9 7 8 - 8 2 4 - 2 8 0 6 F O R D E TA I L S W W W. N S H O R E M A G . C O M A D V E R T I S E Y O U R R E S TA U R A N T O R P U B I N O U R D I N I N G G U I D E T H E R E S O U R C E F O R W H E R E T O G O F O R B U S I N E S S L U N C H E S , D AT E N I G H T, O R F O O T B A L L F U N !