Struggling to hear others at restaurants will soon be a distant memory.

Expensive – Hungry Mother

It’s hard to find a place in Boston that better exemplifies the national shift toward casual fine dining than this Kendall Square darling, which serves its inspired, refined take on southern cuisine on polished wooden tables topped with mason-jar water glasses. Here you’ll find the impeccable service, top-notch cocktail and wine choices, and outrageously good desserts (chocolate-espresso chess pie, strawberry-shortcake trifle) that you’d expect from a first-rate restaurant—all in an atmosphere that welcomes elbows on the table.

Moderate – Assaggio

Located in the heart of the North End, Assaggio serves up authentic Italian cuisine in a peaceful, quiet environment.

29 Prince St. Boston, MA 02113 assaggioboston.com

Cheap – Athan’s Bakery in Brighton

Athan’s European Bakery is an authentic cafe and artisan pastry shop, who have brought a little bit of Europe to Boston. Their sweet offerings are handmade in their European style kitchen according to classic and traditional techniques.

407 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135 athansbakery.com