Food

A catering operation with an attached café, Foodie’s Feast (114 Washington St., Marblehead, 781/639-1104, www.foodiesfeast.com [1], $3–7) is where the locals go for gourmet sandwiches (try the lavender-roasted chicken breast), soups, and salads. Located just a block from the harbor, the café is also acclaimed for its weekend brunch, which features eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, and super-addictive scones, served at al fresco tables with the smell of salt in the air.

The views are as fine as the eating at Red Rock Bistro (141 Humphrey St., Swampscott, 781/595-1414, www.redrockbistro.com [2], $19–34), the little harborside boîte serving up seafood like pan-seared fluke with turnip mash, wood-grilled pizzas, and a brunch that has the whole of Swampscott addicted.