Weekend visitors in search of dinner...

[thompsrr]

We're visiting Boston for the weekend and wanted to have a nice dinner out. Maybe one the is unique or distinct to Boston. Any recommendations?

Here's a few I saw from the boards...
Salts, Cambridge
Perzza, North End
Mamma Maria, North End
Neptune Oyster, North End
Eastern Standard, Fenway

[Carty]

If optimizing for the quality of the menu and food prep rather than perhaps service and atmosphere I'd recommend Prezza over Mamma Maria. I think it's one of the best picks in Boston.

[pollystyrene]

I think your picks of Neptune and Mamma Maria are right on. Both are in the distinctive and charming North End, and both have a uniquely Boston feel, with great food. It just depends on whether you're in the mood for seafood or Northern Italian.

[Joanie]

Those would be fairly easy to combine if you get lucky at Neptune and don't have to wait long to sit down for some oysters/apps. I think Salts is fairly unique and has somewhat of a Cambridge vibe. This is a low key place if you're looking for that and you'd get two sections of town during the weekend. Since the places you mentioned are mostly higher end, I'd skip Daily Catch which is unique but not particularly "nice". I think Eastern Standard is a fun time but not so unique, altho if you're into cocktails, you should stop by.

[southernwayfarer]

Any more specifics on the type of places you're looking for?

Neptune: gorgeous place without being stuffy with excellent food.
Eastern Standard: Skip it. Good food but not great and not a particularly interesting place.

O Ya: if your looking to have an amazing experience and are willing to blow a lot of cash.

Daily Catch in the North End is another fun and delicious place without being formal.

Butcher Shop is a nice wine bar with small plates if you want to see the South End. I often combine a visit to the Butcher Shop with B&G Oyster across the street (B&G is very similar to Neptune but not as good.)

These two threads are excellent places to get some ideas...
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/506024
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/582364