We’re digging out from the weekend’s snow and making our way through a Boston winter. Hunkering down may be the order of the day, but when we do venture out, it should be worth our while. How about dinner in front of a fireplace?

Boston (and some lovely Cape towns) is dotted with dining spots that feature a crackling fire and all the cozy ambiance that goes with it. With menu choices from seafood to Italian and more, there’s a spot for you fireside to warm your body and soul this time of year.

Fireside for everyone: The Banks Seafood & Steak (https://thebanksboston.com/) on Stuart Street in the heart of the Back Bay has solved the “I want a seat with fireplace view” issue: Its near-central location gives just about everyone a hearth view and a warm glow. The Atlantic-fishing inspired menu is created via collab between restaurateur Chris Himmel and Chef Robert Sisca. There are plenty of steaks too and an extensive wine list.

North End cozy: As great as it is in the summer months when the streets are bustling, there’s something romantic about winter dining in the North End. It feels tucked away, and when there’s fresh snow, it looks like a classic movie set. To amp up that feel head to Bricco Ristorante & Enoteca (https://bricco.com/) where you can relax and dine amid multiple fireplaces on the second floor. You’ll find a modern interpretation of regional Italian dishes and an award-winning wine list and unique cocktails – many winter inspired. They stay open late, which means you can do your night cap fireside as well.

Take me to the church: By that we mean the Belfry Inn & Bistro (https://www.belfryinn.com/)  in historic downtown Sandwich, Cape Cod’s northern-most town. The Inn’s Bistro is open to the public for meals aside its classic wood-burning fireplace. Once a church built in 1901, it pairs with its next door old Victorian home to create a beautiful setting. The fireplace crackles all winter, and the menu features everything from escargot to rack of lamb. Head there for a warm dinner or stay the night; you can have breakfast fireside as well. A pre-dinner plan to have you ready for that fire’s glow? Bundle up and walk the nearby Sandwich Boardwalk. It’s beautiful in the winter.

Shopping day warm up: Saltie Girl (https://www.saltiegirl.com/) one of Boston’s most spectacular upscale seafood spots is located at the corners of Newbury and Dartmouth — right in the middle of great shopping territory. And while fried clams, caviar and chowder may seem like summer, they blend perfectly with the restaurant’s lovely gas fireplace in the winter. Open for lunch and dinner, you can sidle up to that fire and sip great wines and nosh on spectacular seafood towers, amazing lobster rolls and all kinds of fish dishes. What’s better than a hot bowl of chowder and a crackling fire? Try French fries and their house made chips.

Shell yes, oysters by the fire: The Winsor House in Duxbury has long been a favorite for winter dining; their crackling fireplace has been the backdrop to proposals, birthdays and more. Now that they are part of Island Creek Oysters (https://www.winsorhouse.islandcreekoysters.com/) it’s even better. While you’ll need an early reservation to sit near the fireplace, the entire restaurant brings winter warmth to life. Sit at the long and comfy bar or at a fire-view table and indulge in their raw bar, with one of their hearty dinners or just treat yourself and order the caviar service. Their cocktail menu is inspired  and they make a mean Old Fashioned (even one with rum). It’s almost illegal to dine fireside there without ordering their “Ugly Slider.” Just do it; you’ll see why.

Dinner out is a treat, but what’s better than cozying up to a fireplace with your meal? (Photo Metro Creative Services)
Saltie Girl in the Back Bay boasts a gas fireplace. (Photo courtesy Saltie Girl)
Almost everyone has a fireplace view at The Banks in Boston. (Photo courtesy The Banks)