In an atmosphere of opulent refinement, diners are cosseted in three intimate dining areas within a grand 1880s townhouse. The food, considered by many to be the best in town, is French with a New England accent: beef tenderloin with morels; tomato fondue and rosemary polenta; foie gras torchon with Muscat gelée, pickled cherries and pistachio nuts; and halibut with ginger and lychees. There are also frequent wine tastings. No lunch. Closed Sundays.

Challenging all the stereotypes about traditional Asian cuisine, this hip restaurant blends the cooking styles of Thailand, China and Vietnam to stunning effect. Expect small plates bursting with flavour, including dim sum made with farm-to-table, fresh ingredients, Tiger Tears salads of skirt steak, lime and khao koor and crispy fish tacos with kimchee and sesame seeds. The venue is light and bright, with a pop art vibe and the staff is young and cosmopolitan. Bookings advised.

The award-winning Taranta features southern Italian food with a Peruvian twist. Italian antiques accent the comfortably rustic setting. The service is charming and the quality of food high. Dinner options, on the seasonally changing menu, might be pan-seared tuna served over braised leeks with a sauce of sweet roasted peppers, capers and rocoto (spicy red pepper), rack of lamb or pappardelle pasta with wild mushrooms and porcini. Cooking classes are also offered. It's not on the menu, but ask for the house speciality, spaghetti with sea urchin.

For a waterfront picnic, it is hard to beat this establishment's steamed clams by the bucket, its award-winning clam chowder or the lobster awash in melted butter. Both the food and the setting are unpretentious, although there are yuppie touches ('crab burgers', the music). There is also a terrific range of local microbrews and a hearty Sunday brunch. Reservations suggested during the summer months. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

This Afghani restaurant has won numerous plaudits. Enjoy outstanding flatbreads, grilled lamb marinated in wonderful spices, beef meatballs and sauteed seabass amongst others in an atmospheric homely setting that includes a crackling fire and luxurious rugs.

Toro is the outrageously popular brainchild of James Beard award winners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette. It serves up Barcelona style tapas in a dark, moody interior with a huge bar, an open kitchen and an industrial-chic feel. The menu is divided in four parts, including Pinchos (small snacks), Tapas Frias (cold snacks), Tapas Calientes (hot snacks) and “For Two”, larger dishes such as paellas and salt-crusted seabass. Don’t miss the fabulous Jamon Blanco, toast topped with La Quercia lardo, marinated Jonah crab, black garlic, shallots and avocado.

This Mexican is head and shoulders above the rest, thanks to its extensive menu and quality of food. Order wonderful rice plates, made-to-order chorizo, steak, and fish tacos. The place always seems to be busy - that's definitely a good sign - but the staff continue to be warm and friendly.

Busy, loud and lots of fun, Mr Bartley’s burger joint has been a Harvard Square institution for more than 50 years. Students flock here for a choice of more than 40 different burgers accompanied by sweet potato fries, onion rings and raspberry-lime rickeys. And, if you can’t find anything you like, you can create your own 7oz masterpiece.

This buzzing food hall at the center of the tourist action houses over 20 restaurants and 40 food stalls. Browse the counters and choose from just steamed bagels, cups of hot chowder, Greek vine leaves, Indian dosas, homemade ice-cream and pastries. Then make yourself comfortable at the tables in the central rotunda.