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Inventive seafood fare in the North End, with an incredibly posh atmosphere. Looks like a trendy New York restaurant at night, with the blue glow of lights and nouveau decor. Word on the street is smaller portions with higher prices, although some have commented that the appetizers are huge. If you want to be one of the cool kids you will eat here.

Old-world food with a commitment to quality. A simple menu of Northern Italian cuisine created by chef George Mendoza with the desire to maintain the traditional classics. Anyone can feel comfortable here, since this is a cute crayola-colored restaurant with big windows overlooking the street and playful caricatures all over the walls. Couples enjoy the sweet candlelight, but families can also feel at home, as kids can draw across the paper covered tables.

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Salumeria Italiana lives up to its own self-proclaimed title of “Boston's Best Italian Grocery.” Need reminding that “extra virgin” describes more than just your love life? An entire wall of olive oils includes the “ultimate” balsamic ($150 for 130ml bottle), while Italian chocolates, pastas, sauces, and capers round out the selection. “We love prosciutto,” declares the deli counter, which not only serves up the smoked meat for $10-$23/lb, but heaping antipasti ($7/lb) and more types of imported olives and cheeses than you can imagine. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This place is still in the hands of the original Martignetti family, and while the son Guy mostly runs it, you still see the elders coming in every once in a while. Bonus: They encourage tasting before buying, so if you're not sure of something, then just ask.