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South Street Diner
A divey diner that does what a diner is supposed to do - that is, serve bacon and eggs and burgers and fries, at any time of the day or night. So plunk yourself into a vinyl upholstered booth and let the sass-talking waitstaff satisfy your munchies. Considering the location, this place is bound to attract some sketchy characters. But again, that's what a diner is supposed to do.
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Suishaya
Serving the best Korean food on the Boston side of the river, Suishaya is also recommended for sushi and sashimi. Late-night hours make it popular with the clubbing crowd. As with many Chinatown joints, it's not the prettiest place to look at, but at , who notices the decor?
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Sultan's Kitchen
Seasonal vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil are among the ingredients that go into the healthful and delicious dishes at this Turkish deli. The kebabs are the house specialty, especially kofta , made from lean ground lamb. Other options include homemade soups, gigantic pita sandwiches and endless meze. Counter service and scattered tables don't make for the most atmospheric setting, but the photos of Istanbul help.
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Tangierino
This unexpected gem transports guests from a colonial town house in historic Charlestown to a sultan's palace in the Moroccan desert. The menu features North African specialties like harira, couscous and tajine, all with a modern flare. But the highlight is the exotic interior, complete with thick Oriental carpets, plush pillows and rich, jewel-toned tapestries. Hookah pipes are available in the adjoining casbah lounge.
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Tanjore
Tanjore's lunchtime buffet has been a favorite of Harvard Sq locals for years. The buffet changes daily, but it always features perfectly fluffy basmati rice, fresh, hot naan bread and subtly delicious kheer (rice pudding). This place is good enough to come for dinner, but the buffet offers superior value.
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Tavern On The Water
Set at the end of the pier behind the Navy Yard, this understated tavern offers one of the finest views of the Boston harbor and city skyline. The menu combines typical pub grub with a few passable seafood specialties. The food is not so memorable, but it's a fine place to go to catch some rays on your face, the breeze off the water, and an ice cold one from behind the bar.
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Ten Tables
True to its name, this gem has only ten tables. Brick walls are hung with black-and-white photos, and the galley kitchen is framed by pots and pans, a motif that recurs around the restaurant. The emphasis is on simplicity - appropriate for a restaurant that specializes in traditional cooking techniques. The menu is short but changes frequently to highlight local, organic produce, handmade pastas, fresh seafood and homemade sausages. Ten out of Ten.
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Toro
True to its Spanish spirit, this place is bursting with energy, from the open kitchen to the lively bar to the communal butcher-block tables. The menu features simple but sublime tapas - grilled chilis with sea salt, corn on the cob dripping with lemon and butter, delectable, garlicky shrimp. For accompaniment, take your pick from rioja or sangria or any number of spiced-up mojitos and margaritas.
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Trattoria Il Panino
A rare opportunity for al fresco dining, this charming trattoria offers seating in the ever-pleasant giardino during summer months. When weather is foul, settle into a cozy corner of the dimly lit dining room. Either way, it's a romantic rendezvous. The wide-ranging menu features a risotto and lasagna del giorno , which are uniformly divine. Budget-minded travelers can head across the street to Il Panino's express outlet.
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Umi
This sushi bar is a delightful addition to this strip of ethnic eateries. The sushi and sashimi are always fresh and fantastic, but the menu does not stop there. Entrées span Asia, including tempura, teriyaki, pad Thai and even bib-im bab. There is not much to this simply decorated storefront, but it's an excellent and still undiscovered option.
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Upper Crust
Place your order, pick your seat, sit back and enjoy the aromas of the Upper Crust. Although outlets are sprouting up around Boston, the simple Beacon Hill storefront is the original. The decor is minimalist, at best, so keep your eyes on the open kitchen, where the magic happens. Neapolitan-style pizza features crispy thin crust and fresh, straightforward toppings. Order your pie as you like it or sample the 'slice of the day.'
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Upstairs On The Square
Pink-and-gold hues, zebra and leopard-skin rugs, and lots of glamor and glitz: such is the decor that defines this restaurant. The creative menu and carefully chosen wine list have earned high praise. The downstairs Monday Club Bar is open for lunch, offering a more casual atmosphere, a slightly cheaper menu and a wall of windows overlooking Winthrop Park.
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Via Matta
Via Matta tries to recreate your finest memories of Italy - the ambiance, the romance and of course the flavors. Sample the chef's whims in the tastefully trendy dining room or better yet in the dark, sexy enoteca. The latter serves pizzas, bruschettas and other small plates late into the night - a perfect place to stop for a bite after the theater.
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Ye Olde Union Oyster House
The oldest restaurant in Boston, Ye Olde Union Oyster House has been serving seafood in this historic red-brick building since 1826. Countless history-makers have propped themselves up at this bar, including Daniel Webster and John F Kennedy. Apparently JFK used to order the lobster bisque, but the raw bar is the real draw. Order a dozen on the half-shell and watch the shucker work his magic.
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Zaftigs Delicatessen
'Let us be your Jewish mother,' Zaftigs implores. And on Saturday and Sunday mornings, patrons craving potato pancakes with smoked salmon, challah French toast and cheese blintzes line up out the door to oblige. Fortunately, breakfast is served all day, so no one has to miss it. Otherwise, the deli turns out a huge selection of sandwiches, including classics like reubens, egg salad and pastrami.
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Zen
Affordable lunch specials make this a popular lunchtime spot for State House staffers and other professional types. The minimalist decor and extensive menu are typical sushi-bar stuff, but the menu also features entrées such as rack of lamb and soft-shell crab, as well as items cooked on the authentic Japanese stone grill.
