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Chef Ana Sortun’s mastery of exotic spices is clearly evident in Oleana’s sumptuous Middle Eastern cuisine, served in a casually elegant dining room.

Redbones’ kitchen slings some of the best barbecue north of the Carolinas, and the atmosphere could not be more emphatically, casually Southern if it tried.

While EVOO’s cuisine defies categorization, it is unequivocally and uniformly delicious. Think along the lines of cornmeal-fried oysters, arugula (rocket) and plum salad, and mocha-mousse chocolate cake.

A perennial favorite among the restaurant press, Rialto’s list of accolades could stretch across the Charles. The kitchen performs deft twists on Mediterranean and French country cuisine (see Rialto).

The bold flavors of Portugal are yours for the tasting at the warmly appointed, cozy Atasca. Flavorful sautées and rustic grilled dishes are just some of its many charms.

Cuba might seem an unlikely place for a French restaurant to draw inspiration, but therein lies Chez Henri’s irresistible appeal.

Sangría flows, tapas are devoured, and desserts with names like “kisses of love” seal unforgettable evenings at Dalí.

Chef Chris Schlesinger cranks up the heat at his Pacific Rim-influenced Inman Square fish house. Sample dishes such as dry-rubbed mahi mahi and rare ahi tuna with wasabi – or should you be up to the challenge – Fries from Hell (see p42).

Sleekly appointed Diva seduces before the first plates of carefully prepared Indian cuisine even arrive.

Serving generous portions of classic American fare, the Charles Hotel’s capacious bistro amply rewards hearty appetites.