Boca Grande Restaurant is a unique Mexican experience. The hallmark of our cooking is fresh, healthful food characterized by distinct but subtle flavors indigenous to the Oaxaca region of Central Mexico. Our time-honored recipes, which combine simple grilled fare with Mexican spices and natural flavors, will keep you coming back for more. We at Boca Grande are committed to serving fresh, healthy food that is well balanced and nutritious as well as flavorful and interesting. None of our dishes or recipes contain any chemical preservatives or processed food items. All of our sauces and marinades, including our hot sauce, are made on the premises with fresh ingredients. On Sundays, when this location is closed, satisfy your burrito craving at Boca Grande's Porter Square location.

The Helmand is a national chain of haute cuisine Afghani restaurants. Service is discreet and attentive in softly-lit cavernous surroundings, but the food is what really stands out. Familiar Mediterranean flavors like hummus and falafel appear on the menu, only they're subtly and deliciously changed by influences from north India. Most dishes run $10-20 and are worth the price. The grill station is especially noteworthy, so go for a good marinated and roasted lamb or steak dish like the dwopiaza (tenderloin of lamb with garlic mushrooms and rice, $13). The restaurant also bakes its own delicious naan, fresh from a roaring-fire oven and served with assorted relishes. It fills up rapidly on weekends, so call ahead to make a reservation, especially if you intend to come in a group of 5 or more. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

At The Similans, named for a chain of Thai islands favored by deep-sea divers, the focus is clearly on fish. Salmon Choo Chee ($15.50) and Chili Scallops ($12.50) present interesting flavor combinations. Vegetarians will still find a huge variety of appropriate items, from appetizers like Vegetable Tempura ($5.50) to Vegetarian Curry ($9.95). And there's always the dessert menu with Fried ice cream ($4.50). Even if you don't order fish, you'll feel like you've experienced a different kind of Thai dining experience—perhaps underwater. The whole restaurant is painted deep blue, with dark lighting and a gurgling fountain in the middle. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.