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.

Tiny but hip cafe with fresh and in-house made breakfasts, sandwiches, and soups. Definitely worth a stop. The morning egg & cheese may be slightly more expensive than DD or SB, but it's two freshly fried eggs, plenty of cheese, served on giant sized fresh bread. Yum!

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The Cheesecake Factory, a popular chain restaurant, has a huge menu, huge portions, and often a huge wait to be seated. The restaurant does not offer a children's menu, however, kids are likely to enjoy the Roadside Sliders appetizer ($5.95) which features mini bite-sized burgers, quesadillas ($6.95), or cheese or pepperoni pizza ($7.95). Consider asking for an extra plate to share your meal with your kids; there'll be plenty to go around. Adults who successfully slog through the voluminous menu may order appetizers (we love the tex-mex eggrolls), gourmet pizza and pasta, burgers, tacos, homestyle favorites, salads, sandwiches, and ethnic specialties. Brunch is served daily (Sunday brunch offers a larger menu) until 2pm. The kids' brunch (Sunday only) includes french toast, bacon, and strawberries for $5.95. As its name implies, the variety of luscious cheesecakes (and other desserts) is mind boggling. Save some room to give them a try!

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.

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.

Situated in the Hotel Marlowe, this restaurant features all local ingredients and flavors. They are known for their round the clock service, inexpensive bar eats, express power lunch, and inventive menu. Bamabara also can accommodate private functions as well. Classy servers keep an eye on water glasses and are well-versed in the menu's intricate ingredients. Best described as specializing in modern American comfort fare, Bambara offers stylish interpretations of familiar brasserie favorites like pan-seared scallops and braised short ribs. Menu highlights include warm lobster sliders, orcchiette Bolognese and the kitchen's signature steak frites.

Upscale Italian restaurant opened by Boston celebrity chef Dante de Magistris. Hours of Operation: DINNER MENU: Monday - Thursday 5:30pm - 10:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:30pm - 11:00pm SUNDAY NEIGHBORHOOD MENU: Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm LUNCH MENU: (Featuring an "Eat Good, Feel Better" 3 course pre fix healthy option $22 and a la carte options) Monday - Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm BRUNCH MENU: Saturday & Sunday 11:00am - 2:00pm BREAKFAST MENU: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 10:30am Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 11:00am BAR open: Monday - Wednesday until 11:30pm Thursday - Saturday until 2:00am Sunday until 10:00pm

A family owned and run Portugese restaurant in East Cambridge since 1912. A restaurant on one side and seafood market on the other.