With a menu that changes “at the whim of the chef,” Central Kitchen is a trendy restaurant and bar that provides a fresh alternative to Harvard Sq. establishments. This modern French- and Mediterranean-influenced bistro puts a creative flair on its 6 appetizers and 6 entrees, all featuring fresh seafood, meats, or organic vegetables. Try the “Mussles from Brussels” or duck confit with spiced rhubarb ($10) to start, while the steak frites ($25) always garners praise. Reservations recommended F-Sa. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Welcome to the secret society of the Cambridge elite. The Enormous Room is so exclusive, it doesn't even have a sign on the door. Look for the door next to Central Kitchen with an elephant on it and head up the stairs to a spacious expanse of avant-garde heaven. Depending on the DJ of the night, funk, house, soul, or blues plays in the background while grad students sit cross-legged around “enormous plates”—trays of appetizers including hummus and grape leaves, goat cheese-pine nut briouats, salmon skewers, and anything the chef feels like adding ($14, vegetarian $12). Drinks are more than reasonable, so feel free to sample the ever-popular Stoli Raspberry ($6). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Some like it hot. Luckily for them, Green Street Grill is a Carribean-inspired mecca for all things “jerk,” “spicy,” and “hot.” The quiet location and rather faded sign belies the restaurant's inviting interior, decorated with modern artwork and framed with dark wood moldings. Tropical cocktails like the Dark and Stormy (Gosling's Rum and ginger beer, $7) set the mood for a creative selection of dishes, from green papaya and mango salad with grilled squid ($8) to tantalizing jerk spiced grilled chicken wings ($7). Entrees like grilled mahi mahi ($18) and coconut curried goat stew ($16), served with jasmine rice and fried plantains, range from moderately to extremely spicy. The rotating dessert options are limited but delicious, especially the banana bread pudding ($6) or warm flourless chocolate cake ($5). Wherever you are in this intimate setting, you'll be close enough to enjoy the live band on any given night; African drums on Su, jazz, rock, and blues on Tu, W, Th, respectively. Cover F-Sa for a wild Cuban roots and salsa gig. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Since 2006, Rendevous has brought new and inventive North African and western Mediterranean cuisine to Central Square. Their philosophy is simple: the best ingredients make the best recipes. Using only local farmers and fisherman, chef Steve Johnson not only strives to make great food, the restaurant is all about the neighborhood as well and offers a 3 course prix fixe for $38 on Sunday nights. Also, Rendezvous was named Boston magazine's winner of the best drink menu for 2007.

Next to the Middle East, this small restaurant is relatively new and attracts it's own crowd. Definitely worth stopping by this offers an interesting mixture of middle eastern and mediterranean flavoured drinks. Along with a decent bar, this is a really popular local stop. This is more than at times, as also occasionally offer entertainment in the form, of music, dj's and movies projected on the wall. This is a moderate-high price range.

Mary Chung's is renowned for its incredible dishes that you can't get anywhere else. Try the Suan La Chow Show or the Dun Dun Noodles (No Chicken). Of course, they also do a great job on Chinese staples like Peking Ravioli. Dim Sum on Sunday is fabulous.

Picante may not have the glitz and pseudo-Mexican ornamentation of Border Cafe, but the food is twice as authentic, the service twice as fast, and the portions twice as big. A self-proclaimed “health-conscious Mexican taqueria in the California style,” Picante delivers tasty renditions of Mexican standards in a low-key setting. Order and pay up front before picking up your over-stuffed cheese-and-bean dripping steak burrito ($6.50), chicken enchilada ($8.50), or cheese quesadilla ($3.25). Top it all off at the fresh salsa bar where you'll find 6 different salsas in varying degrees of mouth-scorching spiciness—beware of the Super Picante blend! On weekends (10am-2pm), Picante becomes a full-service restaurant for Mexican-style brunch, dishing up huevos rancheros, salsa pancakes, and the like. Also located at 217 Elm St., Somerville (Davis; 617-628-6394). Entrees $3-9. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Asmara Restaurant is one of the best eateries in Cambridge. East African, Eritrean and Ethiopian Cuisine. Here's a Taste of what to expect when you go to this exotic restaurant... The sauce 'wot' is the traditional dish, made of chicken or meat or peas and lentils with a spicy red pepper sauce. It is eaten with the national flat pancake bread called "Injera" which is made from t'eff flour. The meal is normally served on a mosob - a large plate on a colorful woven basket table - with a variety of 'wots' arranged around the "Injera." Any of the Eritrean & Ethiopian 'wots' may be prepared as keyi 'wot', which has a Berbere paste in it or as Alit'cha which does not. Eating with your family or group of friends at Asmara restaurant you'll experience the excitement of eating delicious food the Eritrean and Ethiopian way! Asmara's also has a wonderful Wine, Champagne and Beer list. Don't forget to try their Traditional Honey Wine, excellent!! The menu features Vegetarian Combos and Meat Lover's Combos Alike..the Tomatoe Salad is to die for, yummy!! It's a great experience if you've never gone to an Ethopian Restaurant before. Traditionally there is no silverware, you eat the food with your hands and bread, the waitstaff provides you with a warm towel to wipe your hands before eating... This is a place to bring either family and or friends to enjoy alittle something different, but remember if you are in a Hurry this isn't the place to come for that, you need to be able to Chill and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere!!

There is WiFi available, although it costs $3.95/hour. Monthly plans are available. Dedicated regulars come back time after time for the cozy atmosphere and the friendly Gen-X-flavored staff. This used to be the favorite haunt of the faumous late Reverend Larry Love. Iced coffee is one of the highlights here. It's cold brewed, so it retains a strong coffee flavor.