With its Moorish arches and darkened nooks, Algiers caters to the self-consciously intellectual graduate student crowd but is often overlooked by the awkward sophomore tutorial bunch. Too bad, because Algiers makes a far more fascinating destination for source-book reading and intimate conversation than the standing-room only conglomerate coffee shops. Breakfast ($5-9) is served all day; tasty though pricey sandwiches (try the Fried Eggplant with Summac) cost around $10 and specialty entrees like the lamb kebab go up to $16. A wide variety of teas, coffees, Italian sodas and delicious frappés ($3-5) all justify contemplating the meaning of life in the exotic atmosphere. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

For an "insiders" look at how Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts feels, frolics and feeds itself, Casablanca restaurant and bar is the place to go. Casablanca, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is a casual, neighborhood "joint" that has grown to near-legendary status. Students and their professors, writers and their subjects, musicians and their muses all congregate at 40 Brattle Street. Casablanca offers a relaxed drinking environment with a bit more flair than other restaurants. If the exotic, Moroccan-inspired decor doesn't already remind you of the Academy Award-winning movie, then the gigantic wall mural of Bergman and Bogart probably will. Visit Casablanca and enjoy a glass of merlot with friends at one of the intimate tables. Is it the mildly exotic atmosphere? The enticing Mediterranean cuisine? The chance to tipple at the bar elbow-to-elbow with a nuclear physicist, a poet, or the next Kanye West? Who knows?

Bertucci's may not recreate a North End-like atmosphere, but its convenient location and creative, top-notch brick-oven pizzas are nothing to scoff at. To attempt authenticity, try a large neapolitan thin-crust pizza ($18, good for 2 or 3 people; fight over the olive) or sample one of the many savory, generous pasta or meat entrees. The daily express lunch (11am-3pm) is a good way to get just as much quality (as well as free salad) for much less of your time and money (all entrees $8). Finally, a word about the hot rolls that come with meals: everyone loves them. The wait can be long—especially on weekend nights—call ahead to put your name on the list. Additional locations in Boston and along the east coast. Entrees $8-18. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A reincarnation of the famed brunch spot UpStairs at the Pudding, UpStairs on the Square is divided into 2 main lounges. Both overlooking Withrop Square, the more casual Monday Club Bar downstairs and the sophisticatedly hushed Soiree Room upstairs are glittering and whimsical creations right out of a fairy-tale. Upstairs, nothing comes cheap: even appetizers run $12-15. Delectable menu options include rabbit two ways ($30) and Maine scallops ($28). The chocolate soufflé cake ($10) borders on a religious experience. The Monday Bar serves more traditional and wallet-friendly fare (in addition to some big screen TVs), though it's true that you get what you pay for. They both share the same pastry chef, though, so don't forget dessert downstairs. UpStairs complements its thesis-length wine list with a wide range of beers ($5.50+) and cocktails ($9.50+). Reservations are highly recommended. Afternoon tea: served from 3 til 5 pm, Thursday to Saturday and consists of a tea of your choice plus savories and sweets. As of May 2007 it costs $25 (add $7 for a glass of bubbly). The tea is poured from antique silver teapots and the food, served on a three-tiered silver stand, is a break from the norm with alternative breads like focaccia featuring highly and a prominent role for bacon-wrapped dates ('devils on horseback'). Interestingly, for $18 you can instead get a peppermint afternoon tea - mint tea, mint chocolate, mint parfait and mint brownie. Go here to impress a date. It'll make you look cultured without making making you feel stuffed up. Tea treats rotate on different days, which is nice. They are also flexible with changing the food to leave out something you don't like, say if you want more sweets than savouries or go vegetarian. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Prepare for an evening of culinary pampering at Harvest, one of the most upscale establishments in Harvard Square. With excellent service, a spacious interior, and an outdoor patio that manages to stay open until the early fall with the aid of heaters, Harvest aims to keep your body comfortable and then, when you're not looking, hit you over the head with its inventive, mouth-watering cuisine. But like all good things (and some illegal drugs), you'll be paying a hefty price for an experience that will leave you pleasantly euphoric, but not necessarily stuffed. With modestly-sized entrees that fall within the $24-33 dollar price range, your best bet would be to opt for Harvest's 3 course prix-fixe ($48/$60 with wine), a perfect sampling of the restaurant's culinary concoctions. The menu changes weekly, so the oyster stew you loved so much last time might have been replaced by the equally delicious salmon in lobster bouillon; however, with a consistent variety of gourmet seafood, pasta, and vegetarian options in addition to their 2 featured steaks, even the most discriminating connoisseurs will go home happy. Desserts ($8-9) range from the velvety vanilla bean creme brulée to the tangy key lime napoleon. Brunch ($33 prix-fixe) offered every Su. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Executive Chef Wali Ahmad, popular star of the acclaimed Indian TV show "Khana Khazana" ("Food Treasures"), chose a simple, subterranean Harvard Square dining room as the ideal site for introducing his unique offerings to American palates. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Tamarind Bay offers eclectic yet authentic Indian cooking. Started in 2004, Tamarind Bay combines the knowledge, ambition and traditions of the owners BS Ajai Kumar and Vikas Kapoor and introduces guests to variation of Indian cuisine in a sophisticated yet intimate setting. "Spice of the Month" dinners are held the second Monday of every month. The dinners include a prix-fixe menu, cooking demonstrations and an informative discussion.

Despite the fancy Cantabrigian clientele (including the mistress of munch herself, Dame Julia Child), Henrietta's Table exudes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere well suited to its simple, delicious New England cuisine. Meals begin with the best bread you've ever had, an incredible cranberry-walnut concoction ($16 in Henrietta's mini-store). The menu sticks to the country kitchen basics (meatloaf, fish, pork chops, chicken), all prepared with the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Mix and match from a selection of side dishes ($4.50), including golden, griddle-cooked hash browns. But don't forget to save room for dessert ($7), especially the acclaimed chocolate bread pudding. Good wine list and a separate full bar, as well as patio seating. Also the best and most expensive brunch ($39) in Harvard Square. Entrees $13-17, specials $22-28. Su-Th dinner special 2 courses for $24, 3 courses $30, including sides. Children under 5 eat for free and ages 6-12 get half off! This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Much touted Rialto deserves all the praise it receives. The elegant and comfortable decor of the most luxurious of the Charles Hotel's 3 restaurants belies Rialto's radiant and ever-evolving menu, reflecting the chefs' seasonal and geographical inspirations. Appetizers such as the light but satisfying chilled asparagus soup and salad ($12) and cod fritters ($14) prepare the palate for the more stimulating Tuscan fish stew ($28) and tender braised rabbit leg ($32). Reasonably-sized entrees make way for imaginative desserts like the macadamia nut and expresso tart ($9) and the hot chocolate cream with fresh mint ($9), both of which become almost cloying when coupled with any of the sumptuous after-dinner cordials and liquours. Everything at Rialto is spectacular, but you have to be willing to pay for it, and you have to get in first; call early as reservations are limited. $1 Oysters every Monday night! This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Wholesome and homey, with roaring fires and creaky floorboards, this restored gem of old Cambridge radiates with the glow of a cozy Alpine ski lodge. Dust the snow off your boots, shuffle inside and thumb through a menu of thoroughly good and varied fare, from lobster risotto to Spanish chicken ragout. For those who prefer light dining to feasting, the restaurant offers half-portions at significantly lower prices. The pork medallions a la saltimbocca ($20), stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese, is a succulent, flavorful treat well worth trying. Full-sized entrees range $20-$25, but there's no pricing the genuinely warm, attentive and welcoming service that greets you from the moment you enter. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Bombay Club serves savory, MSG-free Indian cuisine. Be sure to sit by the window; glass walls overlooking JFK St. add light and excitement to the otherwise boxy, charmless dining room. The extensive menu of seafood, chicken, lamb, and vegetarian specialties is sure to please. Try a specialty naan baked with chicken, fruit, almonds, or cheese to whet your appetite. Tandooris include Tandoori Mirch, peppers stuffed with spicy cheese from the Punjab region, and Tandoori Shrimp Shashlik from the coast of Kerala. Indecisive diners should consider The Badshahi Thali ($16.50), a culinary sampler including several small dishes, naan, tea, and sweet, sticky gulab jamun for dessert. 10 course lunch buffet only $8, served M-F 11:30am-3pm, while the extensive Sunday brunch goes for $12 with all the mini-dosa your hangover can handle. Entrees $8-16. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.