GARGOYLES ON THE SQUARE
SOMERVILLE
219 Elm Street; 617-776-5300.
This “romantic” Davis Square New American remains an “unsung hero,” “surprising” surveyors with its “grown-up” dinners in smart-looking environs; it “makes staying out of Boston a pleasure.”
FOOD: 24
DECOR: 21
SERVICE: 23
COST: $38
JASMINE BISTRO
ALLSTON/BRIGHTON
412 Market Street; 617-789-4676.
“Customer satisfaction is number one” at this “laid-back” “gem in the wilds of Brighton,” where the kitchen delivers “dazzling” dishes based on the “cuisines of several nations.”
FOOD: 24
DECOR: 18
SERVICE: 26
COST: $30
TABERNA DE HARO
BROOKLINE 999 Beacon Street; 617-277-8272.
“Forget the imposters”–“if you love garlic and olive oil,” this “friendly” Spaniard’s the “real thing”; the “open kitchen” turns out plate after plate of “tasty” tapas, smartly teamed with an exclusively Iberian wine list.
FOOD: 22
DECOR: 17
SERVICE: 19
COST: $29
TARANTA
NORTH END
210 Hanover Street; 617-720-0052.
“Not your run-of-the-mill” North End “red-sauce” factory, this “adorable” triplex thrills with “highly imaginative” Southern Italian dishes; “everything’s made with care,” and the “knowledgeable” staff’s always “ready to help. "
FOOD: 24
DECOR: 20
SERVICE: 24
COST: $40
VINNY’S AT NIGHT
SOMERVILLE
76 Broadway; 617-628-1921.
The “entrance [is] through a convenience store,” but this “real find” of a trattoria is “reminiscent of the old North End.” Don’t miss the “to-die-for roast pork with vinegar peppers” and the “wonderful” tiramisu.
FOOD: 24
DECOR: 8
SERVICE: 19
COST: $24
