BAMBARA
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-868-4444
   
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-868-4444. Bambara blends sophistication and comfort, with such menu items as grilled cheese and tomato soup alongside spice cured duck breast with a bonny doon rhone blend. Bambara’s cuisine celebrates New England’s bounty and its seasonal flavors, which can be enjoyed in concert with its fine wine selection. B, L, D, C.

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INTRIGUE
Location: Downtown
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-856-7744
   
Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, 617-856-7744. Casual elegance surrounds this unique cafe. Beautiful decor and breathtaking harbor views are perfect for those who desire a cosmopolitan, relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a global menu created by renowned chef Daniel Bruce. B, L, D, LS.

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LALA ROKH
Location: Beacon Hill
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: yes - read profile
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-720-5511
   
97 Mt. Vernon St., 617-720-5511. Named for a legendary Persian princess, this elegant restaurant is owned by siblings Babak and Azita Bina. Using their mother’s recipes, they’ve created a unique dining experience in the only restaurant of its kind in New England. L Mon–Fri noon–3 p.m.; D nightly 5:30–10 p.m. Reservations recommended. C, VP. www.lalarokh.com.

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MANTRA
Location: Theatre District
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees more than $25
Telephone : 617-542-8111
   
52 Temple Place, 617-542-8111. This sleek, buzz-worthy eatery combines a stylish interior, complete with a 15-foot-high, woven-wood “Hookah Den.” The kitchen creates classical European and French fare with an innovative use of Indian spices in such dishes as pan roasted red snapper in a yogurt dressing and seared foie gras with a panacetta-filled wonton and a sweet mission fig. L, D, C.

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RED SKY
Location: Faneuil Hall
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: yes
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-742-3333
   
16–18 North St., 617-742-3333. Located below the Millennium Hotel next to Faneuil Hall, this stylish restaurant and lounge boasts an array of dining options with a fusion of French, Italian, Asian and American cuisine. Red Sky also offers a tapas menu and a full bar with specialty cocktails in a relaxed but chic environment. L, D, C.

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RENDEZVOUS
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-576-1900
   
502 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, 617-576-1900. Acclaimed Boston chef Steve Johnson uses regional products and the spices of Northern Africa, Italy, France and Spain to create his own twist on seasonal cuisine. Rotating entrees can include grilled Portuguese sardines with roasted peppers, fennel and capers or Moroccan style kofte with minted yogurt. D.

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SONSIE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: yes - read profile
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-351-2500
   
327 Newbury St., 617-351-2500. Recommended by Boston magazine as the place to “see and be seen.” The lively restaurant features a streetside cafe, 50-foot mahogany bar, brick oven, creative takes on classic American cuisine and a colorful dining room. The restaurant also boasts a downstairs candlelit wine bar, an intimate and lovely brick-walled spot in which to enjoy items from a 250-bottle menu. L, D, C, LS, VP.

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THE TAJ BOSTON
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: yes
Profile: no
Most entrees more than $25
Telephone : 617-536-5700
   
15 Arlington St., 617-536-5700. This 1927 landmark offers award-winning contemporary French cuisine. The historic Dining Room is available for special events only. The Cafe: B, L, D, Sat & SB. The Lounge: L, D, C, LS. The Bar: L, D, C, LS.

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WISTERIA
Location: Theatre District
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-956-7900
   
Doubletree Hotel Boston, 821 Washington St., 617-956-7900. This restaurant and bar with a nouveau Asian twist offers an innovative menu that synthesizes New England seafood and Asian cuisine. Impeccable service and attention to detail are apparent, from the unique presentation of entrees on signature china to the welcoming hotel towel offered upon being seated. L & D. 7a.m.- 11:30 p.m.

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ZEPHYR ON THE CHARLES
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-441-6510
   
Hyatt Regency Cambridge, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, 617-441-6510. This restaurant serves small-portioned, tapas-like dishes, featuring eclectic fare like sushi-grade tuna tartare and wood-grilled tiger prawns. The setting features spectacular views of the Boston skyline. B, L, D, C.

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