Picture from Amsterdam, June 2008.
) - Ethiopian food just a few short blocks from the Arlington T stop. Guests sit around mesops, low round tables where the food is served on injera, special light bread you use for eating with your hands. Make sure to try the honey wine--they will let you sample it. This is a great experience!) - located in the Porter Exchange, this has the freshest, best sushi I have had in Boston.) - one of my favorite restaurants ever. Great oysters, great drinks, and great food. The seasonings are creative, the food is fresh, and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is unpretentious and very Boston: everyone gets a free bowl of pickles to eat while waiting for food, they play Lily Allen in the background, and they put little plastic trinkets in the drinks. They don't take reservations, but if you have time to spare you can always duck into Bukowski's Tavern next door for a drink while you wait. (Christina's ice cream is on the other side--I recommend this for dessert!)) - you need a car to get out to its locations in Framingham or Billerica, but the journey is well worth it. Lao Sichuan has the most authentic Hunan/Sichuan food I've had in Boston.
) - a great place to get somewhat authentic, very spicy Hunan/Sichuan cuisine. Make sure to ask for both authentic and spicy (if you want it); otherwise they will default to the blander, greasier Americanized version.
) - off Harvard Square and a great place to get a quick brunch. Since it is tiny, it is often crowded--there may be a time limit on how long you can spend there.
) - the mall by the Porter Square T stop, has a handful of very reasonably-priced (and seemingly authentic) Japanese and Korean restaurants. Among them I particularly recommend the Ramen noodle shop (great for fast meals).) - I only went here when it was still Craigie Street Bistro by Porter, but this had incredibly fresh, delectable food and great wine.) - great food; you need to dress up but has playful decor. The waiters are rather pretentious, so maybe not ideal for a first date.
) - they don't take reservations and have quite a small space, but the variety and freshness of the oysters make it worth it. (Best oysters I've ever had!) Be prepared--you may have quite a long wait if you go on weekend evening, and you will likely have to sit at the bar. I do not recommend this for groups.) - has a fun atmosphere, tasty desserts, and great wines. An unfailing good experience in terms of atmosphere. Great way to impress a girl, whether it is for a first date or an nth date.) - the location in Chinatown is great for dim sum: there are three stories dedicated to dim sum, so the variety is good and it is usually easy to get a table.
) - near Central Square on the T stop, has great Korean hot pot and Korean barbecue. If you order for two or more they will cook the food at the table. Not the best date place because the tables are wide due to the heating implements in the middle.