Bites Nearby: Aegean Restaurant

The service is efficient and pleasant in the , a traditional-style European restaurant, which is good because the place can be crowded, especially on weekends. There are lots of comfortable booths, though, as well as tables that aren't jammed together. This is a place to peruse the menu and try something a bit different, since many of the ingredients are familiar, yet they're blended in ways that are Greek to most of us. Reservations are necessary for parties of four or more.

What to eat: Plenty of options, from a dozen seafood dishes, like shrimp, swordfish, trout, smelts, and haddock, to traditional Greek meat dishes, like mousaka (layers of eggplant and beef), lamb, and Greek sausage and vegetarian fare, such as spinach, cheese and vegetable dishes.

Vibe: It's one large room and has a European feel to it, with a casual elegance and a sense of pride in the fare.

Cool factor no. 1: On being seated, a waitress promptly serves a basket with half a loaf of fresh bread and a large bowl of tangy olive oil with feta cheese bits and oregano swimming in it.

Cool factor no. 2: There's a whole page of Mediterranian appetizers, like broiled artichokes in a lemon sauce and Parmesan cheese, eggplant dip, calamari (squid), and pan-fried zucchini and peppers in a garlic potato spread. Don't forget to mop up the sauces with the loaf of bread.