For the inviting, relaxed ambiance and affordability of a Mexican cantina in Camberville, we still have Rudy’s Cafe in Teele Square – a classic opened in 1982.

At this Brazilian-styled bakery and coffee bar with a wildly eclectic menu, you can start with pão de queijo, its small, savory cheese rolls, and silky scrambled eggs.

Season to Taste relocates, settling in as new kid on the strip between Porter and Harvard squares with offerings that blend New England fresh and Southern fried. 

Vincent’s, a Kendall Square space that evolved from Café Du Pays during the Covid lockdown, could be summed up as Southern barbecue meets south of the border.

The curious title of the Davis Square eatery refers to a Thai table condiment that is essentially chili flakes, salt and fish oil. The restaurant adds it to most everything it serves. And talk about spicy – we’re talking new levels of just what four chilis mean.

Local folks don’t generally get fired up about hotel restaurants, for fair reasons, but the Sheraton Commander’s Nubar makes for good dining for anyone.

Yakitori Totto is a spare yet cozy Japanese cafe specializing in yakitori and boasting a distinct, late-night izakaya vibe in Assembly Row, an urban super mall that can feel commercial and big box.

Now that the new year is upon us and folks will want to eat healthier, can we talk kimchi and quinoa? There’s an excellent option at Revival Cafe in Alewife.

Pagu is back to the core business of fine Spanish-Asian fusion feeding, with dishes such as a tangy hamachi sashimi appetizer, sublime spicy knife-cut noodles entree, brilliantly contrasting Black Sesame Tofu and smart cocktails.

Charlie’s Kitchen opened in the 1950s and hasn’t changed much along the way – but still will make you a grilled cheese with lobster, salt-and-pepper fries, chicken kebab with rice pilaf or some burgers that come on brioche buns.