Radisson Hotel & Suites Chelmsford-Lowell

NORTH END. Based on appearances alone, it'd be oh, too easy to pass right by this tiny, red brick Italian eatery and...

NORTH END. Based on appearances alone, it'd be oh, too easy to pass right by this tiny, red brick Italian eatery and never think twice. Needless to say, doing so would be "tu culpa" ... And your palate would pay the ultimate price. Known for its regional small plates, Carmen's kitchen creates quite a frenzy. Indeed, dishes like spice-crusted seared tuna and crespelle Bolognese soundly see to that. And if the food sounds too good to be true, wait 'til you get a load of the wine list.

Hours: Tue 5:30pm-10pm; Wed-Thu Noon-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat Noon-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 3pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

SOMERVILLE. All those die-hard regulars can't be wrong, can they? In the case of Somerville's Sound Bites, the answer to...

SOMERVILLE. All those die-hard regulars can't be wrong, can they? In the case of Somerville's Sound Bites, the answer to that question is a resounding "No!" Breakfast is served until 3pm each day here, and folks clamor over one another for a chance to dig into challah French toast, waffles smothered in sweet maple syrup, or to-order omelets. And, if you find you're not in the mood for one of those at lunch time, their burgers, sandwiches and Middle Eastern plates are tasty enough options.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm; Sun 7am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CAMBRIDGE. A favorite among the Inman Square crowd, this Mediterranean restaurant boasts an innovative menu and pleasant...

CAMBRIDGE. A favorite among the Inman Square crowd, this Mediterranean restaurant boasts an innovative menu and pleasant wait staff. Entrees derive their inspiration from Turkey, North Africa, and Greece and include Armenian bean and walnut pate, tile roasted Halibut, grilled lamb steak with Turkish spices, and baked Alaska for dessert. The list goes on and on, and you're certain to encounter a variety of dishes you've never had the pleasure to experience. Reserve a table in their outdoor patio if you can.

Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CAMBRIDGE. Chef Tony Maws started this modern bistro in 2002, and the accolades have been showering upon the place ever...

CAMBRIDGE. Chef Tony Maws started this modern bistro in 2002, and the accolades have been showering upon the place ever since. Each night, Maws & crew offer a life-altering à la carte menu that includes dishes like spice-bread-crusted wild boar chops and whole-roasted Vermont squab. The wine list, too, is sure to impress thanks to an emphasis on vineyards that tend to be overlooked by the more mainstream eateries.

Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-Midnight; Sun 10:30am-1:30pm, 5:30pm-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CAMBRIDGE. Helmand's unique menu features Afghan foods and a range of other Middle Eastern specialties. Regulars rave...

CAMBRIDGE. Helmand's unique menu features Afghan foods and a range of other Middle Eastern specialties. Regulars rave about warm, homemade breads that go beautifully with savory lamb and chicken dishes crafted by expert hands. The menu makes available a large, tasty selection of vegetarian dishes as well. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and the dining room is awash in light-colored hues. Cold days find visitors trying to stake out a table near the fireplace.

Hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH END. For well over 70 years, North Enders have enjoyed the tasty brick oven pies served at the original Pizzeria...

NORTH END. For well over 70 years, North Enders have enjoyed the tasty brick oven pies served at the original Pizzeria Regina, which may just serve the best pizzas in Boston. Go for the classic thin crust pie and adorn it with everything from roasted eggplant, ricotta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes to prosciutto, jalapeños and crushed garlic. You will not be disappointed. Not in the mood for pizza? Then you definitely want to sample one of their homemade calzones.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-12:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH END. This lunch-only Italian eatery, located in the North End, enjoys more than its share of popularity among area...

NORTH END. This lunch-only Italian eatery, located in the North End, enjoys more than its share of popularity among area business types, as the long lines will no doubt attest. Don't fret, the line moves much faster than you might expect. The reason for the restaurant's popularity is two-fold: the Italian food is tremendous, and the prices are among the most reasonable in town. Try one of their excellent calzones (the spinach is best) or, if you're really hungry, their hand-tossed pizzas which are always a winner.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2:30pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Sultan's Kitchen delivers fresh, healthful dishes that celebrate the cuisine of the Mediterranean...

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Sultan's Kitchen delivers fresh, healthful dishes that celebrate the cuisine of the Mediterranean world, especially that of Turkey. Owner Özcan Ozan has pulled in loyal lunch crowds since 1981, thanks to tasty traditional offerings like kofte (lamb) and adana (chicken) kebab sandwiches, dolmades, and hummus. The Greek salad is a favorite of lighter eaters, and vegetarian dishes and take-out are available as well.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 11am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CHINATOWN. Chau Chow City is just the sort of place you'd expect to find in Chinatown, and its fine reputation is...

CHINATOWN. Chau Chow City is just the sort of place you'd expect to find in Chinatown, and its fine reputation is recognized by business types, in-the-know tourists, and neighborhood locals alike. The basic decor is completely overshadowed by traditional Chinese dishes of shrimp, pork, and chicken. Lobster dumplings and rice crepes packed with shrimp also draw raves. Plus, according to regulars, Chau Chow's dim sum can hold its own against anyone else's in the city.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4am; Sat-Sun 11am-4am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

Downtown and looking for a great place to grab lunch? Try this Boston favorite, which combines the best of two worlds:...

Downtown and looking for a great place to grab lunch? Try this Boston favorite, which combines the best of two worlds: great deli food and delicious coffees and desserts. Enormous Cosí sandwiches are stuffed with everything from Virginia baked ham to roasted red peppers, salami, tandoori chicken, smoked salmon, olive spread, roasted turkey, cucumber and goat cheese. Just know that the more you add, the more you pay.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express