Oleana

Because of how transformative Ana Sortun's Eastern Mediterranean cooking has been to the city, Boston will one day create a statue in her honor. After completing a training program in Turkey, Sortun returned to Boston and launched Oleana in 2001, introducing the city's residents to flavorful, spice-filled meals made with locally sourced, in-season ingredients. That is one of the most Michelin-star-worthy restaurants in Boston. Although more substantial entrees like the lemon chicken with za'atar and Turkish cheese pancake are equally flavor-packed, delicate small plates (meze) like chickpea crepes, lamb siniya, and spinach falafel are both revelatory and pleasant to a wide variety of palates. The handcrafted ice cream is a must-try (always look for the salted butter variety), and during the warmer months, a seat on the patio, ideally beneath the fig tree, is a must.

In the main dining area, reservations for parties of 7 to 12 people may be made between 5:30 and 6 o'clock and at 8:30 or later. The restaurant offers a family-style menu only from Sunday through Thursday for $85 per person including beverage, tax, and a 20% house fee. Reservations are available for up to 18 persons on the balcony overlooking the patio if you're searching for a semi-private place. The cost varies according to the season and night of the week.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Location: 134 Hampshire St. Cambridge, 02139
Cross street: Elm St
Website: www.oleanarestaurant.com
Phone: 617-661-0505
Transport: Red line to Central Square, then 15min walk or bus 83, 91
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5:30-10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30-11pm