Oishii Boston 1166 Washington St., (617) 482-8868. www.oishiiboston.comSeats: 90Cuisine: Japanese/sushiSpecialties: grilled Kobe beef with red onion, chive, tempura capers, caviar and wasabi ponzu sauce; seared toro with mango, caviar and sweet soy sauce; fried lobster with sweet creamy mustard sauce and house-made potato chipsMain courses: $15-$24Chef /owner: Ting San
Orinoco 477 Shawmut St., Roxbury, (617) 369-7075. www.orinocokitchen.comSeats: 30Cuisine: Latin-AmericanSpecialties: Arepas, Venezuelan grilled corn pocket sandwiches; empanadas; pistachio-panela-plantain crusted lamb chops with mint mojo and a watercress blue cheese salad with dry mushroom vinaigretteMain courses: $12.50-$14Owner: Andres BrangerChef: Carlos Rodriguez
Petit Robert Bistro 480 Columbus Ave., (617) 867-0600. www.petitrobertbistro.comSeats: 45Cuisine: French bistroSpecialties: sardines on a grilled baguette; leek vinaigrette and grilled duck breast; petit calf's liver sauteed with caramelized onion and bacon; pan seared foie gras with sauteed apples, cinnamon and a vinegar reductionMain courses: $13-$19.75Chef/Co-owner: Jacky RobertCo-Owner: Loic Le Garrec
Restaurant Pava 1280 Centre St., Newton Centre, (617) 332-3677. www.restaurantpava.comSeats: 40Cuisine: MediterraneanSpecialties: cappelletti di zucca featuring black trumpet mushrooms and toasted sage leaves; chestnut crusted lamb with chestnut polenta and red Russian kale; grass-fed beef with gorgonzola dolce and fingerling potatoes; orange crusted swordfish with wild arugula velouteMain courses: $24-$34Chef: Susan RegisOwners: Tess Enright and Carlos Pava
Douzo Japanese Restaurant & Lounge 131 Dartmouth St., (617) 859-8885. www.douzosushi.comSeats: 120Cuisine: modern JapaneseSpecialties: Russian roll featuring caviar, eel, salmon skin and cucumber; tuna sashimi with kimchee and a spicy garlic sauce; salmon spring rolls; thinly sliced prime rib simmered in a sukiyaki sauceMain courses: $21-$30Chef/Owner: Jack Huang