The Coast Cafe is a counter-service Southern spot in Cambridge serving a whole bunch of fried things.

Himalayan Kitchen is an excellent Nepali restaurant in Somerville’s Union Square.

Ganko Ittetsu is a ramen spot in Brookline that serves a variety of excellent bowls.

Maná Escondido is a counter-service Puerto Rican restaurant in the South End with great sandwiches.

Taquería Jalisco is a Mexican restaurant in East Boston with good tamales, tacos, and pozole.

Punjabi Dhaba is a casual Indian restaurant in Inman Square that does a whole lot of takeout.

All Star Sandwich bar is a casual sandwich shop in Inman Square with unique (and very good) sandwiches.

Pikalo is a Dominican take-out spot in East Boston with empanadas and sandwiches.

Milano’s is an Italian deli in East Boston with outstanding sandwiches.

Saigon Hut is a Vietnamese restaurant in East Boston with decent grilled meats.

Pai Kin Kao is a very casual Central Square Thai place that should absolutely be in your Cambridge Thai rotation.

Picco is a South End spot that does two very important things - beer and pizza - very well.

Ban Toi is a great casual Vietnamese restaurant in Dorchester with a few dishes that have the potential to save a bad day.

Vaanga is a small Indian place downtown that's a good option for a quick lunch.

Cafe Mamtaz is pretty much your only option for Indian in South Boston, so luckily it’s pretty good.

Alex’s Chimi’s is a counter-service Dominican place in Jamaica Plain.