CAMBRIDGE. Casablanca lives up to its movie namesake with an air of mystery, romance, and passion. At this pleasant restaurant, chef Ruth-Ann Adams works wonders with fresh vegetables, meats, and spices, creating great Mediterranean fare and emphasizing Moroccan entrees. To start, order a platter of North African breads or Maine crab cakes. Delightful entrees include cod and lamb skewers, and the elegant bar makes a perfect meet-and-greet stop for cocktails and appetizers.

SOMERVILLE. Just up the street from Inman Square, head to this exciting Spanish restaurant whose interior is adorned with colorful and somewhat crazy decorations and whose menu sports some of the best tapas to be found in the whole of Boston. Notable favorites include the cherizo sausage and braised rabbit. Plus, the sangria is top-notch. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the wait staff cheerful and experienced.

LEATHER DISTRICT. An after-work favorite of the jet set, Les Zygomates (pronounced lay zee-go-mott) is a French bistro whose menu boasts country French cuisine. Rustic, wonderful dishes include pan-seared venison, rabbit fricassee, and seared scallops with herb potato salad. The wine list changes on a weekly basis, and live jazz plays in the background as patrons unwind. The red bench-style booths, linen-covered tables, and exposed brick walls make for a comfortable interior.

SOUTH END. Masa features a menu of well-prepared Southwestern cuisine as well as a bar scene that draws the hip and trendy to sip cocktails and make new friends. The feel of Masa is upscale and on the move, and this is accented by the spicy cuisine that has a Latin flair. Notable favorites include the lobster, corn and crab chowder, muscovy duck and the Caesar salad topped with blue tortillas. In fact, the name Masa is associated with tortillas as it refers to the dough used in their preparation. Guests immediately warm to the environment as they enjoy the linen-covered tables, the cushy booths, and the casually trendy feel that this place exudes.

BROOKLINE. Taberna de Haro is the place to go in Brookline for tapas and Spanish wine. The atmosphere at this establishment is quite festive, and the servers are attentive. The tapas menu is quite creative and includes treats such as grilled asparagus, steamed shrimp, mushrooms sautéed in garlic, and a small cheese plate. But, don't stop with the tapas. Follow through with a dessert; their selection is outstanding. Try the vanilla custard soup-it's almost legendary.