Fodor's Expert Review Pammy's

Perched between Central and Harvard Squares, this New American trattoria was created by husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis. The rulebook goes out the window here as the menu takes traditional Italian flavors and turns them on their tails in a prix-fixe menu (à la carte is available only in the bar/lounge area), with items like Hiramasa crudo, 45-day–aged steak tartare, and sablefish with forbidden rice at the ready. The cocktail presence is strong (so are the drinks), and the natural wine list features small-batch wines from vineyards off the beaten path. Known for its romantic and intimate nature, Pammy's dual-opening fireplace, dramatic floral arrangements, and hand-drawn peacock mural add to its well-known charming nature that brings in foodies from all over Cambridge.