With its romantic, dimly-lit interior and elegant decor, Gargoyles on the Square is the perfect restaurant to bring a date and hide the fact that he's more Tom Hanks than Brad Pitt. This fantastic Somerville establishment offers innovative and affordable fare that ranges from the classic to the exotic. The menu changes at least once a month; past dishes include appetizers of Salmon Carpaccio ($12) and Country Style Pate ($9.25), and entrees like Seared Duck Breast ($23). There are only a few vegetarian entrees, such as Saffron Gnocchi ($18), but these are supplemented by several veggie appetizers and salads. Adventurous carnivores will be delighted with the chef's original presentation of game meats (Grilled Venison $21). A cheaper but equally gourmet bar menu starts at 5pm and is a well-kept secret of restaurant regulars. Reservations recommended. Appetizers $9-11, entrees $18-24. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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A nearly life-sized bas-relief elephant welcomes visitors to the Elephant Walk, where the pseudo-imperial outpost, Eastern-minimalist-meets-Cambridge-bourgeoisie décor reflects the two-toned, post-colonial menu: half French, half Cambodian. Both sides are outstanding and equally popular, though the Cambodian dishes tend to be more strongly flavored and certainly more novel. On the French side, the beet and sweet pear is tasty, filling, and on par with those of more expensive French restaurants ($9.50). Perfect for sharing, Croustillants de Crabes serves 2 crispy soft shell crabs with chilled spicy noodes in sesame oil, ginger, and scallions. As for entrees, the Loc lac (beef tenderloin in a soy, garlic, and pepper sauce; $19) is better and more unusual than the French steak options, while salads and plenty of seafood and vegetarian dishes abound. Desserts, all sprinkled with elephant-shaped cocoa, includes delectable crêpes de fruit au cointreau ($7). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.