"The food had better be good here." That is what you are telling yourself as you walk through the convenience store to the back to find Vinny's at Night. Don't worry- you will not be disappointed. You are lucky my friend as you just stumbled upon a Somerville hidden jewel that only the locals know about. So don't let too many people in on the secret. At Vinny's you will find old school charm meets huge delicious portions of your Italian favorites. Vinny himself believes in making everyone feel at home by greeting you at the door, stopping and having a glass of wine with your table, and serenading the dining room with a little blue eyes. Voted Best of Boston for affordable Italian.

The artwork hanging on the walls at this neighborhood coffee shop--located on Highland Avenue between Davis Square and Sullivan (take the 90 bus line)--sets a warm and vibrant tone at this hidden Somerville gem. Caffé Rossini serves up quality Italian sandwiches stuffed with quality ingredients and served on bread that’s baked fresh daily. Co-owner Lola Riveras creates handmade Italian pastries (her cannoli is top-notch) while her partner, Joe Sinclair, crafts a mean pizza pie. The cafe is always festively decorated with Lola's artistic flair. Also, the café’s decor and the menu items change to be in tune with the seasons. Caffe Rossini boasts six indoor tables for dining in and they open up their outdoor seating during the summer month. Once you stumble on this lovely café, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Lil Vinny’s Ristorante in Somerville’s Magoun Square is a classic, old-school Italian eatery with a “Rat Pack” panache. While the close-knit working class population of the old Somerville may be rapidly disappearing this throwback to a bygone era continues to resist change. You can't go wrong with the traditional cuisine at Lil Vinny's including the chicken pomodoro, ziti and meatballs, spinach ravioli and veal parmigiana.

NYC-style pizza served with family-owned flavor. This hidden gem is a Winter Hill staple and one of the few old-school Italian pizza joints in Somerville. Die-hard fans take the 89 or 101 bus to nibble on one of Mamma Lisa's killer calzones.

Pescatore (which means “fisherman” in Italian) is a hidden gem tucked behind Kelly’s Diner. The 24-seat dining area is small and the sandstone-colored walls are sparse. However, the traditional Italian food with a Gaeta-flavored twist is awe-inspiring. Of course, the seafood is the star at this Ball Square newcomer. Try the fried callamari and the grilled salmon. One caveat: The restaurant’s beer and wine license is pending.

Located in the heart of Magoun Square in Somerville, Pini's Pizzeria is a great little pizza joint on Broadway. While the shop doesn’t have a sit-down dining room, their claim to fame is their fast and courteous delivery and stellar NYC-style pizza pies made with fresh meats and cheeses. Craving something non-traditional? Try Pini's gourmet pizzas like the Roasted Red Pepper-roni or the Zsa Zsa (white pizza).

The “exotic Mediterranean cuisine” at Sabur features dishes from the various cultures of North Africa, Turkey, Greece and Italy. Slow-roasted meats cooked over an open hearth are a specialty at this Teele Square dining room. Appetizers include a Greek platter with hummus and grape leaves, grilled Balkan sausages, spicy shrimp, celery and root cakes, and roast lamb soup. Most main courses are around $20 - $25. If you are willing to splurge for the evening, Sabur is well worth its cost. Live music Thurs.-Sat.

Antonia's captures the essence of all that is “cute.” Overlooking Davis Square, this cozy Italian Bistro sets the tone for a quiet, romantic evening on the town. A favorite among Davis locals, Antonia's offers a tasty and afforable menu, with options that cater to all tastes. The appetizers include the crowd favorite fried calamari ($7.45), as well as Antonia's Salad ($6), a specialty salad of chicken cutlet, mozzarella, basil, and roast pepper. Choose among the wide assortment of entrees, though the linguine frutti d'mare ($15) and alla matriciana ($9) come highly recommended. Diners on the go can enjoy a range of hot and cold subs ($4-6). Entrees $8-16. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

It's fast, tasty, family-owned and offers free delivery: in a college town, these are the factors that set Pizza King apart from other joints. And though it's named for the pizza, it's the subs here which are truly outstanding. Not only are they affordable--a large, which should be named emormous, runs between %5.50 and $7--but they are some of the best in the area. The Milano (pesto on grilled chicken, bacon, and fresh mozzarella cheese, &7.00 for a large) is not to be missed, and the Buffalo Chicken Sub ($6.50 for a large) is a perfectly spiced old favorite. A large pizza starts at $8.99 for cheese (during the week it can go as low as $.99), and there are dozens of toppings available.

Typical NYC-style pizza joint found in the heart of Somerville’s Union Square. A regular haunt for hungry college students longing for a late-night thin and crispy pizza pie delivered to their door. Union Square Pizza also serves up buffalo wings for those longing to spice up their dinner.