Mediterranean spices dusted around the edges of colorful meals -- that's the signature of Arugula's creator and chef, Christiane Gehami, who has called upon her Egyptian and Italian heritage to develop interesting combinations of sumac, thyme, nutmeg and mint. The regularly updated menu at Arugula has included such favorites as wild mushroom rosemary lasagna, roasted eggplant, goat cheese ravioli and filet mignon of tuna (served rare or medium-rare only) with a sweet sesame-ginger glaze.

An open-air kitchen allows you to watch your food being prepared; be ready to hear some entertaining banter among the chef, staff and customers. Don't overlook the adventurous wine and beer list, and try to save room for the individually baked chocolate-banana phyllo pocket. This warm, flaky masterpiece takes about 15 minutes to bake, so enjoy a port or cappuccino while you wait. -- Michael Marciano