The Blue Room

Dark, warm and inviting, this hidden gem tucked away in Kendall Square is renowned for its Mediterranean style cooking, wine list, and casual fine dining approach. Dinner entrees like roasted skate wing and pan-seared tuna are well done, but it's the brunch experience that is the real treat. Cooks man buffet stations slicing roasted Vermont lamb and grilled-cumin rubbed flank steak alongside more traditional brunch staples. The perfect spot for pre- or post-movie dining after taking in an arthouse flick at the nearby Kendall Square Cinema. MIT kids would be advised to bring mom and dad when they come to visit, especially since they can stick them with the tab.