La Campania is located outside of Boston in Waltham. Their website states, "While our cooking borrows from this heritage it can also be described in a unique style as Gourmet Italian. Our chef John Maione was a student at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island and worked for several years at the Aujourd'hui Restaurant in the Four Seasons in Boston. Accordingly, there are influences of French cooking, particularly in the dessert arena. In fact, the French southern coast of Provence is quite similar in culture, architecture, and food to that of its Italian neighbor." La Campania strives to offer their customers fresh and innovative cuisine with a rustic Italian twist. The restaurant calls to mind a Greek taverna or rustic Italian restaurant with its cozy brick interior, exposed kitchen, and homey atmosphere. It's very busy on weekend evenings as it has been consistently lauded by Zagat and is something of a destination dining locale for Boston area cognoscenti.

A location of a small chain that specializes in upscale desserts, but also serves light lunches and dinners. There are branches in Boston's Theatre District, Harvard Square in Cambridge and Coolidge Corner in Brookline. ^[1]

Bistro-style French food, with an emphasis on Provence, in the Natick Collection mall. Brunch is available on both Saturday and Sunday. ^[2]

Lumiere is a small fifty seat restaurant with a small bar with four stools. Located in a corner store front in Newton, it is modestly decorated in classic style (white trim, oak flooring, burgundy red accents), comfortable, clean, and classic. The food is French and the setting is romantic. Parking is difficult on Washington Street but you can find ample parking in the back of the restaurant where you will find free and metered lots. They have been lauded for their desserts, especially the grape sorbet.

Barbecue joint in West Newton. Business is mostly takeout, but there are a few counter-style seats. In the summer, there are also a couple of small tables outside. In addition to street parking, there is a municipal parking lot across the street. Save a few bucks (and some tough decisions) by ordering a bountiful "feedbag" (assorted meats and sides) for either four or six people. ^[3]

The food is always excellent, though sometimes it doesn't go smoothly. You won't always get bread (sometimes you get it as soon as you're seated, other times you just don't), but don't worry, it's some peculiar Rye that's very good. The burgers are good but the chef can over cook; if you bring this up with your waitperson they usually clear it up. Often they will get you a new burger (although I imagine most folks are too impatient for that) or getting comped the overcooked burger. The place is packed on weekends, and the fries are excellent.

In addition to street parking, there is a municipal lot across the street from the restaurant. ^[4]