Cambridge, just across the Charles River from Boston, is sometimes called 'Boston's Left Bank'. The small city, reputed to be the brainiest 18 sqkm in the world, prides itself on its unusual and international dining scene.
Craigie Street Bistrot, 5 Craigie Circle (craigiestreetbistrot.com)
This French bistro is in the basement of an apartment building. Step inside and you're in a Parisian neighbourhood restaurant. 'We want you to feel like you're stepping into our home,' chef Tony Maws says as he waves towards his 20 little tables, at which one might see classical musician Yo Yo Ma or US Supreme Court judge Stephen Breyer, who are regulars. Maws turns out contemporary versions of rustic favourites such as slow-roasted organic veal sweetbreads with surprise ingredients such as peanuts and a maple-aigre doux. Fans of the often hard-to-find pied de cochon farci will love it. Prix-fixe menus are HK$476 to HK$585.
UpStairs on the Square, 91 Winthrop St, Harvard Square (upstairsonthesquare.com)
Walking into UpStairs on the Square is like stepping into a 1940s jewellery box, an eclectic fantasy of pink walls with silver, gold and copper leaf, gilded ballroom chairs and a cheetah carpet. New England cuisine always means stellar seafood, but here it goes global. The Wellfleet oysters are served with slivers of Asian pear and yuzu ice and Maine lobster is butter-poached with coconut rice and curry sauce. Main dishes are H$172 to HK$312.
Rialto, 1 Bennett St, Harvard Square (rialto-restaurant.com)