Despite his culinary prowess, Grocery Bistro chef Andre Christopher (Japonais, Pops for Champagne, one sixtyblue) usually spits out his own cooking. Not because it's terrible, mind you, but because the meat- and seafood-laden menu doesn’t quite jive with Christopher's vegetarianism.

We know a vegetarian chef sounds a lot like priest who preaches Satanism, but the fact that he tastes his food, even if he doesn’t eat it, goes a long way. His roasted lamb chops are spiced with a searing chili crust and roasted to a perfect medium rare, while his delicate saffron perfumed mussels swim in white wine and basil pesto. The good news for Christopher’s fellow vegetarians is that he feels your pain and offers at least two veggie entrees at all times, and accommodates vegans as well.

While Christopher's food skews slightly upscale, his restaurant digs, featuring a chalkboard menu, rustic maple woods, and bright white pendant lamps is straight informal and cozy.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant