Artu

Location: Boston (North End), MA

Ambience: Upscale, energetic, and cozy. Luckily, this isn't the Olive Garden and the clientele doesn't need a lot of real estate.

Variety: What the restaurant lacked with a vegetarian section on the menu, it made up for with unbelievable service. The staff was incredibly attentive to our needs and knowledgeable about the variety of options available.

Bruschetta broccoli rabe, cannellini beans, gralic, evoo, grana padano ($7)

Melanzane Parmigiana eggplant, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce ($17)

Fusilli e con Broccoli Rabe cork screw pasta, broccoli rabe, garlic, evoo, chili flakes ($16)

Quality: The bruschetta was unbelievable as was the eggplant parm. I wasn't the biggest fan of the fusilli, but that's because I like my pastas like my women, saucy. Overall, the food was ingredients driven and the freshness made each bite a joy.

Bottom line: Avoid taking a large party (in both senses)--but go!

http://www.artuboston.com/

Top of the Hub

Location: Boston, MA

Ambience: Amazing view of Boston, but the beer selection left me parched. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Prudential Tower (second tallest building in Boston, behind the John Hancock Tower).

Variety: There were a few vegetarian options: a tomato mozzarella flatbread, a black bean burger with homemade chips (pictured), a gnocchi salad, and a mac & cheese.

Quality: The food was decent, and reasonably priced. It was a shame that the margherita flatbread ($13) and the blackbean burger ($11) were so enveloped in cheese that I couldn't taste the other ingredients. The blackbean burger on its own was pretty tasty. They also have a separate vegetarian/vegan menu if you ask, featuring five salads and a pasta.

Bottom line: Go for the view of Boston. It's well worth it if you are only in town for a short time or have guests that want to see the city, but don't feel like walking it.

http://www.topofthehub.net/

Veggie Planet

Location: Cambridge, MA

A vegetarian pizza joint by day, live music joint by night.

Ambience: If I had to take Sufjan Stevens on a date (in Harvard Square), I think I'd go here.

Variety: The whole menu. It's for us! And they let you mix & match. Pictured below is a combination of the Mexican Black Bean and Thai Tofu Pizza. Don't judge. Sometimes you can't decide between Mexican and Thai.

Quality: The dough is organic and made by Haley House Bakery. Not sure why they import the dough, other than to support a local development initiative, but whatever. I know--people are picky about their pizza. Me? I'm equal opportunity. The crust was thin, ingredients were fresh, and each bite was packed with flavor. Bonus? Cheap date. You can easily feed two for under $15 (total).

Bottom line: We needed a post in April. I mean, go. It's exactly what we want out of a restaurant--satisfaction, value, and vegetarian. These are our people, this is our place.

http://www.veggieplanet.net/

Bohemeo's

Location: Houston, TX

Ambience: Cute cafe atmosphere. Be sure to check out their garden patio.

Variety: There are plenty of vegetarian options-from sandwiches and pizzas to tacos! However, I have been a little disappointed with their pesto; maybe I just tried it on a bad day. If there is something on the menu that isn't feasting your appetite, the friendly staff will be more than happy to accommodate any requests you have.

Quality: At Bohemeo's you get more than what you pay for...in quality/taste. And if you buy a slice of their "daily cake," then in quantity as well!

Bottom line: Bohemeo's is a hidden treasure that I can't get enough of! For UH students, it's a mere 5 minute drive from campus and offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of school life. With rock bottom prices, fast service, and close proximity to school, Bohemeo's is definitely a treasure worth sharing with friends!

www.bohemeos.com