Highland Kitchen

Since its 2007 debut, this Somerville eatery has become a hot spot among locals. Beneath wire loop light fixtures, patrons pack in the small, blue-and-white washed dining room to indulge in favorites like ricotta mozzarella fritters dipped in a chile-honey sauce and spicy coconut curried goat stew with crispy fried plantains. Diners can also chow down on inexpensive snacks at the bar or start the party early with Sunday brunch cocktails and buttermilk pancakes drizzled with bourbon maple syrup.