Despite its tables, this small restaurant feels more like a takeout joint. The menu offers salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and specials that change daily. They often look so enticing that I’ve arrived intending to order one thing and — after eyeing the display of, say, stuffed shells (fantastic) — left with something entirely different. — Sacha Pfeiffer

FRANCESCA’S KITCHEN 162 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, 781-648-0005, francescasarlington.com