El Oriental is a cheerful Cuban café which provides bilingual service with a smile. It is a casual, friendly hangout for a diverse crowd of locals. Choose from among the succulent variety plates ($7.50-$11.75), particularly the chicken fricassee and shredded beef, deliciously satisfying meals with rice, beans, and tasty fried plantains served green or ripe. Don't forget the sweet drinks—tropical shakes are only $2, and a creamy orange concoction called “morir soñando” (“to die dreaming”) is only $2.50—or the desserts (sweet, light flan; $1.50). They serve the best Cuban coffee in the City and it's not unusual to see Red Sox and visiting team players here getting their fix, along with Cubans from all over town.
El Oriental de Cuba suffered a fire bombing in mid 2005 but like a phoenix rose from the ashes. Owner Nobel Garcia, an unofficial neighborhood ambassador, never let adversity hinder him. El Oriental does catering and their food is a great way to spice up your meeting (literally) with beans, rice a little pork or beef and platanos. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This is a fantastic neighborhood Japanese restaurant. There is a take-out window when you first walk in - be sure to check out the daily specials before you order, there's usually at least one amazing offering there. If you want to eat in you have two options: sit at one of the tables or at the sushi bar. JP Seafood Cafe offers great lunch specials in bento boxes and entrees at diner are great as well. Their specialty is sushi and that's the main draw.

Named for his son,Christopher - who is in fact quite sweet - Sweet Christopher's has a lovely array of tasty treats and also serves Fair Trade coffee. It's worth a stop in to bring something yummy home or stay awhile, sit in the cafe and take a break from your busy life.

A popular JP restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. They offer high-end comfort food like a truly gourmet mac and cheese and fabulous burgers abound alongside salads and creative desserts. Zon's has a definite JP vibe, so the clientele is diverse. Zon's has a cozy bar that has a good wine menu to boot.

New American food with French influences from Krista Kranyk and her team. There is an open kitchen and there are 10 tables, literally. It's the BEST food in Jamaica Plain without question. The only restaurant in JP which is really high-end. Ten Tables gets national press and acclaim - which it deserves. Reservations are taken 7 days a week and are a very good idea as the restaurant fills up quickly. A great romantic dinner for two spot. There is a Tuesday Wine Dinner - four courses with four glasses of wine for $39. Each wine dinner has a country theme. Ten Tables is truly a small, neighborhood restaurant and worth a visit.

This swank new restaurant recently opened in Jamaica Plain. Vee Vee is a New American Bistro on Centre Street, serving mid-priced, modern American food, with a focus on fresh seafood, vegetables and grains. The menu, which changes seasonally, features local products whenever possible. Also, Vee Vee's stunning decor is minimalistic with a contemporary flair. They also sport a carefully chosen selection of craft beers. Vee Vee is now open for Sunday brunch brunch from 10:30 - 3:00PM.

Conveniently located at the Intersection of Centre Street and South Huntington Avenue, Zesto’s Pizza & Grille has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving the best steak tips in Jamaica Plain, an irresistible pizza pie, or one of a variety of vegetarian options, Zesto’s is fast, friendly, and serves up the freshest ingredients. Store owner and head Chef George Vidianos, who greets costumers by name and with a warm smile, is proud that Zesto’s is a favorite destination of residents and businesses alike for eating in, picking up, and delivery. Undoubtedly you can taste the pride in the pizza crust. Even middle school students, who drop in on their way home from school, can look forward to a free slice of pizza if they make the honor roll. Great food and friendly service awaits you at Zestos Pizza & Grille.
....Don't miss the fan favorites: Chicken Souvlaki and the Mona Lisa Steak Tip Sub! Menuism

It's got an odd name, locals just call it "The Gate" but an Irish pub named for the way Guiness is moved in and out of the factory in Dublin can't be bad, right?
They've got Shepherd's Pie and Blood Pudding (which comes with the full Irish breakfast) or there's always the Bangers and Mash. Like the contemporary menus of pubs back in the old country, you can order curry sauce to dip your chips (fries) in. Being a JP establishment there's plenty for vegetarians to eat too. And the PEI mussels are simply the best thing EVER!
The ambiance is articulated by a long, centrally located, communal table in front of a fireplace - which roars throughout the cold winter months. In the warmer weather, there is a patio with shaded tables to eat al fresco. Trivia is played on Monday nights.

Bella Luna has been serving great food to folks from JP since 1993. The interior has a funky decor (with work by local artists) and you eat off of hand drawn plates (like those ones you did in elementary school). But it's the pizza (and other food) that is what folks come for.

The Simple Simon pizza (just mozzarella and sauce) starts at $5 for the small, but try some of the more exciting combos: Manny's Grand Slam (white pizza with garlic mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar and scallions served with sour cream); La Sophia (pesto, chicken artichoke hearts); or the Latin Quarter (chicken, avocado, cheddar, bacon, jalapenos). Or you can also create your own galatic pie or calzone. Bella Luna also serves up appetizers, entrees, sandwiches and superior salads. They offer a full take out menu and deliver to JP. They also have a Party Take Out Menu - which is super handy for times when you want to have the gang over but don't want to do all the cooking (or for meetings!)
And if all this glorious food isn't enough, one percent of the profits go to support local non-profits. So every forkful is for a good cause! Once you are done eating you can head downstairs into the Milky Way for a little bowling. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Ghazal's philosophy is to emphasize on refined yet authentic indian cuisine. The menu incorporates both traditional classic favorites and original new dishes that apply eastern flavors with a twist. Whether dining or organizing a party, you will get first service and engaging atmosphere all across.
UPDATE: Cafe D that was located here officially closed its doors on Sunday, August 17 2009.