Cheap Eats: Dante

The Royal Sonesta near the Cambridgeside Galleria and the Museum of Science may seem like an odd place to go for food, but once you realize that it is the home of chef Dante deMagistris' first restaurant, Dante, the destination doesn't seem so odd. The restaurant overlooks the river, making it a quiet escape in a traffic-harried area. And while Dante's regular menu runs $35 for 3 courses, you can take advantage of Buzz Hour, a menu of special sfizi (whimsies), for only $1 each.

The $1 sfizi menu is available weekdays from 4-7pm in the bar area. With six different choices, you can order them all and still be spending short money. Bostonist recommends the arancini (above), delicately fried risotto balls drizzled with honey. The best value is in the olives and the hummus, both rather large servings considering the price tag. Smaller, but more interesting ingredient-wise, are the fresh ricotta bruschetta and the pepe imbottiti, small peppers stuffed with meat and cheese. Oysters are also available at $1 a piece.

Whether you're looking for a post-shopping rest or a pre-IMAX bite, Dante's Buzz Hour delivers delicious food quickly and cheaply. Even the cocktails are reasonably priced (on Boston's standards, at least). Dante is located at 40 Edwin Land Boulevard in Cambridge, and Buzz Hour is available from 4-7pm weekdays.

Originally published on Bostonist.