Desfina Restaurant

Desfina brings Greek taverna cooking to Third Street in East Cambridge. Start a meal with charred octopus dressed in olive oil and lemon, spinach pie, or dips for passing around the table. The larger plates include moussaka layered with eggplant, potato and beef, braised lamb shank, and shrimp cooked with tomatoes, olives and feta.

The family-run restaurant has been here since 1997, with Steve and Thomas Mallakis behind it. Lunch is served on weekdays, while Saturday service begins at dinner; Sundays are closed. Ask about the patio when the weather is good, or book an indoor table through the website. Leave a little room for orange cake, baklava or custard wrapped in crisp phyllo.