Tu Y Yo

The Scene
This Somerville fonda, which takes great lengths to stand out from the many surrounding Americanized spots, counts homesick Mexicans, in-the-know foodies and students from nearby Tufts University among its fiercely loyal clientele. The bright room is buoyed by smiling waitresses and lots of sunlight, as well as the pitchers of deliciously fruity sangria that seemingly dot every table.

The Food
The kitchen churns out several familiar favorites (quesadillas, tacos), but the real draw is award-winning, authentic Mexican specialties. Don't walk out without trying one of the dishes made from "Mom's Recipes." Sturdy choices include pulpo pichirilo (octopus and vegetables in a red wine-vinaigrette sauce) and albondigas al chipotle (Mexican meatballs in a tomato-chipotle sauce). A selection of vegetarian items, including several stuffed-pepper dishes, makes this one of the more herbivore-friendly restaurants in Somerville. For dessert, there's cinnamon flan and cream-stuffed empanadas.