Lisa's Family Pizzeria, Medford

Any day of the week, you can witness a never-ending parade of thin-crust pizzas leaving the kitchen at Lisa's. Some, like the Veggie, display the bright-green colors of fresh spinach, broccoli, and green peppers, while others glisten with melted cheeses and mounds of meat, such as sweet sausage and homemade meatballs. Made-to-order pies might conspicuously lack tomato sauce or cheese per guests' requests, or, less obviously, rest on a gluten-free or whole-wheat crust.

For an equally Italian meal of something other than pizza, try a calzone, sub, or plate of pasta. And for a totally non-Italian dish, consult the menu of Portuguese specialties, such as the Bife a Portuguesa, an 8oz. steak topped with ham and egg and served with rice.