Best of Boston

2006 Best Al Fresco Restaurant

Oleana

If Ana Sortun’s celebrated Mediterranean fare isn’t enough to transport you, her back patio will: Two dozen tables are surrounded by a fragrant garden that blazes with color and, on cool nights, heat lamps. A wooden fence blocks noise from the bustling and each intimate, marble-topped table offers just enough space to fit Sortun’s delectable small plates of buttered hummus, spicy carrot purée, or warm breads for dipping.

134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-661-0505, oleanarestaurant.com