Freed of tomato-sauce tyranny, the potent flavor of the ingredient combos—like bacon-scallion-Gorgonzola and spinach-kalamata-feta—come shining through, and may just convince you to kick the red stuff for good. 40 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-864-8534. link

The super-thin crust that flies out of Emma’s kitchen is addictive in its own right. Add to that such innovative combinations as Canadian bacon, caramelized onions, and rosemary sauce, or a scallion, garlic, and gorgonzola mix. The restaurant may have just changed hands, but nearly everything else about it has stayed the same—right down to the à la carte toppings (three kinds of tomatoes, sweet and gold potatoes, capers, even dried cranberries). Friendly service (the waiters offer detailed reheating instructions) rounds out the experience. 40 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-864-8534. link