The Italian Cafe will give you the best bang for your buck downtown for a good lunch. The proscuitto, basil, tomato, and mozzarella never fails. Lively shop owners and quick turn around.

Mr. Dooley's is a great Irish pub with lots of old-school color. In fact, portraits of notable Irishmen (including Mr. Dooley) peer down from dark green walls, onto patrons crammed into tiny tables and high-backed wooden booths. And the typical pub fare (burgers, shepherd's pie, fish and chips) and thick pints of Guinness are served up with a warm smile from a staff of Irish expatriates. Live music most nights. A regular winner of various "Best of Boston" polls for "Best Irish Bar".

A unique twist on traditional panini, sandwiches heated in a press. Indulge in the Nutella-and-chocolate breakfast panini on the way to the office and I guarantee you will have a much better day at work because of it! Try the Steak Cuban for lunch - citrus marinated steak, swiss cheese, black bean salsa, mojo, pickles, carmalized onions, on ciabatta. Now serving wine and beer. Dreary Day discount! 10% off for the asking if:

• It's under 25 degrees outside
• It's snowing
• It's really raining

Classic hotel resturant filled with out of town business men power broking over lunch. The new chef brought to the hotel is interjecting this space with new and exciting menu features.

Vintage Lounge’s ultra-sleek ambience attracts a mix of young professionals, Financial District heavy hitters and collegiate hipsters looking to swill an after-work cocktail and munch on the restaurant’s stunning selection of Spanish appetizers known as tapas. The contemporary couches found near the bar area inspires conversation and the décor almost--but not quite--overshadows the glittery crowd. Definite late-night hotspot that seems more like an exclusive NYC tapas bar than a typical, Beantown haunt.

Umbria Ristorante has brought the ambience of an Italian villa to the financial district, and owner Frank de Pasquale of Bricco also is importing many ingredients from an organic farm in Umbria, Italy. The service is a bit inconsistent -- sometimes it is great, sometimes very slow. Usually when it is slow, the dessert is free. The restaurant can get very crowded at lunch, and the tables are close together. The eggplant is good but very filling for an appetizer. The salad is frequently underdressed, so it can feel like a large plate of greens. The soups are typically quite good.

Popular hangout with the business crowd, Brandy Pete’s serves up deli sandwiches and American staples like hamburgers, subs, salads and roast beef. Open since 1933, this pub also boasts a stellar selection of beers and pub grub like fried calamari. During the summer, they open up their doors and offer outdoor seating—a definite Financial District hotspot during lunch. Great place to wine and dine potential clients in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Al's is the Cheer's (circa 1970's) of sandwich shops in Boston; where everyone knows your name (and preferences). Food is of high quality, service is efficient, value is great, and the location is convenient to Government Center, the Financial District, and the Waterfront. It gets really crowded around lunchtime but the crowd is well worth it. Of particular note is the State Street Cafe special, with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil, plum tomatoes and olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another favorite is the Steak Italiano, a classic steak and cheese, with perfectly seasoned meat and just the right amount of cheese. You can purchase the "bag lunch", which comes with a small sandwich, a bag of chips and soda for $5.25. One of the best deals in the neighborhood! This place has the best chicken parm around. Get a large if you can handle it- its big. Don't worry if they yell at you, they only yell because they care. The bread is fresh baked on the spot. Go eat there.

Cosi's make-your-own sandwiches come in one, two, or three toppings, and although they are delicious, they don't come cheap. Kids will love the bread, which is baked in a wood-burning oven before your eyes. It's almost always warm and delicious. Toppings such as curry chicken, smoked salmon, and caramelized onion are in abundance, but standard fare is available, too. For dessert, try the ultimate "sandwich": marshmellows, Hershey bars, and graham crackers, served with a mini crackling fire and an iron pot for melting .

Panera is a bakery-cafe with several locations around Boston.