The dramatic ambience and fashionista crowd at Mantra almost overshadows the stunning French-Indian fusion cuisine served up my chef Thomas John but his classic culinary instincts and clever use of spices ultimately prevails at this fine-dining must where Boston’s Downtown Crossing and Theatre District intersect. The décor is breathtaking. This former bank from the 1800s has been transformed into an avant-garde masterpiece with its Italian marble walls and floors, halogen lights and saffron-colored silk drapery that makes seem like an experiential journey of the senses. Chain mail curtains and stepped tables evoke multiple rooms in the Beaux-Arts marble hall of the Old Colony Bank. Tip: Gentlemen, the urinals are disguised as ice machines. Ladies, your privacy is secure: the glass is one-way.

Italian small plates and no bottles of wine over $26 make this Ladder District restaurant a favorite for lunch and dinner. Set away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Crossing on Temple Place, Ivy is a sharp restaurant with the appeal of prices in the everyday range.

“Sizzling fajitas and frosty margaritas” are the order of the day at this funky, laid-back hangout. It's not the most authentic taco joint, but portions are large and prices are reasonable (fajitas $7-12, large order of tequila wings $10, and chili $3-4). The bar stocks 18 different kinds of tequila—need we say more? Margaritas $4+, pitchers $10+. Best of all, should the José Cuervo bring out your artistic impulses, feel free to doodle on the tables and walls (crayons provided). Entrees $7-13. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

As comically old-school as it may be, Locke-Ober invariably delivers on its biggest promise: a wildly decadent, scotch-and-cigar-laden immersion in all things traditionally New England—and Harvard, of course. This restaurant's ancient leather chairs, pheasant prints, sprawling chandeliers, and heavy panelled walls once watched only the wealthiest of men. Now, as our waiter lamented, the dining room is open to ladies, though “it is not designed for it.” The spookily stiff waiters invisibly deliver dishes from a menu leaning heavily toward expensive meats and seafood, from appetizers such as the divine Jonah crab cakes ($14) all the way through the entrees (tasty, fatty sirloin; $36) and sickeningly rich and delicious desserts. For the pyromaniacs among us, ample opportunities exist to have various dishes flambéed (read: lit on fire) tableside. For good reason, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals still bring their Man of the Year here annually. For a bit of Boston history in your belly, order a "Ward 8." This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Max & Dylans is located in the Downtown Crossing location as the Old West Street Grille and has been opened by Brad Dalbeck and Chris Damian, the owners of Scollay Square in Beacon Hill and Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, and is named after their two sons. Their vision is for a cool, hip, and trendy eatery and watering hole with a laid back vibe, great cocktails and good food. The space is decorated with large black and white photographs, intimate bar tables, and a large mirrored bar. Dancing optional. Zagat-Rated.

Vegetarians absolutely love the options on the menu. There should be more veggie-friendly lunchtime restaurants like this in Boston. There is nothing better than eating delicious food that is at a good price and great for your health.
Excellent service and a wide variety of choices. Its a great fast food joint without being junk. French Fries without the guilt - what could be better? Formerly the Know Fat Lifestyle Grill.

An outdoor patio attached to the Hyatt hotel, Avenue One offers cocktails, light fare, and a relaxing and romantic atmosphere for whatever the situation. Avenue One serves contemporary New England cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown, just steps from many theatres, hip bars and South Station. Avenue One is a great location for a hearty breakfast, power lunch, after work drinks and pre-theatre meals.

Boston's young consulting crowd never looked better in this dimly-lit downtown watering hole. Swank and surprisingly stentorian Vinalia (Latin for Festival of Wines) is part upscale restaurant and part wine bar that serves Mercer fare at Baine prices. The Crab Fritters with Napa Cabbage Cole Slaw ($12) and Steak Tartare ($10) are traditional introductions to the sumptuous Lobster Risotto ($27) and Veal Chop ($34), and the desserts (chocolate molten cake $7) are pedestrian but delicious. Satisfy your enological pursuits with any one of the array of international wines by the bottle and glass—ask you server for recommendations.

This basement bar is festooned with radios from the '50s. Try the mac and cheese. Comfort-food plates of high quality and value, reasonably quick if you sit at the bar. Great grilled fish, steak tips, sandwiches with very good fries. Their appetizers include a tasty bruschetta and a goat cheese crostini. Price Range = Apps. $4-$8 Entrees $10-$20. There is some street parking with meters. Closest MBTA Green Line Park St Red Line Park St & Downtown Crossing

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common's stunning in-house dining room serves up classic American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Situated on the ground floor of the Ritz Carlton Residences and the The Sports Club LA, Jer- ne is a sophisticated and polished place to grab a drink, quick bite, or enjoy a long meal with friends. Their winelist is extensive and they serve elegant American flair with a bit of a twist.