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.

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“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.

I have to give the nod to El Triunfo for best west-coast style Burritos in Boston, but Herrera's is very good and whenever I'm in the area for lunch its my first choice. Their hours are limited, but for workday lunches it's a great option. Service is always pleasant and speedy.

Casually elegant, though far from pretentious (it was a favorite of the Real World Boston cast, after all), Emily's caters primarily to the yuppies working in Downtown Crossing who often stop in for a drink after (or even during) a long day at the office. Boston's best DJs tear it up on F and Sa with everything from hip-hop to funk, and there's also an exclusive members-only list upsatirs at SW1, the cooler-than-thou dance club. Cover around $5. No sneakers, baseball hats, or athletic wear. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

How does the Falafel King work?

• walk into strange food court
• expect to have at least 30 people in line ahead of you at lunch.
• you might feel bad for the other food court vendors with lines that are less busy
• when you get the front of the line (after seemingly timeless waiting in hunger) a cheerful, nice man will hand you a free falafel ball, take your order, and create your meal in a dervish of tahini, cucumber, and wonder.
• suddenly it all makes sense- your order is delicious!

The only down-side (aside from that it's not open at night) is that its not in the greatest of buildings. You'll find it wedged between a cellphone store (where I would guess half the phones are stolen) and a pizza place I've never tried, and a small Chinese restaurant. This makes the line, which at noon on a nice day, that can go out the door. The plus side: I've never seen anyone make sandwiches as well or as fast as the guy at FK, plus you get a free falafel for your wait. The line moves through at a blistering pace.

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.

This restaurant turned bar/dance club makes an ideal date spot, whether you're in the mood for dinner-and-a-movie (Loews Boston Common is just down the street) or bacchanalian revels (DJ F and Sa, 10pm-2am, 21+, $10 cover). Appetizers ($7-11) include cilantro ginger calamari, a Mediterranean tapas plate, and a Thai style chicken tenders plate ($8). Entrees ($11-22) range from seafood to salads; the filet mignon ($22) is a must-have meal, though other options, like the Pizza Special of the day ($12), are just as delectable. West Street Grille's reliably good food, excellent service, and soothing décor will undoubtedly please. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.