In the heart of Beacon Hill lies one of Boston's few Tuscan restaurants. They say they keep their regulars by changing the menu seasonally. Regardless of your timing, you can always find some gems, and appetizers are typically delicious. This snug restaurant can make any evening an intimate one. Entrees $18-39. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Housed in the old site of Torch, Bin 26 is a new Italian wine bar and tapas joint in Beacon Hill. This newish addition (opened in Fall of 2006) presents their customers with a new twist on fun and casual dining. This local favorite vows to use the freshest and most local ingredients in order to support local farmers, butchers, and sailors. With a wine list of hundreds and extensive list for just by the glass, the variety is extensive from sparkling to deep and earthy reds. However, it is important to note that the restaurant license mandates that all guests order some food, even if it's only a wedge of cheese or slices of charcuterie, in order to consume alcohol. The proprietors, Azita Bina-Seibel and Babak Bina, also own Lala Rokh, Bina Alimentari, and Bina Osteria around town. The arrival of Bin 26 has heralded great press for the brother and sister restaurateurs. Everyone from Rachel Ray to Food and Wine has swung into this Charles Street hotspot to enjoy a glass of wine and the scene.

Todd English's most affordable restaurant, Figs offers pizza like no other you're likely to have ever eaten. Large, free-form creations are unique for two savory reasons: fresh, crispy flatbread crust and absolutely bizarre topping permutations (asparagus, wild mushroom purée, fontina cheese, figs, prosciutto...all on your pie!). With combos like this as well as others exploiting ham, chicken sausage, and more; vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will rejoice. Equally creative collages appear in a wide array of appetizers and pastas. A note of caution for would-be daters: the quaint location is pretty cramped, and you may be separated from your sweetie by barrier-like table-top trays upon which your pizza is served. Pizzas (feed 2) $11-17.

Artu is an Italian restaurant with locations in the North End and Beacon Hill. Their menu: lunch, dinner, and take out, is a collection of Italian favorites. It is simple, rustic, and priced in the moderate range. In addition, Artu has specials that change nightly. The Prince Street location is also a huge hangout and bar for North End patrons, while the Charles Street location is more of a place where Beacon Hillers go for a quick bite.

The dining room, designed by Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz of C&J Katz, radiates a quiet and timeless elegance in the form of a muted taupe palette and dark polished wood floors. Let the chef pamper you while you linger over creative updates of European delicacies and a view of the Boston Common. No. 9 Park is the ideal spot for those with plenty of time and money to spend on a memorable evening. The tasting menu of 7 or 9 courses ($85/110 or $135/185 with wine) offers an array of the chef's daily specialties with innovative additions. But the extremely attentive staff is more than willing to help you design your own dining experience, complete with savory options like appetizers of Maind diver scallops and entrees of butter poached lobster ($17), duet of veal, or crispy duck ($35). Sweet choices, such as the rhubarb rose vacherin with Tahitian vanilla meringue, are simply divine, and complimentary macaroons accompany the check. A café menu (entrees $15-25) in a similar style is less formal than the main dining room, and the bar serves up a variety of liqueurs, wines by the glass ($9-14) and a dazzling pear martini ($11). Entrees $20-50. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Fabulous local favorite. Finally, North end worthy Italian food right here in Beacon Hill! Generous portions and low prices keep Beacon Hillers eagerly returning to this small space on Cambridge street. You know you made it to the right place when you smell garlic in the air, hear Frank Sinatra crooning through the speakers on the street, and see the hungry dinner crowd lining the street waiting for a table. Open for lunch and dinner, Antonio's has a small and reasonably priced Italian wine list and accepts major credit cards.