The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

The venerable Garden of Eden has closed after 12 years in business. A large meal tax misunderstanding, high rents, and a declining customer base led the Lionette family to close the restaurant, though Lionette's Market remains open. Full Article

Officially opening its doors on Tuesday, March 10, owner Stephanie Sokolove's second eatery, Stephi's on Tremont, is a smaller, 65-seat version of the tourist-inclined Newbury Street mainstay. Think of it as Stephanie's younger sister. Popular dishes from its older Newbury Street sibling will be served at Stephi's, including its tasty mac 'n' cheese coupled with the hot spot's famous entree salads. Stephi's chef Corey Comeau also plans to serve up a few comfort food faves including a rich lobster shepherd's pie and a killer selection of paninis. The decor at Stephi's on Tremont rivals its posh-yet-cozy neighbors like the revamped South End Buttery and stunning BanQ. Sokolove's new digs boast a chandelier, a marble wall, a staircase in the middle of the room and a U-shape bar with a TV. Like its Newbury Street big sis, the Tremont Street locale will boast al fresco dining in the warmer months which, based on is location, guarantees that it will be a great place to see and be seen in the South End.

Aquitaine Bar à Vin Bistro has established itself as one of the premier French Bistro in the South End. You'll sigh in culinary ecstasy from your first sip of Perrier to your last crumb of profiterole. Everything—from appetizers to dessert—is absolutely mouth-watering and cooked to perfection. Starters range from gourmet escargot with garlic and parsley butter ($12), mussels ($9), or rabbit and foie gras terrine ($14) to the more traditional endive salad ($9). Equally delicious entrees include everything from salmon, sole, or cod to goat cheese ravioli, or steak frites (entrees $19-30). And if you're feeling ambitious, Aquitaine's extensive wine list offers a host of options for that $200 hangover you've been craving. Saturday Prix Fixe Brunch for $9.95 per person. They also serve a slightly pricier and more elaborate brunch on Sunday. If you are going to visit Aquitaine for dinner, and you want to be really impressed, try the filet au poive w/ congnac cream, grilled scallions and green peppercorns ($29). Aquitaine also has a sister restaurant - Aquitaine Bis - located in Chestnut Hill.

Mela comes to us from the One World Cuisine team who also run Bukhara, Diva, Kashmir, Mantra, and Cafe of India. The lunch buffet is very reasonable for the area: $10 weekdays, $13 weekends. Mela is likely the only Indian restaurant in the South End, but a very welcome addition. The service is friendly to children, but expect tight spaces, no kid cups or kid menus and to emphasize "very very mild spices please"/ They will however store your stroller for you.

Metropolis occupies what was once an ice cream parlor; today, there is no better place in Boston to spoon up cinnamon ice cream with chocolate bread pudding and caramel sauce ($8), one of the restaurant's rarefied desserts. While the ice cream here is exquisitely prepared, this trendy bistro focuses on innovative, Italian-influenced cuisine. Dishes such as the roasted duck with sun-dried plum, goat cheese, and smoked bacon tart ($20) exemplify how Metropolis' chef melds diverse and complex flavors with excellent results. The date-worthy atmosphere more than compensates for the lack of elbow room and the inevitable wait (call ahead). Entrees $15-20. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Customers squeeze into the tightly spaced tables and read the paper at the wrap-around bar.

One of the South End's original coffee bars, it has evolved as a restaurant for sandwiches and salads. Also serves a delicious chocolate milkshake! Always service with a smile. Francesca's is also a popular South End joint with the lunch crowd. Their specials change daily and the freshness of the food and innovative soups keep the regulars coming back. A great place to grab a coffee concoction or a dessert (like the Big Sexy Chocolate Cake!), Francesca's seems to have a little something for everyone.

This restaurant opened in what seemed like a revolving location for restaurants. It replaced Perdix, a venerable New American restaurant, and has established itself pretty firmly with a comfortable and varied menu. It is a favorite hangout of Povo employees for business lunches in the South End. The POPS menu offers familiar dishes prepared with a creative twist. Join us for a night of amazing, unique cuisine, fantastic and friendly service, and an atmosphere that evokes energy, movement, and celebration. Join us at POPS on Monday, December 15 from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM for a spectacular Holiday Luncheon and Ornament-Making Extravaganza

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe is a popular Boston sandwich joint, which also serves breakfast. According to the owner, they are most famous for their super turkey hash and fluffy, sweet pancakes. This is a popular hang out for many of the residents in the South End, and is known for being very friendly. The inside reminds you of a traditional old-fashioned diner, with huge, hot griddles, and bottomless coffee. "Take any seat" they say as you come in. Charlie's seating system is old-school. Any empty chair can be filled, so you might be saddling up with strangers. You can bring the kids, but there are some drawbacks: There are no high chairs - lots of kids belly up to the tables in their strollers (during off peak dining hours) Or strollers are left outside. They do have a few booster seats (which have straps). It can also be incredibly crowded on Saturday mornings. Breakfast at Charlie's is a huge draw, so you'll likely find would-be diners in lines that snake around the corner. Most kids will not last in a line like that. If you're dying for a some grease and want to take the kids, consider a visit during the week. Opened in 1927, Charlie's is a true Boston classic. It was first known as a hot spot for early African American Jazz musicians, as Columbus Avenue was the Boston jazz haven. The restaurant used to be opened 24 hours a day, serving such dishes as liver and potatoes! Nowadays the restaurant is run by a family of 4 brothers and sisters. The two waitresses, Marie and Fontaine, have worked there for decades, seeing as their late father owned the joint. The two brothers, Chris and Arthur, are the cooks and brains behind the operation. Arthur has even won the James Beard Award for American Cooking! With such dishes as turkey hash, banana pecan pancakes, steak and eggs, and baked haddock, Charlie's is rarely a letdown. Just the stories alone from Arthur will keep you coming in for weeks on end.
Tip: Make sure you don't have too many coffee refills--there are no bathrooms for patrons.