While you may feel like a grown-up by taking your date out for a round of cocktails and sambusas (fried dumplings, $7) after a performance at the neighboring Boston Ballet, it's pretty hard to ignore that sexy Addis also appeals to the kid in each of us. The straw tables and low, stool-like chairs hark back to the days of childhood tea parties, and the simple fact that you can eat with your hands can turn even the most mature college student into a grinning gradeschooler. The delicious dishes—a large variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian entrees—are served with generous amounts of fluffy, white injera, a spongy crepe-like bread that doubles as your utensil. The combination plates (starting at $15) are the perfect way to try different entrees, but most options are already a steal at $7-11. After the sweet honey wine ($5/glass, $20/bottle), sober up with a cup of after-dinner coffee—you won't find a better caffe mocha anywhere else. Reservations accepted for 5 or more, otherwise expect a wait on weekends. Established in 1988. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A subterranean space in the South End laden with dark mahogany and fringed lampshades gives Icarus a clubhouse-tinged-with-art-nouveau-sophistication feel. A classical statue of Icarus presides over a refined crowd and the professional presentation of multi-sensoral delights such as classical guitar. Live jazz is now offered on Thursday and Friday nights from 7-11pm with a ever evolving roster of New England Conservatory talent. Food that is as lovely as it is indulgent (entrees $21-32). A wide variety of meat dishes, from Foggy Ridge rabbit to skate wing (both $28), and a creative blending of flavors (Grilled Shrimp with Mango and Jalapeno Sorbet, anyone?) exemplify fusion cuisine at its finest. The decadent chocolate molten souffle cake with raspberry sauce (for two, $16) is the perfect finish to a pampered and elegant foray into the South End.

If you're just looking for a great place to lounge at night, 28 Degrees is a great venue to sit back, drink, eat and relax to the tune of the finest underground sounds and DJs. The basket of french fries is particularly tasty. From 5 to 7 on week days, they serve oysters for $1 a piece.

Masa is a Southwestern restaurant with a flair (think Border Café casualness combined with more experimental, daring cuisine.) Not only a great restaurant, Masa is proud of their bustling happy hour crowd that enjoys $1 tapas as well as $5 pitchers of Sangria. Masa is known to have live entertainment from time to time and offers late brunch on the weekends. The chandeliers are an oddity in the room, and the copper bar is interesting, but it's all casual; dressing down is an acceptable custom here. Masa in Spanish means 'dough.' However, you shouldn't only be concerned about the variety that’s being kneaded in the kitchen. The dough to which I’m alluding is the amount of cash that leaves your wallet at the end of the evening. Be prepared to spend a lot (outside of happy hour) but consider the money well spent. The food is divine. Thursday night is Latin Night from 9pm to 1am with Salsa dance lessons from 10:30pm to 11:30pm. Tip: Make a reservation, even for brunch. Throughout the month of December Masa will be offering a $29 pre-fix menu. (at certain hours only) Come in Sunday through Wednesday 5PM to 10PM or 5PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Mommies at Masa for Christmas Masa will be hosting a Mommy and child holiday floral workshop on either Dec. 10th or 17th 11am-2pm.

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

Dine on pizza and pasta in this tiny place (just 10 tables) on a side street across from the Franklin Cafe. "Big dish" entrees, like sirloin, are very good, but it's the pizza and wine list, which owner Christine Didiuk updates constantly, that keep people coming back.

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.

Hidden away on an unassuming street in the South End, this trendy but friendly after-work dinner-and-drinks spot is clearly the place to be for locals in the know. Franklin Cafe only has 9 tables, so be prepared to wait 45min. to 1 hour to be seated—the fully stocked bar is a good distraction, and you can eat there if you're in a hurry. The wait, however, is worth it. Wonderful warm bread with a delicious hummus spread will start you off, best followed by one of their light salads or somewhat larger appetizers ($5-9). Entrees ($14-19) consist of straightforward meats, poultry, and fish, grilled and basted with imaginative sauces; try the steak with chive mashed potatoes and a mountain of fried red onions ($18). Although the menu, which changes seasonally, features only 1 vegetarian entree, the waitstaff will happily make substitutions or alter the daily special. The only drawback is that the kitchen is too small to produce desserts, which, after the great dinner, often leaves you craving something sweet. If you're really in a jam, settle for a sweet martini ($7)—there's a reason a martini glass is on the sign. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Who would not love to go to a resturant that is so kitsch that it has christmas lights up year round? Welcome to the neighborhood favorite of the South End, Delux Cafe. From the outside it does not look like much, but step inside to this art laden free for all and you are instantly greeted with delicious food and drinks that are so reasonable you will find yourself stating "these rounds are on me!" Entrees are inventive and flavorful and never rise above the $12.95 mark. Busy year round and a bit of a hidden gem only known to South Enders, the Delux Cafe does not disappoint! Important to know: cash only.

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.