STANHOPE GRILL opened four years ago at the former site of the Boston Police Headquarters in Back Bay at the corner of Stuart and Berkeley Streets. Stephen Johnston is the General Manager and has done a wonderful job running 223 superior and deluxe guest rooms plus two executive suites and an elaborate Presidential Suite. Young Bostonians are drawn to the CUFFS bar on the lower level, before entering the main dining room, The Stanhope Grill. I1 BARISTA is a bar-lounge on the main floor.

Laurel Grill and Bar is ideally located on the edge of the Back Bay and the South End. Convenient to all the Back Bay has to offer the trendier South End location is a little more relaxed than its Back Bay counterparts. The contemporary American restaurant specializes in a variety of fresh fish, steaks as well as pastas and vegetarian selections. The location was home to the owner's first restaurant the Blue Wave over since 1991. Several years ago the chef owners transformed the large open space into more intimate and less noisy dining environment. Originally designed as an urban oasis the restaurant continues to remain both a relaxing place to enjoy your meal and still feel the buzz of the South End dining experience.

Mistral caters to both foodies and trendy poseurs alike, with a massively creative kitchen and a notoriously hawkish crowd of people-watching society types. The gorgeous, white-draped dining rooms offer-Lucullan splendor without too much drama, except on weekends, when a boisterous pre-clubbing crowd of i-bankers and their model arm candy light up the bar. Be prepared to make the scene, but also eat well: most diners laud Mistral for its exceptional culinary consistency and obliging service. Entrees $30-45, with a fabulous tuna tartare for $19. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Occupying the old quarters of the Piattini wine bar on Columbus, Da Vinci Ristorante moved into this space that straddles the Back Bay and the South End. Da Vinci comes to us from the same owners and chefs of La Campania in Waltham, and hopes to bring the same Italian flair to this eternally struggling restaurant space. With Valet parking, a full bar, and average prices for city dining, Da Vinci is hoping to make a splash in the city as well as the suburbs.

UPDATE: 33 Restaurant re-opened with new menu items and a revamped interior. Click here for the new eats. A trendy and funky South End hotspot located on Stanhope Street next to Stix. Attire is more business casual. Known for their interesting cocktails and celebrity sightings. The three-course, $33 prix fixe menu is offered at all times and presents a good bargain for scene-chasing diners. The menu can best be characterized by and is known for having a variety of vegetarian options as well as it's ability to meet your dietary needs. Their cocktail list is extensive to cater to the after work crowd that can quickly turn into a party scene at night. There are 2 floors to the place. Downstairs has a small and sexy lounge.

A vast majority of the menu is offered on flavor infused wooden skewers, the other half a mix of international fusion cuisine. Great cocktails and patio. The new dining and entertainment venture from the owners of neighboring 33 Restaurant & Lounge. Stix is right in the crossroads of the Back Bay and the South End, and offers a sleek design, wine bar (that allows you to bring your own collection in at a small cost) takeout, patio seating and live entertainment a few nights a week. The menu is diverse and international with 50% of the plates on flavor infused skewers, and 50% in entree or small plate form.

Smith and Wollensky is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant located in the Bay Village area of Boston. Smith and Wollensky is located in one of Boston's historic landmarks that is known to many as "the castle." The space has been restored meticulously to recapture the integrity and beauty of the original millwork, masonry, and wrought iron ornamental work. While Smith and Wollensky is primarily known for the steaks, things like seafood and other meats are great as well. Smith and Wollensky's menu is a la carte, meaning that you order the meat you want and then order a few sides for the table. Sides such as "Truffled Macaroni and Cheese" are served family style so that everyone can indulge. The menu also includes things such as Oysters ($9), World Famous Split Pea Soup ($6) and Thin Crust Pizza ($9-12). The wine list is extensive, featuring over 500 wines.

SkipJack's is the lastest addition to the "best seafood restaurant" race in Boston. Okay, so it's more that 16 years old (a "teenager"). It's named after a high-quality Pacific tuna that is rumored to be one strong fish. The atmosphere is a combination of wooden ship with traces of the sea by smooth metal lines and sea color tiles. Enough about the atmosphere, the seafood is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. They offer a wide variety of seafood, and some yummy sushi for the adventurous. If (when) you fall in love, ask about their customer loyalty and rewards program! Kid friendly / Kids menu. In a bit of an odd location, but away from the hoards of restaurants, wait periods are shorter or non-existent. They have other locations in the 'burbs, including Newton. SkipJack's is a go-to for seafood. Insider tip: 2 hour free parking with validation.

A new addition to the Park Plaza Hotel, The Melting Pot of Boston is an experience in and of itself. Decadent chocolate fondue desserts complete with tableside flambe, preceded by an array of entree choices which include everything from a vegetarian platter to the classic "Surf and Turf". With a wine list that exceeds 250 bottles, the Melting Pot has the cheese fondue to complement, prepared tableside. There is something for everyone! Conveniently located near T stops, central to all the bells and whistles Boston has to offer.