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.

New South End spot on the eastern end of Tremont Street. Owned by the same family as Rome Pizza next door. European style cafe is the concept. Freshly made paninis, expresso, North End pastries, gelato, smoothies. Homemade hummus, grapeleaves, and other meditteranean staples. Chef used to be the chef at the Appleton Bakery Cafe.

About two months after Rachel's Kitchen closed, a new neighborhood sandwich shop is opening in the same cozy space in Bay Village. Patty Sinaiko and Mike Fitzhenry, who met while working at Formaggio Kitchen, use locally grown produce and organic ingredients when possible to make affordable gourmet sandwiches (about $7), prepared foods and homemade layer cakes and cookies. The tiny spot will have a few seats, but will mostly be for takeout. They are also serving breakfast - buckwheat pancakes are a standout - in addition to fabulous sandwiches like a Croque Monsieur or Madame, or a Torta: pork, cjicken, or chorizo with a jicama slaw, black bean refritos, and goat cheese. Delicious!

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.

This three-meal-a-day, cosmopolitan restaurant at Jury's Hotel serves a variety of freshly prepared food selections, from hearty, authentic Irish breakfasts to a full a la carte dinner selection.

Viga is a very popular lunch place. The salad and pizza combo can provide a cheap and tasty option, and the sandwiches and wraps are sizable. Their website is: http://www.vigaeatery.com/

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.

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