This pan-Asian gem found on threshold of the Theatre District’s fine dining and Chinatown’s authenticity offers fresh Thai cuisine and above-average sushi. While Montien is a bit pricey, they offer excellent vegetarian options. And their sushi is prepared at a bar with the chef working his magic right in front your eyes. Great for both dining in and take-out.

This vibrant, contemporary Indian restaurant is literally in the heart of Boston’s emerging Theatre District. The décor is stellar with handmade copper chandeliers and a classic granite bar. Tantric Bar & Grill recently added a hookah bar, a spot where hipsters toke on flavored tobacco. Also, Tantric Bar & Grill is in an excellent spot for people watching—large windows allow for patrons to witness the pulse of the city as theatergoers shuffle up and down Stuart Street. Try Tantric’s sag paneer, tandoori chicken and mung bean salad for its unique flavor combinations.

The Jacob Wirth Restaurant has been a Boston favorite since 1868. While Jacob Wirth's is Boston's only German restaurant and beer hall, it's a pretty authentic one. While an odd mix of regulars and theatergoing out-of-towners fill the airy dining hall's communal tables, area workers pack the front bar area to watch sports and enjoy bargain happy hour food specials. Friday nights attract exceptionally boisterous crowds for a giant sing-along that's driven by a live pianist. They have a whole book of lyrics for anyone (old and new) who inclines to join. They're hardcore! Check the restaurant's website for its weekly specials (three-course meals on Sundays for $20, all-you-can-eat pasta on Tuesdays for $10). Not to mention the beer club! No dues, no hassles, good people, great beer.

Known mostly for their innovative pizzas all over the world, this Theatre District location has outdoor seating and a seasonal menu of interesting specials. Most children are far less adventurous than their adult counterparts. Luckily, CPK has a children's menu. For $4.99, kids 10 and under have a choice of pizza, pasta, or curly mac 'n cheese. Meals come with a drink; dessert can be added for an extra 50 cents.

Penang is some of the best value for food that you will find. The menu is huge and pretty much everything is delicious and rarely over $7 or $8. Even with a good Malaysian beer you can walk out of Penang with a full, satisfied belly for under $15. One thing to keep in mind is that most dishes have fish, however, there's options for vegetarians and a very tasty chicken and mango dish hidden at the back of the menu for those that eat meat but not fish. Yum.

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The best pho in Boston. It's not a big place and you will definitely have to wait but the food is worth it. You can get many different Vietnamese specialties here, but the recommendation has to be the pho - chicken, beef, even tofu is great. The decor is nothing to write home about but you won't notice once the put that big, steaming bowl of goodness in front of you.

Buddha's Delight is the only restaurant of its kind in Chinatown, serving strictly vegetarian dishes derived from the Buddhist monastery cuisine of China and Vietnam. I-can't-believe-it's-not-pork, -chicken, -duck, and -shrimp options abound, but the artfully manipulated gluten and soy-based mock-meats become boring very swiftly. Stick to the fresh vegetable and noodle dishes instead. The spin-off, Buddha's Delight Too, has the same menu and an amazing drink selection, but with slightly more upscale décor; their mango shakes and iced milk coffee are delicious. Be ware of the 'satan', or imitation beef; boy will that give you some mad gas! Lunch sets $6-8; dinners $10-12. All-veggie buffet daily 11:30am-4pm (M-F $7.50, Sa-Su $9.50). Buddha's Delight Too located at 404 Harvard St., Brookline (617-739-8830; Green C-Coolidge Corner or #66 Bus). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Troquet is a great find. Delicious food with wine pairing options for each course by dish. Excellent service and great presentation.The upstairs dining room is a unique setting overlooking Boston Common while the first floor has a sophisticated Wine Bar. The kitchen's open 'til 11! You can tell too, since it's completely exposed in the upstairs dining area and worth showing off; bustling, clean and buzzing with foodie delight. The size of the restaurant makes you think of a row house - it was multiple floors (2) and narrow and long. There were mirrors hung along the walls - which I assume was to make the space seem less narrow - which works well. Nice, simple decor with lots of cherry colored wood. If you are taking a date there BE SURE to request a window seat. This place defines 'wine and dine'.

Took the place of Hu Tieu Nam Vang.