The Mediterranean Grill, or more commonly referred to as "the Med" is a roaring favorite among the Financial District lunch crowd. Always busy between 11:30-2, this lunch favorite has a million choices to feast on from wraps, sandwiches, hot plates, pizza, soups, and rice dishes. Specials change daily and usually have a crowd that follows them religiously. The Med takes all major credit cards and cash.

Vintage Lounge’s ultra-sleek ambience attracts a mix of young professionals, Financial District heavy hitters and collegiate hipsters looking to swill an after-work cocktail and munch on the restaurant’s stunning selection of Spanish appetizers known as tapas. The contemporary couches found near the bar area inspires conversation and the décor almost--but not quite--overshadows the glittery crowd. Definite late-night hotspot that seems more like an exclusive NYC tapas bar than a typical, Beantown haunt.

Mr. Dooley's is a great Irish pub with lots of old-school color. In fact, portraits of notable Irishmen (including Mr. Dooley) peer down from dark green walls, onto patrons crammed into tiny tables and high-backed wooden booths. And the typical pub fare (burgers, shepherd's pie, fish and chips) and thick pints of Guinness are served up with a warm smile from a staff of Irish expatriates. Live music most nights. A regular winner of various "Best of Boston" polls for "Best Irish Bar".

Classic hotel resturant filled with out of town business men power broking over lunch. The new chef brought to the hotel is interjecting this space with new and exciting menu features.

The Italian Cafe will give you the best bang for your buck downtown for a good lunch. The proscuitto, basil, tomato, and mozzarella never fails. Lively shop owners and quick turn around.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant maintains a stellar reputation for uncompromising value and quality. This restaurant's classic menu features more than 40 varieties of fresh fish and seafood, flown in daily. In addition to delicious seafood from local shores and both coasts, menu highlights include tempting pasta, poultry and beef specialties from Executive Chef Joseph Bartel.

Umbria Ristorante has brought the ambience of an Italian villa to the financial district, and owner Frank de Pasquale of Bricco also is importing many ingredients from an organic farm in Umbria, Italy. The service is a bit inconsistent -- sometimes it is great, sometimes very slow. Usually when it is slow, the dessert is free. The restaurant can get very crowded at lunch, and the tables are close together. The eggplant is good but very filling for an appetizer. The salad is frequently underdressed, so it can feel like a large plate of greens. The soups are typically quite good.

This is the flagship location of Sel de la Terre, which is located on the Boston Waterfront. The rustic french fare is unpretentious and classic, done simply but well, in a great atmosphere with first rate service. The space is warm, light and open, and most of the tables feature comfortable banquette seating. They serve lunch during the week, dinner daily, and brunch on the weekends, and offer a late night menu Wednesday through Saturday until 12:30. Don't miss the fig and anise bread in the bread basket. You can also pick up a loaf in the bakery on your way out.

Al's is the Cheer's (circa 1970's) of sandwich shops in Boston; where everyone knows your name (and preferences). Food is of high quality, service is efficient, value is great, and the location is convenient to Government Center, the Financial District, and the Waterfront. It gets really crowded around lunchtime but the crowd is well worth it. Of particular note is the State Street Cafe special, with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil, plum tomatoes and olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another favorite is the Steak Italiano, a classic steak and cheese, with perfectly seasoned meat and just the right amount of cheese. You can purchase the "bag lunch", which comes with a small sandwich, a bag of chips and soda for $5.25. One of the best deals in the neighborhood! This place has the best chicken parm around. Get a large if you can handle it- its big. Don't worry if they yell at you, they only yell because they care. The bread is fresh baked on the spot. Go eat there.

Housed in the old location of Pizza Oggi, Lobby Bar & Kitchen is a sleek and modern new addition to the increasing number of new hot spots in the Financial District. The designers of City Bar at the Lenox hotel created a sleek spot designed for lunch and after work drinks for the office drones occupying the neighborhood during the day, and open for dinner and cocktails as well.