Originally founded in 1991 by Michael Aplin to honor his life partner Geoffrey Seelen, this long-time favorite from Boston's Back Bay recently reopened in Roslindale Square with all a familiar panache reminiscent from its days on Tremont Street. This Washington Street hot spot has a to-die-for menu boasting yummy comfort foods ranging from its spinach & artichoke appetizer dip served with tortilla chips ($7.95) and its tasty chicken saltimbocca chicken plate seared with proscuitto, capers, spinach, balsamic mushrooms served atop mashed potatoes ($14.95). While the food is stellar, it's Geoffrey's funky-chic ambiance, friendly staff and outdoor patio area that will having you coming back for more.

One of the classic Boston steakhouses, however Abe and Louie's was hot even before the recent steak craze. Dark and decadent, this Boylston street hotspot offers a variety of steaks, fabulous wines, and even a wonderful weekend brunch. Over-sized leather courtroom chairs and Hollywood-style booths in the dining room create an inviting atmosphere while impressive bronze chandeliers, massive torchieres, traditional mahogany detailing, and the gold leaf barrel vault ceiling add an air of elegance. Make sure to try the steak benedict!

Hamersley's Bistro is a four star French inspired restaurant in the South End. Hamersley's features one of Boston's first open kitchens, allows you to see the chef, Gordon Hamersley, while he cooks your dinner. The design of Mistral is both elegant and casual, resonating with the ambiance of Provence as arched floor to ceiling windows drench the room with light. Hamersley's prides themselves on fresh, never dull ingredients and impeccable customer service(the majority of the waitstaff have been with Hamersley's Bistro for years). Select menu items include "Halibut and Clam Roast with Bacon Braised Greens, Big White Beans and Black Trumpet Mushrooms-$29," "Grilled Beef Rib-Eye with Garlic, Marrow Bone and “Bistro” Potatoes and Red Wine Sauce-$36," and "Maple Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Walnut Praline-$9."

Oishii Boston is located in the South End SOWA district and its contemporary decor and ambience reflects the artistic side of this up-and-coming Boston neighborhood. Awarded a stellar 28 (their highest rating) by Zagats for its food, this upscale sushi restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Ting San who is dedicated in crafting his creations with the freshest ingredients and literally treats each plate as a work of art. While this hidden gem is perfect for a romantic evening out, locals frequent Oishii for lunch to sample prix fixe Japanese cuisine at its best.

dbar, A full service restaurant with an interesting and classy seasonal menu 7 nights a week, seamlessly transforms into a nightclub & lounge after 10pm. Formerly an old school Irish pub filled with mahogany charm, dbar has been renovated into a hip chic hot spot filling the void to the changing Dorchester demographic & drawing clientele from surrounding areas. From espresso martinis, to a fine glass or Bordeaux, dbar will cater to all. The eclectic martini list will excite and gratify while the affordable 200 bottle wine selection will far exceed all the rest in Dorchester. Your eyes and ears will be stimulated from the sexy 16.7 million color changing light fixtures and attractive staff, to a pumping sound system with the latest and greatest live music. There is a place to go in Dorchester! Come and indulge yourself, surrender to your innermost desires at dbar!

The recent addition of Rocca to the growing list of top-tier restaurants in the SOWA region of the South End was highly lauded when it opened in Spring 2007. Italian food inspired by the Riviera, this hotspot is not only a fabulous meal with a creative twist, but it also boasts a great bar scene. Rocca's menu is mid-range prices with a fairly expensive wine list. The best way to describe Rocca? Italian-style tapas. Rocca specializes in small portions and a collection of Italian-style tastes like fresh raviolis, gnocchi and the artichoke "taste" dish. There's a rustic water wheel sculpture made out of metal for outdoor diners which punctuates the restaurant's already stunning red-and-silver ambience. Also, Rocca boasts ample free parking which is a definite plus for Boston-area foodies. Check out Rocca's blog HERE.

The Hill Tavern is Beacon Hill's neighborhood bar. Standing proud on bustling Cambridge Street, the Hill Tavern is the perfect spot for a great burger, big brunch, or tasty beer. The house burger contains seven ounces of top-flight ground sirloin, which arrives courtesy of Savenor's (Beacon Hill's top butcher), wood-grilled to juicy perfection and served with hand-cut fries.The clientele is mainly local 20's and 30 somethings that either enjoy the new seated patio, or stand in the crowded bar on a weekend night. Either it be a low key dinner with friends or a place to watch the Red Sox game, the Hill Tavern is the place to be. This is the best bar around! Tip: Stop by weekdays, 4pm-6pm, and enjoy half-priced appetizers (chips and salsa, wings, chicken tenders). Also, if you're on a date, ask to be seated in the quiet, secluded side dining room which is partially obscured from the bar.

The name Deep Ellum refers to an area of Dallas known for its fabulous music, incomparable food and enticing nightlife since the early 1900’s. The area has produced some of the most influential names in blues and jazz. The biggest draw of this Allston hotspot: well done comfort food, in a bar. You know, the type of place you can get buttermilk pancakes and a Bloody Mary. Great beer selection not to mention cocktails. The best part about this place is the is the service. They are very knowledgeable about the alcohol they serve and are great at helping you out. Congenial atmosphere of mid-to-late 20-year olds, non-meathead crowd, but not overwhelmingly pretentious, either. They are in Reel Bar's old space, which is ever rotating bars, but I will be VERY sad if this place doesn't catch on and have a long life here.

Allow yourself to be captivated with the Liberty Hotel (pardon the pun). This stately hotel was once the infamous Charles Street Jail that was a Boston institution for the criminally challenged from 1851-1990. With an amazing multi-million dollar renovation and utilizing the architecture of the original jail, you will now find the Liberty Hotel full of fashionable bars aptly named Clink and Alibi as well as Scampo, the new project of world renowned chef Lydia Shire. The lobby is gorgeous and decadent, and the rooms sumptuous, what more could you ask for from the Liberty? Free yourself from the other hotel chains and check out the new competition in town.

Cafe Latino offers authentic Latin cuisine and a full line of office catering options. The Menu offerings are home-made and include delicious choices including the Cubanos Sandwich and Chicken Fajita. This place will not disappoint. It is a unique, original lunch option amidst the sea of boring corporate joints. All dishes are served with rice, beans and plaintain....and complimentary latin music videos on the t.v while waiting to order!