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.

This place has the buzz. Situated in the South End, with the atmosphere of an artist's studio, you feel as if you're attending a great dinner party. Relax and take in the sounds of jazz and sip on a martini or a glass of wine. The food is fabulously yummy with fare from Moroccan to Italian, making any craving satisfied here. The best thing about this place, other than its funky vibe and hip atmosphere? It's open late. Get your food on until 2am, nightly. The Beehive will be hosting a Santa Christmas Brunch on Sat. Dec. 20th from 11:30am-3pm. There will be carol singers and photos with Santa. Families are welcome!

Another trendy and cutting edge restaurant to add to the hot, hot, hot South End dining scene. Along with sophisticated designer lofts and apartments, Banq is opening in the beautifully renovated Penny Saving Bank. Decor is made up of undulating layers of sand colored wood that flow across the ceiling like a soft wave. The restaurant is like the inside of a prehistoric whales body, as depicted by a minimalist Japanese architect. Very chic, spacious, loud and almost anonymous; it could be a spot in midtown Manhattan. You're likely to spend probably 10 minutes staring around at how interesting the space is. Little plants at the tables are a nice added touch that don't get in the way of your food. Which, by the way, is impressive in an Iron Chef sort of way. If you have friends visiting from NYC or London or Tokyo, bring them to Banq to show them that 'lil ole Boston IS a cutting edge Metropolitan city.

Sibling Rivalry, a restaurant located on Tremont Street in the South End, was started by two brothers. The brothers Kinkead, both chefs at the restaurant, have their own menus-diverse in nature and have to utilize the same ingredients while preparing a variety of dishes. Sibling Rivalry has what is called a "Chef's Bar," where people can sit and watch the kitchen staff in action. The bar and wine list is extremly creative, not to mention fresh. Sample menu items from Chef David's side of the menu include: "Pan Roasted Veal Chop Fontina Cheese Fonduta, Black Truffle Jus and Caramelized Onion and Potato…$38.00," "*Barbequed Lamb Chop Lollipops with Roast Acorn Squash and Creamy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Gratin...$32.00"--and from Chef Bob's menu: "Boneless Short Ribs of Beef with Roast Beets, Ragout of Salsify, Pearl Onions and Carrots, Mashed Potatoes & Horseradish Cream…$28.00," "*Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish with Celery Three Ways: Braised Celery Hearts, Celeriac Puree and Celery Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette…$26.00." The bar at Sibling Rivalry is also a happening place and serves a variety of inventive cocktails with an extensive wine list.

JJ Foley's is the oldest, continually family run Irish bar in the city of Boston. It was here almost 100 years ago that the Boston Police decided to unionize. Although there are 2 locations throughout the city (with the other location in between the Financial District and Chinatown), this bar has retained it's character and personality through the revamp of the South End. Don't be fooled by the fact that they now serve food and have a restaurant (with great pub grub) attached to the bar. You will still find a variety of people huddled up to the bar ranging from young and swanky, to old and toothless. Whether you are one of the ol' regulars that has been a patron for 50 years, or a new addition to the South End, JJ Foley's promises to deliver one of the best dive bar experiences around.

Occupies the former space of Tim's Tavern, whose chef is now at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. Coda is open for lunch and dinner and specializes in upscale comfort food, and is most well known for the mac and cheese and the turkey meatloaf. They have an inventive drink menu and offers a wine list with several by the glass and a variety of bottles as well. Attire is nice but casual. Coda occupies the old spot of Tim's Tavern, a long time South End institution. Coda: Think Co + Da: Columbus Ave. and Dartmouth St.

By day, most patrons swing by to take home venison sausages and veal cutlets, while nighttime sees well-dressed couples huddling around the butcher's block, waiting for a seat at the diminutive, candlelit bar. Ultra-knowledgeable waiters eagerly discuss the exceptionally adventurous wine list's intricacies.

Toro is a tapas restaurant in the South End opened by celebrity chef Ken Oringer. Voted Best of Boston for tapas, this quaint Spanish nook has a variety of seafood and charcuterie to choose from as well as sparkling cava and sangria to wash it all down with. There are many choices to choose from. You won't be bored if you like to eat. Tony Maws recommends this place.

If you're just looking for a great place to lounge at night, 28 Degrees is a great venue to sit back, drink, eat and relax to the tune of the finest underground sounds and DJs. The basket of french fries is particularly tasty. From 5 to 7 on week days, they serve oysters for $1 a piece.

Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm