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.

Gaslight is the highly anticipated new french culinary addition to the SOWA region of the South End. Loud and lively, the Gaslight is always hopping and filled with the beautiful and trendy of Boston's dining scene. The food is classic french bistro, small portions that are full of flavor.

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

_

Hidden away in an innocuous-looking building in the South End, this theater-restaurant offers up a truly original dining experience. A troupe of second-rate actors, musicians and comedians dressed in ridiculous Middle-Age costumes perform a series of raunchy skits and songs. During the performance, the actors somehow find time to serve up a not-quite-authentic medieval meal including vegetarian “dragon” soup, spiced shrimp, strips of beef, and roasted herbed chicken, all of which is eaten without knife, fork, or spoon. You may also enjoy complimentary beer or wine with some ticket purchases, and you'll need plenty of it to really get the most out of the show. If you go with a large group, you just might have a great time. 21+, so make sure you bring your ID or a parent. Admission (which includes the meal but not the tip) ranges from $25-45, with the higher prices on weekends. Reservations are required. Private parties of up to 90 are available. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Stellar Greek-style pizza and subs in the heart of this up-and-coming section of the South End. Greek pizza is generally less greasy and this pizza shop definitely delivers with their gourmet slices. Also, Alex Pizza offers an eclectic selection of atypical toppings like the Taco Pizza, Alfredo Chicken and the Alex Special. This cozy pizza joint also boasts homemade pasta including a tasty Lasagna Bolognese (with bechamel sauce) and Shrimp with broccoli. The decor, paying homage to ancient Greek motifs like Julius Caesar and Greek gods and goddesses, is welcoming and not overtly cheesy. It's a great, low-cost alternative that stands out in an area saturated with overpriced eateries. A few insider tips: Free Delivery on minimum $9.00 Minimum Order. $1.00 Charge for credit cards.

El Triunfo is a popular take-out eatery in the easternmost part of South End. The store front is low-key, but the line out its front door at lunch time makes it easy to find this hidden gem. Not to worry though - service is quick and the line moves fast. Menus and decorations are done in a colorful "modern graffiti style". The Phoenix sums things up well: "El Triunfo, by the way, is Spanish for winner. There’s truth in advertising here." Read the complete review here. Delivery is available Thurs, Fri, and Sat to the South End and parts of South Boston. Complete Menu: Click Page 1 and Page 2 Print El Triunfo's menu and Fax your order to 1-617-542-8497
EXPANSION UNDERWAY: El Triunfo is taking over the adjacent storefront and will shortly have an expanded menu with additional grilled items and seafood, table service, and waitresses. Look for the "new" El Triunfo by Spring 2009. They expect to be able to offer beer and wine as well.

A funky indie diner setting offering Chef/Owner Joanne Chang and Chef Alison Hearn's very personal interpretation of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties.

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.

This place used to be known for its interesting middle-eastern influenced cuisine, despite the mediocre service. However, the restaurant has changed its menu to a completely generic array of kebabs and humus at South End prices.