Bistro-style dining at its best. Rustic Kitchen’s wood burning oven produces exquisite gourmet pizzas that are thin and topped with creative toppings (like the Frutti di Mare and the Italian sausage and roasted pepper pizza). The décor is theatrical (which is appropriate because of its Theatre District locale) and oddly comfy. And their killer wine bar makes one feel like their dining at an exclusive Mediterranean chateau.

Conveniently located in the Boston Park Plaza Hotel adjacent to the Theater District, the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Bay Village and the South End, 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.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common's stunning in-house dining room serves up classic American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Situated on the ground floor of the Ritz Carlton Residences and the The Sports Club LA, Jer- ne is a sophisticated and polished place to grab a drink, quick bite, or enjoy a long meal with friends. Their winelist is extensive and they serve elegant American flair with a bit of a twist.

Radius's team of hipster restaurateurs score yet again with this tastefully mod and highly authentic Italian experiement, which offers diners a choice of top-drawer food and drinks in one of four settings. Try the white-walled main dining room, the outdoor terrace, the late-night bistro and pizzeria, or the bar—a perfect place to meet dates for after-hours drinks. The restaurant offers a host of generously-portioned Italian regional specialties, like the phenomenal Fresh Pappardelle with Long Island duck, dried cherries, and rosemary ($19), but those in a drinking-and-snacking kind of mood should hit the bar for specialty drinks, scene-making, and lightly crunchy risotto balls ($10). The mostly upscale 30-something crowd packs this place nightly, so call for reservations. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. The basil gimlet--fresh basil with lime and vodka--is not to be missed.

UPDATE: Bina Osteria and Bina Alimentari officially open Monday, Nov. 17. A new Italian restaurant and gourmet eatery in Downtown Crossing--Bina Osteria and Bina Alimentari--are coming to the corner of Washington Street and Avery Street near the Boston Opera House, with both the restaurant (Bina Osteria) and the shop (Bina Alimentari) slotted to open before Thanksgiving 2008.

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.

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.

Two large concrete stallions greet patrons at this classy Theatre District restaurant. The ambience at P.F. Chang's China Bistro is contemporary Asian with a traditional Chinese twist. Regulars rave about the menu with its tasty orange-peel beef and wok-fried scallops with lemon sauce. Foodies also enjoy the bistro’s presentation which includes table-side service where sous chefs prepare the restaurant’s signature sauces and eclectic Asian flavors. Also, their wine selection is excellent.

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'.

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.