An outdoor patio attached to the Hyatt hotel, Avenue One offers cocktails, light fare, and a relaxing and romantic atmosphere for whatever the situation. Avenue One serves contemporary New England cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown, just steps from many theatres, hip bars and South Station. Avenue One is a great location for a hearty breakfast, power lunch, after work drinks and pre-theatre meals.

The dramatic ambience and fashionista crowd at Mantra almost overshadows the stunning French-Indian fusion cuisine served up my chef Thomas John but his classic culinary instincts and clever use of spices ultimately prevails at this fine-dining must where Boston’s Downtown Crossing and Theatre District intersect. The décor is breathtaking. This former bank from the 1800s has been transformed into an avant-garde masterpiece with its Italian marble walls and floors, halogen lights and saffron-colored silk drapery that makes seem like an experiential journey of the senses. Chain mail curtains and stepped tables evoke multiple rooms in the Beaux-Arts marble hall of the Old Colony Bank. Tip: Gentlemen, the urinals are disguised as ice machines. Ladies, your privacy is secure: the glass is one-way.

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.

As comically old-school as it may be, Locke-Ober invariably delivers on its biggest promise: a wildly decadent, scotch-and-cigar-laden immersion in all things traditionally New England—and Harvard, of course. This restaurant's ancient leather chairs, pheasant prints, sprawling chandeliers, and heavy panelled walls once watched only the wealthiest of men. Now, as our waiter lamented, the dining room is open to ladies, though “it is not designed for it.” The spookily stiff waiters invisibly deliver dishes from a menu leaning heavily toward expensive meats and seafood, from appetizers such as the divine Jonah crab cakes ($14) all the way through the entrees (tasty, fatty sirloin; $36) and sickeningly rich and delicious desserts. For the pyromaniacs among us, ample opportunities exist to have various dishes flambéed (read: lit on fire) tableside. For good reason, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals still bring their Man of the Year here annually. For a bit of Boston history in your belly, order a "Ward 8." This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Max & Dylans is located in the Downtown Crossing location as the Old West Street Grille and has been opened by Brad Dalbeck and Chris Damian, the owners of Scollay Square in Beacon Hill and Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, and is named after their two sons. Their vision is for a cool, hip, and trendy eatery and watering hole with a laid back vibe, great cocktails and good food. The space is decorated with large black and white photographs, intimate bar tables, and a large mirrored bar. Dancing optional. Zagat-Rated.

On par with upscale chains like Legal Seafood and P. F. Chang's, red and brassy Maggiano's comes without the intimacy and personality of North End restaurants, but it routinely draws throngs seeking its enormous portions of delicious southern Italian food. Groups of 4 can choose a 5-course feast from the “family style menu” for a bargain at $20 each, but a mere half-portion of a single entree like linguine with chicken and pesto (half $12/full $15) will undoubtedly leave leftovers. Other great options include Tuscan-style mussels ($7/$11), homemade gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce ($12/$15), and baked shrimp organata ($23). Weekly specials on Th. Reservations highly recommended. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

The best Chinese fondue restaurant in Chinatown, hands down. Heaping plates of veggies, seafood, or meats are brought to the table for you to indulge in. Great prices and always busy. Beware, you might have to wait for a table! The restaurant is obviously not fully vegan/vegetarian, but makes a tasty meal if you are either of those. The fruit shakes are also a treat.

I have to give the nod to El Triunfo for best west-coast style Burritos in Boston, but Herrera's is very good and whenever I'm in the area for lunch its my first choice. Their hours are limited, but for workday lunches it's a great option. Service is always pleasant and speedy.

A tried and true, 50 year old family-owned massachusetts business. This is their first South End location. First of all, the staff which is very friendly, is always willing to cut you a deal on some of their fruits and vegetables. Their produce is very fresh and tastes awesome! However there is little to no organic produce. Very reasonable prices. Three dollars in your pocket usually yields more than enough produce to throw together a quick stirfry, sandwich, or any other type of meal that you'd care to macgyver that night. They have pretty nice looking baked goods too. Airy and clean but small space. Two wide short steps down, they are willing to help you down the stairs if you require it. From the website "Our fonder, George senior, always said “if you give someone more than they expect, they will always come back.” This has be our definition of value: give you more than you expect in quality service and price. The rest is easy and will always fall into place."