Epicurious: The American brasserie offers classic European dishes and fun, retro cocktails. Just don't try to get a table on the night of a Sox game - the neighborhood is utter mayhem.
Epicurious: Cash only, shared tables, no bathroom or parking... but locals come here for the amazing omelets and rich history (this haunt was a favorite of Ray Charles and Sammy Davis, Jr.).
Epicurious: You'll feel like family in this tiny dining room, but this French-inspired Modern American menu is like nothing you've ever tasted before. Reserve the brioche-stuffed, boneless roast duck in advance.
Epicurious: Stella is one of Boston's hottest hotspots, but her prices won't make you sweat - it's an oasis of affordability in a pricey neighborhood. Sip an oversized drink and dine on Italian comfort food.
Epicurious: Call in advance to reserve the restaurant's signature swordfish chop, cut from the collarbone, glazed with soy and ginger, and broiled... or just relax with their excellent steakhouse fare and wine.
Epicurious: Local, seasonal ingredients dot the menu, but the standby favorites are always the same. Try the grilled mushroom-&-garlic sandwich, roast chicken with garlic and lemon, and souffléed lemon custard.
Epicurious: A salad of seared soy-marinated chicken livers and crumbled bacon on sliced fennel, with mesclun & grated horseradish is the standout dish at this American pub grub/saloon hotspot.
Epicurious: Oishii has the most creative sushi in town - try the Kobe beef with pear or steamed lobster with cucumber and avocado. And it's tricky to find - look for two swimming fish etched into the front door.
Epicurious: Wine is the star attraction at this Italian restaurant - even the bathroom ceilings have vino as inspiration! The dishes are simply yet artfully crafted to bring out the complexities of the wine.
Epicurious: The best mom-and-pop shop in Chinatown, Wing's will wow you with pork & crabmeat dumplings and sugar-glazed Shanghai meatballs with star anise for a delicious Shanghai meal.
Epicurious: Classic dishes are a comfortable standby, but Chef Lydia Shire's more unusual inventions are well worth the risk. Try the fresh Georgia white prawns with lobster aioli, or maybe even the sweetbreads.
Epicurious: O ya means "gee whiz" in Japanese, and you'll be saying the same thing after sampling the masterpieces created by Nobu Matsuhisa's former apprentice. Try the robiola-stuffed omelet in dashi broth.
Epicurious: Try their addictive 8-oz burger, complete with cheddar, horseradish sauce, and a stack of crispy onions... It took top honors at the 2008 South Beach Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash!
Epicurious: King Louis-Philippe of France once lived on the 2nd floor. JFK was a regular. John Kerry is a regular. The oldest continuously operating restaurant in America is quintessential, historic New England.