INMAN SQUARE. This trendy little coffee house attracts an artsy, eclectic crowd who come to enjoy coffee or tea on a work break or with friends in the morning or evening. 1369 also offers a menu of light fare, including soups, sandwiches, and scones. A perfect place for quiet conversation and catching up with an old friend or for an intimate chat with someone special. Get there early to catch a table, which fill up with students and laptops.

BEACON HILL. Thanks to mahogany paneling, mosaic-tiled floors, and soft lighting, this hotel bistro is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The food is just as enticing. Notable menu entrees include braised monkfish, baked clams with artichokes, veal shank with roesti potatoes, and roasted duck breast with rillettes. Be sure to check out the chalkboard for daily chef specialties too. Since meals are served until 11pm, the bistro is a great post-theater or symphony stop. Sunday brunch is also served.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Popular "burrito" bar serves up scrumptious tortilla wraps that ranging from the classic bean burrito to the Asian-inspired Bangkok.

BACK BAY. Enjoy a French meal without ever leaving Boston ­ Brasserie Jo transports you to Alsace, France, with the very first bite. The menu focuses on "les fruits de mer" (seafood) and includes clams, shrimp, and lobster. Additional entrees include filet of skate, mussels Riesling, and sautéed sea scallops. Of course, landlubbers can enjoy classic dishes such as steak, chicken, and lamb. Nice wine list. Outdoor sidewalk dining available.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. One of the Boston-area's favorite treats, Brigham ice cream is made using Vermont dairy products and all natural flavorings, giving it a homemade flavor that folks have adored since 1914. Among the more "regional" flavors are the Big Dig and Fluffernutter, and Boston's reigning top-selling ice cream is Brigham's Vanilla. In addition to ice cream and other sweets, the store also serves breakfast eats, burgers and a variety of tasty sandwiches.