L’AROMA CAFE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-412-4001
   
85 Newbury St., 617-412-4001. This Italian cafe offers delicious soups, sandwiches and European pastries and desserts, as well as Italian coffee and assorted teas. Relax in its spacious interior or enjoy outdoor patio dining from April through October. B, L.

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L’ESPALIER
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: French/French-American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees more than $25
Telephone : 617-262-3023
   
Mandarin Oriental Boston, 774 Boylston St., 617-262-3023. Situated in the new, luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this sophisticated French classic helmed by top chef Frank McClelland is a favorite of both power brokers and couples out for a romantic evening. Widely acknowledged by critics and diners alike as one of the finest French restaurants in the nation, and the crème de la crème of acclaimed Boston eateries. D.

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LA VOILE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: French/French-American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-587-4200
   
Translated as "the sail," La Voile began its life as a famous restaurant in Cannes. When a few bold entrepreneurs decided to bring the spirit of La Voile to Boston, they ended up bringing a lot more—the Back Bay bistro contains vintage chandeliers, a zinc bar, even a kitchen and front of house staff imported from the original restaurant. Today, La Voile thrills Bostonians with exceptional, authentic French cuisine.

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LUCCA BACK BAY
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Italian
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-247-2400
   
This Back Bay eatery (from the team that created Lucca restaurant in the North End) has moved into Sasso's old locale. The restaurant is racking up accolades for its regional Italian cuisine, lively bar and elegant atmosphere. D nightly 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. C 'til 2 a.m., Valet Parking.

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MATCH BURGERS & MARTINIS
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-247-9922
   
94 Massachusetts Ave., 617-247-9922. While the burger and martini restaurant masks itself behind the comfort food, it isn’t just meat on a bun. Match offers an eclectic menu of mini-burgers, such as the spicy lamb burger, veggie burger, sausage burger and lobster burger accompanied by an extensive martini list. D, C.

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MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Seafood
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-482-3999
   
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, North Market, 617-720-5522; Park Plaza Hotel, 34 Columbus Ave., 617-482-3999. Renowned for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, M & S also offers steak, chicken and pasta dishes. Daily 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til midnight. Bar menu Mon–Fri 3:30–6:30 p.m., Sat &?Sun 10 p.m.–midnight.

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MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees more than $25
Telephone : 617-266-5858
   
One Exeter Plaza (699 Boylston St. at Exeter Street), 617-266-5858. These renowned steakhouses are famous for their prime-aged beef, including filet mignon and New York strip steak. They also serve a variety of other non-beef entrees, including jumbo lump crab cakes and double rib lamb chops. Mon–Fri 11:30am–11 p.m., Sat 4:45-11pm, Sun 5–10 p.m.

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THE OAK ROOM
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Entertainment: yes
Profile: yes - read profile
Most entrees more than $25
Telephone : 617-267-5300
   
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, 138 St. James Ave., 617-267-5300. This sophisticated spot offers a traditional steakhouse menu of prime steaks and chops and fresh seafood. Replete with stately wood paneling, rich draperies and wall ornaments for a comfortable yet elegant feel. The adjoining Oak Bar offers martinis, raw bar and full Oak Room menu. B, L, D daily.

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THE OTHER SIDE CAFE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-536-8437
   
407 Newbury St., 617-536-8437. This casual alternative to the chic bistros of Newbury Street attracts a diverse crowd for its inexpensive, healthy fare and its seasonal outdoor patio. B, L, D, LS, C Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–midnight, Fri & Sat ’til 1 a.m., Sun 10 a.m.–midnight. Sat & SB. NC.

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P.F. CHANG’S
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: Chinese
Entertainment: no
Profile: yes - read profile
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-378-9961
   
8 Park Plaza, 617-573-0821; Prudential Center, 617-378-9961. Enjoy unforgettable Chinese cuisine, attentive service and delicious desserts all served in a stylish bistro setting. Featuring an award-winning wine list, P.F. Chang’s offers an extensive wine-by-the-glass program as well as original cocktails like the Lucky Cat Martini. L, D & LS. Reservations accepted. Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til midnight. www.pfchangs.com.

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