BOSTON — Devra First, the Globe's outstanding restaurant critic, put together a list of restaurants in the Back Bay section of the city where our hotel is located. Most of these are within walking distance.
Sel de la Terre: Rustic, creative French food. You'll find a late-night bar menu, lots of house-made charcuterie, and a great burger and fries. (Affiliated with the elegant L'Espalier next door, which offers fine dining but also some good lunch deals. You can also sit in their lounge and have a well-made cocktail and a glorious cheese plate.)
More info at: http://www.seldelaterre.com/
Brasserie Jo: Classic French food in the Colonnade Hotel. Also a convenient breakfast option in the area.
More info at: http://www.brasseriejo.com/
Lucca Back Bay: Classy Italian food, next door to Brasserie Jo. Pretty good cocktails. Restaurant industry folks frequent the bar later.
More info at: http://www.luccabackbay.com/
Sorellina: Upscale Italian food in a stylish atmosphere. Not cheap, but very good. Think maccheroncelli with Kobe beef meatballs and Barolo sauce.
More info at: http://www.sorellinaboston.com/home.html
Towne: A partnership between two longtime Boston chefs, Lydia Shire and Jasper White. The menu is all over the place, as is the decor. A bit of a scene, which can be fun. Shire's long been known for her lobster pizza, and you'll find it here, along with a lobster-heavy bar menu that includes lobster popovers and a lobster melt.
More info at: http://towneboston.com/
5 Napkin Burgers in the Prudential Center: The name says it all. Well, almost all. Randomly, they serve sushi, too. But if you want that, you might try the nearby Haru or …
More info at: http://5napkinburger.com/
Douzo: Sushi and other Japanese dishes near Back Bay station.
More info at: http://www.douzosushi.com/
Wagamama: A quick and easy lunch option. Asian noodle dishes and more at a chain that started in London.
More info at: http://www.wagamama.us/
Post 390: Major after-work scene at this so-called "urban tavern." Comfort food, fireplaces, and suits cutting loose.
More info at: http://www.post390restaurant.com/
Coda: For a more neighborhood-y, casual version of the same. Crowded and loud. By Back Bay station.
More info at: http://www.codaboston.com/
Grill 23: For those of you who need your steak. This is one of the best steakhouses in town. Be prepared to splurge for Kobe cap steak and dry-aged rib eye.
More info at: http://www.grill23.com/
Tico: New, loud, busy, serving small plates, tacos, and a few entrees. Chef Michael Schlow's food is inspired by Latin America and Spain. The patrons are inspired by tequila.
More info at: http://www.ticorestaurant.com/
Top of the Hub: Don't eat here. But if you want a drink and a great view of the city, it's kind of fun. You can see Fenway.
More info at: http://www.topofthehub.net/
Espresso Royale: There are plenty of Starbucks and Dunkins in the area, but the coffee here is better. Also, probably the only place to get a bagel worth eating in Back Bay.
More info at: http://www.espressoroyaleboston.com/
