Another trendy and cutting edge restaurant to add to the hot, hot, hot South End dining scene. Along with sophisticated designer lofts and apartments, Banq is opening in the beautifully renovated Penny Saving Bank. Decor is made up of undulating layers of sand colored wood that flow across the ceiling like a soft wave. The restaurant is like the inside of a prehistoric whales body, as depicted by a minimalist Japanese architect. Very chic, spacious, loud and almost anonymous; it could be a spot in midtown Manhattan. You're likely to spend probably 10 minutes staring around at how interesting the space is. Little plants at the tables are a nice added touch that don't get in the way of your food. Which, by the way, is impressive in an Iron Chef sort of way. If you have friends visiting from NYC or London or Tokyo, bring them to Banq to show them that 'lil ole Boston IS a cutting edge Metropolitan city.

Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm

Hip and happening, cool and fun: Stella is a great addition to the "foodie" world of the South End as it is not only a great place to dine: but the place to be seen as well. The scene is swanky, mod and high energy-not a place for a quiet dinner with grandma (unless she can swing with the in-crowd). You won’t be sorry if you start with the Beet and Goat Cheese appetizer. The menu is stacked with pasta and fish, flatbread pizzas and side dishes to die for. They do lunch, dinner and a fab brunch on the weekends. So throw on something cute and grab a glass of bubbly: Stella is here to stay.

Gaslight is the highly anticipated new french culinary addition to the SOWA region of the South End. Loud and lively, the Gaslight is always hopping and filled with the beautiful and trendy of Boston's dining scene. The food is classic french bistro, small portions that are full of flavor.

Officially opening its doors on Tuesday, March 10, owner Stephanie Sokolove's second eatery, Stephi's on Tremont, is a smaller, 65-seat version of the tourist-inclined Newbury Street mainstay. Think of it as Stephanie's younger sister. Popular dishes from its older Newbury Street sibling will be served at Stephi's, including its tasty mac 'n' cheese coupled with the hot spot's famous entree salads. Stephi's chef Corey Comeau also plans to serve up a few comfort food faves including a rich lobster shepherd's pie and a killer selection of paninis. The decor at Stephi's on Tremont rivals its posh-yet-cozy neighbors like the revamped South End Buttery and stunning BanQ. Sokolove's new digs boast a chandelier, a marble wall, a staircase in the middle of the room and a U-shape bar with a TV. Like its Newbury Street big sis, the Tremont Street locale will boast al fresco dining in the warmer months which, based on is location, guarantees that it will be a great place to see and be seen in the South End.

A hidden gem in the South End that serves cocktails and oysters! From their website: In 2003, Barbara opened B&G Oysters providing the city with a classic yet stylish oyster bar. At the center of the dining room of this subterranean restaurant is an open kitchen surrounded by a white marble bar and black bar stools. Cool blue and grey tiles accented by stainless steel lend a calming oceanic aura to the space while the funky music playing keeps the mood fun and social. The menu offers exquisitely fresh seafood including a daily selection of 12+ oyster varieties, ready to be shucked, New England classics like lobster rolls and fried clams, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The selective and reasonably priced wine list features a number of whites and sparklers as well as a selection of smooth reds that compliment shellfish and seafood. Never tried a Gigamoto? No worries. This is a staff that loves their mollusks and bivalves: they can discuss oysters the way other servers might discuss a fine wine, able to describe a particular oysters origin, flavor profile, and farming method.

The recent addition of Rocca to the growing list of top-tier restaurants in the SOWA region of the South End was highly lauded when it opened in Spring 2007. Italian food inspired by the Riviera, this hotspot is not only a fabulous meal with a creative twist, but it also boasts a great bar scene. Rocca's menu is mid-range prices with a fairly expensive wine list. The best way to describe Rocca? Italian-style tapas. Rocca specializes in small portions and a collection of Italian-style tastes like fresh raviolis, gnocchi and the artichoke "taste" dish. There's a rustic water wheel sculpture made out of metal for outdoor diners which punctuates the restaurant's already stunning red-and-silver ambience. Also, Rocca boasts ample free parking which is a definite plus for Boston-area foodies. Check out Rocca's blog HERE.

This place has the buzz. Situated in the South End, with the atmosphere of an artist's studio, you feel as if you're attending a great dinner party. Relax and take in the sounds of jazz and sip on a martini or a glass of wine. The food is fabulously yummy with fare from Moroccan to Italian, making any craving satisfied here. The best thing about this place, other than its funky vibe and hip atmosphere? It's open late. Get your food on until 2am, nightly. The Beehive will be hosting a Santa Christmas Brunch on Sat. Dec. 20th from 11:30am-3pm. There will be carol singers and photos with Santa. Families are welcome!