Scholars Bistro opened up recently in the old two-story Talbots space in Downtown Crossing. During a visit to this new spot, one is reminded of the retail perils of buying a bathing suit: It’s too cold, the lighting is unflattering and the experience leaves you feeling a little bereft.

The name Meadhall calls to mind some kind of Viking chamber with knotty, oak support beams, gothic candelabras and a bevy of serving wenches distributing sloshing tankards of frothy ale to rosy-nosed pillagers…

You’ve seen the sign, but have you actually been in the building? The Sheraton Commander sign, that is—the iconic roof-topper most prominently visible from Cambridge Common…

When this Revere-based Cambodian restaurant announced that it was moving closer to town last October, Boston-based enthusiasts were doing backflips of joy…

Continuing the Latin cuisine trend that has recently descended on Boston is Temazcal Tequila Cantina, freshly opened earlier this month in the Liberty Wharf complex that also holds newcomers Jerry Remy’s and Del Frisco’s…

With careful attention to detail in both food and décor, this Harvard Square Indian spot lives up to its regal name. The Maharaja is ornate and opulent—think rich browns, reds and golds—with jeweled lamps, carved wooden chairs and glass-topped tables set with golden chargers…

With a location at the bottom of the Pru and staff that understands that for office hive-dwellers, a lunch hour means just an hour, Boston’s 5 Napkin Burger is a welcome addition to the Back Bay lunch scene. And the after-work specials are pretty great, too.

Central Square has been somewhat of a sushi desert, forcing Cambrigdeportians, Area IV inhabitants and the neighborhood’s workday denizens into territories as far-flung as North Cambridge or (gasp!) across the river.Enter Thelonious Monkfish, with its classy digs, expansive Asian fusion menu and chi

Jamaica Plain newcomer Tres Gatos is like the restaurant equivalent of a mullet—fancy Spanish tapas in the front, indie bookstore/music store in the back. But you know what? This is one mullet we are fully on board with.

Devotees of the shuttered Our House West in Allston are no doubt still mourning their favorite dive bar, fondly reminiscing about beer-stained couches and foosball tables…