Budget
Silvertone Bar and Grill
69 bromfield st., +1 617-338-7887. a hip afterwork hangout with very good "new american" food and the best macaroni and cheese in town, right near tremont street and the boston common.
Quincy Market
Behind faneuil hall and across from the government center houses one of the best food courts in the world. the building is an old brick marketplace ~1825 restored beautifully to contain a central seating area in the midpoint of a long rectangular building. two hallways extending left and right are completed lined with all vendors selling all varieties of food, dessert and coffees. you can find everything from the famous new england clam "chowda" in a bread bowl to swordfish kabobs to pizza to some of the very best cannolis. there is something good to eat for all, but get there before 9pm.
Midrange
Durgin-Park
Faneuil hall marketplace, +1 617-227-2038. famous for their service with attitude. wholesome new england fare, especially prime rib, lobster. this place does have highly-rated meals, but can range from about $8 for a burger, to up to $25-40 for bigger meals steak/lobster. expect to pay at least $20 per person for dinner.
The Hard Rock Cafe
22-24 clinton st., +1 617 424-7625. open daily at 11am, (http://www.hardrock.com). located near faneuil hall. more rock memorabilia than space allows here including stuff from the bad boys of boston, aerosmith.
Haymarket Pizza
106 blackstone st., in boston's historic haymarket, +1 617-723-8585. the atmosphere is like eating standing at a work bench in a garage, but the pizza is inexpensive and among of the best in boston. in nice weather, tables are set up outside facing the space newly opended up when route 93 was put underground.
Sorriso Italian Trattoria
107 south st. leather district, +1 617-259-1560, (http://www.sorrisoboston.com). an italian trattoria with great rissoto and dessert.
Union Oyster House
41 union st., +1 617-227-2750. mbta: green or blue line to government center. oldest continuously operating restaurant in the us. comfortable atmosphere. raw bar. $30-50 less expensive in bar section.
Joe's American Bar & Grill
100 atlantic ave. waterfront, +1 617-367-8700 right on the water at christopher columbus park, with both inside and al fresco dining.
Top end
Anthony's Pier 4
140 northern av, on the waterfront, on a boston harbor pier, +1 617 482-6262. a boston institution since 1961. a great selection of seafood, famous for their clam chowder, fish chowder and lobster bisque. their glover salad, like a caesar salad, is delicious. they also have dover sole, flown in, lobster, salmon and many other offerings. they serve popovers with meals. baked alaska is a great desert. from $25-$60.
Locke-Ober
3 winter place downtown crossing, +1 617-542-1340, (http://www.lockeober.com) an historic boston restaurant featuring rich continental cuisine. formerly frequented by john f. kennedy among other luminaries, it was recently made over by celebrity chef lydia shire, but still retains its stuffy brahmin attitude.
Radius
8 high street, +1 617-426-1234, (http://www.radiusrestaura...) a haute cuisine restaurant in the business district. modern decor and great food. tasting menus available alongside a la carte dining.
Troquet
140 boylston st at boston common, +1 617-695-9463, (http://www.troquetboston.com). its a wine bar serving a variety of half and full glasses along with bottles of wine paired with its french menu. the food is fabulous as its its atmosphere. expect dinner for two people will run $100-200+.
Boston downtown has plenty of eateries to satisfy any culinary desires, from huge food courts to intimate upscale restaurants. Go to one of the Tourist Information centers and ask for your favorites.