Food, food, food...

Indian food
I just wanted to let you know about a fantastic Indian restaurant in Boston. It's called Rangoli and the food there is wonderful -- Southern Indian Vegetarian. It's in the Allston suburb, easily accessible by the green Boston College 'B' line. From the Harvard Ave. stop it's only a short walk down Harvard Ave. to Brighton Ave. The restaurant is at 129 Brighton. Phone number is 617-562-0200. Enjoy!
Kathryn, Ottawa, Canada

Ed. note: Rangoli's was very high on many tip lists we received.

Chocolate ice cream
If you like chocolate ice cream and happen to go to Rangoli for Indian food, do not miss Herrel's, just a few doors away. Their chocolate ice cream is simply decadent. Make this your dessert stop of the day. Open until midnight. Close to Rangoli. Also, next to Rangoli there are two other good restaurants (whose names escape me at the moment). One is Cambodian the other is a small Italian place.
Yael, Ramat Gan, Israel

More ice cream
I want other JourneyWomen to know about this phenomenal place called Toscanini's Ice Cream in Cambridge. They have a rapturous selection of ice creams and sorbets. The ice sorbet flavors, like champagne, taste like they still have the bubbles flowing through them. Cassis is as deeply intoxicating as plum can be. But the heaven you can experience while on this earth is the Burnt Caramel flavor.
Jaynya, San Diego, USA

Fast food and shopping
Don't miss Quincy Marketplace and Fanueil Hall -- good shopping, fun pubs and tons of restaurants and quick bites of any type of food imaginable in a cobblestoned setting in the heart of Boston.
Jennifer, Boston USA

Vietnamese budget choice
I'm a librarian and avid traveler. One of my favorite non-expensive ethnic restaurants is actually a small chain around here - Pho Pasteur. They are found in great locations - Harvard Square in Cambridge, Newbury Street in Boston (one of the little basement places) as well as in the theatre district in case you take in a show.
Christine, Worcester (about 45 miles west of Boston)

Figs on Charles Street
Charles Street on Beacon Hill is a fabulous place to poke around and get the old world flavor of Boston. The old gas lamps (now retrofitted with electricity) are particularly charming during the holidays. Figs is a fabulous pizzeria/bistro at 42 Charles Street that's owned by Todd English who runs Olives up in Charlestown. Olives is perennially on the top of the Zagats list for Boston, is pricey, but worth every penny. Figs captures some of that flair, but for much less money and closer to the downtown action.

French fare
Newbury Street is perfect for both dining and shopping -- but the prices are high. You'll find many ethnic restaurants including lots of Indian there. My personal favorite place to go is Sonsie, a quaint cafe overlooking Newbury with a very Parisian feel -- excellent food at any time of day. 327 Newbury Street. P.S. Check out the Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Jennifer, Boston, USA

Interesting Ethiopian
My favorite Ethiopian restaurant is Addis Red Sea in the South End on Tremont street. At Addis, you sit on traditional three-legged stools around basket-like tables that hold the one large dish that everyone in your party shares. Definitely ask for the more sour dark injera bread that they make for their regular customers -- not the lighter injera that they have modified for western tastes. Then, after dinner, wander down Tremont Street and browse in the eclectic shops until you find a likely looking cafe for an after-dinner coffee.
Erika, Somerville (across the river from Boston), USA

Bar B.Q.
Redbones Barbecue is a local institution. It's a place where serious meat lovers can enjoy good ribs. It's the type of place you go to for the food and not high-dining atmosphere. They're located at 55 Chester Street, Somerville (Tel: 617- 628-2200)
Yael, Ramat Gan, Israel

Like excellent Mongolian BBQ? I'd like to suggest Fire and Ice at 50 Church St. in Cambridge. Yummy!
Kelly, Santa Monica, USA

Italian goodies
Caffe Vittoria is a great place in Boston's Italian North End to go for coffee. Have a Canoli, Tiramisu or their homemade ice cream. If you have dinner in the North End, it's smart to come here for dessert. Just make sure you sit in the 'original' part of the cafe (rather than the newer slick portion that lacks all the atmosphere of the original). You'll be able to easily spot the right place by the huge Samovar in the front window. Caffe Vittoria is located at 296 Hanover Street (Tel: 617-227-7606)
Yael, Ramat Gan, Israel

Perfect pizza
Also in the North End, the ultimate pizza is found at Pizzeria Regina on Thatcher Street. You can sit at the bar, eat, drink, and watch the action. Their wooden booths will take you right back to the 40's and 50's.
Veronica, Boston, USA

Calzones or cookies
If you are heading to Boston for a few days don't miss the Italian North End. As soon as you round the corner entering this neighborhood, the fine aromas of Italian cooking will get your appetite in gear. If you have a sweet tooth, Mike's Pastry is the place for your Italian cookies, pastries and calzones that are all out of this world. It's busy, busy, busy here any time of the night or day. They're located at 300 Hannover Street (Tel: 617-742-3050).
Sandy, Boston, USA

More Italian
My favorite North End Italian restaurant is called Francesco's. It's on a narrow little street and is very small itself. But the food was great. I looked it up online and if it's the same one it may well be at 90 N. Washington Street.
Kim, Kalimazoo, USA

Terrific Thai
Bangkok Blue (651 Boylston St.) is a fabulous female-friendly Thai restaurant. I know because I ate there by myself last summer when I was visiting Boston and the service and food was really very good. I suggest their Mango and Chicken Curry special. A real treat.
Jenny, Miami, USA

Breakfast or brunch
In the South End, you shouldn't miss the Appleton Bakery for yummy breakfast and lunch take-away specials.
Veronica, Boston, USA

Two bee's in Cambridge
I recommend Bartley's in Harvard Square for the best burgers and frappes (milkshakes in town) and Burdick's homemade chocolatiers just off Harvard Square. Their hot cocoa is unbelievable -- pure melted chocolate with just a touch of milk.
Christy, Boston, USA

Asian or seafood
Jae's is a chain that serves Pan-Asian food. I recommend them. There are five locations: Boston - 212 Stuart St. Brookline - 1223 Beacon St. Cambridge - 1281 Cambridge St. Chestnut Hill - 300 Boylston St. South End - 520 Columbus Ave.

For fish and seafood, I recommend Legal Seafood (several locations including one in Logan Airport).They serve delicious clam chowder but.... go early, they're always busy and they don't take reservations.
Jane, a former New Englander

Or, go to the New Shanghai in Boston's Chinatown. No atmosphere to speak of but solid, good food.
Marjory, Boston, USA

A mix of favorites
I'd like to share some of my favorite hometown restaurants with other Journeywomen -- Rhythm & Spice (Caribbean in Central Sq Cambridge), El Cafetal (Colombian in Allston), Helmand (Afghan in Lechmere Sq Cambridge), Anadolu Cafe (Turkish in Beacon Hill), Cafe Brazil (Brazilian in Allston), Taberna de Haro (Spanish in Brookline), Marrakesh ( Moroccan in East Cambridge) and Tiger Lilly (Malaysian in Back Bay). All of these restaurants are accessible by public transportation or a short cab ride from downtown.
Marilyn, Boston, USA