Scenic places to eat are hard. There aren't many that have good views and good food at that price range.

This may start an argument, but Dali on the Cambridge Somerville line is the original and continues to get great reviews. Take the Red Line to Harvard Square and then a taxi (about 5 minutes). When we lived in Boston we did birthday dinners there or at East Coast Grill.

More recently, we have a pied a terre in Brookline and enjoy Taverna de Haro, which is easy to get to because it is across the street from the St Marys stop on the Green Line C trolley.

There are others, several owned by relatives of the owners of these two. But I can personally vouch for the quality of these.

I would recommend either Toro or Estragon in the South End. We used to go to Toro but since they don't take reservations, we have since switched over to Estragon. I find the food there pretty much just as good, without the 1+hr wait times.

Estragon is within walking distance from the Doubletree DT.

http://www.estragontapas.com/

As for scenic place for dinner - not sure what you have in mind... do yo mean a place you can see the Harbor? But then since it'll be in the evening, there's not much you can see unless you dine early before sun sets.

You could try any of the eateries at the new Liberty Wharf in the Waterfront/Seaport District. It is reachable by the Silver Line "subway". There are 4 eateries in the complex, ranging from Legal Seafood to Jerry Remy's (more like bar food). I haven't been to any of them personally (many locals think of them as tourist traps) so I can't speak to the view or the food... http://www.libertywharf.co/restaurants/legal-harborside/

Another more economical option for a scenic dinner will be the Water Cafe inside the ICA (institute for Contemporary Art), also in the Waterfront/Seaport district. You don't need to pay museum admission to dine there. It's only open for dinner 2 nights a week on Thu/Fri:
http://www.icaboston.org/visit/water-cafe/

Troquet has wonderful food and a great view of the Boston Common but I don't think it meets your budget. It has the added advantage of being fairly close to your hotel.

If you don't want to go to the waterfront for a view there are a couple of other restaurants with nice views of the Boston Public Garden: Bristol Lounge in the Four Seasons Hotel and Bistro du Midi on Boylston Street. Bristol Lounge probably exceeds your budget but you might be able to eat at Bistro du Midi and stay within your price if you're careful with drinks.

Boston is an expensive dining destination. Good views, good food and moderate budget don't usually go together.

In addition to Estragon, take a look at Tapeo and Bar Lola, both in the Back Bay.

For views, I like the Legal Seaport restaurant, 1st floor. It has stunning views and even better views from the 3d floor bar area.

Closer to Downtown is Sam's, located in the store Louis's. It has a great view as well and is next to the Federal Courthouse.

For basic burger, sandwiches, and entrees, go to Joe's American Bar on the waterfront near Quincy Market and the North End. It is probably the best-priced restaurant in Boston with a harbor view. And the food is consistently good.

Terrific! Thanks, all! I appreciate the info.

@cw- thanks for the info about the 3rd floor bar. We could certainly have before-dinner drink here then head to a less expensive option for dinner!

These are from recent cisit we made to Boston, staying in Brookline, one is tapas:

Lineage, 'contemporary American'  http://www.lineagerestaurant.com/
Great seared scallops

Rani, Indian. http://www.ranibistro.com/
Wonderful Chicken Tikka

Taberna de Haro, Spanish tapas  http://tabernaboston.prohost.mobi/
Good tapas, but a bit overpriced (pitcher of sangria, while good enough, was $34)

Pho Lemongrass, Vietnamese  http://pholemongrass.net/
Very good

Khao Sarn, Thai  http://www.khaosarnboston.com/
Very good


And a response from socialworker with suggestion of a tapas place:
socialworker on May 5, 12 at 10:36am
I wish I would have known you were in Boston and looking for tapas! Tasca on Commonwealth Ave in Allston (Brighton?). After 40+ years, I should know them apart and for the most part I do, just some areas are iffy as to which is which. Atmosphere is as if you were in Spain. We love it as do all the people we ever take there!

http://www.tascarestaurant.com

From their menu:
Sangria
Full Pitcher, 1 liter $ 18.00

and it is among the best I have ever tasted.

I am with Toro for perfection,http://toro-restaurant.com/ and Estragon http://www.estragontapas.com/in the South End and and Bar Lola in the Back Bay http://www.barlola.com/ for fun and cozy. If it is a nice night and you are a strong walker all walking from Doubletree and you can see Boston! But a cab one way is not a bad way to go either!

Sorry here's the link to estragon http://www.estragontapas.com/
Bon appetit!

Plus for scenic but not too expensive try the North End. http://neptuneoyster.com/ is awesome but you will be coming close to that budget number

Of the harborside restaurants, I have eaten at Jerry Remy's. I thought it was decent food, but definitely of the chain/pub/mass produced variety. Tasty enough, and the view is very nice.

The Legal Harborside is very nice. We ate downstairs, which is basically a traditional Legals. It might be possible to meet your budget if you don't drink a lot. Or if you stick with apps, which can be a lot of fun. Oysters, clams, smoke bluefish pate, fried calamari, clam chowder. The top floor I believe has sushi, and some of the standard food (I think she said they also had clam chowder, lobster rolls, and raw bar food). And the middle floor has a different and more upscale menu. its actually been fairly well reviewed.

People are always asking for a seafood restaurant with a view in Boston. Legals may not be the best food around, but I've found it reliably good, and now it has a fantastic view. Is it a tourist trap? a little bit yes. Its probably too pricey for the food. Its definitely full of tourists. But I think its worth it for the fabulous location.