Planning to stay at the Sheraton Boston in Prudential Center this May.

Any nice, cozy restaurants/bistros where one can dine for under ~$30 (w/o wine)?

I did a search at this site: I don't need fancy, special restaurants like Clio, Mistral, L'Espalier, or restaurents inside big hotels. I like "local favorites", hidden gems, casual and unpretentious small restaurents/cafes/bistros.

Although I won't be renting a car, I can take subways, bus, cab or walk.

Go towww.chowhound.com and ask at the Boston site...these people know everything..lol

If you want something totally unique, try the Addis Red Sea, a small Ethoipian place just a short walk from where you are staying.

Yes I like all kinds of food (Thai, Guantamalan, Indian, Japanese, Middle East, Italian, various regional Chinese).

Are there any dishes or food that can be considered as unique to Boston or to the area?

I did a search on Chowhound, and found a restaurant called La Morra, but the address is Brookline Village. Is that part of Boston? or how far from downtown Boston?

Tremont 647 in the South End.

Brookline Village is a little west of Boston, but it's accessible by subway.

If you like Italian, many of the places in the North End (you can take the T to get there) are nice - I liked Giacomo's.

I cannot remember the name of this one Italian restaurant on Newbury St that I really enjoyed - it's not Ciao Bella (although that's supposed to be very good too, it's always packed) ... something with Vino in the name?

There's a very cozy-looking fondue place called Wine Cellar at 30 Mass Ave (that's between, I think Marlborough & Commonwealth ... this is a not-too-far walk from where you'll be staying). I haven't actually been there though - it's pretty new. http://www.bostoncellar.com/

Since you mentioned Thai first on the list of cuisines you like, I'll throw Brown Sugar Cafe out there. It has 2 locations, one is near Fenway & the other is further down Commonwealth Ave, around BU.

Thank you all ...

I also found this Bostonchef.com website ... and it looks like Grotto and Magnolia are also worth trying. Any comments?