1. L'Espalier

L'Espalier will, possibly return to five-star status. In the meantime, the move to the Mandarin is not a good one as far as the restaurant experience goes. The food is still superb. The atmosphere has lost its charm. No more intimacy. No real romance. A nice room, to be sure, but not extraordinary like the townhouse was. Also, they seem to be finding their sea legs a bit. Service is still good but not quite up to L'Espalier standards. I attribute this to learning to manage the larger room and getting acquainted. These folks are pros so it shouldn't take long. Still, the new digs have ended a truly wonderful dining experience for Bostonians..

My husband and I recently dined at L'Espalier, and had one of the best experiences of our lives! From the moment we walked through the front door we were greeted as if we were old friends. We were seated in the front dining room, which is appointed beautifully. Candles were glowing in the fireplace, soft lighting lit the room, and well-dressed guests filled the dining room. Chef Frank McClelland is a world-class chef. The foie gras and pheasant pate was the best I've tasted. The roast loin of lamb, which apparently he has flown in, was tender and delicious. Chef McClelland walked through the dining room, and stopped at our table to say hello to be sure that we were enjoying our evening. What a nice touch to an already impeccable evening. We will be sure to visit L'Espalier again soon. I wholeheartedly give it a ten out of ten best!!