L'Espalier--RELOCATED

Impress with upscale, New England-French sophistication. One of Boston's most storied establishments for immaculate, no-holds-barred high-end dining at its former location on Gloucester Street, L'Espalier mesmerizes diners anew in its second location in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Chef Frank McClelland ringeads everything from "seasonal degustations" to prix-fixe lunches, all sporting fresh and luxurious local ingredients. The cheese program, led by Louis Risoli, is unparalleled in the city and is not to be missed be anyone who can remotely tolerate lactose. The lounge-like, cushy-chaired salon is an ideal perch to look out onto the street with a drink, a plateful of avant-garde hors d'ouevres and overarching service.…

Above and beyond service, excellent food. My girlfriend and I went went to L'Espalier for Restaurant Week. We had to change our reservation from Friday to Saturday - however, we did not realize that they did not do Restaurant Week on Saturday nights! In this uncomfortable position, we considered leaving (we're both students), but I mentioned to Nicholas, our waiter, our situation, and he said he would love to be able to work something out. He disappeared while we considered our options from the menu, but decided it wasn't worth it to bring it down to our price range. When he came back, however, he had spoken with the chefs and had arranged for us to select from the Restaurant Week menu! We were so relieved to have been spared the awkwardness of our misunderstanding, and the food was well worth it.

We had the vidalia onion soup and the salmon, both incredible. The salmon was cooked absolutely perfectly, with a delicious crust on the exterior and tender, mouth-pleasing interior. We substituted the chocolate souffle for dessert - excellent, and the black pepper ice cream accompaniment was simply amazing.

The food was excellent, but really it was Nicholas's level of service and personal touch that will make this restaurant experience memorable for a long time.…

Nothing short of Amazing. L'Espalier lived up to our expectations with its original, modern French cuisine, beautiful dining room and fantastic service. As far as the food goes, it was nothing short of amazing and it was obvious that astonishing amounts of effort went into making every detail of every dish absolutely perfect. Not knowing too, too much about wine, we could not speak to the wine list beyond that it was extensive (and expensive), though the wine we did have was quite good. I can say that being dirty martini faithfuls, the bartender poured us some of the best we've ever had. Just one more thing that speaks to the overall level of excellence.

All around, it is everything you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber and while I would not call it the best I have ever been to, it is certainly in the conversation. By far the best I have been to in Boston.…

Death By L'Espalier!. Hands down best restaurant I've been to in Boston. Every single detail was absolutely perfect. From the staff to the food to the ambiance, I have only wonderful and delicious memories here. The first time we went was the night my fiance proposed. The staff was waiting for us and brought us to this delightful little table by the window. There is such an understated elegance there! While I consider myself a foodie-in-training, I have to admit that I don't know a whole lot about wine. Still, both the waiter and the sommelier were so caring and considerate and not at all snobby or pretentious. And though I was almost too excited from the proposal to eat, we had a magical night there.

The second time we went there was when my parents came to visit from Miami. As true foodies, I wanted them to experience L'Espalier and truly enjoy all it has to offer. They were beside themselves! Our meal there just might have been the best they have ever had. The food was unbelievable. And, once again, the staff was superb. Not realizing that they would be going to such an elegant restaurant, my parents did not pack proper clothing but we called and asked and they were very welcoming and accomidating. It was a night that we will always remember and often talk about.

I believe that there are few places like L'Espalier. Yes, it's very expensive but if you want to celebrate a special night, you will not be disappointed here. The absolute best!

I'm sad that they are moving into a big hotel chain. Granted, it's a nice hotel, but there is something to be said for the ambiance of the current location. It feels like eating at home. Are you sure, L'Espalier???…