Next year L’Espalier turns 40, an eternity for an unapologetically high-end French restaurant in a trending-casual industry where white tablecloth dining is increasingly deemed passé. Yet chef/ owner Frank McClelland, a pioneering local farm-to-table evangelist, remains at the top of his game with decadent dégustations—and resident fromager Louis Risoli, steward of a spectacular cheese program, is an old-school mâitre d’ committed to an endangered approach to true hospitality. C’est bon.
L'Espalier
774 Boylston St., Boston • (617) 262-3023
lespalier.com
Other Winners
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French
2014 Winner: Bistro du Midi
We suggest taking your time at this Provençal palace...
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French
2015 Winner: L’Espalier
In an era where food-truck fleets swell ranks while fine-dining establishments shutter, it’s nice to see some classics soldier on strong as ever…...
- 774 Boylston St., Boston
- (617) 262-3023
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French
2016 Winner: Bistro du Midi
Dining at dusk on this Provençal bistro’s patio, with the Public Garden in view and fine French wine at the lips, you’d almost think you were in a park-filled Paris arrondissement...
- 272 Boylston St., Boston
- (617) 426-7878
- bistrodumidi.com
Photo Credit: Sheila Marand
