L’Espalier (CLOSED)

It's fair to say that Boston’s dining scene would look a whole lot different without L'Espalier, which first opened (two locations ago) in 1978. This special-occasion bastion of the Back Bay, which currently enjoys a second-floor perch above bustling Boylston Street, continues to push the culinary envelope thanks to a steady stream of creative, highly-trained kitchen talent. While chef-owner Frank McClelland’s prix-fixe menus of sophisticated New England-French cuisine change constantly, his masterly imprint endures. Dinner patrons choose from multi-course tasting menus, highlighted by Chef McClelland's Tasting Journey (complete with caviar and truffles). For one of the city's bucket list culinary experiences, book the chef's table (available for parties of one to four) in the heart of the immaculate kitchen.