L'EspalierFabulousFrom the time you enter the vestibule, to the time you exit, you are treated like a VIP. The food and service is outstanding, and it is the perfect destination if you want to feel special6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant but insecure and tryingElegant but insecure and trying too hard, as evident from the three amuse-bouches when one would have sufficed (the crab offering). In the six-course degustation, two courses were creative and delightful, two were mediocre, the cheese course included an excellent selection, and the dessert was a failure. At this time of year, something should have been built around fresh strawberries. Service was attentive and knowledgeable but also formal. Two instances of confused judgment were the post-dessert wrapped caramels in a sugary Coke-look-alike bottle and a wrapped macaroon, as a gift upon departure.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMCulinary ExcellenceL'Espalier always amazes us with each visit. Each dish looked too delicious to taste. The menu always impresses and delivers an amazing dining experience.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOut of this worldAbsolutely one of the greatest dining experiences we've ever had-Chef Frank McLelland's 800 course tasting menu offered one spectacular taste after another with amazing presentation and a phenomenal staff. A dinner for the ages.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSophisticated dining but bad valueWe had the Spring Tasting menu and a bottle of red wine. Service was impeccable in this, our first dinner visit to L'Espalier. It will probably be our last dinner visit though. Despite the sophisticated dishes and exquisite sauces, it just wasn't worth the price paid.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing lunch and dinner experienceWe recently had both the chef tasting menu for both dinner and lunch on separate days and were incredible impressed with not just the amazing dishes but also the wonderful and attentive services. If Boston has Michelin rating, this is without a doubt a 3 Star destination restaurant. We can't wait to make another trip back to Boston to have dinner there.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMOver the top quality and serviceL'Espalier is one amazing experience. The service was above anything else we've experienced, and the food was right there as well. They were cordial and thoughtful to allow you to enjoy your time, as they want you to have the very best experience possible. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a romantic evening, or even an experience to impress customers on business. This is a must for anyone visiting Boston as well.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAppetizers, chef;s amuse busheAppetizers, chef;s amuse bushe and dessert were innovative and delicious. The entree was, Spanish Turbot, was under cooked, chewy and small. I have had better turbot at other restaurants.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM10 dollar espresso?My wife and I chose to eat at L'Espalier in celebration of our wedding anniversary. The ambiance of the restaurant was perfect for the occasion. We ordered the 3 course prix fixe menu. The small pre-amuse bouches were excellent and the actual amuse bouche was outstanding, as were the appetizers and main course. Unfortunately, I didn't know what I was eating half the time because the servers either stumbled over their explanation of the course or spoke so quickly it was difficult to decipher. We had considered getting espresso until we saw that it was $10. For espresso? I expect to spend considerably more money when I eat at an upscale restaurant, but espresso is espresso. Otherwise, it was a very good meal.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAs AlwaysL'Espalier delivers a fantastic dining experience! There are not enough superlatives to accurately describe our experience.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial Treat for FoodiesSpecial attention is paid to every aspect at this restaurant: greetings, food, wine, service. The food can be a bit precious- but excellent- and it is difficult to concentrate on the elaborate platings while having dinner conversation. I recommend that you just eat or just talk so that you can give the food its due! The servers are all trained to give wine pairing advice so take advantage of that knowledge.
Just one word of caution: if you want decaf coffee at the end of your meal, be sure to check and double check with the server. I had one cup of decaf and the refill was high-test which lead to a very sleepless night.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday celebration lunchA perfect choice in every way. The price is astoundingly high, but actually worth it. We each shared our appetizers and entrees, and each of these had a variety of foods with a large number of exotic, subtle and pleasing taste sensations. We two were given a large table that would have seated four comfortably and the service was unobrtusive yet present. All in all a perfect choice and memorable meal.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe took advantage of the severalWe took advantage of the several course dinner with the wine parings. Each course was excellent and beautifully presented. The house wine selections were perfect. Our server was very knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. A wonderful dining experience.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service was amazing! GreatThe service was amazing! Great wines that were perfectly matched to our dishes. Choose one of the fix-menus, let the chef surprise you..5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMClassy. Despite the fact thatClassy. Despite the fact that we were significantly younger than the rest of the patrons, we were treated with every courtesy and a great deal of charm. The food was very beautifully arranged, if not always particularly memorably flavored. We were there for lunch, although not for the afternoon tea which I imagine is really special.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWorthy of a Special OccasionWe wanted a restaurant for a special occasion - graduation! - and wanted one where the food would be excellent and the service outstanding. L'Espalier delivered 100% in both respects. The older adults were highly impressed with the imaginative and delicious food offerings, and the young adults were completely charmed by the personal attention of the serving staff. L'Espalier can be relied upon for a top notch experience when you really want one.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExpectationsWhen you charge this much people expect perfection. Our experience was very good but not perfect.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMbest of bostonThis is one of the top 3 restaurants in boston. The food, service and ambiance are excellent. Intimate. Expensive. Fun.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMImpeccableL'Espalier surpassed my expectations for food and especially for service. What a truly memorable night!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMQuality, but not great valueCan't fault the food quality, but portions are on the skimpy side for the price. Cheese course is the highlight (they have a separate cheese menu). Service good, but not flawless.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experienceThe ambience and the food provided at L'Espalier were wonderful. My friend and I had a delightful experience here, and would highly recommend this place for any special occasion.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMMission AccomplishedOur purpose in choosing L'Espalier for our son's college graduation dinner was to treat him to the very finest that Boston can offer. We were not disappointed. Except for the first amuse bouche (which was too saccharine), the courses were of very high quality and consistent with what we have come to expect at finer restaurants in Europe, while still presenting New England cuisine (including Maine lobster) at its best. Inclusion of the Boston Baked Beans on the menu gave our meal a local, "down home" touch that was inspired. The wine list is superb. Service was as well, with the number of personnel waiting our table unusually high for an American restaurant. Glad, too, that the large and professional chef's team could be seen at work.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experience, funWonderful experience, fun to do every once in a while as a treat. Food and service were outstanding.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful MealWe enjoyed a wonderful meal on a busy Friday evening. The service was impeccable and every morsel of food was delicious. Our cocktails were spot on and the bottle of Sancerre excellent. The amuse bouches delivered to our table by seasoned servers were excellent (the duck pastrami was my favorite, with the crab running a close second). I started with shrimp served over a pea puree and had perfectly cooked tenderloin for my entree. Both were filled with amazing flavors. My dessert (chocolate espresso crémeux with vanilla sunchoke ice cream) was quite good, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2 courses. The macaroon that was handed to us when we left was incredible, however. In short, the food, service and ambiance were perfect.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMIn a word ... superb!We went to L'Espalier for a birthday dinner, and were blown away by both the food and the service.
My dining companion is lactose-intolerant, and everything was served in accordance, without asking - right down to the bread service and the amuse-bouche. We started with oysters - served perfectly, with no grit or briny taste. The foie gras was tender and flavorful, and the scallops perfectly seared. For our main course, the duck was worth every penny. Dessert - the bananas foster - was another knockout.
The service was attentive and prompt, but never overbearing and rushed, the noise level was perfect for conversation, and the view looking out over Back Bay was beautiful.
All in all, as close to the perfect dining experience as it gets.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAte here while visiting BostonAte here while visiting Boston from Australia. The meal was delicious and the whole dining experience most enjoyable. Would highly recommend this restaurant.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMHigh-end food, but also expensive.High-end food, but also expensive. I have been going for years, usually the quality was outstanding. This time, the duck wasn't cooked properly. I guess things happen. The staff handled it very well.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch was perfect. Only theBrunch was perfect. Only the cappuccino was surprisingly bitter. Everything else was wonderful.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFantasticI do not live in Boston but when I go I try to be in this marvelous restaurant!!!!!!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingPhenomenal food and service. I highly recommend the cheese board with a desert wine.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best restaurants in MAWhile I miss the ambiance and intimacy of the Gloucester location, I find that the food has not changed one bit, which is to say that its as excellent as always.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent experienceAs always, I had a wonderful experience at L'Espalier. Excellent food and service.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMLuxurious setting and foodIt was recommended by a friend. It is located across from the Forum in Boylston street. The place is beautiful. The food was exquisite. We had a great time there. It is expensive,but worth it.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AML'Espalier High Tea--exquisite!Lovely ambience, very subdued and elegant, perfect for tea with the girls. Beautiful presentation of little savory bites and pretty desserts. I could not finish my scone, didn't want to waste it so I asked for a box. The server brought me a box of four little scones! So thoughtful!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMPrivate dining at L'EspailerMy family and I recently ate at L'Espailer, choosing to sit at their private table. The food was simply outstanding, the service superlative and the atmosphere simply perfect. The private table was a delight, and made for a perfect evening.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Meal of my lifeEvery bite was another fantastic flavor surprise. I loved the entire experience. I highly recommend L'Espalier5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat special occasion spot!i had booked dinner here on the advice of local friends during a brief trip to boston, and, as luck would have it, was offered the chance of being at the chef's table on the day of our reservation. it's VERY pricey, but, if you're celebrating a special night it's an absolutely fantastic experience. we were taken through the kitchen to a worktable set in the back (in actual use when patrons aren't eating at it) and had our own server for the evening. the service was absolutely impeccable, we had all the time in the world to sit back, watch the frenetic activity in the kitchen ("yes, chef!" "two fois gras for table 2!" "where's my turbot?"...it was like being in an episode of top chef!), and digest 13 incredible courses.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBest food in BostonI loved the welcoming atmosphere, it´s fancy and perfect for a special occasion. Food was absolutely wonderful, sooo good. Very good service to say the least, overall a very pleasant experience.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMTop-notch date nightThe food, wine and service are spectacular at L'Espalier. We had the Spring Degustation with the wine pairing and highly recommend it. The foie gras was incredible - still thinking about it days later.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMLives up to expectationsMy only surprise was the total amount of food in the Pris Fixe menu. In the past, I had found the Menu Degustation a little more food than I wanted, so I cut back to the 3 course menu. The portions were excellent, but add in several amuse bouche (including a really tasty crab salad), a couple of changes of wine, and some very good bread, and it still resulted in feeling pretty stuffed. Not that I'm complaining, mind you...4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had the Spring DegustationWe had the Spring Degustation menu consisting of four courses, chosen by the chef, for $110/pp. We don't usually do wine pairings, preferring to order a bottle of our choice, but we went for it for $65/pp, and were glad that we did. Lovely wines that made each course unique and special. The service was excellent and not at all overbearing. The food was delicious. The portions are small but there are six of them including the cheese tray and a very small dessert, so it's OK to enjoy one or two of the delicious pretzel rolls along the way.The dining room is low key and elegant. Wonderful evening.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMHoping everyone is safeThe plan was for my family and I to celebrate my last running of the Boston Marathon at L'Espalier Monday evening. When I received an email from Open Table asking me to review our dinner I was a bit stunned. Figured I'd just use the opportunity to let the fine folks at L'Espalier know that the Chase family's thoughts are with them during this time.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AML'Espalier againAs usual, L'Espalier was excellent- the service was impeccable and the food was beautifully presented. I asked for substitution and more information about the dishes than usual because I have recently been there; the restraunt was very accomodating and delightful in making my experience the best. This restaurant certainly tops in the list of best fine dining location in Boston.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAn incredible meal, serviceAn incredible meal, service was outstanding, the plating was amazing and very artistic and the food was fabulous. expensive but worth every penny. They served numerous wonderful tast treats before and after the meal. Tables were spread out providing a nice ambience and you could not hear others conversations.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAs usual, L'Espalier did notAs usual, L'Espalier did not disappoint with its Easter brunch. The food, while subtlely flavored, was delicious, fresh, and creatively prepared. The choices represented a good range of options. And the service was attentive, without eing pretentious.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMTook my wife her for her 50thTook my wife her for her 50th birthday. We had previously been to the old location. Old location had a certain intimacy I definitely miss, but the new location and decor is top notch. Food was outstanding. Front desk was outstanding. An hour before arriving I called to change our reservations and add my daughters, and they happily extended. Staff in the restaurant were perfect. Had the degustation menu, and the chef sent out lots of extras. Extras were a mixed bag for our table. Some (corn brittle, cauliflower panticota, gouda eclair) were heavenly. Some others less so. Actual menu was outstanding, with the fois gras and lamb being true standouts. We also had the oysters with champagne / cavier, and those were outstanding.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food, but some ofFantastic food, but some of the items included foams and jellies that some people may not like.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful, upscale restaurantBeautiful, upscale restaurant to celebrate birthday / baby / engagement. The tea service, with attentive tea sommelier, hostess, and wait staff, was exactly what we were looking for!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been coming here forWe have been coming here for years. This time the meal exceeded our expectations. We have dined at the best restaurants in the country including French Laundry. This is one of the best. Every bite is an adventure in taste.No visit to Boston is complete w/o dining at this restaurant.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is an expensive restaurantThis is an expensive restaurant that is worth it for a special occasion or any time if you can afford it, because they serve food with a presentation you can find nowhere else in Boston. It is without a doubt, the best restaurant I have been to.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM