How is L'Espalier - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

L'Espalier - Permanently Closed, Boston, MA

L'Espalier - Permanently Closed

4.5

2659 Reviews

$50 and over

French

Top Tags:

L'Espalier can be found at its new home on Boylston Street, adjacent to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. L'Espalier is a culinary exploration, featuring sophisticated and modern New England-French cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and New England ingredients.

**Please note we are not able to accept reservations for the Chef's Table, Wine Monday, or Cheese Tuesday on OpenTable.com.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
French
Hours of operation
Lunch: Sunday-Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm, Afternoon Tea : Saturday & Sunday 1:30pm & 2pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm; The Salon is available during our regular hours of operation for cocktail service.
Phone number
(617) 262-3023
Website
http://www.lespalier.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Jacket Preferred
Executive chef
Frank McClelland
Catering
Au Soleil Catering brings the same dedication to excellence in cuisine and service that our guests at Sel de la Terre and L’Espalier have grown to know and love. From the rustic simplicity of Sel de la Terre’s cuisine to the lavish opulence of L’Espalier’s modern New England-French cuisine, Au Soleil presents a variety of options to suit every style of event. Call Au Soleil at 617-535-6040 or visit www.ausoleilcatering.com for more information.
Private party facilities
For 25 years, L’Espalier has been at the forefront in accommodating guest requests for private dining space and off premise events. The combination of classic and contemporary décor in the three dining rooms and the salon offers a distinctive setting for a variety of events.
Private party contact
Julie Parks: (617) 535-6040

Location
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
Neighborhood
Back Bay
Cross street
Fairfield St.
Parking details
Valet parking is available during both lunch and dinner for a fee. There are also several area garages and limited street parking.
Public transit
Copley Square T
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Roasted Chicken Breast
with Harvard beets, sour cherries, pistachio butter, and cured black olives
Veta La Palma Lubina
dragon beans, confit poblano pepper, Marcona almonds and lemon oil
Pineland Farms Roasted Beef Sirloin
lime sesame vinaigrette, ginger potato pave, snow peas and king trumpets
Risotto of Confit Duck
with seasonal vegetables, coddled egg and brown butter emulsion

Caviar Russe

Russian Osetra
- Half$85.00
- Ounce$140.00
White Sturgeon Traditional
- Ounce$150.00
Caspian Sea Beluga Hybrid
- Ounce$380.00
J. Lassalle, Preference
add $25

Degustation

$68, Vintner's Tasting: Three Wine Pairings $64, Five Wine Pairings $80, Four Seasonal Juice Pairings $51

Lobster Bisque
With chanterelles, and radishes. Wine Pairing: 2016 Hawksbill Rosé, Los Carneros, Napa
Yellowfin Tuna
With mushroom stuffed cannelloni, celery cream, crispy onions, and O-Med smoked olive oil. Wine Pairing: 2016 Copain, "Tous Ensemble, " Sonoma Coast, Chardonnay
Pineland Farms Roasted Beef Sirloin
Lime sesame vinaigrette, ginger potato pave, snow peas, and king trumpets. Wine Pairing: 2016 Ascheri, Pelaverga, Verduno, Italy
Grand Fromage
Wine Pairing: 2011 Contratto Millesimato, Extra Brut, Italy
Anise Hyssop Yogurt Panna Cotta
Blueberries, lime, walnut palmiers and blueberry anise sorbet. Wine Pairing: 2015 Union of Winemaking Cooperatives, Vin Doux, Samos-Greece

What 2,659 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Quiet

2,463 Reviews

K
Kitty
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Reviewed on January 2, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
So sad it closed its doors. I had a lot of good memories dinning here.
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CM
ChristopherM
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sorry to see it go, I knew the previous owners, Moncef and Donna, from the first year, and Chef McClelland recently. 40 years of impact, delight, and hospitality. Thanks for the run. Truly the end of an era.
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CO
ChimaO
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really sorry to see L’Espalier close. A special place with very good food and atmosphere.
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T
Tommy
Greater Boston
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
Really enjoyed our visit to L'Espalier. We waited many years to final visit, and it's sad to see them go after so many years. Great food/culinary experience with fantastic service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful evening to celebrate the fantastic L’Espalier as Chef McClellan ends his run.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2018
overall2food4service1ambience2
I was there for afternoon tea with my son. Was seated at a table that was next to a large pillar in the middle room, right in the walkway area. We felt like we in the dead zone. Very poor service. It took 20 minutes to get a refill on a cup of tea. Clearly the restaurant is going out of business, which I just discovered after the visit. The tea service was so overpriced for such poor service.
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D
Done
Greater Boston
33 reviews
1.0
33 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2018
overall1food3service1ambience2
So very disappointing, we have been many times and thought once more before it closes. Our main server, Kathleen B. was so unfocused, our table location was ?, we were given Tea not Lunch menu, then no choice as we thought 2options. Libation book had no cocktail list, wine chosen not available, water spilled on seat splashing onto me, “sorry” with not wiping up! When asked if we would like more bread, my husband replied yes, however he had to ask twice more, his entree, beef was a very large chunk of fat with a small amount of well done meat. Our wine arrived after entrees and glasses were poured uncomfortably full! We always enjoyed the cheese course and inquired, “four cheeses” we had to ask what types also asked about sorbets, again had to ask three times what kind. We tried to make the best of an awful experience, which is why my husband didn’t complain, the food was warm never hot. You’re asking so please share with Mr.McClelland
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G
Ginettev
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made reservations to dine there one last time before the doors closed. My husband was at home in bed with an injury but he insisted that our son and I go . Although we missed him and he was sad that he missed dining at one of his favorite restaurant we had a wonderful time. Our son has always been exposed to fine dining since he was a baby but for some reason he never went with us to L’Espalier . He enjoyed the experience and I enjoyed dinner bing with my son who wore a Tux for me but in his own style . Thank you kindly for giving me that experience with my only child . Thank you Drew for treating us with such care and attention ♥️
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MF
MaryF
Greater Boston
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
I will be sad to see this iconic restaurant retire.. the food is exceptional, the service can’t be beat.. the end of a very special era in Boston.
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MR
MarisaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing in all regards. Impeccable service and creative, delicious food. So sad this was our only meal here, but very fortunate to get in before closing.
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JR
JoeRichard
Greater Boston
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We will be sad to see you close!
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F
Fenbuddy
Greater Boston
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another perfect, if last-chance meal at my favorite restaurant.
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AF
AlFi
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our last meal at this institution of refined excellence! As this adage goes, all good things must come to an end. And so it goes here. We hope it’s only au revoir for a brief while.
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D
Dexter
Glasgow
34 reviews
3.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2018
overall3food4service3ambience3
What to say since the restaurant is closing after 40 years? Clearly they went out with a whimper instead of a bang. It seemed at first that we were being rushed for our 7 pm seating, the amuse bouche coming before we'd placed our wine order. We had to ask twice to have the sommelier come to advise us. The butter poached lobster and the halibut course were both excellent, but lukewarm; my wife has made a better show of the butter poached lobster. One of the servers, whom we've had on previous occasions, spoke English so poorly that we had to ask several times to repeat what was being placed before us so that we could understand (and I'm a huge supporter of immigration). The duck and beef were both delicious, but service was so inattentive that nobody noticed when my wife spilled a water glass. The Grande Fromage, a staple of the restaurant all these decades, was not on the menu, but when asked I was told that it was available on request. What came was a pale shadow of its former self--no cheese cart, but an anemic (though tasty) selection of four cheeses. The shock was being charged $42 for this paltry sampling. We first dined at L'Espalier 35 years ago, and have returned over the decades for numerous special occasions. We couldn't let the restaurant pass into oblivion without one more dinner once we learned of its pending demise. Sadly, it seemed that the restaurant was already running on fumes 5 days prior to the last act. I will cherish the memories of past meals, but not this one.
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TC
TraciC
Greater Boston
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was outstanding! Truly sad to see this establishment closing. Elegant decor, impeccable staff and a wonderful experience. Thank you.
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KS
KatieS
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful experience start to finish! We are sorry to discover L’Espalier before it closes. The staff were top notch and wanted to please. Loved it!
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AN
AN12
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lunch date. Excellent.
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LR
LanR
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience1
Not even close to a fine dining restaurant. It seems they are trying to be something they will never be. A fine dining experience should surprise you, but there is nothing out of the ordinary and dishes are poorly executed. The service was not up to the standard either, the way the bring and take each plate was not smooth and not properly described. The food is tasteless. Repeated ingredients multiple times in the dishes. Today they had a dish of just potatoes, really, the foie gras tarte was crumnling with a crust with way too much butter, anything that was supposed to be crunchy like potato chips and duck skin was soggy, the steak was overcooked in the edges and blue in the center. Overall really horrible. Don't go to this place.
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MR
MeghanR
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience2
We’ve been almost everywhere in Boston for afternoon tea and this was our least favorite by far. We were expecting a festive holiday tea and walked into a mad hatter tea that we specifically asked not to be a part of. When we informed our server they took off all the decorations and left us with nothing festive. The food was incredibly sub par and smaller than any tea I’ve ever been to. The service left much to be desired, filling our cups with the wrong tea or just not at all. We will not return and would not recommend this to anyone.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best restaurant in Boston
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BS
BobS
Greater Boston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always exceeds my expectations
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J
Josephpicante
Greater Boston
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Greatness. Grieving or a this sad loss.
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k
keithm
Greater Boston
281 reviews
vip
3.0
281 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2018
overall3food3service5ambience4
It was good, but better last year. We decided to do the holiday tea again this year. It was scheduled for Dec. 23, but we needed to reschedule to this past Sunday, which was not a problem. We started off with the Cognac infused Eggnog, which was excellent...A warning to those ion the future: They may offer to refill your glasses again with the Eggnog. If you do just plain Eggnog, its fine. If you do the Cognac Eggnog, you'll get hit with a $14 surcharge & they will not "offer" the fact you'll get charged. The teas we chose were outstanding. I did the holiday tea, which had a nice Smokey cinnamon aroma & taste. The savory treats were very nice & flavorful. The sweets afterwards, were frankly quite disappointing. I hate saying it, but they looked more outsourced than made in house. Richard being a pastry chef was quite disappointed. I feel we'll still do tea on occasion, but likely skip the Holiday Tea, as it's $110 price was certainly not worth it. The ambience was nice, but the Taj tea is the best one around. Unfortunately, the hotel is going to undergo a 15 month shutdown & transformation. I hope the timeless tradition of the Taj is not thrown by the wayside.
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TP
TPatel
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2018
overall3food2service4ambience3
I don’t think the menu is worth the price, food was okay, experience was better in terms of doing a Chef’s Tasting.
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LM
LindaM
Greater Boston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely champagne and truffles Monday night dinner. The quail was especially outstanding and the champagne paired perfectly. For Monday night special dinner it’s a set menu and everyone is served at the same time with a quick explanation of the wine. The service is less personal than a normal meal but still excellent. My only disappointment was dessert. I didn’t especially like it even though it was chocolate - an odd smoky flavor- but I was full by then anyway.
1 person found this helpful
w
wecap1
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2018
overall3food2service5ambience5
Understand concept here, chefs choice. Real real real small portions. For gods sake a bite of lamb for a main course. Fancy food, not that good. Way way way overpriced. 700.00 with tip. Service. Ambiance and Romantic- Yes. Overall, will never go back, better off going to a good steak house. Thumbs down.
1 person found this helpful
j
johnk
Western NC
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience and food.
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SF
SimonF
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and brilliant service we really enjoyed our dinner there (is that 50 workloads yet?)
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DC
DeepakC
New Orleans
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience5
Good but overpriced
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent Thanksgiving dinner!
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GM
GermanMoyer
Caribbean
60 reviews
vip
2.0
60 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2018
overall2food2service1ambience1
Tourist trap. Seriously disappointed. There are many lessons to be learned here....
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DS
DavidS
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
My 5 courses lunch took me 2 hours which I think was too long, the connection between each course can be better. My first course was a lobster bisque which was too salty, but they replaced me with another lighter appetizer which was awesome, Lubina fish was great, very impressive, but beef was way over cooked, almost medium well. Cheese tasting was great, and dessert as usual, not very good, panna cotta was too thick and lack of anise hyssop flavor.
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JF
JohnF
New Orleans
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2018
overall1food1service3ambience2
Not worth the money and food was not good at all. Try to be fusion and use repeatedly nuts.
1 person found this helpful
C
Caro
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2018
overall2food3service2ambience1
I had visited a year ago and had the most amazing dining experience. However, the recent experience was a rather expensive disappointment. It did not help that I was freezing and sitting in a draught all evening. The waiter was slightly officious and the food too salty, on the whole. I think we got the chef on an “ off night”.
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S
Silke
Greater Boston
161 reviews
vip
4.0
161 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience3
Sadly, L'Espalier is past its prime, doesn't have a special feel or pzazz to justify its price and pretension. Three of us had a nice lunch with good food and service, but in a quiet, rather sterile atmosphere. Servers were competent or workmanlike, but not polished or especially gracious; unfortunately trained to use phrases like, "Are you joining us for lunch today?" (No, I'm having lunch with friends in yr restaurant). Open Table site says L'Espalier has a Sunday brunch, but it doesn't. Disappointing for a brunch lover. Maitre d' blamed OT for this rather than apologizing. The tasting menu lunch was nice, not that special. We loved L'Espalier @ Gloucester St. but it still doesn't seem to have gotten its groove back in the 3 times we've visited since it moved (long ago now).
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D
Dmytro
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2018
overall3food3service4ambience3
Its a good restaurant but not for this price. After visiting multiple Michelin restaurants in Europe, this gives usual food for the high price. With all the respect to Chef, but this menu is average.
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M
Miloche
Atlantic Canada
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience from start to finish. The service was astounding and the Chefs menu was absolutely fantastic. We would certainly return!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect from start to finish. The food was delicious and aesthetically pleasing. Service was superb. Will return again for future milestone celebrations.
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F
Francois
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2018
overall3food2service3ambience5
We've been going to L'Espalier for over 6 years and what we used to take for granted as one of the best destination in Boston for the total dining experience is no more. It used to be the reference for ambiance, service, presentation, and food tasting. The ambiance and food presentation are still tops, but already last year we started experiencing the decline with the staff and some of the food. This year, out of 8 courses (I think) on the tasting menu, I could only come up with one outstanding item, and 3 well below average. Moreover, the staff now makes mistakes and doesn't even know their stuff. Very disappointing for a $500 dinner for 2. What used to be a special destination for birthdays and anniversaries, may have to be replaced by a better venue. Very sad!
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F
Foodman
Charleston
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2018
overall2food2service2ambience2
Pear cider and sparkling grape juice on the wine pairings.....they seriously need a new sommelier!!! Stuck up wait staff might be ok at Ledoyen but they have really good food and wine pairings! Can’t recommend this place....food was fair and not very impressive. They also charge 2% for the kitchen.... really? Most restaurants take care of their kitchen staff!! Maybe that is the problem.
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

L'Espalier - Permanently Closed is rated 4.5 stars by 2659 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Additional information

Cross street
Fairfield St.
Neighborhood
Back Bay
Hours of operation
Lunch: Sunday-Saturday 11:30am - 2:00pm, Afternoon Tea : Saturday & Sunday 1:30pm & 2pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30pm-10:30pm; The Salon is available during our regular hours of operation for cocktail service.
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
French
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Jacket Preferred
Parking details
Valet parking is available during both lunch and dinner for a fee. There are also several area garages and limited street parking.
Public transit
Copley Square T
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Frank McClelland
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lespalier.com/
Phone number
(617) 262-3023
Catering
Au Soleil Catering brings the same dedication to excellence in cuisine and service that our guests at Sel de la Terre and L’Espalier have grown to know and love. From the rustic simplicity of Sel de la Terre’s cuisine to the lavish opulence of L’Espalier’s modern New England-French cuisine, Au Soleil presents a variety of options to suit every style of event. Call Au Soleil at 617-535-6040 or visit www.ausoleilcatering.com for more information.
Private party facilities
For 25 years, L’Espalier has been at the forefront in accommodating guest requests for private dining space and off premise events. The combination of classic and contemporary décor in the three dining rooms and the salon offers a distinctive setting for a variety of events.
Private party contact
Julie Parks: (617) 535-6040

L'Espalier - Permanently Closed

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Menu

Chef Mcclelland's Tasting Journey

Chef Mcclelland's Tasting Journey$108.00

A La Carte

First Course

Dutch Leeks

Chèvre

Torchon of Foie Gras

Lobster Bisque

Main Course

Roasted Chicken Breast

Veta La Palma Lubina

Pineland Farms Roasted Beef Sirloin

Risotto of Confit Duck

Caviar Russe

Russian Osetra

White Sturgeon Traditional

Caspian Sea Beluga Hybrid

J. Lassalle, Preference

Degustation

Lobster Bisque

Yellowfin Tuna

Pineland Farms Roasted Beef Sirloin

Grand Fromage

Anise Hyssop Yogurt Panna Cotta

What 2,659 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is L'Espalier - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information