Restaurant Rec?

[vtdiamond]

My future MIL has suggested getting us a gift card for a "really nice dinner out in the city," as a Christmas present this year. So I'm trying to think about where we would like to go.

I'd kind of like to try something new. We've been to Top of the Hub, Eastern Standard (got engaged there), Scampo, a lot of places in the North End and various other restaurants. So I'm trying to think of some place new. FI is also a chef so really does appreciate fine dining.

What would be your pick for a nice dinner out in the city?

Ideas I've thought of so far are: L'Espalier, Bondir, Oceanaire, No. 9 Park, Mistral and Menton.

[liveintheville]

Lespalier, no 9, and mooo. Less fancy is Aquitaine but I love it. Really though you should go to lespalier or no 9.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

If someone else was paying, then L'Espalier. We went there for our first anniversary, and it was delicious.
We also really like Craigie, but it's less formal than the others.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

It's definitely worth going, Rock. We were too chicken to try the tasting menu when we went, because neither of us like seafood, but we swear we're going to go back and do it up right, heh.

And this is totally not a fancy place, but since we're talking restaurants: I went to the Salty Pig with friends last night, and holy crap, was it good. We made up a charcuterie board with two kinds of prosciutto, soprasetta, and pork rillette, some taleggio and a gouda-style goat cheese. Then had the most delicious pizza with Cajun spiced bacon, shallots, and roasted garlic cream sauce. Yum! If you like charcuterie and pork products, then go. And take me with you, heh.

[vtdiamond]

Oooh that sounds amazing 5kc adding it to my list of places to try!

I'm definitely leaning towards, L'Espalier, and hoping we can use it for our Anniversary dinner in January.

Thanks Ladies!

[hw77]

Salty Pig is amazing!! Last year we got a gift card to Island Creek Oyster Bar which we enjoyed. I also want to try Craggie on Main tasting menu

[rikki]

Maybe I am way too picky or a food snob, but I've been to Craigie on Main 3 or 4 times and haven't liked it once. I also wasn't impressed with Menton. I like No 9 Park much more. If I could go to any restaurant in Boston, I would definitely pick O Ya. I've been twice and it is amazing (but expensive!). L'Espallier is good, but not fabulous.

[rikki]

One of my new favorite places is Island Creek Oyster Bar. It's beautiful and not too expensive. It might be a nice place to try with your MIL.