Of the three, which would you choose? What are the differences between them? (I tried to search and Fodor's just froze up.) What has been your experience at any of them? Thanks.

Aujour d'hui is one of Boston's top restaurants and has been for several years. That would get my vote.

I agree with Sally. Rialto is over-rated.

I've only been to AUjour d'hui. Excellent food, slightly businessy atmosphere. Certainly some of the best food I've had anywhere. ANd the most expensive.

The Aujour d'hui is my fave restaurant in the nation. I haven't yet been to French Laundry.

I had a VERY poor experience at Rialto and would not recommend it to anyone. I would do Aujourd'hui or the Ritz - what about L'Espalier? Auj and the Ritz are top-notch hotel restaurants and Rialto is more trendy-fancy. L'Espalier is probably one of the best (if not the best) rest. in Boston - in a quiet house off of Newbury Street. Very elegant.

Try www.foodline.com - they have menus posted under the restaurants.

I don't understand why Rialto gets such impressive reviews all the time. I also was disappointed in it, and so were several other friends who have gone. I haven't been to Aujourd 'hui or Ritz, os can't really comment. I think the Ritz is extremely elegant, but is likely to serve more traditional food. But I have to agree with Jen, what about L'Espalier? Its absolutely wonderful, great food, great service, nice quiet ambience.

My husband and I were HUGELY disappointed with Rialto. Couldn't figure what all the fuss is about. Terrible service, menu selections too "interesting" and not appealing. Our meals were okay, but not an "experience" or all that impressive. Perhaps, just not our sort of food. Aujour d'hui is definitely an experience to be cherished. Particularly if you resign yourselves to the expense of it ahead of time and forget about it (which you will long before the experience of it dims). As for the Ritz, if the "Roof" is open, it is positively sublime in every way. The room is magnificent, the band is spectacular, the food incredible. Service is professional and friendly. Quite the night overall!. The upstairs dining room is fabulous as well. But, more a "hotel" dining experience compared to Aujour d'hui. If it were me, I think I'd choose the Ritz (roof or main dining room) for the music. But, for a dining experience, you'd surely enjoy Aujour d'hui as well.

I've been to Aujour d'hui and Rialto and between those two I would certainly choose Aujour d'hui. I also think Rialto is a bit over-rated and while it is good it is not spectacular. Rialto is an after work kind of place. Aujour d'hui is a destination restaurant. It is expensive and dressy.

I know you didn't ask for other suggestions but I thought I'd throw out a couple (well, actually three) anyway: Radius, Clio and the still extremely popular (and with good reason) Olives. All three have very good, imaginative food and nice atmospheres. Olives is the most fun but also the most annoying to get into since they only take reservations for 6 or more people.

I've not been to the Ritz so I can't comment but you will probably get exquisite service and good food.

Hope this helps.

Just thought you might be interested to know we ended up at L'Espalier. It was impressive but mainly for the cost ($350 for the two of us with just a split of champagne and a bottle of Perrier). And while the first few courses of the degustation menu were "sublime" (as the reviewers might say), there were actually some disappointments in the meat/fish courses -- bland sweetbreads, over-salty sauce on the beef. And the apple tart was just an average apple tart. The house itself is lovely, but we noticed one string of decorative lights was out and the wallpaper was curling in a couple of places. A funny note: the waiter (they're all so REVERENT about the food) was enthusiastic about telling us the herbs were "locally grown" -- including the fact that "locally" meant on the roof of the building. I immediately had an image of pigeons, seagulls, and air pollution, so the point was entirely lost on me!

Otherwise, it's so expensive that one can feel a little intimidated by the clientele -- clearly soaking-in-money rich or expense-account corporate lawyers. The waiters always ask the remaining people who clearly don't fit those descriptions if it's a special occasion; and in this case we were the 30th anniversary, there was a 1st anniversary with two kids looking totally overwhelmed by the pomp (as if they were on prom-night best behavior), and a chef from another upscale restaurant there for his own birthday!

If we have another chance (after we win a lottery), we'll try Aujour d'Hui or one of the ones Sharona mentioned. The Ritz roof was closed, but I'm told it's charming but mainly for lunch.

Still love Boston, though.

I have another nay vote for Rialto, but have to say, Dave, I liked your description. Know just what you mean about being "reverent" about the food -- it's all gone too far, I think.

Dave,
I haven't been to Espalier yet, but your description fits with everything I've heard. Which is why I haven't been to Espalier yet.

The general take seems to be, great atmosphere, good food, but for the money you can eat much better in Boston.