OK, I've narrowed my hotel choices to the Lenox, the Elliot, and the Copley Plaza--which would you choose? This is the area I want to be in. There was an old posting here about the best restaurant in Boston, and search as I may, I can't bring it up. What would you choose? I'm not interested in the North End. Budget is not an object.

I really loved my dinner at Kingfish Hall (Todd English) earlier this summer. Have also heard good things about No.9 but have heard that the portions are very small.

The other nice places I've been to have both been in the North End (Prezza and Mamma Maria).

Stayed at the Westin so can't help you with your hotels, sorry!

We ate at Radius for the first time recently and were very impressed. Lovely, non-stuffy service and excellent food. My husband and I sharply disagree on 9 Park - I rant while he raves! Mistral and Hammersley's Bistro also favorites of ours. Mantra funky and interesting, but portions (a year ago) were very small. Folks love Clio (at the Elliot) I've only eaten in their function room (very nice) so cant comment on the full menu.

Hamersly's for me! all mentioned here are very good. I'll also add Aquitaine.

If you really want something special and attentive service, make a reservation at L'Espalier. Don't be shocked if dinner for two is in the range of $500 t0 $750.

Here's another recommendation for L'Espalier, though our tab, including tip, last month was "only" $203. We paid no attention to prices, had a drink, maybe two, had appetizers (the foie gras for mysef), and I don't remember if we had dessert (we may have shared one). But, our favorite place in Boston is Le Meridien - awesome in every way. Julien (the main dining room) is magnificent (and quiet, unlike most "romantic" dining destinations in Boston, though L'Espalier is as well). The piano lounge is fabulous as well. Nothing like enjoying a truly amazing dining experience, nice piano music with your coffee/after dinner drinks, then just strolling down the hall "home". If you're staying over a weekend, you'll be transported to your brunch destination via complimentary limo. What could be better than that?

This is great info; thanks so much. I'm leaning towards Donna's plan. Any other comments?

Another vote for Julien, easily the most elegant dining room in the city though someone just interested in the food might look elsewhere (like Hamersley's). L'Espalier is not what it once was and I can't recommend it.

Quoting total prices for a meal can be misleading. Any of the top restaurants in town can be as little as $150 for two - even less, but then you really haven't been there - or $500 (or more, lots more) depending on wine.

Stay at the Eliot. I recently posted a rave reivew under the title Boston/Best hotel.

Hi Fran. The Eliot has one of the best restaurants in the city in Clio -- wonderful, imaginative food. I'm also a big fan of Radius which has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. Julien is also very good with definitely more formal leanings than Clio or Radius. Radius and Clio were recently named in the top 50 restaurants in the country by either Bon Appetit or Gourmet, I can't remember which.