Double Birthday Celebration- Where would you go for dinner if money weren't an object?

[Snoop37]

My dad and I will be celebrating our birthday in two weeks with my mom and brother. We're all very open-minded with food, no dietary/ allergic restrictions, and we just want to go some place where we will be impressed with the fare and service. We want to stick to the Cambridge/ Boston area and again, we have no problems spending x amount of dollars for a great meal on this occasion.

With that said, what do you hounds recommend? I have a feeling I'll be getting some Craigie and O Ya recommendations...just let me know what you guys liked in particular in your recs. Thank you in advance!

[ecwashere7]

This surely isn't an original comment, but I'd have to go with Craigie. The food is amazing at any price. I couldn't disagree more with the suggestion of the North End. There are a few good places there, but none that are better than somewhere else in the city.

My short list of restaurants to blow a huge wad of cash:

Craigie
Radius - I've always left happy and feeling like I was treated like a king.
O Ya

[Atos]

chefs table at L'espalier

[MaineRed]

Craigie and Oleana for sure. I like the tasting menus for a long night with lots of wine :)

[CreativeFoodie42]

Some of my top restaurants for special occasions include O Ya (went there last night for an anniversary celebration), L'Espalier, and the Oak Room (for classic fine dining).

[jajjguy]

Add TW Food to your list. Small, cozy, place. Food is in the subtle delicate direction, somewhat in contrast to Craigie, which I also like a lot.

[kwhite18]

Via Matta is very good as is Troquet. I (personally) don't love #9 Park or Scampo. Mistral and Sorellina are very beautiful but the food can be hit or miss.

[Berheenia]

We had a double (30 and 65) last summer and 6 of us went to Grille 23 on a Saturday night and we would do it again.

[Pegmeister]

I tend to gravitate towards the North End when I'm looking for something special. For me, that would be Prezza. I love the vibe there. Staff is very attentive and more importantly the food is amazing. I absolutely love the baked figs stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped with prosciutto. Also, when in the North End I rarely will have all my courses in one restaurant. It just seems so much more fun to stop at one for an appetizer (Neptune for oysters) Prezza for the main courses and Paradisso for a latte or cordial. Have fun!

[rlh]

I agree about the North End but would choose Mamma Maria if I could book that single table by itself overlooking the square - the food is great (but not edgy or innovative) and the service always gracious and top notch - a little pricey for what it is but definitely special.

[emilief]

Scampo is great. Sorellina is very good and quite beautiful inside. Both have excellent service. Have fun.

[yumyum]

Do consider Scampo too. One of my best meals of 2009 and you will be impressed.

[barleywino]

Do lunch at Scampo first to get yourselves primed for dinner...you know, a little beef carpaccio here, a little duck confit there...

[Joanie]

I think you just have to read over the various posts on O Ya, Craigie, Clio, L'Espalier, Troquet, No. 9 Park, etc. and make a decision. Many similar threads on this.

[Snoop37]

from your list it seems like your directing me to places with tasting menus?

[Joanie]

No, just those are the usual suspects when people say money's no object. L'Esp is the only one I've gotten a tasting menu at, haven't eaten at new Craigie still and never at O Ya. Just listing off the biggies. I had a lot of fun at Scampo too. And had a great meal and fun time at Market just 2 weeks ago.

Edit: It was just the 3 course meal at L'Esp., not a tasting menu.