Chef Tony Maws started this modern bistro in 2002, and the accolades have been showering upon the place ever since. A tad snug at times, the space has all the charm of a Parisian flat, and you’ll find getting a table much easier if your reservation request is flexible. Needless to say, it’s well worth any trouble. Each night, Maws & crew offer a life-altering à la carte menu that includes dishes like spice-bread-crusted wild boar chops and whole-roasted Vermont squab. The wine list, too, is sure to impress thanks to an emphasis on vineyards that tend to be overlooked by the more mainstream eateries.

This fabulous French restaurant is a mainstay for local francophiles. The intimate, hushed setting is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner, and candles and beaded lamps set a quiet, mysterious tone. Recommended dishes include poached cod, braised short ribs, and crispy duck. You also don’t want to leave without ordering the obligatory crème brulee.

This elegant French-inflected restaurant promises ambience as classy as the food. That’s saying a lot, considering that the menu offers poached dayboat halibut, sautéed medallions of organic Vermont veal, and grilled partridge. The dessert menu is full of sweet delicacies, including chocolate soufflé and toasted almond crème brûlée. A great choice for special occasions. They’re also open for afternoon tea on weekends.

This Beacon Hill dining room has quickly become a favorite with the State House crowd. Chef Barbara Lynch continually updates and tweaks the menu, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and places particular focus on regional Italian and French cuisines. Representative selections include black pearl salmon, pork belly confit with curried pumpkin purée, and prune-stuffed gnocchi. Lynch is especially famous for her homemade pastas. In contrast to the main dining room, reservations are not needed to dine in the cafe-bar.

Sophisticated Mistral attracts well-heeled patrons looking to combine the perfect social scene and elegant dining. More popular dishes include grilled salmon with fennel, steamed mussels, and delicious pizzas personalized to fit your taste. As to the space, the spirit of Provence pervades, complementing the high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and hand-made pottery with earthy stucco, weathered wood and stone elements.

A unique interior of leopard prints and earth tones immediately catches your eye when you step inside Clio. The menu also calls for attention, as you’ll see with one bite. Start out with one of Clio’s signature items – Jerusalem artichoke soup – and then try lobster, caramelized swordfish, or venison. The wine list is extensive and includes red, white, and sparkling vintages. The chef also offers a much-recommended tasting menu nightly; $135 for 12 courses.

In a vague nod to its name, this contemporary French restaurant features a circular shape. Its air of sophistication is gracious rather than intimidating, thanks to a warm, welcoming staff. Main courses include well conceived numbers like pepper-crusted New Zealand venison chop, seared Chatham cod, and Scottish salmon with Yukon gold potatoes. A favorite dessert is tapioca parfait, but “hot apple soup” shouldn’t be overlooked either.

A very elegant dining room, Lumière makes guest feel special and pampered. The wait staff is top-notch and the menu exceptional. Notable items include the roquefort timbale, seared scallops, pan-roasted chicken breast, and the roast halibut. The interior is elegant yet relaxed; light colors adorn the walls and white linen the tables. The wait staff are very experienced and charming.