A Special Place To Savor In Boston's South End

It's one of those places that you should really save for special occasions: engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, and other momentous occasions throughout life. Set off a busy main road in Boston's South End, Mistral does not at all reflect the bustling neighborhood in which it is set. Rather, stepping into the light-filled dining room, quiet business diners reserve tables for early dinner meetings, where they'll likely be seated next to couples in love, and out-of-town-fathers visiting their children, treating them to an always-delightful meal. The meal, service, and ambiance is always spot on. Has Danny Meyer moved to Boston?

The food never disappoints. Their seasonal pizzas are an elegant version of the Italian specialty. A favorite? The pizza with beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and truffle oil. You might not usually want to pile on more carbohydrates atop carbohydrates, but here's the exception. The creamy potato marries the buttery, tender tenderloin to the crisp-tender thin crust. A drizzle of truffle oil elevates it to a whole new level. One could feast their way through the appetizers, with the grilled portobello "carpaccio"; foie gras and short rib tortellini; and tender lamb's lettuce salad with creamy goat cheese, crisp pecan melbas, and a sweet apple cider dressing. And for entrées? The fish is always tender, fresh, and delightful, and rotates with the seasons. For carnivores, an abundance of heartier dishes abound, from beef tenderloin, paired with a Bordelaise sauce and horseradish whipped potatoes, to a succulent roasted rack of Colorado lamb, served with a rich dauphinoise gratin of potatoes and crisp-tender vegetable garnish.

The restaurant's name is inspired by the fierce winds prevalent in the south of France. Yet there is no cold, harsh, roar (be it the service, or décor) to be found in the dining room. There is a slight French-Mediterranean influence found in reading the menu, and certainly the region's inspiration is apparent through the décor. But Mistral is unlike any other French-inspired establishment, a unique and truly special place that rivals some of the best restaurants in New York City. Try it for yourself and savor a truly special experience.