Do you have any idea what kind of food he likes? That would help narrow down the choices. Seafood? Steak? Italian? Indian? Japanese?

We love "Mistral" for special occasions.(On Columbus in the South End)

When I'm in Boston, I often head for Restaurant Aujourd'hui in the Four Seasons Hotel. Beautiful room, exceptional food, and a splendid view out over Boston Common.

Hotel Restaurants aren't usually my favorites, but Aujourd'hui is an exception.

Here is a link that might be useful: Restaurant Aujourd'hui

For a special occasion:

Boston: Troquet, Avila, L'Espalier, Aujourd'hui, DaVinci
Cambridge: Oleana, Rialto, Upstairs on the Square
West Medford: Bistro 5

Italian: Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge
Japanese: O Ya or Oishii, both Boston
Mediterranean: Rendezvous, Cambridge
Seafood: Mare or B&G Oyster, both Boston
Special Occasion: No. 9 Park or Mistral, both Boston

Neptune Oyster in the North End.

I haven't been to O Ya yet (it's relatively new), but Boston magazine just named it the #1 restaurant in the metro area. Mistral is an excellent choice. Aujourd'hui and L'Espalier are both fantastic, but they're the two stuffiest restaurants in Boston. No. 9 Park is Barbara Lynch's flagship shop, and is wonderful. For exceptional food in a more casual atmosphere check out Hungry Mother or Craigie St. Bistrot (now Craigie on Main).

Here is a link that might be useful: O Ya

ooh I love Craigie on Main too! Yum!

I always think of Aujourd'hui and L'Espalier as being more for tourists.

others to consider are Ken Oringer's restaurants, Clio and his tapas restaurant Toro (toro is truly amazing for anyone wanting tapas and tops in the city for it imho - our favorite restaurant in Boston).

agree with other recommendations... Mistral is great as is No.9 Park. O Ya is supposed to be phenomenal. Dined at Mooo recently(replaced the Federalist at Fifteen Beacon)...don't bother - just so so.

for the Aujourd'hui experience without the stuffiness, try the Bristol Lounge also at the Four Seasons.

B&G Oyster is supposed to be good in the South End and our old standby is Aquitaine in the south End.

Agree with other Cambridge ideas of Rialto and Oleana... both fantastic.

Might also depend on the amount you want to spend. $100 doesn't go as far in some of these places as others.

I would say for high marks on food and really hip atmosphere,great for a special occasion - for someone his age I would choose Sorrelina.

Aujourd'hui and L'espalier (french) are both excellent places for a celebration. Yes they're upper crust but you go there when you're celebrating getting a PhD (esp. from a Boston-area Cambridge, perhaps? University ;-) ).

A less expensive cousin to L'espalier is Sel de la Terre and is run by the same establishment. Personally, I prefer their waterfront version to the new one on Boylston street. Food is really good.

Craigie on Main is another excellent choice, as is Clio. FYI, Ken Oringer (of Clio) was one of the chefs that appeared on Iron Chef America and really impressed the judges from the "the genius in that brain of yours" and "you've trained your staff to implement your billiance" noises the judges made ;-). He won that challenge by a mile - and the reason he did shows in the food he serves at his restaurant. Fantastic. But so is Craigie Street B.

Hammersley's bistro is also very good but it has been a good many years since I've eaten there.

All of these but for Sel de la Terre do run up a pretty penny though, it has to be said.

I always made a trip to Mama Maria's in Little Italy whenever I was in Boston (couple of times a year). It's a fabulous restaurant, very special, with devine food and wine in a very gorgeous atmosphere. It's a lovely place to walk to since it's on the historic walking train and just a few doors up from Paul Revere's house. I never go to Boston without hitting Mama Maria's.

Here is a link that might be useful: menu, pictures, etc

Thank you! I knew I'd get some good recommendations here. I looked them all up, and sent my nephew a list of some choices. I'll let him decide, since I couldn't.

Does it seem that there's a resurgence of french food lately? I've been noticing more authentic french dishes in new restaurants. Is this a newish trend, or is it just that I don't get out much? :o)

Wow! What a thoughtful gift!

The Oak Room at the Fairmont Copley Hotel is outstanding and perfect for the male appetite. Steak is its speciality. High ceilings and very regal. You can expect to spend at least two hours having dinner there, it's a very memorable restaurant. website: http://theoakroom.com