Few dining experiences are as memorable as a place at the chef’s table. Being a part of the excitement of the kitchen while devouring hand selected fare from the chef, all while watching the mastery unfold before your eyes, can truly be a marvel when you place yourself in the hands of the right chef. To make sure you are getting the best experience the city has to offer, Haute Living has put together the Haute 5 Chef’s Tables in Boston:

L’Espalier

For a true local wonder, L’Espalier is a must and thought by many to be the top chef’s table opportunity in the city. This Back Bay tasting adventure features New England French cuisine that draws on locally available ingredients prepared with a French flair. This most intimate experience is available for one or two people only and can be reserved evenings Monday through Saturday. Only one reservation is available each evening so the exclusivity of this one is guaranteed.

Location:  774 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston lespalier.com

Via Matta

The speeds with which the chefs of Via Matta prepare may have you in a tizzy of excitement.  The table situated inside the downstairs kitchen seats 6 to 12 people and offers the best of Italy’s Piedmont, Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia Romagna regions.  Optional wine selections are also available on a per person basis. Enjoy the labors of the kitchen with a front row seat.

Location: 79 Park Plaza, Theater District, Boston 617.422.0008 viamattarestaurant.com

The Dining Alternative

There is something particularly special when a private chef invites you over to his or her place for a chef’s table.­­­­­­­ The Dining Alternative in Somerville offers such an experience with the eclectic tastes of their chef Peter Ungár.  The delicately prepared menu often offers many elegantly presented French and Asian inspired dishes.  Chef’s tables are offered here erratically, so be sure to email them to see when the next one is coming up, or join the email list to be notified when the opportunity rolls around again.

Location: 18 Fellsway West, Somerville, info@thediningalternative.com diningalternative.com

Ten Tables

The intimate settings of Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain can make every table feel like a chef’s table, but the stools overlooking all the action in the open kitchen are the spot to secure for a true chef’s table experience. The coziness of Ten Tables lends itself well to the care and passion with which it was created back in 2002 and with which all things are prepared, selected and served.

Location:  597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain 617.524.8810 tentables.net

Asana

Enjoy all of the kitchen action in your own glass enclosed dining room able to accommodate up to 10 at Asana at the Mandarin Hotel. To accompany the gastronomical and visual spectacle each guest is to behold, Asana also offers a variety of rare wines and spirits from the world over.

Location: 776 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston 617.535.888 mandarinoriental.com.boston/dining/asana