Restaurants with Top Owners and Hosts

These restaurants go beyond fine food or ambience—they exude personality because the maitre d' or owner brings the establishment to life.

Often the first and last person diners encounter in a restaurant, the maitre d'hotel plays an important role. His title translates as "master of the hotel," and it's his job to make sure everything runs smoothly-from welcoming and seating guests to making food and wine suggestions. Perhaps the most famous maitre d' was the tuxedoed Oscar Tschirky, of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, who fostered the image of the formal, often rigid gatekeeper. But today, as even fine-dining restaurants have become more relaxed, the maitre d' position has transformed into something less traditional. The person who serves as the face of the restaurant may be the general manager or the owner, but he still offers just the right amount of charm coupled with seamless efficiency. The following restaurants all have exceptional front-of-the-house staff, so you know they'll show you a memorable dining experience on your next visit to town.

Louis Risoli

at L'Espalier

Boston, Massachusetts

7744 Boylston Street

LESPALIER.COM

This elegant French restaurant, opened by chef-owner Frank McClelland, is known for its stellar service and the intimate atmosphere of its three dining rooms, which are flawlessly overseen by maitre d' Louis Risoli, who has been with the restaurant an astonishing 30 years. The suave, Massachusetts-born Risoli will guide you through the three-course prix fixe menu, the four-course seasonal dégustation or the extravagant chef's tasting menu while regaling your party with anecdotes about the restaurant's history and its celebrity diners. Risoli is also a fromager, so be sure to end your meal with a selection of delicious cheeses from around the world, including England, France, Australia and the United States.

Mickey Bakst

at Charleston Grill

Charleston, South Carolina

224 King Street

843-577-4522

CHARLESTONGRILL.COM

No visit to this southern gem of a town would be complete without a meal at Charleston Grill, the restaurant at Charleston Place, the city's finest hotel. The dining room is the domain of Mickey Bakst, the very capable and affable general manager who's been the face of the restaurant for years. Join locals who enjoy the laid-back yet elegant vibe, groove to the live jazz combos that play nightly, and enjoy executive chef Michelle Weaver's Low Country dishes, such as seared flounder and crab succotash or Carolina hen and onion gravy. The Grill is the ideal spot for a private event or business function-Mickey will make surefire recommendations for dining options and can take care of any special requests your group might have.

Chris Denton

at Mr. Chow

Beverly Hills, California

344 North Camden Drive

310-278-9911

MRCHOW.COM

For years, this Beverly Hills institution has been the must-visit spot for movers and shakers, from talent scouts and agents to directors, producers and A-list stars, including Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise. Naturally, everyone watches where everyone sits-and who gets the most coveted tables. Overseeing it all with panache and patience for the past 20 years has been English-born maitre d' Chris Denton. Both lunch and dinner are prime celebrity-spotting times, but Denton makes sure that nonindustry types feel right at home, too. Savor chef Eddie Wong's Asian dishes such as chicken satay, black sea bass, green prawns and the signature Peking duck. There are private rooms available, but it's more fun to book a table in the main dining room, with its black-and-white checkerboard floor, to catch all the action.