The Bristol is to a regular restaurant as the Four Seasons is to a regular hotel: It looks about the same, but everything is just better. Columns and cushy banquettes break up a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows, red-leather accents, and plenty of wood paneling; there's seating in the lively bar and the stylish dining area. The all-day menu extends from pricey breakfast items to tasty bar bites to sophisticated versions of classic dishes. The juicy burgers are famous, the soups and salads depend on what's fresh and seasonal, and the main courses are top-of-the-line comfort food (seared cod, roasted chicken, creamy lobster risotto). Desserts are inventive versions of apple pie, fudge cake, cheesecake, and other traditional favorites. In keeping with the quality of every other element of the experience, the service is fantastic.

The hotel's fine-dining restaurant, Aujourd'hui (tel. 617/351-2037) is one of Boston's top special-occasion and expense-account destinations. In a gorgeous second-floor space overlooking the Public Garden, it serves modern French cuisine (main courses $26-$42) daily from 5:30 to 10:30pm and a bountiful New England Sunday brunch buffet ($58 adults, $28 children) from 11am to 3pm. Reservations are strongly recommended.