A truly religious experience at RESTAURANT DANIEL! Culinary creativity, authenticity, and quality at its best on the UES in NYC. Daniel Boulud really has done it, and done it with grace. Much credit goes to his executive chef Jean Francois Bruel, who made our evening quite memorable. The interior design of Daniel is homey, cozy, and yet refined as opposed to grandiose. The lighting fosters a soft atmosphere, neither too dark nor too bright. We were seated at a table (my request) along the wall of the room in the main dining area which was perfect! Our particular table maintained privacy for the night since we weren't sitting amongst a sea of other diners and yet we we felt a light buzz of chatter from the other patrons. I was delighted that they saved our table after arriving 10 minutes late. Service was impeccable: friendly and light hearted. Our servers were professional and yet personable, who provided a truly welcoming and transforming experience. We eventually exchanged stories with one of our main servers about Paris, mine about my travels there and having lived and worked there for 6 months, his about his fiancee who is still in Paris and of course Chef Jean Francois Bruel. We opted for the six-course $195 tasting menu. Again and again, I have been startled by the excellence of Mr. Bruel's ingredients and his talent for unlocking all they had to offer. I have never tasted more calmly flavorful veal tenderloin, or fresher and more gently handled swordfish, or a more skillfully roasted breast of guinea hen. Some of these star ingredients were embedded in elaborate, multipart compositions that didn't fully reward the attention they demanded. With our tasting menu, we got a bottle of a 1987 Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Cros Parantoux. The wine was unbelievably delicious! And while the service can be among the best in the city, with a supreme attentiveness softened by a surprising warmth and even chattiness, it is not always that way for everyone from what I am told. I've been here a few times and it's pretty consistent. Let me say this. If your wallet permits at some time, consider Daniel's tasting menu and don't over think things. Be seated at this magical restaurant, and order whatever tickles your fancy and stimulates your palate. Don't worry about what others deem the most celebrated dish and instead order to what your heart desires. Less thinking, more eating. The three michelin stars are well deserved at Daniel. I truly believe that not all fine dining restaurants are created equal. As I stepped out onto 65th street into that 25 degree cold temperature, I had visions of returning to my favorite french restaurant in Paris. Thank you Daniel for reinvigorating those experiences of the "bloody duck"! All in all, Daniel remains one of New York's most sumptuous dining experiences. And while it yields fewer transcendent moments than its four-star brethren and falls prey to more inconsistency, it has a distinctive and important niche in that brood, a special reason to be treasured. read more

What can you say, when it comes to the pinnacle of fine dining in Manhattan there are a few names that immediately come to mind as being the best of the best. Although it seems that recently Daniel hasn't had its name at the very top of this list, being overshadowed by the even more lofty checks in the Time Warner building, I can say that a recent experience there was nothing short of divine. Even walking up to the corner of 65th and Park and seeing the restaurant's grand sign, you realize that you are not in for an ordinary meal. Walking through the door that feeling only compounds itself with the stunning lounge and bar area. The walls are adorned with massive murals and paintings that beautifully decorate the room, but in no way make you feel like you are in the MOMA, which can take away from the dining experience. After a glass of wine and some "bar snacks," which were some sort of tuille with olives that myself and the two others joining me couldn't get enough of, the two grand doors to the dining room swing open and we were welcomed to our table. The main dining room is nothing short of elegance. I visited around Christmas, so along with the beautiful artwork and architecture, the room was also decorated with Christmas and holiday arrangements, but you completely understood that you were on the Upper East side and not TImes Square. Everything about the room was very tasteful. Nothing was over the top. It never felt stuffy, which is such a downfall to eating in some of the higher echelon restaurants in Manhattan, or anywhere for that matter. From the moment we sat down, the entire experience flowed like an orchestrated dance. Plates were dropped and cleared without any interruption, and positions were marked without any disturbance. Our captain was great... even when dealing with one of our not so adventurous diners, whom we convinced into doing the tasting menu. He took her through it course by course and advised her on the "safest" choices. She ended up loving everything... as did all of us. The food was simple, great tasting, classics, presented in a beautiful way. Every plate hit the mark. They sent us out a few extras and they were all delicious. Couple all of that with seven or eight paired glasses of wine and it makes for an amazing evening. The best detail of the entire night was this... I didn't pick up the check. read more

First, we saw so many cars with chauffeurs outside. We were like "wow" and it brought our expectations so high. The waiters were really nice and helpful, also he asked us if we were there on special occasion. So we told him it was for my birthday. They served me a special birthday dessert plate. I was very happy and appreciated:) And the food, was okay but nothing was impressed. I think its too over priced for that.(It always happen in NYC and I know it can't be helped, because they must paying very expensive rent!) But I really would like to mention about that we ordered bottle of water(unfortunately we don't drink alchol) which was FIJI water. it was $10(we always getting it from super market around $2-3)! but its ok, we need good water for good food..and FIji is one of the best water we can get in NYC. Anyways...please read below... They do not leave the water bottle on our table(I know it will be not looking good if Fiji water bottle was on the tables) so they everytime came to refill our glass with water from the Fiji water bottle they brings and it seems the bottle was sharing with another tables. When we had about 1.5 of glasses water, the lady came with silver pitcher and she refilled our glass with it. I had it, I tasted filtered tap water taste, and my husband as well. We called the waiter and told him about it, so they replaced our glass and filled with Fiji water. It was no problem with us. but....! In a while, the guy came to fill our glass with water from Fiji water bottle. After he filled our glass, I tasted filtered tap water again. But it was served from Fiji water bottle but taste very different, we were 100% sure it was filtered water. First 2 serves ware real Fiji water but the third one was filtered water. Whats happening in there?????? The bottle costs us $10 and they are refilling the Fiji water bottle with their filtered water????? Unbelievable experience at Daniels(in bad way). I may prefer to go to Euro or Montreal, may be California to go to eat great french food even though I need to pay for the flight ticket but I think it will so much worth than you waste your money in NYC. read more

A few months back, we had the distinct pleasure of dining at Daniel, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The restaurant's ambiance is a masterclass in elegance, marrying grandeur with an air of exclusivity that captivates from the moment one steps inside. The team at Daniel demonstrated consummate hospitality, ensuring a seamless flow to our evening. From the hostess's initial warm welcome to the attentive service throughout our meal, every interaction was marked by professionalism. The most memorable moment of our visit was seeing Chef Daniel Boulud himself attentively overseeing the dining room. His personal engagement with guests, including a gracious photo opportunity with us, added a special touch to our visit. Observing Chef Daniel in his element, ensuring the highest standards are met, truly exemplified his commitment to excellence and illustrated why he has one of the most famous Michelin-starred venues. Our meal commenced with an amuse-bouche that transformed humble celery into a gastronomic delight, showcasing innovative presentation and flavors. Next, the Hawaiian Abalone demonstrated exceptional preparation that balanced texture and taste, creating a memorable seafood experience. This was followed by the foie gras, which was expertly prepared tableside. The preparation added an exciting element to the dining experience, and the foie gras itself was incomparably rich and smooth--truly the best I've ever tasted. The meal continued with a perfectly cooked duck breast, which was tender, flavorful, and paired excellently with its accompanying sauce and sides. The culinary excellence extended to the desserts, which were visually arresting and deliciously satisfying. The sommeliers provided expert guidance throughout, enhancing each dish with their impeccable wine selections. The only slight disappointment of the evening was the take-home treat, which could have been fresher. Our visit to Daniel exemplified fine dining in NYC, showcasing exceptional culinary craftsmanship. I can't wait for my next dining experience at Daniel. read more

DANIEL...GRAND ACCUEIL CHALEUREUX!!! A business endeavor does best when the hired staff is at its best, and that is the case for Daniel, which has an exceptionally warm and welcoming team working together in harmony to make every guest feel extra special. The minute we entered Daniel, we were greeted by Mr. Karim Guedouar, the very charming service director and we were treated with great style from the wait staff that poured our water, to our amazing and unassuming bilingual server Yannick, the general manager Pierre, as well as Bernard and everyone we came in contact with. The menu is so varied, there is something for everyone. I was in the mood for light fare. I chose the beets that were served table side, light, fragrant and delicious followed by a very light bouillabaisse a delicious turbot and a light dessert. My son Alec on the other hand was craving something more substantial and opted for the foie gras, also served table side and "FLAMBE" followed by two more hearty meat dishes. The four course prix fixe menu was accompanied by the wine pairing which accommodated each selection of dishes, so the wine selection was completely different for each of us. After a delicious dinner paired with the most friendly service I have ever seen in an upscale restaurant which at times can be stuffy and pretentious, and that was not the case at Daniel, we were treated to a surprise visit to the Kitchen and the restaurant's SKYBOX, a glass enclosed private dining salon suspended above the kitchen where a maximum of four guests can enjoy an eight course tasting menu in an exclusive setting, while watching Chef de Cuisine Jean Francois Bruel's 40 chefs busy chopping, sauteeing grilling and searing and creating delectable sauces. I could go on and on about our experience at Daniel...but in a nutshell, and I believe this is a "TELL ALL"... My son and I left dinner more than satisfied and with a smile from ear to ear not only because we enjoyed the food, but because we were thrilled with the evening and the EXPERIENCE which the staff so generously created for us! read more

From the moment I step in until the moment I step out, I still remember why I have no problem spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars for a meal here. One of my very favorite NYC restaurants. Last night was my third time at Daniel. I become more of a fan each and every time. Here is what my dining companion and I had last night: First we started off with something from the bar (as usual): I had the the Walk on Madison which is Oolong tea infused vodka, aloe vera, lime juice and pavan liquor. Wonderful and refreshing. The Absolut Elyx is a wonderful addition to this drink. My companion had her usual White Cosmo which is one of their specialties. She is in love with the St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Appetizers were the Stewed Alaskan King Crab for me and the Sicilian Pistachio and Licorace Crusted Sea Scallops for her. The King Crab is so sweet and tender and the braised endive is so flavorful. As for the scallops, they were prepared perfectly and tasted wonderful. For my entree, I ordered the Pan Seared Black Cod with flax seed, fall squash, roasted black radish, miso chicken jus and red mustard salad. The cod was perfectly prepared and the roasted black radish was delicious. I was not a fan of the red mustard salad. My companion ordered the Crispy Monkfish Medallions with brussel sprouts, Iberico Ham and Pioppini Mushrooms. The monkfish was light and crispy, not oily at all. The Pioppini Mushrooms were just perfect. I finished my dinner off with an dessert of Citrouille au Grand Marnier with spiced butternut squash cream, burnt orange meringue, pumpkin seed praline and cassis yvette sorbet. The pumpkin seed praline was so good, I was tempted to ask my waiter for another one, but I held back. My companion ordered the Orchidea Vacherin with cala mansini meringue chips, vanilla chantilly, madagascar sorbet and fruit coulis. I can tell she enjoyed hers, but she was eyeing my dessert up and down until I offered her a bite! Great job Daniel. We will be back again...and soon! read more

Unforgettable experience My wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary at Daniel last week. We could not have been happier with the experience -- it was unforgettably wonderful. We have eaten at top tier restaurants in North America, Europe and Asia, and can honestly say that Daniel is among the very best we have encountered. The tasting menu was everything we could have hoped for; fresh and tasty, just the right balance of innovation and approachability; both style and substance. From the amuse bouche to the madeleines; each course built on the previous in a way that was both surprising and completely complementary - a perfectly planned journey which presented just the right flavours at just the right times. The paired wines were complex, interesting and perfectly balanced. In our opinion trying to compare the menus of great chefs is like trying to assert the relative merits of a Van Gogh versus a Picasso, so subjective as to be meaningless, but to us this menu was flawless. The atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming, with just a hint of romance - neither too stately nor too homely. We'll save the most special praise and thanks to the staff of the restaurant however; rarely have we met restaurant staff so welcoming, friendly, knowledgable, professional, respectful and accommodating - they really helped create a sense of occasion without a hint of pretentiousness. From helping us find a cancelation that better suited our needs, through the long, sumptuous but perfectly paced meal, to providing us with a personalized keepsake menu to take home, the staff at Daniel could not have treated us better. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make our visit to Daniel so special, we will remember the food, the occasion and the people for a long time to come. The, staff and owners of Daniel should be very proud. Bravo! read more

Well...get ready to buckle up because I have a lot of wonderful things to share about our dinner at Daniel's in nyc this weekend. First off when I called because we wanted to know if we had enough time for dinner before our show, the hostess was very knowledgeable and kind. She helped us find the earliest seating and suggested the four course to save time but still enjoy. Night of we arrived a few minutes early and they sat us at the bar to get a drink while they finished preparing the dining room. I ordered a lemon drop that was the perfect blend between sweet, tart, and refreshing. When our table was ready we were seating and our server was Alan, and man did he make the experience one to remember. He was kind and incredibly knowledgeable about their food, recipes, and allergens! He had been with Daniel for 15 years and it showed!!! We told him about our time constraints and he worked with us to be able to do the four course meal with a few extras so we could enjoy as much as we wanted but not miss our show! The food was beyond amazing with almost perfect execution. The veloutee was warm and creamy almost like a huge, the table side flambéed foie gras was melt in your mouth, the lamb cooked to perfection, and the truffle risotto I could have swam in! The desserts were also quite good but their passion fruit dessert was the most exquisite blend of flavors and textures, and I would go back just for that! Overall absolutely nothing to complain about! If you are thinking about going for dinner it is a must! I can't wait to come back into town to try more things! read more

Who am I kidding, Daniel is nothing short of a perfect 5 star experience. And why shouldn't it be...the restaurant has been around for a long time and has always managed to keep an impeccable reputation, that takes a lot of hard work, especially in a city like NY. We visited Daniel on a rainy Monday in March, and we went for the early supper menu, which basically allows you to choose 3 courses of the prix fixe meny for some $160. Even though we went for the "cheap" alternative we had tons of alternatives to chose from and apart from the standard a la carte we also got to choose from a seasonal menu on the side. We went for sea food inspired starters, one with crayfish and one with lobster. I guess I don't have to mention that this is french style all the way and you can tell by the design of the plates. A lot of rich, buttery flavorful ingredients which leaves you neither hungry or disappointed. For mains we went for Arctic Char and Guinea Hen. Both beautifully assembled with exquisite taste. Something I personally don't like is all the activity going on, on the plate. I counted more than 14 individual items on my plate which makes it difficult to savor the dish in a harmonious way. Dessert, coffee, tea and avecs perfectly served. Service is indisputably perfect; professional, courteous while at the same time chatty and social. All in all the bill surpassed our wildest imagination...yeah, they get you in the end. But finishing of our evening with a private tour of the kitchen facilities made it worth every cent. Don't miss Daniel...whatever you do. read more

Daniel's is the perfect place to pick for a momentoussplurge. I was taken there, along with the entire family, to celebrate my 40th birthday. We couldn't have chosen a more ideal spot. Chef Daniel Boulud has always been one of my favorites. In my eyes, he can do no wrong. Danielis his flagship restaurant which has earned the distinguished honor of four stars from the New York Times and 3 stars from the Michelin guide. It is currently rated as the 8th best restaurant in the world. That's a whole lot of accolades for one establishment, all of which are well deserved. The minute you step into Daniel, you reality is altered. You are enveloped by a quiet grace that abounds the establishment. The decor, by Adam Tihany, is soft and unobtrusive. The service is courteous yet warm and the food.......oh the food!!! Danile Boulud, along with executive chef Jean François Bruel have created masterpieces on a plate. We tried their eight course tasting menu. Each dish is been has been carefully constructed to maximize mingle flavors and textures to create a really sublime experience with each bite. The chefs have truly mastered the art of celebrating the best of seasonal ingredients. The pastry chef Dominique Ansel ensures that you save the best for last. Once the savory courses are done, you areshowered withfreshly baked mini-madeleines,petite fours, and mini chocolate squares. Thedessert selection is really wide, where one half of the menu focuses on fruity desserts and the otheron more chocolate based ones. They are all beyond divinity! read more

Daniel is everything you would imagine it to be. This is definitely one of the restaurants in NYC that if given the opportunity, everyone should try at least once. The food was excellent and the service was phenomenal. From the moment we sat down, we felt like stars. The dining area is set up in a very special way. The room is a giant square where the larger tables are in the center and then there are two levels (about a few steps or so) above the main floor. The tables surrounding the center on each level are mostly tables for two where the diners sit facing the center rather than each other. This is rather enjoyable as you get to see everything that is happening. As for the food- the main server first asked if we were celebrating anything special to make sure they would be attentive to any special needs/requests. The service was beyond what anyone could ever expect. Then as we were deciding on which tasting menu we wanted, we were told that we could try both! What a delight! Everything was just wonderful. But my favorite dish was the Tasting of Veal. The runner up would be the fresh baked Madeline's! The Madeline's weren't on the menu and were just an extra dessert on the house. We really cannot say enough good things about Daniel. All that being said, it is obviously a very expensive dinner. You get what you pay for! But I'll be back for a special occasion! read more

While visiting NY for a very important business meeting I did my search on where should I take this new client of ours to impress and have the deal of the year signed in a very luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. DANIEL... nothing more or less!! It was the one and only choice, based on so many reviews. Amazing place for any special occasion, meaning special, special:). It was the perfect restaurant in my case. The food and service were impeccable. It's hard to describe in detail...all I can say is that if you choose Daniel for your own special occasion, you won't be disappointed-with anything! And the decor was stunning... sumptuous deep-red velvet drapes, lovely and gorgeous floral arrangements. Had an amazing experience here. We (party of two) arrived an hour early to have drinks in the lounge. Shortly after we received our drinks, we were quickly hustled off to a table that became available. Though very, very pricey, it was worth every penny. I applaud Daniel for preparing such amazing dishes! If I could give them more than 10 for food and service, I would! Desserts were non descript. It's tough to drop so much cash for a meal and feel like it was money well spent...but at Daniel, it was! Dinner for two was a whopping $500 but I would go back in a heartbeat if I'll be blessed with another client like Mr.X:)). read more

I went to Daniel and it all started with the great service they are known for. The Decour on the restaurant is very impressive nice on the decoration is based on lots of flowers around the dining room it makes it look very pretty the wine cellar is just stunning. Daniel himself was at the dining room and he came to my table to say hi we had a conversation he made some recommendations and gave us A tasting that was off the menu which I really appreciated he also sent some complements for me to try that we're just delicious. When you going to wines I tasted around 9 wines from which one was a little off but after they changed it it was perfect and delicious. The somelier was ecuadorian and had a lot of knowledge on the wines I tasted and we agreed on a lot of the tasting profiles. The wine pairings just enhanced the whole experience and made sense with the food. When it came to the food every dish had a lot of components, each of them had a purpose and made sense as well. The dishes showed lots of technique and creativity. Some had simple but clevere preparations. Great use of ingredients. The service was on point as well, after the meal i got some gifts from Chef, and they took me back to the kitchen, and took me upstairs to the chefs table thats a little tiny room that seats 4 people. Great experience. read more

=Slightly Overrated= I'll keep this review short. I thought Daniel did not live up to the hype. I ate a 3-course prefix with wine pairing here. All in it was about $250/person. The quality of the food deserve a 4-star rating but the overall experience and value was more like a 3.5-star. There is not too much to complain about the food, but I expected the better given Daniel's price tag and reputation. Was a bit disappointed that nothing stood out; I mean.. a 3-Star Michelin did not leave any impressions! Unacceptable! I immediately thought of Eleven Madison, I'll rather add another $50 and eat there instead of there. Our server was friendly and polite, although slightly mechanical. It was my first visit to Daniels, the interior looks classy but very small -- I would call it tiny given that it was supposed to be an upscale restaurant, it looked like a small hotel lobby, if you will. Overall I find very little value in the 3-course prefix with wine pairing. Of course you can do the 6-course prefix but it will run you close to $400, at which point I believe there are better alternatives. read more

Daniel is an incredible restaurant. This was our third time dining here (we've been twice to the dining room and once for the a la carte outdoor dining). It is definitely a perfect spot for a special occasion. The food, service, and atmosphere are all top notch . They offer dining room and lounge seating. In the lounge you can order a la carte. The dining room offers a 4 course prix-fixe or tasting menu. We opted for the 4 course prix-fixe. Wild Scottish Pheasant - Definitely a strong Smokey/gamey flavor. It's mixed with a terrine foie gras so it's also a rather rich dish. Florida Frog Legs - Excellent. Was first time having frog legs and was pleasantly surprised how good they were. Ranch Beef Striploin - Everything about this steak was perfect. Highly recommend. Note it is for two and is an additional $20. Washington Apple Strudel - Very good. Some may worry that they won't be fool at a restaurant like Daniel, but the portions are generous. The bread service is excellent, most meals start with an amuse bouche, and multiple small desserts are included along with your main choice. read more

I cannot rave enough about how wonderful it was working with Nick from Daniel Events and then seeing my vision executed better than I could have imagined! From start to finish Nick was an absolute gem to work with. Through various emails and phone calls we came up with a vision and I felt very comfortable that he understood what I wanted. Going into my floral preview I had high expectations and I was still pleasantly surprised and impressed with what Nick presented. After the preview I had some small tweaks and additional inspiration pictures to polish the final look and then left Nick to his own devices. Best decision ever, because when I arrived to the venue I was stunned at how absolutely beautiful everything came out and there wasn't a single guest who did not mention how gorgeous the florals were. I could not have been happier! Thank you so much Nick for making my autumn garden wedding dreams come true! Without your amazing creativity, good eye and ear for a bride's ideas and complete professionalism, there is no way my wedding would have been as beautiful as it was! read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Daniel last October to celebrate my birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is refined and elegant, with a beautiful Roman architectural influence that gives the space a classy, timeless feel. From the moment I arrived, the service was exceptional--attentive, professional, and ensuring that every detail was perfect for the occasion. The food was outstanding, with each course beautifully presented and bursting with well-balanced flavors. It's clear that great care goes into the preparation of every dish, making the meal feel special from start to finish. One small but thoughtful touch that really stood out was that they gave me a dessert to take home at the end of the meal. It was such a lovely gesture and a perfect way to extend the experience beyond the restaurant. Overall, Daniel offers an exquisite French dining experience that's ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a luxurious meal. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking impeccable food, service, and ambiance in the heart of NYC. read more

How do I even begin? Eating at Daniel (pronounced "Dan-YELL") is an incredible experience. The food is immaculate, the waitstaff is attentive and unintrusive, and for one night, you are treated like (and eat like) kings and queens. I mean, even your handbag gets an ottoman to sit on! (That scored big points with the girlfriend). We opted for the 3 course prix fixe menu, which is surprisingly reasonably priced for a restaurant of its caliber. (It starts at $105/person without tax, tip, alcohol, or upgrades like getting a truffle appetizer). It actually was a little more than a 3 course dinner because they gave us an amuse bouche, madelines, and chocolates as well. Daniel was easily the best dining experience I ever had in my life to date. It certainly deserves its reputation. If you can make a trip here, you won't be disappointed. That's for sure. By the way, if you are coming for a special occasion, if you mention it to the waiter or the hostess, they can give you a copy of the night's menu for you to take. Pretty cool :) read more

I have been to every single one of Daniel's restaurants (except for the newest one that he just recently opened and I plan to visit very soon). This one is absolutely the best, and one of my most favorite ones. Yes, it is expensive, we all know that, but this is not a place you will go to score a deal. This is the place where you come to carefully dressed and with a full pocket. It is beautiful, it is tasteful, it is romantic, sexy, and the way it makes you feel is just wild. It is the Chanel, Valentino or Karl Lagerfeld of restaurants. The selection of wines is superb. The menu is scrumptious. The food never stopped coming. This review is a bit late since I was there for my birthday last year - November 2008 - but I am sure nothing has changed since then, and it is still as perfect as it was. I am giving it five stars because this is the kind of place it is worth visiting from anywhere in the country. We stayed pretty late - We had the privilege meeting Mr. Boulud who gave us the tour of his fabulous kitchen. read more