Daniel
60 E. 65th Street
(between Madison Ave & Park Ave)
New York, NY 10021 (212) 288-0033
- Nearest Transit:
63rd St-Lexington Ave (F)
68th St (6)
5th Ave-60th St (N, R, W)
- Price Range: $$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Valet
- Attire: Formal (Jacket Required)
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
60 Reviews for Daniel
Howwwwwwwwl.....drooooool. This is how the other half lives. Ok, the other .0005% or whatever. But hello, baby, this place is just perfect. I'm still paying it off though.
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Took Christopher here for his 30th Birthday
We started off with 2 glasses of Dom Perignon. I know that sounds pretentious but just being there that was the only choice. I have never had Dom before and it was worth every penny. All 5600 per glass.
The food was amazing. We did the tasting menu and split the choices.
The only knock I have was the pacing. Some courses seemed rushed. I really wanted to savor the glass of Dom but before I know it the first course and wine was there. Some of the wine pairings were questionable. I don't mind taking risk if they work but there was one fish course that was paired with a red that fell on its face.
The scene is stuffy and lots of old money. The interior is beautiful but the place could be intimating if you let it
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There's a nice French restaurant decor, and the food is very good, but it didn't come off to me as measurably better than the other very good restaurants in this city.
Appetizers:
The "Caramelized Sea Scallops 'a la Provencale'" are fantastic. Perfectly cooked scallops.
The Kataifi Wrapped Langoustines were tasty, but I found them a bit uneven. The flavor was at times swamped out by the sauce and salt.
Mains:
The Paupiette of Black Sea Bass in a Crisp Potato Shell was a delight to look at, and quite tasty to boot.
The Duo of Dry Aged Beef is supposed to be one of their famous dishes, but I found this one thoroughly average.
Dessert:
The Sauternes Glazed Peaches with Crème Brulée was quite tasty.
The Chocolate Upside-Down Soufflé is your standard nice restaurant Souffle.
Easily one of the best meals of my life.
I went for my B-day w/ family so I thankfully wasn't paying. The service was impeccable, which is to be expected for the price.
Everyone at the table had the three courses and no one was disappointed. For me, the standout was the Paupiette of Black Sea Bass, sea bass wrapped in a thin layer of potato. It was a perfectly balanced dish w/ perfectly prepared fish.
Additionally, the amuse bouche, bread, madelines were also stellar. The desserts were amazing and they even brought out an extra one, that we hadn't ordered, just for me because it was my birthday.
Go, if only once, go. Yeah it's insanely expensive but the place is really a near perfect dining experience.
Also, I think it should be mentioned that unlike some of the other "rockstar chefs" Daniel Boulud ACTUALLY works in this Restaurant. Which is prob why they quality hasn't deviated. Plus, I got to meet him and take pictures with him on my b-day. How kick ass is that?!?! As you can imagine I totally nerded out when I met him. It was the perfect end to a perfect evening.
:)
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Everything was fabulous! It was my birthday so I don't know if I got special treatment but I absolutely loved it. The dinner was 3 courses. But I was stuffed. We also did the wine pairing which was very nice. The wines went very well with each course. I however would have probably liked 5 smaller courses versus 3 larger courses. Also I would have probably chosen the foie gras terrine instead of the mosaic of foie gras with veal cheeks. The hot madelines are out of this world!! Yummy!! I can't wait to go back.
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this was an absolute joy of a meal! we were eagerly waiting to eat here and chef daniel boulud did not disappoint! the restaurant is easy to find as it is at the corner of 65th and park ave. the entrance is a nice revolving door and as soon as you enter you are greeted and asked if you are dining in the main dining hall (you can stay and order food in the bar area as well). the staff is incredibly attentive and very helpful. the best part is that there is no sense of pretentiousness at all.
we got seated in an area overlooking the majority of the dining room so it was perfect for people watching. also, we were seated very closely to the kitchen which was good for the most part. the downside to sitting so close was that the first few courses came out quite quickly.
here's the course by course breakdown:
amuse bouche:
canapes - we had lil bite sized portions of a beet w/ candied pecans, ratatouille w/ eggplant caviar, parmesan cup and a small asparagus custard type thing. we liked each of the bites especially the beet and the parmesan cup.
course #1:
me - pistachio crusted foie gras terrine. this was accompanied w/ a bit of rhubarb and a gelee. i was also given 2 pieces of brioche toast to help scarf all of this down. absolutely outstanding!
her - frisee salad with jumbo asparagus, aged balsamic. she thought was pretty good
course #2:
me - seared yellowfin tuna with a anchovy puree, raw veggies, roe and a crouton. this very very good but the tuna was a bit tough to cut.
her - watercress veloute w/ ricotta dumplings. this was accompanied with some glazed parsnips. this dish looked very good and she thought it was very tasty as well though she thought the veloute was a bit salty. i tasted it and thought it was exquisite. very complex.
course #3:
me - sea scallop with a zucchini type pastry and coriander-tomato marmalade. this was my favorite dish of the night. perfectly cooked and the zucchini portion was very nice!
her - spinach subric with roquefort cheese cream sauteed porcinis, shallot confit. this dish was best when all the parts were eaten together otherwise it tasted like you were just eating spinach or a croquette. together, it tasted unreal.
course #4:
me - zaatar spiced swordfish w/ chickpea panisse, baba ganoush. i enjoyed this more than the tuna dish. very tasty and all the components went nicely together.
her - potato gnocchi w/ fava beans, pencil asparagus, morels. this was very good but very heavy too. i had a bite and thought it was done brilliantly.
course #5:
me - duo of dry aged beef: red wine braised short ribs w/ shallot confit and seared rib eye w/ spinach subric and sauteed porcinis. a great way to close off the tasting menu before dessert. the poured a jus on around the seared rib eye which elevated the flavor the of the beef. can't say too much else than wow.
her - sweet pea-ricotta tortelloni w/ boston lettuce, chanterelles. a foam accompanied this dish too but we couldn't quite point out what it was a foam of. she liked everything about this dish but the chanterelles were not to her liking. i thought they were totally fine!
course #6:
me - tasting of mango: mango marinated in roasted sesame ginger, mango coulis, and mango sorbet. a very nice light end to a great meal. each of the components displayed the greatness that is mango very well.
her - hazelnut mousse w/ a gianduja biscuit, milk chocolate and salted caramel ice cream. this was awesome. she easily could've eaten this for hours.
suprise! - bittersweet chocolate-prailne w/ sponge cake and caraibe ice cream. they surprised us with an extra dessert! this pushed us over the edge but it was a good edge to be pushed over!
mignardises:
assortment of goodness - fresh baked madeleines, an assortment of sweets that included lil marshmallows and whole assortment of chocolates. great way to finish the meal.
we both enjoyed the wine pairing too. each course really well paired and i would recommend doing it. at the end of the meal we also got to meet chef daniel boulud and he was a very nice and warm person. very friendly too! we even got a tour of the kitchen which was still quite busy around 10:30pm.
i would put this experience up there with the french laundry and highly recommend daniel!
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Fabulous food, fabulous wine, the dessert is to die for. Specifically the piping hot madelines that are served as a final farewell for the evening and the sick start of a love affair. I think about you way too much.
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Daniel, you are my brother. Older than me. So sweet. To me.
Pinky loves you. For the ambience. For the food. And so much more!
See you again, soon!
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At long last I got to experience Daniel! I had wanted to dine here for a few years now, and basically everything I could ask for -- fine dining, great wine, nice cocktails, IMPECCABLE service, and sophisticated decor.
The food is all clasically prepared and delicious, but I'm sorry to say that little of it was memorable. Oh, it was fine alright - but it was not one of those meals that you remembered. The only thing that really struck me were the freshly baked madeleines served at the very end of the meal.
Honestly, some of the food was a bit too over-stylized, and ended up not being that tasty. My chocolate dessert was expertly sculpted, but didn't seem to melt in my mouth. There was some moussey petit four that was actually a bit gross too.... Oh, I hate to say such words when I have such high respect for Mr. Boulud!
Speaking of which - I did get to shake his hand when I left that evening, and I loved that he was there in spite of having just opened a new restaurant a few months ago.
The ultimate point about Daniel will be the service and decor -- here your purse will never touch the ground (they will give it its own footstool), and you can have complete privacy in some of the tables set off to the side in its own tented area. Somehow this is not overly-pretentious to me -- and a big plus - no bathroom attendant (hate those!).
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How far back can I yelp?
Date: October 2001
Time: Lunch
Place: Daniel's on the Upper East Side
Characters: A Group of older, mature, wealthy Park Avenue socialites, all garden club friends. A random girl I just met a few weeks ago but am crashing at her parents house and an 18 years old Allison. Okay, she was not that random, she was in my unit, a fellow Marine. Why she ever enlisted with all the money her family has is beyond me but this review is about Daniel, not her.
How it all started:
""Dudette my grandmother and her garden club friends invited me out to lunch and I am soo not doing this alone. You are coming with me"
Free food. I was down.
I went shopping specifically for this restaurant. Thought I looked sharp in a pair of black pants and a nice button down shirt from no other but Forever 21. No Miuccia Prada for me, not yet.
I had a seafood dish. I believe it was sea bass. It was quite tasty.
The crowd was older. Looked very Bold and the Beautiful-ish. Was I in a soap opera? Nope, just lunch with the ladies from the Upper East Side.
The waiter was adorable. A french boy that we were both crushing over through out the entire meal. We got his digits. We never called.
Highlight of the entire afternoon was that I was able to drink. They do not card. Left the restaurant with a nice buzz. Exactly what one needed after an 72 hour work shift.
Daniel, you were my first real restaurant experience in New York City. For that you forever have a place in my heart.
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Love it, LOVE IT, luv it ;-) I've been here only a few times & I love it each & every time... The tasting menu is always consisitent & they changed it seasonal... The service is excellent. I always feel like a Queen when I'm here. 1 STAR ;-) Wait, maybe I feel like a princess here because I was probalby the youngest one there... hahaha...
I've been to his new restaurant Bar Boulud & I love it also & same for Dainel @ Wynn Hotel... 1st class service all the way!!! 1 STAR.
The beautiful french decor with velvet every thing. 1 STAR
They truely serve you authentic exquisite French cuisine ;-) Yummmm
It's such a romantic restaurant & I'm NOT even a romantic person!!! But I melt when I saw a gentleman proposed to his GF there... & did she say yes ;-) Arrr... i would say YES in a heart bit, because if a guy can take me here for the food, he got taste baby & some class!!! Arrrr
Dinner for 2 of 6 courses tasting $330 for food, an average bottle of wine, tip & tax comes out around $800.
Truely 5 Stars here so goes for French Laundry & Per Se, maybe Savoy & Charlie Trotter!!
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Classy. If I had to sum my experience to one word classy would be it. My boyfriend surprised me when I was in NY visiting family and I would have to say he has lots of class as well.
I had the three course tasting menu. I loved everything from their amuse bush to the Madeline cookies at the end. Service was exceptional and its very French when it comes to their division of labor. They had the maitre d, sommelier, drinks person, demi-chef, the bread guy, cookie guy... I think about 20 people came by our table. Our main server or our "Serveur de restaurant" looked like a prada model an was really well spoken but very stiff. Anyhow, back to food
amuse bush- what a great way to start. everything was so great i couldn't get enough and couldn't wait for my 1st course to start
rose martini- best martini ever- i think the rose pedal ice they created is pleasing to the eye
1st course-lobster melted in my mouth
2nd course- my date had the Black Sea Bass: had to try it because it was so classic and it really was amazing
I had venison and it was cooked to perfection, not gamey at all
dessert- OMG this place really really out did themselves on dessert. I thought it was sooo good
Petits Fours- really cute and delicious even after your dessert has been demolished
Madeline cookies- warm and perfectly made. you have to takes these home with you
All in all i was blown away. I think portions are HUGE and I came out very full which is rare for pretentious restaurants. I can't wait to visit this New York institution again.
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I don't get the hype. It was a nice dinner and a nice dining room, to be sure, but seriously way overpriced.
We got the tasting menu, ordering one of each offering. Of each course, only one was good. Maybe I don't appreciate foie gras enough, sue me.
I did like the fact that we got little fresh baked madeleines and truffles with our dessert, but otherwise, it was ho hum and too stuffy for my taste.
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Every year on his birthday, my friend chooses his favorite person and a great restarant to ring in the occasion. For his 32nd year, I was the chosen one and the restaurant was Daniel. We arrived for a 7:30 reservation, had a drink at the bar (which is lovely) and went to our table.
As everyone has mentioned, the dining room is amazing. That said, we were given a not-so-great table right by the doors to the kitchen (NOTE: If possible, ask for a table in the inner part of the dining room). I was put off by this.
The menu is a little overwhelming and in the end we opted for the 6-course tasting option. Everything was good; only 2 dishes were great: the lobster and the beef (can't remember the cut). The first course was a choice between foie gras done one way and foie gras done another way. My friend does not like foie gras and when he asked for a substitute, his only option was salad (this is lame, no?). Also note, that we had both the lamb and beef dishes and the beef was the definite winner.
We ordered wines by the glass since it was only two of us and we weren't sure how much we'd drink. The house white wine is great and cheap at something like $13 a glass. We should have gotten a bottle because most of the dishes were fish and we didn't switch over to red until late in the meal.
Desserts were okay. Along with the main dessert they give petits fours and madelines. The madelines were so delicious, warm, light and tasty, we asked for more (Why not?).
In the end at $600 for two, I can't give Daniel more that 3 stars. I would have liked it more if we had gotten a better table and if I had been wise enough to know that the three-course option with lobster and beef (don't know if that's actually possible) is all you need to eat and experience what is good at Daniel.
A note about wine: the waiter told us that every year Daniel goes to California to taste wines and decides what to serve at his establishment. Don't be scared of the house wines.
Next time (if there is a next time), I'll ask for a better table and go for the three-course menu instead of the six.
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Absolute one of the greatest experience I've had in fine dining. I was visiting NYC and my friend gave me two restaurant choices to pick from. I really wanted to try this restaurant after visiting their website. The host was very nice and courtesy when I made my reservation for the wrong date. The interior of the restaurant was very elegant and classy. This is a place where you can be yourself and still have the high class service. My friend and I did dress up for this dinner and it made it even better. I think we were the youngest table that night probably because the elder couples can afford these kind of meal more often.
Try the tasting menu when you're there. It's totally worth trying different dishes. Words can't even describe my experience.
Hands down, this was one of my favorite dining experience along with French Laundry.
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The dining room is absolutely beautiful, the service is impeccable, and we were given the pleasure of a tour of their kitchen (which was the cleanest kitchen I've ever seen in my life) by Daniel Boloud himself.
But I have to agree with a previous poster - the food was classic and delicious, but not all that memorable!
The one thing I really do remember are the madeleines. Sweet Jesus, I've never tasted anything as light, as airy, as bursts of sweet crumbly heaven as those warm madeleines.
Daniel offers the most extensive vintages and selections of premire and grand Cru Boudreaux than any other restaurant by a large margin. it defines what a 4 star restaurant in New York constitutes - prestigious reputation, grandeur dcor, polished service, elegant and exceptional cuisine.
Out of all the 4 star restaurants, Daniel is the most well rounded choice, avoid of overwhelming courses at per se, the occasional aloof atmosphere at Le Bernardin, or the complete overrating of Masa and Jean Georges.
Make sure you dress to impress, but in good taste and enjoy the evening.
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I heart Daniel...
The food was wonderful, excellent wine, delicious desserts and treats, but above all the service was astounding. This was hands down the best dining experience I EVER had. Everything was timed to perfection and perfectly orchestrated. Food arrived one after the next and glasses stayed full. They even noticed that it was my birthday when I opened up my present. Without even asking they gave us a little extra something. I would have been delighted with a slab of cake or ice cream, but that wouldn't meet Chef Boulud's standards. I'm pretty sure it was a full night, but it felt we were the only table in the room. It was that good.
Daniel is hands down my favorite dining experience of the year. The food marvelous, the service on point, the company delightful, and the atmosphere abuzz with that magical sparkle that only comes around when temperatures dip.
I could wax poetic about how each morsel of food was like a celebration in my mouth; that the wine was delicate yet rich, light yet consuming; that my date was engaging and interesting; and that the service was both ubiquitous and obsequious - but I won't, because my words will be wasted. For those who have not yet had the immense pleasure of dining at Daniel may not appreciate them (as I would not have, before going there myself). Those who are lucky enough to have been can just travel back in their mind's eye and relive the glorious meal, rather than hear my recantation.
Daniel is a truly memorable experience - a beautiful bombardment of your olfactory and gustatory senses. My only advice: take it slow and enjoy each glorious act of the symphony that becomes your meal; and the experience will be embedded into your memory forever.
5 stars, sans doute.
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Fantastic! We had a wonderful dining experience at Daniel and THAT is what it is... an experience. They waited on us hand and foot. Bring your appetite... the food just keeps coming but don't worry the portions aren't ginormous. The wine list is HUGE. One thing I really appreciated was that it wasn't pretentious. It was certainly elegant but not to the point that you're afraid to speak above a whisper because there is a certainly comfortable idle chatter level that keeps you feeling loose and not stuffy.
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Exremely attentive waitstaff, obviously extensive and excellent wine selections. The dining room is the kind of place grandma takes you for your birthday - definitely not a lot of hootin' and hollerin'. The bar/lounge is about my speed, though I was here on a business dinner and we were all studiously avoiding staring at the canoodling and drunk middle aged couples.
I would say it is a lovely experience in itself, though I did not find the food to be worth the expense. Go ahead, call me unsophisticated and send me back to Brooklyn.
I came to Daniel with very high expectations, having read the book "The Fourth Star" (yes, I'm that much of a foodie nerd that I spend my non-eating time reading books about eating) in advance.
For the most part, my expectations were met, if not exceeded.
First off, the restaurant itself is gorgeous, and I would not be exaggerating if I said that it was the most beautiful dining room these eyes have laid upon. The scene was right out of a five-star hotel - lush draperies, high ceilings, all of the furnishings first rate.
My eatin' buddies and I went for the six-course fall tasting menu, for the low, low price of $165 per head (Dorothy, we're not in McDonald's anymore). With a couple of exceptions, the meal was spectacular, and extremely ample. Before the first course is served, a trio of excellent amuse bouches were served, along with a bread basket bursting with at least six or seven varieties of artisinal yeasty delights. Needless to say, I was full before the appetizers came out. I will not run through all of the courses, but they were great. Given that this was a multi-course meal, I was quite frankly surprised at how large each of the courses were.
And then, there was dessert. Oh. My. God. I had this chocolate mousse cake that was simply exceptional. Despite being so full that I contemplated going straight to the emergency room to have my stomach pumped, I delved into the sweet, soft, lemony fresh-baked madelines served after dessert with reckless abandon. But wait, there's more. Following the madelines, a wonderful assortment of chocolates and petit fours were served. And yes, despite having eaten my body weight already, I dug in.
Oh, I forgot, a cheese course was involved as well. Maybe the best cheeses I've ever eaten (and anyone who knows me knows that I consume a hell of a lot of it).
The only reason I give Daniel 4 stars is (1) a couple of the dishes just didn't quite make the grade and (2) it is expensive beyond all notions of reasonableness. That said, if you got a stack of benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, give Daniel a go.
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The food and service is flawless, no need to repeat the other reviews. I wouldn't really go for a special occasion because the staff can sense this and then you are basically a tourist. But, if you are there to enjoy the food, the wine, and the company at your table - this is the place. The mood is not stiff at all and the room can get very lively as the night goes on, as the wine pours on. The mezzanine area is the best and if you have enough people, the "tents" in the corners would be my choice. The bar in the front area is nice as well. Again, not stiff at all. The constipated-corporate atmosphere at Le Bernardin could learn a thing or two from Daniel.
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the best meal that i've ever had in my LIFE (and i'm not exagerating here.) i don't eat at a lot of very high cuinse places like this, but i've been to a few, and nothing has compared to this place! every dish that i had impressed me, and a couple of them qualified as 'heaven on a plate.' we had the seven course tasting menu with wine pairings. especially notable were the langustine plate, and the lamb chop, (my partner thought the meat flavor was a bit strong, but i thought it was perfectly cooked and had fantastic flavor). and yes, the madeleines were such a beautiful surprise, and a nice end to a fantastic culinary feast the likes of which could be prepared by babette herself. best of all, even though i ate my fill, i didn't feel overly stuffed or acidy afterwards, even considering the wine! i almost feel bad putting this in the same eschelon as a couple of the other places that i gave 5 stars.
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My experience at Daniel was magical.
Sitting in the middle of the dining room enjoying a tasting menu with wine pairings feels like the way Manhattan should feel in all it's glamor. Except I am there for the food and the wine, not the vanities. The only other two restaurants I have found to equate at this level in the US, our the French Laundry and Le Bernardin.
I dream of eating here again. I just need to get my hands on a plane ticket, a hotel and about $650.00 for the food and wine.
This place is why I have financial problems.
Gastronomy at it's finest!!!
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Hands down, the best meal I've ever had. This place has it all. It really is a special occasion place. I envy anyone who comes here on a regular basis.
The level of service is unsurpassed. The staff is extremely aware of everything that is going on, and will cater to your every need, even if you're not expecting it. My purse even had a chair the whole night. That's quality.
The selection of breads (and endless supply) was enough to win over a carb fan like me. But that was just the beginning. The amuse-bouche was just beautiful and delicious. A true work of culinary art. I chose the heirloom tomato app, which came in five versions. Loved it. Boyfriend had the lobster ravioli. Delish. For entrees, he had the veal four ways; I had the duck two ways.
Then the outpouring of desserts began. Though I went up a pants size the next day, it was worth it. And it will be worth it anytime I go back. Daniel Boulud, you are my hero.
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Service? INSANE.
The guy brought out a little stool for my handbag.
Thanks for noticing my Theory handbag I got on sale. I bet your stool was more expensive.
Food was great but nothing was super memorable...but maybe that's because I drank a lot of wine.
Met Daniel when we were leaving the restaurant...very nice man.
Varied crowd...didn't feel like I stuck out so much like when I went to Le Bernadin where my boyfriend and I were the youngest people in the room. More fashionable people than other nicer restaurants. It was like looking at a fashion magazine at a restaurant setting.
(4 stars because I can't remember what I ate at all but somehow I know what I wore that night)
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My husband and I celebrated our anniversary dinner here. Service was flawless. Food was decadent. And, dessert was heavenly. We were wonderfully surprised by the warm madelines at the end of the meal. Plus, the waiter made sure our night was extra special by decorating our dessert plate with "Happy Anniversary!"
Pros: Ambiance, Food, & Wine
Cons: Too damn expensive
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Nothing spectacular or creative. Just your run of the mill good restaurant. The food is better and cheaper at Cafe Boulud.
I had hyped this place up big time in my mind so maybe that is why it only gets 4 stars.
It's delicious, I love the amuse bouche, I didn't love the bread presentation, I don't know it felt cheesy to me.
I did love the seating and the carpeted floors.
I did love the wine even though I didn't get the tasting.
I did not love the people sitting next to me. They must have been in real estate and sold a huge property or something because they calculated out their pay and then spent the night discussing what they would spend it on. ( I, oddly enough, was not on their list)
I would go here for a special occasion, like a job promotion or an anniversary but I don't think I'd just pop in for wednesday night dinner, not that I could without reservations.
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The best part of the dinner was the wine pairing, which was quite good. The food is solid but hardly creative. Although I will say that they have the best bread basket I have ever had anywhere. The olive bread was terrific.
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If you are trying to decide on a special restaurant for an event, Daniel is similar to most top rated New York restaurants. You can expect an emphasis on decor, service and food.
I would not say Daniel is or is not the spot for a certain special night. The experience did not stand out among others in its caliber. In other words, it was pretty much the same no better no worse.
There are many excellent "5 star" restaurants with detailed "play by play" reviews, it is truly a matter of taste and what you find makes one more special than the other i.e. atmosphere, crowd, music.
Here is what made Daniel stand out to me, more than other restaurants in its class:
1. Unlimited Tea Refills:
Not just hot water poured over tea leaves/bag, but a fresh pot poured into your cup every time you finish your last sip.
No extra charge.
**This is the only reason I gave it 5 stars (otherwise it gets 3) - great tasting fresh tea is a luxury to me.
2. Mind reading Ability of Staff Without Hovering:
Whether its more tea, bread or anything else you desire, they are ready and waiting.
3. Best Meat Dish: Duo of Dry Aged Beef
4. Desert whether you order it or not:
Freshly baked basket full of Madeleines lightly powdered with sugar plus Petit Fours..
5. Friendly Hard Working Chef
6. Drawing-room area with Bar:
Great entrance/feeling when you first walk in. Bar area is Truly something special, feels "old world" and classy - for some, this alone may be worth a visit. Expansive, high ceilings, private-feeling late night.
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This was the dining experience of my life! Everything was outstanding, just as what other reviewers are saying there were about 10 people that waited on us...hell, they even walked me to the bathroom, talk about service. The room itself was gorgeous and the people watching was outstanding. We were seated at the far left of the dining room and sat at a table that overlooked everything. We felt like we were on the set of "American Psycho" though, and eating the best food we've ever tried. The other diners were exactly what we think of when we categorize people as "american psycho" cast. They had amazing clothes and fake British accents and faked kissed each other cheeks and then rolled their eyes about their "friends" when they weren't looking. It wasn't about the atmosphere as much as the whole experience though, all wraped up into one, this was my favorite night in a long long time. I'll probably never go back though b/c it's against my religion for 2 people to spend close to $600 on dinner.
My wife and I went to Daniel this week for a private event. Visa Signature hosted a four-course dinner with wine pairings from Davis Bynum (Sonoma - Russian River Valley). The first course was a delicious squash soup, followed by a grilled halibut, then grilled lamb chop/braised lamb and finally a sweet fig dessert.
While I was very impressed with the service and the food, it wasn't the best meal or probably even in my top ten best meals. We were happy to try and but I probably wouldn't go back unless it was for a business function of some kind. The only complaint I had was that the room was way too hot (it had been almost 80 degrees in October that day!).
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By far the best restaurant I've eaten at yet.
I took my girl here for her 30th birthday and we were both impressed by the level of service and quality of food.
Daniel is housed in a beautiful space. Decorated elegantly, it sets the mood for the dining experience you are about to partake in.
The sommelier was very knowledgeable and professional and helped us choose a wine. He didn't seem the least bit annoyed after we changed our minds on the selection and opted to start with champagne instead. Just be mindful of the prices. It's very easy to be persuaded into a bottle of wine through the guidance of a trained professional only to realize you agreed to a $300 bottle of wine!
Our waiter was a burly guy with a shaved head (kind of intimidating at first) but turned out to be a super nice guy. He helped us choose our courses and we were very pleased. We had the duck dish and veal prepared four different ways. Everything was delicious.
We were talking about our experience for days after.
A must go for a special occasion (it aint cheap!).
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What an experience!! My husband made reservations here for my birthday dinner and I don't think I'll be forgetting it anytime soon. I was in awe as soon as I stepped in - felt like I had been transported to another country and was longer in NYC. They give you a little stool for your purse! Maybe I haven't been around much, but that was awesome =) Oh, and since when does the waiter practically walk you to the restroom when you ask where it is?
I'm an enchiladas kinda girl so the food was far above the level I'm used to - I enjoyed some of it but I wasn't drooling over it. The dessert, however, I will remember forever. I ordered a souffle which was rich and delicious - so rich that I couldn't finish it - and that NEVER happens! They also brought out a little dessert for my birthday which was adorable. After we thought we could eat no more, they brought out a plate of little mini dessert pieces and then fresh mini madeleines! Those were mindblowing.
So that's my perspective of the place as a newly turned 26 year old =)
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I found this to offer very average food in a very pretentious atmosphere. Having dined in such restaurants as Alinea in Chicago, Gary Danko in SF, etc., this restaurant lags far behind in terms of both service and the quality of food when compared to comparable restaurants around the country. I was so looking forward to this experience and was profoundly disappointed . There are too many other places in NY that deserve your money over this one.
One very bright spot was the bar. The service was phenomenal. Our female bartender, who's name I cannot remember, offered us tastings of various vodka's as we were not familiar with all their selections. (Would it really be that difficult for them to stock Jewel of Russia?) Anyway, the bar service was great.
Another plus was the layout of the room. I do appreciate that they do not have tables on top of each other, trying to maximize revenue. And the desserts where phenomenal.
But, as for dinner, very average food. If you are nouveau riche however, this would be the perfect place for you to try and impress your equally uneducated friends and waste your money.
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BEST MEAL I'VE EVER EATEN. EVER. Zero exaggeration. Went there on New Year's Eve last year and maybe it was just that it was an exceptional night, but I really don't think it was just that. My bf had some chicken consomme and later maybe a duck plate with a pomegranate glaze. I had a delicious meal, but all I can even remember of it was the amazing Kobe beef trio. Three squares of heaven I will never forget that meal. The service was perfect and the place was too. If you are ever near it, it's completely worth the splurge.
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