This New York Times four-star, Michelin two-star, Relais & Chateaux establishment has topped nearly every major publication's list of the best restaurants in America, including Food & Wine, Bon Appétit and Esquire magazines as well as the International Herald Tribune and culturally attuned Playboy. But the crème de la crème of haute French dining offers the kind of seduction that cannot be denoted by any sort of award, no matter how prestigious. Chef Daniel Boulud aims to alight all the senses, bringing sensual genius and gastronomic sex appeal to his Upper East Side flagship. Attention to detail and immaculate service are mere foreplay, as the real brilliance comes with such inspired culinary creations as black truffle-layered sea scallops in puff pastry, morels with duck and foie gras stuffing, and roasted tuna with country bacon, chanterelles and truffled beef jus. With more than 1,500 wine labels to choose from and a two-page dessert menu, one side devoted entirely to chocolate, love may not be a strong enough word to describe New York's long-term affair with this most exquisite restaurant. Jacket required and tie suggested. Full bar. Serving dinner Mon-Sat. Closed Sun.
Where The Locals Eat rating
Best French in NYC
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Savor award-winning Chef Daniel Boulud's seasonal French cuisine inspired by the market in the sumptuous Venetian Renaissance style dining room."
– Daniel website
"All in all, Daniel remains one of New York's most sumptuous dining experiences."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, Jan 21, 2009
"On a recent visit, I enjoyed a lamb chop of such ethereal quality-crusted with a Middle Eastern seasoning called zaatar, and flavored with yogurt–that I put down my fork and offered up a little prayer of thanksgiving."
—New York magazine
"Some things are guaranteed when you dine at Daniel ... exquisite seasonal dishes."
—Time Out New York
"The debate over Daniel is simple: whether or not it's the best in town."
– Newsday
How others rate Daniel
Michelin Guide 2009
** (excellent)
The New York Times
**** (extraordinary)
Top Pick
The James Beard Foundation
Oustanding Service Award nominee, 2009
New York magazine
**** (exceptional, consistently elite)
Critics' Pick
Zagat 2009
28 food rating (extraordinary to perfection)
Time Out New York
Critics' Pick