French restaurant

Daniel

Upper East SideManhattan

4.6· 2,486 reviewsClosed now
Daniel — french restaurant — in Upper East Side — Manhattan — NYC
Daniel interior — Upper East Side

Upper East Side

Manhattan

The brief

About Daniel

Daniel Boulud's renowned restaurant with refined European dishes & an acclaimed wine selection in elegant surrounds.

Health inspection

NYC DOHMH Grade A

A

Score5(lower is better)

Inspected5/6/2025

Grade A is the highest mark from NYC's Department of Health — about 90% of restaurants earn it.

How grades work

Community Rating

4.6

½

out of 5

2,486 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Daniel

15 verified Google reviews · 15 with owner responses

4.7

15 reviews

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Chloe TLocal guide
3 weeks ago

An unforgettable night at Daniel. Impeccable service, stunning presentation, and flavors that truly push the boundaries. It’s easy to see why this place is a NYC legend. A perfect 10/10 dining experience.

Response from the owner

Dear Chloe,<br>Thank you so much for your fantastic review. <br>We are delighted that you enjoyed your experience and truly appreciate you taking the time to share photos from your visit.<br>We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable dining experience.<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Dan SLocal guide
3 weeks ago

Had an absolutely incredible evening at Daniel. I have been here before, but this is actually my first time writing a review, and this experience absolutely deserved one.<br><br>From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, polished, and genuinely welcoming. The food was exceptional from start to finish, beautifully presented, refined, and memorable in every way.<br><br>A special thank you to our host, Maynor Garcia, who truly made the night feel extra special. He was attentive, kind, and incredibly professional. He even gave us a tour of the kitchen after dinner, which was such a unique and unforgettable experience. Seeing the team behind the scenes made us appreciate the restaurant even more.<br><br>Daniel is already known for excellence, but it was the hospitality and personal touches that made the evening stand out. Truly a world class dining experience and one we will remember for a long time. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner

Dear Dan,<br>Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review.<br>We are delighted to hear that your recent visit was so memorable. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable experience.<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Dima Donskoy
3 weeks ago

Best meal of my life. We had a 5 course dinner, the sturgeon and wagyu were perfect, the plating was art and compared to other Michelin restaurants, this was a tier or two above.

Response from the owner

Dear Dima,<br>Thank you for your incredible review.<br>We are honored to hear this and truly appreciate you taking the time to share photos from your visit. <br>We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable evening.<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Lisa BLocal guide
a month ago

What a spectacular experience. I’m blown away by how nicely we were treated by the staff at Daniel. So happy I chose to have my birthday celebration here. The team went above and beyond to make my day so special. Top notch - can’t wait to come back again. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner

Dear Lisa, <br>Thank you for choosing to celebrate your birthday at Restaurant Daniel. We are so glad our team was able to make your evening feel truly special.<br>Your kind words mean a great deal to all of us.<br>We hope to welcome you again soon!<br>Warm regards, <br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

OlesyaLocal guide
a month ago

Food was tasty, staff were friendly. Overall a good experience, though it hasn’t been quite as impressive as we hoped for $700+ for two people. There weren’t any standout dishes or flavors that really stuck with us. Still, it was generally tasty! We especially enjoyed being invited to see the kitchen after dinner and a dessert to celebrate our anniversary.

Response from the owner

Dear Olesya, <br>Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary at Restaurant Daniel.<br>We are so glad that you enjoyed your evening and appreciated our food and service.<br>We hope to welcome you again soon!<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Zee Kin YeongLocal guide
2 months ago

So, I finally made it. After a botched attempt a few visits ago, when I messed up the reservation. And it has lived up to expectations. Have been a fan of Daniel Boulud since I started watching his After Hours. Having seen him and his kitchen in action on TV, I was therefore particularly thrilled when I was invited to peek into the kitchen after dinner.<br><br>My meal started with quail and foie gras, which combined to provide a balanced taste and texture. The warm appetiser was scampi and sweet breads, both favourites of mine but never companions on the same plate.<br><br>I particularly enjoyed the poached sturgeon. The fish was cooked just right, bringing out the sweetness of the fish and the firmness of the meat. I also enjoyed, unexpectedly, the rabbit ravioli that followed.<br><br>My meal ended with a chocolate dessert. It was a light rendition that brought my meal to a pleasant end.

Response from the owner

Dear Zee Kin, <br>Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and positive account of your evening at Restaurant Daniel. We are so pleased that you fully enjoyed your experience, and that it was worth the wait! We hope to welcome you again soon.<br>Warm regards, <br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Jennifer Ritter
3 months ago

We went four our anniversary. It was a really special meal. The staff was charming, gracious and attentive without being overbearing. The food was delicious. Well worth it.

Response from the owner

Dear Jennifer,<br>Thank you for choosing Daniel to celebrate your anniversary. We’re delighted to hear that the service and cuisine made the evening feel so special, and that our team helped create such a memorable experience for you.<br><br>We truly appreciate your kind feedback and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.<br><br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

patrick jammetLocal guide
3 months ago

this place is top tier. the food, the team, the overall experience and ambience are all best in class. would recommend to anyone looking to impress their guests or date with a top flight experience. this restaurant is a special place with a special team. 10 out of 10

Response from the owner

Dear Patrick,<br>Thank you for your generous words. We’re delighted to hear that the cuisine, service, and atmosphere made such a strong impression during your visit. Your recommendation is truly appreciated.<br><br>We look forward to welcoming you again soon.<br><br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

NoraLocal guide
4 months ago

We had a solid experience at Daniel. We did a five-course prix fixe menu. Each course came out perfectly. I enjoyed the seeded bread and our server packed up 6 pieces for us to take home - I was pleasantly amazed. On top of that, we were invited for a kitchen tour, which made the evening even more memorable.

Response from the owner

Dear Nora, <br>Thank you for choosing to visit Restaurant Daniel, and for sharing your wonderful feedback! We're so pleased to hear each course was perfect, and that you enjoyed the entire experience.<br>We hope to welcome you again soon!<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Zelig GrunsteinLocal guide
4 months ago

Sorry, but I came here with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day, which was very special for me, and I'm sorry to say the service is really good, but the food here is really not good and not so tasty. I think they put a little too much effort into mixing up the food; maybe it should be simpler, but good food. I just liked one meal of the whole course. I'm sorry, but this is just my honest opinion.

Response from the owner

Dear Zelig, <br>Thank you for sharing your feedback. I sincerely apologize that your celebration did not meet your expectations. Your insights are valued, and I would welcome the chance to learn more. If you would kindly send your contact details and availability to me at bwilloughby@danielboulud.com I will reach out.<br>Thank you for your visit.<br>Respectfully,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Joanie ALocal guide
4 months ago

Fantastic service and overall meal for an upscale lunch. The staff was attentive and kind. The courses were a bit hit or miss for this level of Michelin star for me but overall a wonderful experience. The main courses of lamb and buffalo were stellar. I HIGHLY recommend the wine pairing. That was the highlight for us. It was fantastic wine and brought the food to the next level. Overall a lovely experience. I'll mention most men were wearing jackets even at lunch time though it is not required.

Response from the owner

Dear Joanie, <br>Thank you for sharing your experience and your positive feedback with us. We truly appreciate your fantastic recommendation of our menu and wine pairing. <br>We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon!<br>Warm regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

NawhLocal guide
Edited 4 months ago

Had our anniversary dinner here. We chose the 5 course dinner and it was great. Food was delicious and service was amazing.<br>If you have a small appetite like my wife, 5 course might be a lot. She was full by dessert. All of the dishes were amazing.<br>The server was great and provided good recommendations and later gave us a quick tour of the kitchen.

Response from the owner

Dear Nawh, <br>Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary at Restaurant Daniel! We’re delighted you enjoyed every aspect of your experience on this special occasion. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another exceptional evening.<br>Best regards, <br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

JaySan AvanteLocal guide
Edited 5 months ago

Daniel is absolutely one of our top picks overall. We had the 7 course tasters experience. We enjoyed everything! The food, the drinks, the service, all excellent! After a great dinner, we really look forward to a special desert. Daniel supplied all kinds of delicious sweet little goodies that we absolutely enjoyed. I also must note, which is important to me, the table & chairs are very comfortable. Everything was exceptional. Daniel did not charge any hidden fees or service & admin charges like some other restaurants that we've been to. Nor did Daniel charge us an automatic gratuity charge. Now that's what I call good business! Thank you! We will be back! Daniel is very worthy of its Michelin star!

Response from the owner

Dear Jaysan, <br>Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed our chef's tasting menu and had an exceptional evening.<br>We appreciate your insights, and hope to serve you again soon!<br>Best regards,<br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

P ChanelLocal guide
5 months ago

This was my second time dining at DANIEL, and once again it reminded me why this restaurant is so special and why I return every time I’m in New York City.<br><br>From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with genuine warmth and gracious hospitality. The host and the manager who seated us were welcoming, attentive, and made us feel truly cared for. Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable ,polished yet friendly, professional without ever feeling distant.<br><br>The sommelier was exceptional, offering thoughtful wine recommendations that paired beautifully with each course. The tasting menu was a true work of art: beautifully crafted dishes, elegant plating, balanced flavors, and pairings that elevated the entire experience. Every course felt intentional and refined, yet comforting at the same time.<br><br>One of the highlights of the evening was having the pleasure of meeting Daniel Boulud himself. Despite being incredibly busy and on his feet all evening, his passion for cooking and hospitality truly shines through. He took the time to stop, chat with guests, and make everyone feel welcome and happy a rare and meaningful gesture from a world-renowned chef.<br><br>DANIEL is not just about extraordinary food; it’s about heart, warmth, and genuine hospitality. An unforgettable experience, every single time.

Response from the owner

Dear Par, <br>Thank you for your kind words and for joining us once more! We are delighted you experienced our warmth and hospitality, and that Chef Daniel’s passion resonated with you. Your appreciation truly means the world to us. <br>We look forward to seeing you again! <br>Best regards, <br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Jamie TerhaarLocal guide
5 months ago

I recently visited with my sister, Tina Stewart, who has raved about Daniel for quite some time — and now I completely understand why. From the moment we arrived, the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional.<br><br>The wait staff was absolutely top notch — Zach, Matt, and the bartenders all went above and beyond. Attentive, knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely kind. You could tell they take pride not only in their work but in the experience they create for every guest.<br><br>The food… there truly are no words. Every bite was incredible. Flavorful, thoughtfully prepared, and clearly made with passion. Getting the opportunity to see the kitchen was an added bonus and only deepened my appreciation for the care and skill that goes into each dish.<br><br>It was an amazing night filled with outstanding food and even better people. Experiences like this stay with you — they aren’t just meals, they’re memories.<br><br>Until next year, I wish you all a fantastic year ahead. This is an absolute must-go place. If you get the chance, you owe it to yourself to have this experience at least once in your life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Response from the owner

Dear Jamie, <br>Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review about your recent visit with us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your evening at Restaurant Daniel. Your kind words about our service and dishes are much appreciated.<br>We look forward to seeing you again on your next visit for another memorable experience!<br>Best regards, <br>Brian Willoughby, General Manager

Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.

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