Daniel

Daniel is unequivocally one of my favorite fine dining restaurants in New York City, and every visit to Daniel is an indulgent journey into high-level gastronomy. I always choose the eight course tasting menu, and my two standout favorites over the years are their New York foie gras and Maine sea scallops, each bite exquisitely crafted. Every course arrives as a work of art, beautifully plated, deeply flavorful, and thoughtfully paced. It is the literal definition of culinary artistry and fine dining. The experience is elegant from start to finish. The service is polished yet warm, and the dining room is refined with coffered ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and understated sophistication. Though the pricing is high, with the eight course menu running around $295 to $300 per person, for NYC standards this is absolutely worth it, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to splurge on truly memorable food. What saddens me is that Michelin currently rates Daniel at only one star, a puzzling demotion for a restaurant that consistently delivers excellence in execution and creativity. Daniel previously held two Michelin stars, and before that even three, which makes this latest rating feel like an injustice. Despite Michelin’s concerns about inconsistency, to me Daniel remains a gem, a place where passion for seasonal French cuisine meets meticulous presentation, and where each course showcases top tier ingredients like foie gras and scallops at their peak. Every visit reaffirms why it remains one of the finest and most reliable dining experiences in New York. In short, it is expensive, but absolutely worth it. If you are looking to celebrate or treat yourself, Daniel never disappoints.

I really enjoyed my time at Daniel last night. The restaurant has a lot of history and it's a really beautiful restaurant. The bar is amazing too. My server gave perfect service and I wish him the best. The presentation of the dishes were extremely creative like a work of art. Many 3 star restaurants don't have such creativity and presentation to their dishes. I really enjoyed the rabbit dish and the lamb saddle. The sauces paired with both of these dishes were amazing. I also enjoyed their array of breads to choose from as well as the cheese tray add on. That was excellent. Overall, I recommend coming to Daniel for an excellent meal, service, and a memorable experience. I've been to around 50 Michelin star restaurants so I can compare this restaurant to others. I think this restaurant is definitely worth a visit as it sets its self apart from other Michelin star restaurants.

The experience at Daniel begins even before you sit at the table. Days before my visit, I received a thoughtful email from Penn, who personally welcomed me with great warmth on the day of the reservation — a gesture of hospitality that already reflects the restaurant’s standard of excellence. While waiting for my companion, I went to the bar and accepted a recommendation from one of the staff to try a signature cocktail. A perfect choice: balanced, sophisticated, and full of personality — the drink set the tone for the culinary journey that would follow. In the main dining room, we were welcomed by Allan, whose impeccable service elevated the entire evening. With technical mastery and evident passion, he introduced each dish with rich detail, providing context about the ingredients, techniques, and origins. Each course was a true sensory exploration — complex flavors, refined presentation, and surprising textures. At the end of the dinner, we had the opportunity to visit the kitchen. The space conveyed discipline and organization, reflecting the same care present in every dish served. Without a doubt, Daniel delivers a high-level gastronomic experience, defined by attention to detail and the dedication of the entire team. A truly special evening in one of New York’s Michelin-starred classics. We chose the 5-course tasting menu.

Draft Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the French bouillabaisse at Daniel and it was out of this world — rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. But what made the evening truly once-in-a-lifetime was having dinner at The Skybox, right inside the kitchen. Watching the brigade at work, every plate crafted like a symphony of art, was mesmerizing. You see the precision, the passion, the dedication to excellence in every movement. And then — meeting Chef Daniel himself. What a moment. He is not only a master of cuisine but also a gentleman of rare warmth and generosity. He made us feel unique, welcomed, and valued, taking time to speak with us with genuine sincerity. It wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience that touched the heart as much as the palate. Truly one of the most memorable evenings of my life.

Dining at Daniel was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I did the 5-course tasting menu, and every dish was beautifully crafted and absolutely delicious—elevated without being overly fussy. The service was beyond awesome—so warm, attentive, and polished. As a special touch, I even got to tour the kitchen and see where the chefs work their magic, including a peek at Chef Daniel Boulud’s office! That behind-the-scenes moment made the night feel even more special. If you’re looking for fine dining that delivers on both flavor and experience, Daniel is a must. @raquelgerlani