Iconic French fine dining w/ transporting ambiance. Celebrations, business, classic preparations.
This iconic French fine-dining establishment, a staple since 1993, offers an experience that transports diners to a sophisticated European era. Known for its elegant ambiance and art-filled space, it's a prime destination for significant celebrations and business gatherings. The tasting menus, featuring seasonal ingredients and classic French preparations, are a highlight.
The cuisine is classic French, with tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients. While some dishes like the duck and canelés receive praise, others have been criticized, with particular negative feedback regarding the hardness of the bread and the plating of cheese. The restaurant also offers à la carte options in its lounge.
"While specific dishes receive mixed reviews, the restaurant is known for its tasting menus, with a seven-course option and a five-course prix fixe. The canelés, though only available with a full dinner, are described as fabulous. A port marinated duck is mentioned as good but small in portion."
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising the elegant ambiance and excellent service, while others criticize the food quality and describe the experience as stuffy or outdated.
Important Note
Some diners find the restaurant to be 'stuffy' and 'outdated.' There have been criticisms regarding the quality of bread and the plating of dishes, particularly the cheese course. The dress code has shifted from jackets required to business casual post-Covid.
"Daniel was suggested as a suitable option for a swanky birthday dinner."
Positive"The commenter mentioned Daniel as a place with a vegetarian tasting menu, but noted it might be considered too much like full fine dining and potentially stuffy."
Neutral"Daniel is mentioned as a high-end dining establishment that may cater to an older clientele."
Positive"Daniel is listed among several high-end Manhattan restaurants that typically attract an older demographic."
Positive"The original poster found Daniel to be disappointing, citing mediocre flavors and a strong emphasis on seafood, which they do not eat. They felt the experience was not memorable from a taste perspective."
Negative"The commenter advises skipping Daniel, stating that it has been on a decline for years."
Negative"Daniel is highly recommended for service, with the commenter stating it's the best they have ever experienced, surpassing Le Bernardin, EMP, and Per Se."
Positive"This user clarified that the cab driver reviewer often refuses complimentary bills and pays them, and that regular patrons may also receive complimentary items."
Neutral"This user observed a cab driver reviewer receiving significant complimentary food and attention from the chef at Daniel, resulting in a small bill."
Neutral"Daniel is listed as a restaurant with an impressive dining room design."
Positive"Daniel is suggested as a high-end dining option that offers a three-course pre-fixe menu, suitable for the original poster's desire for a fancy experience."
Positive"Daniel was suggested as a dining option."
Positive"Daniel is mentioned as a potential option for upscale dining in the city."
Positive"This user criticized the description of Daniel in the article, calling it a "horribly worded run on sentence about how a tasting menu works.""
Neutral"This user questioned Daniel's inclusion on a "best of" list, stating there are significantly better French fine dining options in NYC and that other restaurants by the same chef are superior."
Negative"The original poster mentioned being gravely disappointed with Daniel during a recent visit."
Negative"Daniel is suggested as a place to dress up, implying it's a fine-dining establishment suitable for special occasions."
Positive"This user mentioned that Daniel used to give out beautifully packaged caneles as a souvenir/gift and they were incredible."
Positive"The original poster thanked the commenter for their recommendations."
Positive"Daniel is mentioned as a restaurant likely to be quiet and good for conversations."
Positive
