Romantic French bistro with a celebrated Lyonnais-inspired menu, known for its value and Daniel Boulud connection [1, 2, 3, 4].
Le Gratin, a Daniel Boulud establishment in the Financial District, offers a romantic ambiance and a successful Lyonnais-inspired menu [1]. The restaurant is known for classic French dishes and has garnered a reputation as a top upscale French option in Manhattan, even drawing comparisons to other esteemed establishments [2, 3]. It's also recognized for its excellent value and connection to Daniel Boulud's culinary expertise [4].
Le Gratin offers a Lyonnais-inspired menu featuring dishes such as quenelle de brochet au gratin and gratin dauphinois, which have been positively received [1]. The French onion soup is particularly lauded for its substantial and gooey cheese topping [4, 5, 6]. However, the burgers have been described as having dry patties and toppings, with one review noting the addition of fried pork belly as a less successful element [2].
"The quenelle at Le Gratin is highly recommended, described as fantastic, though it is also noted for being quite heavy [1]. The French onion soup is also a standout, praised for its abundant and satisfyingly gooey cheese topping [2, 3, 4]."
Customers generally have a positive view of Le Gratin, with mentions of its romantic ambiance and well-executed French cuisine. While some dishes are highly recommended, others like the burgers have received mixed reviews due to dryness [1, 2].
Important Note
One reviewer noted that the burgers at Le Gratin, including the cheeseburger and truffle burger, were somewhat dry with a less-than-ideal combination of toppings [1]. The quenelle, while highly recommended, is described as quite heavy [2].
"Le Gratin was mentioned as a suggestion for the group dinner."
Positive"The commenter is waiting to check out the special at Le Gratin."
Neutral"The user considers Le Gratin to be the best upscale French restaurant in Manhattan, comparing it to Le Crocodile but with a slightly less authentic French approach."
Positive"This commenter "thirds" the recommendation for Le Gratin's French onion soup."
Positive"This user seconds the recommendation for Le Gratin's French onion soup."
Positive"Le Gratin is recommended for French onion soup."
Positive"Le Gratin in FiDi is described as quite good and located in a beautiful space."
Positive"Le gratin was proposed as a potential venue for a cozy, dim-lit dinner date."
Positive"Le gratin is recommended as a brunch spot near City Hall."
Positive"The commenter misses the large format macarons previously available from Financier and Bouchon."
Negative"Recommended as a potential option."
Neutral"Le Gratin is listed as a restaurant that may be easier to get reservations for."
Neutral"Le Gratin is listed as a potential dining option."
Neutral"This is a Daniel Boulud spot downtown, known for its classic French dishes."
Positive"Le gratin was recommended as a French dining option in NYC."
Positive"This user suggests Le Gratin makes a good poireau vinaigrette and praises the restaurant for its value and Daniel Boulud connection, though it wasn't directly in response to a tartare mention."
Neutral"This user praised Le Gratin for its poireau vinaigrette and noted it's a great Daniel Boulud restaurant for its price."
Neutral"This user suggests Le Gratin makes a good poireau vinaigrette and praises the restaurant for its value and Daniel Boulud connection, though it wasn't directly in response to a tartare mention."
Neutral"This user praised Le Gratin for its poireau vinaigrette and noted it's a great Daniel Boulud restaurant for its price."
Neutral"This user suggests Le Gratin makes a good poireau vinaigrette and praises the restaurant for its value and Daniel Boulud connection, though it wasn't directly in response to a tartare mention."
Neutral