An upscale French bistro revival offering classic and globally-inspired dishes. Known for its foie gras, sweetbreads, and roasted duck.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Café Boulud, a revival of the classic French restaurant, awarding it three stars for its upscale dining experience with accessible pricing for multi-course meals.
Daniel Boulud is bringing back his beloved Café Boulud to the Upper East Side, promising a vibrant celebration of French roots and New York influences with a menu that spans classic French to exotic global flavors.
Café Boulud, a celebrated French restaurant by Daniel Boulud, has reopened on the Upper East Side, aiming to recapture its beloved atmosphere and culinary excellence. The menu features four distinct sections: classic French dishes, seasonal specialties, market-inspired creations, and globally inspired flavors. Standout dishes include foie gras, sweetbreads, roasted duck, and a creamy spinach casserole, with options available for French Restaurant Week.
Café Boulud offers a diverse French-inspired menu divided into four sections: 'La Tradition' for classics, 'La Saison' for seasonal dishes, 'Le Potager' for market-inspired plates, and 'Le Voyage' for rotating global flavors. Standout dishes include foie gras, sweetbreads, and roasted duck. The restaurant is also praised for its accommodating vegetarian options. However, pomme frites were noted as average.
"Standout dishes include foie gras, sweetbreads, roasted duck, and a creamy spinach casserole. The restaurant is also noted for its accommodating vegetarian options."
Customers generally have a positive view of Café Boulud, appreciating its upscale dining experience and French cuisine. The restaurant is noted for being accommodating to dietary needs, with one user praising their vegetarian options and willingness to convert dishes.
Important Note
One reviewer found the pomme frites to be a so-so outlier with average execution. Another user mentioned that while the restaurant is generally good, it might lean towards the fancier side.
"This user recommended Café Boulud as a pretty good French option."
Positive"This user described a $90 lunch at DB Bistro Moderne (including wine and tip) featuring a burger with truffles, short rib, and foie gras, which they found did not work due to the rare meat and overpowering short rib, despite high-quality ingredients and service. They stated their favorite burger is from Donovan's Pub in Queens and noted that large burgers can be uncomfortable to eat."
Negative"Cafe Boulud was described as a lovely option for a special occasion."
Positive"Cafe Boulud was praised for its exceptional accommodation of vegetarian needs. They not only have great vegetarian dishes but can also convert other dishes into vegetarian versions, even comping a vegetarian soup."
Positive"Cafe Boulud is listed as a restaurant suggestion."
Neutral"The user lists Boulud as a Michelin-starred restaurant that does not have loud music, in response to a question about loud music at such establishments."
Positive"An old article from 2010 suggests that Café Boulud was among several high-profile NYC restaurants that served Creekstone Farms beef."
Neutral"Cafe Boulud is recommended as a French cuisine option for Restaurant Week in NYC."
Neutral"Cafe Boulud is recommended as a French cuisine option for Restaurant Week in NYC."
Neutral"The commenter is hopeful that the new restaurant, Brasserie Boulud, opening early this year, will maintain the quality of food, service, and ambiance of the now-closed Boloud Sud."
Positive"This user suggested Cafe Boulud as a place for drinks before dinner."
Positive"Recommends Cafe Boulud as a great choice."
Positive"Suggests Cafe Boulud as a potential option."
Neutral"Cafe Boulud was listed as a restaurant recommendation."
Positive"Cafe Boulud is recommended as an alternative if a walk-in at Monkey Bar does not work out."
Neutral"This user recommended Cafe Boulud's $60 Restaurant Week dinner menu as a pick for a special night out."
Positive"Café Boulud is participating in NYC Restaurant Week with a $60 dinner option."
Neutral"Cafe Boulud is suggested as a potential option, though it leans towards the fancier side."
Neutral"The user recommends Cafe Boulud as one of the restaurants to visit during French Restaurant Week."
Positive
