Daniel Boulud has built a restaurant empire rooted in expertly crafted dishes and a compelling dining experience. Raised near the French gastronomical capital of Lyon, Boulud apprenticed alongside the best before relocating across the pond. In Washington D.C, he earned his stripes as the private chef to the European Commission, all while dreaming of his New York debut. Polo Lounge at the Westbury Hotel was Boulud's next venture, followed by La Régence, at the Plaza Athénée. 1986 was a turning point for the Lyonnaise chef, as he took the reins as executive chef at the iconic Le Cirque, where he remained until 1993, when he opened his eponymous Two MICHELIN Star spot Daniel.
Since then, Boulud has conquered Manhattan and beyond, opening restaurants across the country, but never losing his passion for the city he calls home. Always on the move, Boulud enjoys each neighborhood, from breakfast in FiDi to nightcaps on the Upper East Side. Here, the famed French chef shares with The MICHELIN Guide where he goes, on and off duty, in the city that never sleeps.
Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
New York has great options for Mexican cuisine. What’s your go-to spot?
Casa Enrique is my favorite Mexican destination in Long Island City.
Where do you go when you're craving a blend of classic and modern French cuisine?
Gabriel Kreuther. Gabriel is a very talented Alsatian chef and a good friend. His restaurant is where classic meets modern.
If you're in the mood for incredible seafood, where do you head?
Le Bernardin, the legendary seafood destination by the great Eric Ripert.
New Yorkers love Italian cuisine. What’s the best place for authentic Italian food in the city?
Rezdôra has some of the best and most authentic Italian cuisine in New York. It is a small space with a lot of character.
Where do you recommend for a special night out?
Saga—it’s a combination of beautiful views with inventive cocktails and dishes.
Are there any other dining experiences that make your list of favorites?
Atomix is a sleek and beautiful chef’s counter lead by Chef JP, who brings a creative spin on Korean classics.
Where’s your favorite spot for late-night cocktails?
Bemelmans [at the Carlyle Hotel]—it is the best old-fashioned jazz bar on the Upper East Side.
What’s your go-to place for a perfect coffee and pastry?
The Oculus for a croissant and coffee at Épicerie Boulud.
It's tough to choose the best pizza joint in New York. What's one that stands out to you?
Stretch—great pizza by a great chef [Wylie Dufresne].
Outside of the restaurant scene, where might we find you on a day off?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art with my family visiting from Europe or the Central Park Zoo—I always take my kids to see the seals. Another is The Summit [at One Vanderbilt]; it has the best view of our five boroughs.
Address book:
Daniel
60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
Casa Enrique
5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Gabriel Kreuther
41 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Le Bernardin
155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Rezdôra
27 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Saga
70 Pine St 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
Atomix
104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
Bemelmans
35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
The Oculus
185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006
Stretch
331 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10010
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Hero image: Daniel Krieger
Thumb image: Thomas Schauer
