Le Gratin Reviews

Great meal and service. Best chicken ever. Enough pommes dauphinois to sink a battleship. Unbelievably good value for NYC too.

Le Gratin by Daniel Bullard is a classic restaurant and makes you feel that you are in the heart of Paris or Lyon. The décor reminded me of Mollard up by the opera in Paris. We enjoyed a wonderful dining experience. The food is classic French and very importantly it is very reasonably priced compared to other fine dining restaurants in New York City. We had a delightful dinner with the usual classics and I had Pike Quinells which were quite good and something you almost never see. It is not a bouchon restaurant as many think and why Daniel uses that name is beyond me but it is clearly a classic Lyon French restaurant. I highly recommend it, the only deficit if there is one is the wine list is somewhat small but the prices are some of the most reasonable in town. As an added bonus next door there is a hopping happy bar in I believe what is called the Temple building, it looks like The library at Trinity college in Dublin Ireland it was very well decorated and a lot of people just a happening place.

Le Gratin is visually charming, and quite comfortable. Dinner began with a wonderful pate- chunks of lean pork, duck, and chicken. Quenelle was perfectly cooked, a velvety texture in a mushroom cheese bechamel. The true treat was adding a supplement of shaved black truffles that elevated the entire dish. The dessert profiterole was topped in molted chocolate, perfectly melting the coffee ice cream. Service was superb, the dinner memorable.

Fantastic French cuisine.... A wine flight, gratin dauphinois, Pithivier de Gibler, Trout Caviar eggs, oysters and the Cod with beans. Spectacular meal.

A gem of a restaurant. A REAL French bistro. French menu. French waiters and sommelière, and French cook. My steak was cooked perfectly (medium-rare) and the very nice sommelière knew her wines. Beautiful european decor. Great vibe to the place. We will return. On y retournera définitivement !

Great new spot Traditional big flavors and simple dishes A bit more pricey than a bouchon in France but it’s NY we know how it is here $20 wines cost $80

Haven't been there since it was Augustin and was really disappointed. The room is still nice, but the music was too loud, and stupid. There are now canvas reproductions of the same black-background unframed Dutch floral, such as can be ordered cheaply on the internet, in three or four different places-for no reason that I can see. The wait staff were not well-trained. Everyone seemed inexperienced often unconcerned-it looked like they made a point of not looking at the patrons. We were seated next to a small group who fussed and complained about almost everything. (There was no reason to seat us next to anyone, since the room was only one-third full.) However, I found myself jealous because they got attention and we didn't. The escargots came reasonably quickly, but we waited much too long for the next course. I wanted some black pepper, and with four staff wandering around the floor studiously avoiding patrons while my food was getting cooler, I had to wave my arms like semaphore to hail a server. The hostess came by when I was about to take the last bite, and asked me how the food was. I replied "Why are you asking us now, when we're almost finished? You should have come much sooner." Honestly, it's not as if she were busy. Instead of apologizing, the young woman turned on her heel and strode away. When we were leaving we had to pass by her lectern to get to the lobby, and she got in front of me, actually blocking the way. She asked "And it is alright with you now, if I ask you how was your food?" I said "Back off," so she stepped aside. We left shocked at the immature and completely unnecessary behavior. Mr. Boulud was in the back of the room, sitting in a booth speaking with the chef. He looked tired and disinterested. I wanted to go back and tell him about the hostess, but he looked really tired and unhappy. The food was good, but not that good. The best part of the meal was the desserts, although the watery coffee was another disappointment. (Yes, weak coffee in a French restaurant.) One of the things that justified high prices for a bistro when it was Augustin was that the room was so pretty and the service excellent. Sadly it is no longer the case. The New York Times review said that the place is a disappointment, although for different reasons. I should have listened. I'd never been to a Boulud restaurant before. It is to be expected that the patrons in the financial district on the weekends are mostly tourists. I wondered how diners in his other restaurants, who are New Yorkers, would tolerate the lax service, medium-good food and brassy hostess.

Our family has ties to France and we appreciate wonderful cuisine. Having eaten here a couple times before, knew this would be an excellent dining choice for the family on Mother's Day. Needless to say, Le Gratin did not disappoint. The food is simple, yet so delicious. The bread is the best French bread you will find in the city. The duck dishes were fantastic, the pastis is a great way to get your palate ready, the wine accompanying dinner was very good, and the rhubarb tart was unexpectedly delicious. Our servers Sami and Carla were again very attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Truly exceptional in NYC! The consistency of Le Gratin and the dedicated commitment to a Lyon-based menu with all of the standards (gratin dauphinois is so good we order two helpings!) plus some very unique items for those more adventurous. If you want a good dining experience without breaking the bank, come to this French gem. Bravo Daniel et tout l'equipe!

My wife and I had dinner at le Gratin on a Saturday night. The ambiance was very nice -- I really enjoyed hearing Les Rita Mitsouko (a very popular French band from the 80s) on the playlist, which made everything seem more authentic. The cocktails were solid but not mind-blowing (but then again, you don't go to a French restaurant for Manhattans). We had a fois gras, which was served chilled and was delicious, but with only two small pieces of toast. Service was slow, so the fois gras was either going to get too warm, or had to be eaten without toast. The poulet fermier was excellent -- tasty and moist -- but the cod was fairly pedestrian. That said, the veggies -- green beans and mushrooms -- were excellent, and probably the highlight of the main course. Dessert was very disappointing-- it was a cholcoate ganache that tasted of old fridge. The manager took it back (and off the bill) and offered a very mediocre sorbet as a substitute. The waiter was very young and was clueless about wine. While my wife and I know more than a fair bit about wine, a recommendation would have been welcome, if only to deepen our knowledge. I would go back, but would hope for a bit more pizzaz from the main course, better dessert, and more prompt and knowledgeable service.

Le Gratin, a bouchon ( a boisterous French bistro) Lyonnais, is located in the Beekman Hotel in downtown Manhattan. This Parisian-styled eatery is helmed by culinary chieftain, Daniel Boulud and his crew. A menu fly over revealed a raft of Lyonnais cuisine with items like Roast Duck Breast, Grilled Bronzino with caramelized fennel, Quenelle de Brochette au Gratin, and a cast of others. I couldn't resist the Onion Soup and the Escargot plated with pig trotter (the menu piece de resistance...in my opinion). As a fish lover, I choose the Pan Seared Dover Sole ............ exceptional. Choux et Prune a la creme...a creme puff with roasted pear was superb. The Wine list was extensive with a focus on varieties of France and the cocktail program encompassed the classics and is skewed to French concoctions. Le Gratin could be considered a romantic setting with excellent French fare.

We were looking forward to my 75th pre-birthday dinner at Le Gratin.  They serve calves liver, a favorite of mine that’s even difficult to find in Paris. Our walk downtown from Tribeca past city hall was dark and gritty on this Saturday night in March.  However, the streets surrounding Le Gratin and its Beekman Hotel location were hopping with new hotels and restaurants. The area is a changin.    Daniel Boulard and partners are marketing Le Gratin as a Lyonnaise bouchon, but it’s more their attempt at recreating Keith McNally’s magic at Balthazar, Cafe Luxembourg, Pastis, etc.  Certainly, the joint was jumping on a Saturday night in March with an array of drinkers and diners.  We found two seats at the busy bar and ordered wine, cocktails, pâté, terrine, and two calves livers with extra crispy pomme frites.  Our bartender/server was a bit too engaged with himself and didn’t pay attention to us or the order.  Sadly, while the pâté and terrine were good, our liver had gristle and the fries were mushy.  I was so let down.  The bill was expensive for sad food.  I don’t know if Le Gratin will succeed.  The crowds might overlook the food while the restaurant remains trendy.  However, longevity in the restaurant business is based on price and taste, not trends.

Le Gratin feels very much like a French Bistro in downtown Manhattan. Doishes are authentic french and cooked really well. The half roast chicken reminded me of many I have enjoyed in France. The Cod with white beans is also excellent. for starters the Crab salad is excellent as are the Rillettes.

Le Gratin had a wonderful ambience, attentive service, and delicious food! The decor and music genuinely made us feel transported back to France. My husband and I have found our go-to brunch spot when staying downtown.

Daniel never disappoints and this new endeavor of his was no exception. Everything we had was exquisite yet not fussy. I'm still dreaming of the Duck au Poivre.

I took a friend celebrating a big birthday here last week, and toward the end of our wonderful meal, I remarked that while I've heard about celebrity chefs who have spread themselves too thin, leading to quality control problems, Daniel Boulud does not seem to be among them-- over quite a few years, neither of us has ever had a meal at any of his other restaurants that was a misfire. I also remarked to our excellent waiter that dining here was like being in France, and in saying that, I wasn't referring merely to the pre-existing Art-Nouveau decor which creates such a warm and enveloping atmosphere. (Speaking of which, be sure and check out the other public rooms of the amazing Beekman hotel as long as you're here!) We arrived good and hungry and made the most of it, starting with some small but superb oysters, then moving on to a marvelous watercress vichyssoise. For main courses, I had a perfectly cooked duck breast with spring vegetables, and my friend chose Le Gratin's take on the classic quenelles de brochet. Served with cheese and mushrooms, they managed to be simultaneously airy and light, and rich and savory at the same time-- far and away the best version of the dish I've ever tried, and I think I even had quenelles in Lyon once! We also had a side of lightly creamed spinach with a sprinkling of my favorite brand of French blue cheese baked over the top. For dessert, my friend had a fantastic creme caramel, and I had an equally delicious layered pastry similar to an opera cake, but with the secondary flavor to the chocolate being coffee rather than hazelnut. Prices are what one would expect for Manhattan, but not bad at all for the wonderful quality of the food, service and ambiance. Le Gratin had only been open for about six or seven weeks when we dined there, but it was already running like a place that had been in business for years, or decades, so smooth and seemingly effortless was the operation. Boulud has crafted another hit, and we can hardly wait to go back and repeat the experience when visiting the city in other seasons.

A French take on this well-known French restaurant in New York. The bar scene is lively, with an excellent bartender and a very pleasant atmosphere. We then moved to our table for dinner. The ambience was nice; the service was acceptable, though not exceptional—as is often the case in New York. The food was good, albeit on the expensive side. Overall, I would still highly recommend it. A very enjoyable evening close to the World Trade Center.

Just had a brunch with friends. Overall, great food! A bread basket, pate, mussels, tuna and steak tartare, croque monsieur were fantastic. Escargot was a bit blend. A great service and nice atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it.

The atmosphere here is wonderful. It makes you feel like you’re in France. Friendly and efficient service. Good choice of cocktails and wine. All of the dishes we had were very good, but not excellent. For example, the I found the mushrooms that came with the escargot dish excessively salty and garlicy (and I’m a big garlic lover) and the duck was a touch too rare and lacking the perfect sear. Overall, a very enjoyable meal.

Beautiful dining room , you feel like you visiting one of the Parisian Brasseries, Solid Menu with plenty of traditional French dishes and more.

Always been fan of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants in NYC. Had to try Le Gratin. So glad we did. Service was impeccable. The room is gorgeous. Drinks and wines were great abd the food was fabulous. Missed the frisée salad that used to be at Bar Boulud, but a relative appeared as a Lyonnaise salad and it was great. We will definitely be back. And soon

Our family was here to celebrate my wife’s birthday. The drinks, food and service was top notch. Unfortunately, there was a staffer, I think she may be the assistant manager, talking to an older couple sitting next to our table. For the duration of our brunch she was talking loudly to this couple. It wasn’t all about food, but basically non-food related discussion about anything and everything. I think she even talked about whether she wanted to keep her German citizenship. Our family was right next to this table and can’t just not listen to her talk, so it made our experience very irritating. She did 90% of the talking, so I suspect the other patrons didn’t want to listen her life story either. She had zero self awareness about the situation. She never asked any of the other patrons how they were doing and just planted herself next to these patrons for about an hour an a half. It would have been a great dining experience if it was not for having an uninvited guest for our meal.

Daniel is Daniel Bistro or gastro I Nevers got enough Just amazing food and lunch celebration The service is impeccable What else to add Just can’t wait to be back Thanks all Daniel team

We thoroughly enjoyed the Crabe Marie Rose, Dover sole, and grilled branzino, followed by the crème caramel and gâteau chocolat. All were expertly-prepared, the service was impeccable, and the space was gorgeous.

Great downtown location…. Super atmosphere really makes you think you are in a Parisian or Lyon Bistro. Sadly the rest of the evening did not match up. We ordered cocktails to start .. after 20 minutes waiting we had to ask again. It was a tuesday night so not crazy busy but just very slow bar staff. It was however the food that was so disappointing, two of us ordered Escargot … and what came were small lumps of batter covered snails … tired .. as obviously prepared along time ago … completely tasteless .. no garlic flavours no nothing … they sat on a bed of tasteless mushroom sauce , with very old and wilted mushrooms and some over cooked croquettes …. All in all a very poor example of a great French dish. Sadly it was followed by a luke warm main course … Cheese burger with cool french fries … beouf tartane which was ok and a poor salmon dish. And then to dessert … having asked was the tart tatin a true french experience ie small puff pastry filled with thinly sliced apple in a circle .. instead we got what looked like a rum baba … too full and way too sweet .. such a disappointment…… Overall if this was a very ordinary attempt at a french restaurant you might excuse it but not when they are charging crazy prices for very old, tired , presentation….. very disappointing. Not something i would recommend.

Chef Daniel Boulud is like the energizer bunny of restauranteurs. His latest edition, Le Gratin, brings you back to his home city in Lyon without the cost of an airline ticket. For fans of Anthony Bourdain and CNN’s “Parts Unknown”, you might remember the episode where Chef Daniel and Tony travel to Lyon to visit French Chef Luminary Paul Bocuse. They also visit Daniel’s parents at the chef’s childhood home. Bourdain claimed that this episode was the best “foodie” show of the series. Lyon is revered as one of France’s most epic culinary hot spots. Le Gratin is a small, usually crowded restaurant in the trendy Beekman Hotel in lower Manhattan. The menu is authentic as you can get. Fresh oysters, Moules Frites, Steak Frites, Escargot, Pan Seared Dover Sole, Capers-Lemon Brown Butter, Roasted Malard Duck Breast, traditional Bouillabaisse in Saffron broth, to name a few. A must-order is Chef Daniel’s Mothers Potatoes Cheesy Au Gratin. The wine list had many value-priced bottles and higher-level classic fine wines. The servers and managers were very attentive and accommodating. Save room for the delectable desserts if you can. Reservations required!

Our restaurant-loving friends, my wife and I visited Le Gratin on Sunday night in December-22. Restaurant Le Gratin replaced restaurant Augustine in Beekman hotel, and the space, practically, hasn’t changed. Although, I liked Augustine, I considered its French-inclined cooking a bit too ”thin”. When I discovered that Monsieur Daniel Boulud’s restaurant has opened up in FiDi, I had no doubt that at the very least his cooking will be solid, with great ingredients and sauces to match. The menu, as expected, is typically Lyonnaise-France’s gastronomic co-capital. The menu is somewhat different from the one on the restaurant’s website. The prices in the printed menu are higher when compared to those on the restaurant’s website, which has become quite normal these days due to a rampant inflation. For instance, the restaurant’s most expensive dish-Pan Seared Dover Sole-is $89 on the website, but $96 in the printed menu. I will be rather short in my first impressions since it is quite difficult to expound after only one visit: THON-Tuna Crudo, Grilled Olives, Arugula, Mint Dressing Comment-Very Good SALADE LYONNAISE-Frisée Salad, Chicken Liver, Slow Cooked Egg, Crispy Porkbelly. Comment: good ESCARGOTS ET PIED DE COCHON CROUSTILLANTS-Burgundy Snail Tempura, Pig Trotter Croquette Mushroom Fricassée, Garlic Butter, Spinach-Herb Coulis. Comment: Not good MULES FRITES SAUCE POULETTE-Bang Island Mussels, Saffron Cream, French Fries. Comment: Very good. SOLE MEUNIÈRE GRENOBLOISE-Pan Seared Dover Sole, Capers-Lemon Brown Butter, Choice of a One Side. Comment: Very good LOUP DE MER GRILLÉ AU CHOUX DE BRUXELLES, SAUCE VERJUS AUX RAISINS-Grilled Branzino, Celery Root Puree, Brussels Sprouts, Brown Raisin Verjus . Comment: Very good STEAK-FRITES À L’ÉCHALOTE, SALADE DE CRESSON-Grilled Prime Black Angus New York Strip served with Red Wine Shallot Jus, Watercress Salad, French Fries. Comment: Good FOIE DE VEAU A LA MOUTARDE: Sauteed Calf Liver, Mashed Potatoes, Caramelized Cippolini, Brocolini, Sauce Charcutière. Comment: Not good. The liver was mushy as it often happens from previous over freezing. Good sauce, though. Service: Service was fine, not on the par with “Gastronomique”, which is not expected in the establishment of this level, but not overbearing either. I have to mention that when I asked for a noisette-essentially a macchiato, I had to go thru a few staff members until they dispatched a heavy-accented French guy, who immediately understood my craving and obliged. Regrettably, the coffee was lukewarm. Toilet facilities: Even though it is a long trip, but the route, winding through a very pleasant and lively hotel lobby, behind a gigantic bookcase and down steep stairs, is a welcome break from the hardship of sitting on uncomfortable chairs. Banquets are more comfy. In conclusion, the expectations, awakened by association with Chef Boulud’s name, were not satisfactory. After all, we disliked 2 of the 8 dishes; another 2 of the 8 dishes were just average. In other words, the first visit produced only a 50% satisfaction result. We hope our experience would be better on our next visit.

Food here was amazing and we wud come back in a heart beat. I also love their lax dress code because who wants to eat in uncomfortable clothing. Even more amazing is the general manager who was so professional and kind to us. Very grateful for her hospitality.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal here, a three-course prix fixe menu in which all nine dishes were really well done and delicious. And having just returned from Paris, it was surprising that this brasserie really felt Parisian---except for two inexplicable missteps. First was loud background music that played throughout our meal. What?!? Why? It was irritating. Second was the service, and for a place like this. Our waiter vanished after the appetizer and we never really got a replacement. A hand-off that didn't get handed-off? For example, we ordered a bottle of wine and twice had to ask where it was so that we could get our glasses refilled. Another time we needed cutlery. Why was the service so spotty. Paid the $600 all-in bill for three and exited, pleased with the meal but puzzled by the experience.

Absolutely beautiful spot for our anniversary dinner! The fixtures, lighting, furniture all come together for a seamless & pleasing French bistro experience. The mixologist served up top-notch drinks, including a delicious take on an Old Fashioned. We started with an amazing beet salad with pistachios & goat cheese dressing. The poulet fermier (half a rotisseire chicken) may be the best chicken dish we've had in years, and it was paired with DB's Mother's potato gratin that was heavenly. We also had their steak frites, and the meat was cooked absolutely perfectly. We topped off the meal with an order of profiteroles (with Gianduja Ice cream & chocolate hazelnut) that was a delight to the senses. Daniel Boulud has struck gold here and Le Gratin is one of our very top picks of NYC restaurants. Bravo!

We went to dinner last night and had a fabulous evening. Our cocktails were delicious, I got something called Motion d'0r and it was so refreshing and delicious. We had the onion soup, duck, chicken, gratin potatoes, and green beans. The servings were incredibly generous. Our server was also attentive.

We had the most amazing dinner at El Gratin. We started with delicious escargot, crab salads and tossed salads! The duck, the filet mignon and the salmon received rave reviews at our table. The service was impeccable and the food outstanding!! If you love French cuisine, this is the place!

Met a fabulous NY'er here for dinner on a recent trip to the City. We started at the bar for a glass of wine, while we waited for our table to be ready. Once seated, we sipped our wine, enjoyed the ambience of the beautiful space, and perused the menu. I chose the Magret de Canard Au Poivre Vert with glazed vegetables and green peppercorn sauce. My friend decided on the baked cod, with a paprika crust , and seasonal bean fricassee. We shared a side of Gratin Dauphinois Comme Marie which according to the menu, is Chef Daniel Boulud's mother's recipe. Everything we ate, was delicious. Unfortunately, neither one of us had room for dessert. Next time for sure! I was only in NYC for the weekend and therefore only had the opportunity for three dinners. I am glad I chose Le Gratin for one of them. Great company + yummy food = a wonderful experience!

The chicken, pike, salad, onion soup were all at a high standard. The soup was a little greasy probably due a lack of skimming of the fat from the beef stock. Service was very good. The sommelier made a good recommendation for the wine. The restaurant was packed on a Saturday night. The restaurant looks like a typical high quality Beaux Arts style Paris bistro.

Unfortunately I can't review the food as I never had the opportunity to try it. Looking for somewhere to dine downtown on a fairly quiet Wednesday evening I checked Resy for nearby restaurants with availability & came across Le Gratin showing an open table for two within the next 15 mins. As I was so close by I decided to stop in rather than make the booking online. The 'hostess' (hesitate to call her this as the term by definition suggests an understanding of hospitality) immediately said that there was no availability upon enquiring. Despite a number of empty tables nearby, I understand that these may not always be available, so told her that Resy was showing availability for a table of two. Her response was 'Yeah, well Resy says a lot of things & I think I know better what's actually going on here'. There was no need to be rude, I would have accepted a simple 'there must be a problem with the system'. It was only made worse when I said 'no problem, we'll have to go somewhere else', only to be met with a sarcastic 'ha ha good luck'. In any hospitality setting this kind of poor service/attitude is uncalled for & unacceptable, in a city with so many dining options, it is simply ignorant. Other would be diners should keep in mind that even if they don't face this kind of rudeness, according to this evening's hostess if they have made a reservation online, their chosen online booking platform 'says a lot of things' & the reservation may not in fact actually be honoured. Very Poor.

Steak Fritte was A+, the gratin superb, roast chicken delicious, salmon app great as was the very lightly creamed spinach. Beautiful space only down side is you need to enter attached hotel and go downstairs to go to bathroom/wash hands. Excellent bar, very pleasant staff - even comped us some delicious champagne and escargot. We will 100% be back

After some spectacular weekend adventures, we decided on Le Gratin for brunch. This is the signature restaurant of chef Daniel Boulud, located in the Tribeca area of Manhattan. Upon entering one is transported to old France with notable and opulent appointments throughout the space. The open dining room is flanked by gorgeous wood and tile work and adorned with gorgeous ambient lighting throughout. We were seated in a corner booth that provided an entrancing view of the entire space. We began our meal with an order of the Escargot Gratines Au Persil and the Francine Salad. The Escargot were prepared with ample garlic and butter and served simmering with crusty bread as an accompaniment. The salad was a fresh and beautiful mix of frisee, lettuce, thinly shaved carrot, radish and onion, topped with a beautiful housemaid white cheese. Both were delectable starters to what would be a spectacular lunch. For our main courses we selected the Steak Frites and the Branzino. The steak was cooked to medium perfection, tender, juicy and well-seasoned and was accompanied by a generous portion of crispy french fries. The Branzino fillet was perfectly cooked, flaky and moist, bathed in a sinfully delicious beurre-blanc, probably the best version I have tasted and accompanied by a delicately flavored rice pilaf studded with minced zucchini. Craving a bit more green, we also ordered the Haricots Verts a la Ciboule, a green bean dish with an absolutely delightful scallion butter. We finished our meal with the Apple Tart Tatin. The soft apple caramel atop a luscious cookie, served with Rum Raisin Ice Cream were a delicious denouement!! Le Gratin has pretty big boots to fill with chef Daniel Boulud at the helm, and I believe it does so effortlessly! I highly recommend it for French food aficionados!!!

We have been to the bucherons in Lyons, France, and this restaurant captures their atmosphere as well as menu. We went for brunch -- had a most enjoyable experience. The wait staff was attentive and knew the menu. I had a kir royale, made just perfectly. The quenelle was splendid. And the side of lyonnaise potatoes that I finished at home with this evening's dinner was made perfectly. Potatoes sliced thin, and excellent flavor with the cheese melted to a nice browned top. Will definitely go again even though a bit out of the way from where I stay in NYC. It is worth the trip!