The utterly tranquil and elegant setting makes it one of New York's most unique dining experiences. The plush room is comfortable and unstuffy. The price tag is designer retail, so sample-sale girls should only go if someone else is paying. The formal dining room is as opulent as a Renaissance palace, but we prefer the dark, sexy lounge up front. Daniel Boulud's tasty menu is an exquisite extravaganza, and if you're going all-out, the correct wine will be matched with each course.
Service is friendly and first-class.
Perhaps it's because of the landmarked New York City space, carved out of the lobby of a vast marble financial institution. Or perhaps it's the affluent New York City clientele. Predictably good service and wine list, and the pastry chef ain't no slouch. Lesser chefs screw up the vertical thing, but Alfred Portale, one of the style's pioneers, hits his mark every time, delivering New American food of peerless taste and texture. His grilled steak is one of the best damned things in town.