MenuPages

I reserved for my wife's birthday with fond memories of the original Bouley. This was my first visit to the revived version. We were expecting one of the finer dining experiences in NY and unfortunately it falls short. The room is lovely. Fresh cut flowers and other touches make for a lovely decor. The attention to detail is everywhere. That said, the service seems a bit inexperienced and not up to the standard of NY's finest. Overall, dinner was a disappointment. My wife and I both had the tasting menu with wine pairings. The ingredients are high quality, but many of the dishes lack a clear identity - too many flavors, often that don't work well together. For this money go elsewhere.

In all the years we patronized Bouley, it has represented creativity and perfection personified. I do prefer the new location and interior design, by comparison. Lunch at Bouley has become a frequent choice as of late, the prix fixe menu perhaps the best value in the city. Suggested wine pairings are impeccable, beautifully compatible and nuanced, never blase. I choose to write today as tomorrow, Friday, June 24th, we celebrate two family birthdays and both honorees have opted to do so at Bouley. I must add that several dinners with wine pairings have remained memorable and incomparable,commonly lasting 3-4 hours. Service has always been gracious and quietly attentive. Bouley well deserves the rave review.

Let me start by saying that given all the great reviews, we went on an off day. Our lunch experience was not a smooth one. Food was fine, but nothing was outstanding (salmon was a bit overcooked and the hamachi way too cold). Service was spotty (i.e. brought the second course before the first course, fish silverware when having the duck…) We had a 1pm reservation so by the time we got there, the back room was the only area available. It was a shame given how nice the main room is. One advice, avoid the back room if you can. To be honest such a quality restaurant should not have that many "second tier" tables. Will certainly have to give it another shot. At $55 for a 4 course lunch it is still a good deal (FYI - just raised from $45)

Five of us spent a very special, unannounced celebration evening last night. We were treated like celebrities. There was not one serving that was "off-the-mark". Our experiences go back to Lutece, Cote Basque, etc., as well as Le Bernardin and others currently that are Zagat 27's and 28's. Frankly, surprised reading a few disappointed reviews. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a defining food-adventure.

Just had a wonderdul lunch at Bouley. The food and service were perfect. The prix fixe is a great value. Looking forward to returning for dinner soon.

the one positive- the food is spectacular in every way. but otherwise -a nightmare. after calling ahead to alert the restaurant that this was a celebration dinner, we were escorted through a most beautiful dining room, only to be seated in a small prison cell with the snottiest service ever. why even make an extra room like that. they just want $$.

Bouley is amazing. I had my wedding here, and come for the tasting menu every few months. The food is spectacular.