Bouley

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.

My husband and I celebrated his birthday there last night. I requested a nice romantic table for the occasion and the staff didn't disappoint. We were taken to a nice and quiet table in the main dining room. There were 2 amuse bouche, a pumpkin soup and salmon terrine with salmon roe on top, and underneath the terrine, osetra caviar with just a bit of creme fraiche. That was the perfect start to our meal. We both liked it very much. The tasting menu didn't include the foie gras [or at least we didn't notice it]. We're both foie gras fans so we both ordered foie gras as our appetizer. It was just the way it is supposed to be: it melted in your mouth. Hubby and I had fish as our entree; he had the cod and I had the sea bass. Both were well-seasoned and meticulously done. For dessert, we just had room for one so we asked that we share the amaretto flan. The flan was accompanied by caramelized banana, which to my surprise, was not too sweet. Dessert was perfect. For my husband's birthday, they gave him a separate plate with pineapple slices flanking a scoop of passionfruit ice cream, where his birthday candle was. I saved his birthday candle as a memento of our memorable time in Bouley. Merci beaucoup!

Went here recently and the service was beyond subpar. The food was ok, but the service made the experience unenjoyable. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone; given the prices, service should be impeccable.