Dovetail

Not certain just how poor the food was. Couldn't concentrate because of the 'Pretentiousness' which is served in massive doses on enormous platters. Can't possibly enjoy a meal in a room as hideously appointed as this overpriced joint. Do yourself a favor. If you are consumed by the notion of eating at Dovetail, well, take it to go.

I just went to Dovetail with a couple of friends last night, for restaurant week. I was surprised that the decor was so corporate and uninspired for such a well-respected place. However, the service and food quickly won me over. The cauliflower soup appetizer was subtly and delicately flavored -- smooth, and light. The seared cod was cooked to perfection. Not overcooked, not soggy, but perfectly glazed and flaky, complemented by the delicious olives and onions and squash. Bread pudding desert -- to die for. Complimentary food, such as the cornbread scone was also incredible. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. Food came out at a perfect pace, and we were never rushed. I will definitely make another trip here for the amazing culinary experience. For some reason, it is hard to get fresh fish that is cooked to perfection in New York -- this place is a keeper.

I've dined at Dovetail several times now and have yet to have an experience that is anything short of incredible. The food and service are always impeccable. The brunch and Sunday Suppa are great deals considering the amount of food and the quality of the food and service. Just went for brunch this weekend for the first time and I was blown away. The canapes and desserts were delicious, but the real star was the FRENCH TOAST. Hands down the best french toast I've ever had. Thick slices of fluffy bread with so much delicious flavor...served with homemade vanilla maple syrup, strawberries, and house cured bacon. It was so ridiculously good. Can't wait to go back again for brunch!

Was very surprised... great food, great service. Went for a family member's bday and it was definitely a special meal. A bit pricey but not a single other complaint.

We've been wanting to try this new UWS restaurant since it opened, and finally tried it tonight. We were extremely pleased by the quality and flavor of the food! We had to wait for about 15 minutes to be seated (even though we showed up on time for our 8:15 reservation), even though there were open tables we could see. This was a minor inconvenience though, as the rest of our meal more than made up for it. Great wine, even better cocktails. We had the crab ravioli and beet tart to start, both great. However the entrees stole the show. Do not miss the lamb tenderloin and the olive oil poached halibut. AMAZING! Desserts were also good. Service and decor is just OK but like I said, the food is what will keep you coming back. We will be back again and again to our new neighborhood gem! Go for Sunday dinner (they serve a few dishes only on Sundays), $38 3 course meal cannot be beat!

Our first attempts at a Friday night meal were failures -- overbooking caused long waits despite reservations and the 2nd time we left in a huff. Went back late on a midweek night and were treated like royalty; they'd made a notation, noticed we bothered to come back and were tangibly appreciative. Re the comment below about having to send something back because food was plated with allergens, our maitre 'd asked straight off about allergies & aversions so everything was plated accordingly. I suppose these were taken into account in the 3 courses we did not order -- the amuse, an intermezzo of garnished avocado, and petits four. Some items (chocolate souffle) were good in an ordinary way but more were extraordinary (watercress soup, seviche, halibut confit). The menu details the contents of a dish but not preparation, so there are delightful surprises -- e.g. a citrus foam on the seviche, rectangles of firm greek yogurt in the soup instead of the typical swirl, a splash of nutmeg on the halibut. Dishes are assembled so there are variations of ingredients and flavor in each mouthful. The room is spare but the food is the show.

Oh my. We had such high expectations for our meal at Dovetail. Sadly, our Mother's Day brunch didn't live up to them. To start off, they took their regular prix-fixe lunch for $28 and offered it for $35 (must be a special to rip off moms). The table had no linen on it and was wobbly. The people in the restaurant were dressed in shorts and baseball hats. I felt like I was at a diner. The service was aloof, the waiters (women) were dresses in oversized black blazers and slacks which made them look like they worked in a funeral parlour. Not once did our waiter smile. Food was boring and bland. Prex-fixe Spring Salad was inedible and not even dressed. Never again.