Daniel Boulud’s Restaurant Daniel reopens, names new executive chef

Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud has officially reopened one of his eponymous restaurants: Restaurant Daniel. The fine-dining restaurant in New York City opened to the public Monday and is in the Mayfair Hotel on Park Avenue, in the former location of chef Sirio Maccioni’s Le Cirque.

“Throughout the 28 years of Restaurant Daniel, it has always been an honor to work alongside the most talented, passionate and creative executive chefs in the kitchen, as well as in pastry,” said Boulud in a statement. “The entire team at Daniel and I are thrilled to start a new chapter after this very long year of challenges and pivotal changes. We are eager to present a fresh, delectable experience in our artistic setting and warm ambiance. Our New York finest hospitality is back, and so is Daniel.”

The restaurant’s reopening also comes with new culinary appointments. Chef Eddy Leroux has been appointed executive chef of Restaurant Daniel after joining the restaurant in 2004 and most recently serving as chef de cuisine.

“For more than 17 years, I have worked alongside Chef Daniel. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to be the executive chef of this iconic restaurant at such an exciting moment,” said Leroux in a statement.  “From years of working with Chef Daniel, I know well how he constantly gives his team both the opportunity and the challenge to raise the standards of excellence.”  

Restaurant Boulud is owned by Dinex Group, Chef Boulud’s restaurant group founded in 1993. Dinex Group operates Boulud’s restaurants Daniel, Le Pavillon, Café Boulud, Bar Boulud, Maison Boulud Montreal, Boulud Sud New York and Miami, db Bistro Moderne New York and Singapore, and Brasserie Boulud Dubai.  The company also runs three Épicerie Boulud casual cafes.

“We are all excited to reintroduce such a majestic and storied restaurant,” said Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of Dinex Group, in a statement. “We have made a significant investment to elevate every inch of the interiors. The culinary team has gone to great lengths to refine the menu, ultimately creating a restaurant that is modern, relevant, inviting and unique. The all-new Restaurant DANIEL is a perfect example of how we’re meeting the moment, and pushing our teams to be creative and set new standards for ourselves and fine dining in New York City.”

Click through the gallery for a tour of the newly designed restaurant and bar.