Together Patrick Naggar and Chef Daniel Boulud have designed a space that is at once grand and intimate, palatial yet warm and inviting.
Interior Design

The art and architecture of Daniel Boulud's native city of Lyon are shaped by the influences of fine Italian craftsmanship, a tradition that began in the Roman era and flourished during the Renaissance. To this day, Roman ruins and Renaissance era squares are some of Lyon's most prominent features. For Daniel Boulud, the former Mayfair Hotel's historically landmarked architecture and wealth of Italian Renaissance decorative detail were a reminder of his home that served as the ideal inspiration for the decor of his new restaurant.

Interior designer Patrick Naggar has taken the former ground floor of the Mayfair Hotel as well as the former Le Cirque restaurant and returned them to their original 1920s Renaissance -flavored splendor. The lobby, bar, lounge, private dining room and main dining room have restored soaring 18 foot ceilings, intimate niches, elegant bronze-studded mahogany doors, moldings and pilasters throughout. Each room is suffused with a warm bouquet of bordeaux, soft yellows and deep blues derived from natural pigments and is filled with a combination of modern and neoclassical furnishings custom designed by Mr. Naggar for the remarkable setting he has created.

Entrance & Lobby

One enters the restaurant on 65th Street under the stately glass and bronze marquee and revolving doors once belonging to the Mayfair Hotel and now carefully restored to welcome you to DANIEL. Inside, the vestibule flows into a long grand lobby whose deep blue and terra cotta coffered ceilings lead the eye through a series of arches to the dining room beyond. Overhead, a dramatic bronze chandelier with floating alabaster cups completes the setting. The lobby is flanked on the left by a luxurious cascade of burgundy velvet and brocade curtains, and on the right by the bar and lounge.

Credits

Interior Design Patrick Elie Naggar, Nile Inc., NYC and Paris
Flowers L'Olivier, NYC
China Custom designed by Bernardaud, Limoges, France
Crystal and Glassware Custom designed by Riedel
Candle Votives Custom designed by Laura Donefer
Linens Custom designed by Rivolta Carmignana, Macherio, Italy
Silverware Custom designed by Christofle

The art and architecture of Chef Daniel Boulud's native city of Lyon inspired the main dining room's neoclassical elegance.
The Dining Room

The restaurant's most important and expensive restoration is in the main dining room that lies beyond a set of bronze studded mahogany doors. A monumental arch crowned with a mahogany trellis frames the entrance lending it the stylized grandeur of a 16th century Renaissance villa. The grand rectangular space within is bordered by a gallery whose tables enjoy a theater-like view onto the center of the dining room two steps below.

This raised gallery creates not only architectural depth but also enhances the efficiency of the service. The rear section of the gallery is reserved solely as a passageway for the wait staff enabling them to traverse the dining room discreetly without disturbing guest tables in the center of the room. In the west corner of the gallery, Mr. Naggar has placed an additional bar enabling the staff to serve wine and champagne quickly and elegantly directly from the dining room. The focal point of the gallery is a mahogany and gold leaf triptych accented by a striking floral arrangement.

The creamy yellow walls, columns, pilasters and balustrades, with their richly textured limestone finish, diffuse a warm glow over the opulent French and Italian damasks, brocades and bouquet of red velvets that adorn the room. The teal blue velvet upholstery on the curved corner banquettes brings a touch of the night sky to the sparkling room. Patrick Naggar's custom designed dining chairs with low scooped backs evoke the ambiance of a Venetian theater and the desire to enjoy the spectacle within. The inspiration of Renaissance artists lingers in the decorative finishes of the friezes, balustrades and coffered ceiling.

Throughout the restaurant there is an art installation that includes works by an international group of preeminent artists. The works are exhibited in the Dining Room and Bar and Lounge of DANIEL. "Fine art and fine food certainly belong together under the same roof. There is nothing that inspires me more than collaborating with artists and being surrounded by great contemporary art. I have always wanted my restaurant to feel like a wonderful private villa. I couldn’t imagine its walls without exquisite paintings."

Our sumptuously appointed Bar and Lounge is perfect for your next tête-a-tête. Click to view our gallery.
Bar & Lounge

"It's hard to be more perfect than this comfortable yet luxe lounge adjoining Daniel Boulud's haute French restaurant....savor a Kir Royal and try not to swoon over its gorgeous Renaisance trappings...and if you don't have a coveted reservation, à la carte dining at the bar is available." From the Zagat Survey 2004/05 New York City Nightlife guide

Daniel’s menu of signature cocktails and wonderful wines by the glass evolves with the seasons providing constant enticements to return. This very grown-up New York City bar is a bastion of Upper East Side regulars and a destination for guests from around the world.

The bar area is filled with contemporary sofas accented by ochre-colored lacquer tables and a gold-leafed bar that is a work of art unto itself. Arched niches in the limestone-finished walls make a dramatic and elegant statement in this comfortable setting.

A collection of contemporary paintings adds a modern touch to the Renaissance themed architecture. While designer Patrick Naggar's Etruscan-inspired "klismos" chairs and ottomans with their rounded, low backs and carved ebony legs reflect his unique interpretation of traditional design, updated with contemporary flair.

Just a few steps above the bar, the lounge offers a casually elegant side of DANIEL for cocktails, walk-in à la carte dining or even late night dessert. Cherry wood paneled walls and recessed lighting create a warm, gentle glow inviting you to settle in to whether your are joining us for drinks or an impromptu dinner.

The bar and adjoining lounge comfortably seat 50 guests.

Our private dining staff sets the highest standard for festive, welcoming and elegant private entertaining.
The Bellecour Room

Enter the Bellecour Room - named for a square in the heart of Lyon - through a striking pair of mahogany lacquered doors and you will find yourself in an inviting salon with the sophisticated feel of a private club. Warm cherry wood paneling offers an elegant counterpoint to the ecru stuccoed walls, while caramel-colored leather furnishings add a sense of luxurious comfort. A revolving collection of striking contemporary art completes the setting's refined appeal.

Daniel Boulud is delighted to offer his guests The Bellecour Room, an elegant private function room for festive entertaining. The Bellecour Room accommodates up to 90 guests for lunch and dinner or 150 for cocktails and is a perfect setting for both private and corporate celebrations. Our banquet manager, Anthony Francis, looks forward to taking personal care of every detail of your entertaining needs, from floral decoration to custom printed menus, custom table linens and musical entertainment.

For a final decorative touch, our florist, Olivier Giugni, would be happy to provide floral arrangements to suit the theme of your celebration. This completely private dining room is located just off the restaurant's lounge and is naturally lit through a series of windows facing East 65th Street. The room is wheelchair accessible.

Please call our Private Dining Director to arrange for a tour of the Bellecour room. In the meantime, we remain at your disposal for any questions you may have and look forward to creating a wonderful event for you and your guests.

Ryan Buttner, Private Dining Director
rbuttner@danielnyc.com
Tel 212.933.5261
Fax 212.933.5265